When does time limit begin?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally posted by John Robertson
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I umpire in Canada so the reference to the ASA rulebook (at least I assume it's the ASA rulebook) doesn't really apply here.

Well, if wasn't a rule (and previously it wasn't), and I could have my choice:
If home team is known before the pregame meeting, I would start the clock at the end of the meeting, saying "Home team, take the field. We are on the clock", click.

If home team wasn't determined until a coin flip at the end of the pregame meeting, I would give the home team one minute to take the field, and start the clock at the first warmup pitch, or one minute, whichever happened first.

Either of these is preferrable to the ASA rule, which I dislike, as teams don't have any reason to start the game, and the coaches insist on another unneeded huddle.