Calling the illegal pitch

[WestMichBlue]

When to call the illegal pitch for illegal actions that occur in the early stages of the pitching process.

For example, the following actions are illegal - but they occur prior to the start of the pitch. Stepping on to the plate with both hands together; having the stride foot outside the 24" width; (ASA) starting with the stride foot behind the plate, or steping back with stride foot; (NFHS) stepping back with stride foot after the hands have come together.

Until the hands separate (ASA) or a normal motion after the hand come together (NFHS), the pitcher is still allowed to step back off the plate. Can I assume that the above actions are NOT illegal IF the pitcher steps off the plate?

So would you wait until the start of the pitch to make the call (verbal and DDB signal)? If you made it earlier, and the pitcher stopped and stepped back off the plate, does she negate your call?

WMB