Call Time or Allow Timing Violation?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Let's consider what the SUP recommends for NCAA play.

1) Do not grant time just because it is requested. Time granted has never yet sped up the process, so wouldn't that be the opposite of what we should do when the process lags?

2) Answer the batter with "Keep playing". And continue your 10 second count.

3) If the pitcher violates, call it. "Dead ball, violation of the time-between-pitches rule. Ball awarded to the batter, our count is now 'x' balls, 'y' strikes. Play!"

4) If the pitcher doesn't violate, then the batter hasn't been disadvantaged, it is exactly what the rules-makers intended the pitcher to be allowed to do. If they didn't expect a batter to wait those 10 seconds, they would have defined a shorter time. Or said something like "but anytime the batter doesn't want to wait, and wants to require the pitcher to pitch at the batter's timing, then the umpire should grant time". The pitcher has been disadvantaged if you DO grant time; the pitcher is entitled to all 10 seconds, if she wants or needs it. The batter is only disadvantaged if the pitcher takes more than 10, and YOU, the umpire DOESN'T call the violation.

5) Same as #1. The rule defines how long is "too long"; granting time slows down your game, it doesn't speed it up. Use the rule to help your game flow; avoid the rule to slow it down even more.

6) It isn't new; they know the rule. They know (or quickly find out by requesting time) which umpires will not allow the batter the control the pitcher's timing. Let the pitcher determine the timing, as long as what she does complies.