2 in 1, Pitching and Injury

[WestMichBlue]

"but the NFHS does not give a clear "line of demarcation" as to when the rule takes effect."

Actually they do; you'll find it in the Case Book. After 3 conferences, if the coach confers with players, the pitcher is removed by rule and cannot return.

But if the coach simply announces a pitching change, then the pitcher can pitch again.

Either way it is not a charged conference, but that does not matter when you've reached the max. The next time the coach comes on the field to confer with players, the substitute pitcher is removed by rule. This will not change until you reach extra innings and gain new conferences.

Don't get hung up about conferences not being charged as a basis as to whether or not the pitcher can pitch again. That rule basically saves charged conferences for the future. If a team has 2 conferences and the coach is on the field and decides to remove the pitcher, the count stays at 2 - and the coach has saved a conference for the substitute pitcher.

WMB