Taking signs from the rubber

[Jerry]

For Roger and Mario . . . and others lurking.
I'm looking at a Referee Magazine (NASO) Q&A from last year. PLAY: NFHS, NCAA and PRO rules. A pitcher takes his sign while not in contact with the pitcher's plate (pro rules 8.01). Is it a balk?

RULING: (Paraphrased) . . . In NFHS, with no runners on base, it is an illegal pitch with a ball added to the batter's count. If any runners are on base, call a balk and advance the runners one base. Do not add a ball to the batter's count. . . . Under pro rules, only a warning is issued. Do not call a balk under pro rules. NASO strongly recommends that umpires not "hunt" for that violation while pursuing the goal of umpiring the game with as little interference as possible from the officials.

Soooooo . . . I now agree that under FED, it is in fact a balk.

BTW . . . I have NEVER, and probably NEVER will call a ball/balk for that infraction. Kind of like that "keep one foot in the box" reminder to FED batters.

Jerry