Umpire Not Coach I Know But..

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by MTDv2.0

In NFHS, there is no penalty for taking a sign while off of the rubber. The rule book is clear about the only 3 ways a pitcher can balk while they are not on the rubber:

NFHS 6-2-5: ... It is also a balk if a runner or runners are on base and the pitcher, while not touching the pitcher's plate makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch, or he places his feet on or astride the pitcher's plate, or positions himself within approximately five feet of the pitcher's plate without the ball.

Pitchers are required to take a sign while on the rubber, but there is nothing prohibiting him from taking a sign while not on the rubber. Until he contacts the pitcher's plate he is just an infielder and, unless violates Rule 6-2-5, he cannot be balked.

Unfortunately, some people add this, from 6-1-1, "He shall take his sign from the catcher with his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate" and this, at the end of 6-1-1,2,3, "PENALTY (ART. 1,2,3): The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. If there is no runner, a ball is awarded the batter. If there is a runner, such illegal act is a balk...."
and call it a balk.