How to handle fake steal cat/mouse dance

[GarthB]

I assign and supervise the the local PONY umpires. At the Mustang level we have a similar problem I refer to as the "Catcher/R3 Cha-Cha."

I timed a game last week and found that this manuevering added nearly three minutes per inning, almost 18 minutes to the game.

Unfortunately it is primarily a coaching problem and not a rule enforcement issue. The board has drafted a letter to the coaches asking them to address the issue with their catchers. Although instigated by R3, it is usually the catcher that prolongs the dance. A simple fake to third followed IMMEDIATELY by a throw back to the pitcher would take care of it.