OBR 5.11 is it or is it not

[wpiced]

Thank you gentlemen. I have no intention on taking on our association's rules man, but I do plan to stay with my interpretation of OBR 5.11 and manage my games accordingly.

Even though I officiate older players, I did get an assignment(play offs)for back-to-back 12U games. It was fun and I look forward to another assignment like that -- but this age group does not have an awareness of the condition of the ball at any given time. There is always a kid on first trying to steal second that gets the pitcher all up-cited. F1 starts jumping off the rubber and faking a throw to first -- you have all seen this. I immediately yell out, "Hey guys, relax. The ball is dead. Keep an eye on me and I will tell you when to play," Coaches and moms sport a grin.

One other point, and this is with all levels of hardball. I walk part way to the mound to get F1's attention and tell him, "TIME!" Then I brush the plate. I have never heard of it happening, but I do not want to be the first to receive a colon ball. And after all, my BB2000 doen't cover my Southern exposure.