Sign not taken from the pitcher's plate (NFHS)

[UmpJM]

I answered "other", so I guess I've got some 'splainin' to do.

I do not believe there is a FED rule that prohibits a pitcher from taking "signs" while off the rubber.

I do think there is one that says he "must" after engaging.

Those are two different things. If he fails the 2nd (i.e., the actual rule) I would likely kill it and instruct him to pitch properly.

JM

[JJ]

You forgot option #3 - "Ignore". I ignore. I don't know for sure IF he's taking signs while off the rubber, I'm not sure if whatever the catcher is doing is GIVING signs to the pitcher while he's off the rubber, and I don't see any advantage for the pitcher even if he IS taking signs off the rubber - if I see him engage and then quick pitch, I penalize the quick pitch.
This is a "looking for boogers" issue...JMO

JJ

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by JJ

You forgot option #3 - "Ignore". I ignore. I don't know for sure IF he's taking signs while off the rubber, I'm not sure if whatever the catcher is doing is GIVING signs to the pitcher while he's off the rubber, and I don't see any advantage for the pitcher even if he IS taking signs off the rubber - if I see him engage and then quick pitch, I penalize the quick pitch.
This is a "looking for boogers" issue...JMO

JJ

Yep.

Peace

[pastordoug]

FED rule requires "shall" 6-1-1 pitcher to take signs from the catcher at the start of the "pitching regulation" which begins when he "intentionally contacts the pitching rubber." In the OP there is nothing against him doing that. With that said imo unless the pitchers actions results in taking longer than allotted time to deliver ball (20 seconds) or is quick pitching I am not going there.

[Forest Ump]

My answer is other. As in do a search on here. This question comes up about every three months.