Runners requesting time

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by Al

Speaking coach-pitch, here in my home town in TN. all umpires (pre-season,)were instructed to call time when either the lead runner is making no attempt to advance for a few seconds or the ball is controlled in the circle. This applies both in regular play and in tournament play. If a coach is trying to get his player to advance but for some reason she stays on the base we are still to call time after a few seconds goes by.

The only time I had any negative feedback with this was early in the season when I didn't call time when there was a girl on 2nd and 3rd and a ball was hit in front of 3rd and the coach was holding the runners while the batter-runner was running to 1st. Just as the batter-runner got to 1st the fielder who was near 3rd base decided to throw the ball to the circle and the ball got a little passed her. All the runners passed the half-way line before the ball was finally controlled in the circle. The defensive coach asked why I didn't call time when the lead runner was being held for well over a few seconds. I explained the lead runner rule doesn't start until the batter runner reaches 1st base and in this case his fielder didn't hold the lead runner but chose to throw to the circle directly after the batter-runner got to 1st base. He understood and I made this a part of my pregame talks to other teams. ...Must hurry alone, ...Al

I have worked coach pitch in the past with similar rules, and I think you did it right.
I also understand the question,
I am glad that you were able to explain the ruling in a fair and literate manner.