Balk?

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I posted the sentence from 6-1-1 that you're asking about above, post #14. OBR has the same provision: the second sentence of 8.01 is, "Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher’s plate." And this is NOT a balk in any rule code: it's a "don't do that." Geez, how many errors can you pack into one little post?

No rule code AFAIK uses the word 'simulate' in this context. I think JM first added that word in this thread.

Your sitch is not a balk. The rule does not require F1 to take signs; it specifies that he's to be on the rubber if he does so.

Frankly, I'm not sure why this thread became so warm, since I suspect that all of the good umpires arguing here enforce this provision exactly the same.

I agree. This is just a "Don't do that" issue. It is no bigger of an issue than it has been blown up to be. And, is only there to prevent quick pitches b/c those are a balk and also, dangerous. Taking or not taking signs on or off the rubber has no bearing on anything other than a possible "Don't do that".