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.