taking signs off the rubber

[SanDiegoSteve]

The pitcher has to be on the rubber when he takes his sign from the catcher. In other words, he can get signs while off the rubber from anyone else in the ballpark, but if he gets a sign from the catcher, he shall be on the rubber when he does so. There is no penalty for violation of this rule. It's a "don't do that anymore" type thing. Just do not allow the pitcher to get his sign and then quickly step on the rubber and pitch when the batter isn't ready. One way you coaches can help put a stop to taking signs off the rubber is to tell your catcher to wait until Skippy gets on the rubber before giving signs. There, problem solved.

Rule 8.01 Legal pitching delivery. There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and the Set Position, and either position may be used at any time.

Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher’s plate.

Rule 8.01 Comment: Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire. When the pitcher disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands to his sides. Pitchers will not be allowed to disengage the rubber after taking each sign.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

The pitcher has to be on the rubber when he takes his sign from the catcher.

That's just not correct either.

As the pitcher is approaching the hill, the catcher wiggles his fingers on top of the shinguard for a throw over. That's a sign off the rubber, and perfectly legal.

Or, first and third, and catcher steps up and give his infield, including the pitcher, the play. "Hey man, the pitcher isn't on the rubber!". Another sign, without contact.

It's a dopey rule that's been ignored for many years.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by kylejt

It's a dopey rule that's been ignored for many years.

Dopey? Yes. Ignored? Definitely. Rule? Absolutely.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

It is not illegal for pitcher to take a signal from anyone, including the catcher, while not in contact with the pitcher's plate. But, the pitcher, while in contact with the pitcher's plate, shall take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher.

The requirement, that the pitcher take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher, is in effect when F1 is a pitcher and that only happens when F1 is intentionally in contact with the pitcher's plate. When F1 is not intentionally in contact with the pitcher's plate, he is an infielder who occupies the pitcher's defensive position. NFHS R61-S1-A1 specifically states that the pitching regulations begins when F1 intentionally contacts the pitcher's plate.

F1 taking signals from F2 or anybody else for that matter while not in contact with the pitcher's plate is nothing. It is not a "do not do that again situation" either. When the opposition complains just tell him that F1 has not commited an infraction of the rules and move on.

MTD, Sr.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

It is not illegal for pitcher to take a signal from anyone, including the catcher, while not in contact with the pitcher's plate. But, the pitcher, while in contact with the pitcher's plate, shall take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher.

The requirement, that the pitcher take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher, is in effect when F1 is a pitcher and that only happens when F1 is intentionally in contact with the pitcher's plate. When F1 is not intentionally in contact with the pitcher's plate, he is an infielder who occupies the pitcher's defensive position. NFHS R61-S1-A1 specifically states that the pitching regulations begins when F1 intentionally contacts the pitcher's plate.

F1 taking signals from F2 or anybody else for that matter while not in contact with the pitcher's plate is nothing. It is not a "do not do that again situation" either. When the opposition complains just tell him that F1 has not commited an infraction of the rules and move on.

MTD, Sr.

I would just like to wholeheartedly concur with MTD, Sr.'s synopsis. Well said.

JM

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

...shall take or simulate taking....

How on Earth do you fake taking a sign? Honestly, that makes no sense at all.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by kylejt

How on Earth do you fake taking a sign? Honestly, that makes no sense at all.

Look at the catcher.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Look at the catcher.

Thank you.

MTD, Sr.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Look at the catcher.

THAT'S A BALK!