Game/Time management

[NCASAUmp]

Game tempo is important for a team in order to win. When one team controls the tempo of a game, their chances of winning goes up.

As such, I let teams decide the pace of the game, within reason. If I see a lot of stalling, I nudge the players along, but ride the fine line between keeping the pace and appearing to "want to just get home early." The rules allow for these nudges (batters not stepping up quickly enough, pitchers not pitching within an allotted amount of time, etc.), and I work within said rules.

Pushing the players along, if not done carefully, can present the appearance that you have somewhere else you want to be, reflecting negatively on your impartiality.

However, I am in agreement with AtlUmpSteve and the rules that nowhere in ASA championship rules (anywhere I can find, anyway - if anyone cares to correct me, I'm all ears!) does it say that an umpire must grant time anytime the batter asks, either by verbally requesting or by stepping out. "The Dance" done by pitchers and batters is excessive, and we're justified in calling "play ball" and calling the pitch, with or without a ready batter.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

...and we're justified in ...calling the pitch, ...without a ready batter.

Speaking ASA, no, you're not. You are, however, justified in issuing a warning to the batter and/or calling a strike without a pitch. ASA 7-3-C EFFECT.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Speaking ASA, no, you're not. You are, however, justified in issuing a warning to the batter and/or calling a strike without a pitch. ASA 7-3-C EFFECT.

Actually, I was referring to 7-3-E. As soon as the ball's live, the batter can't step out to suspend play unless the PU grants it.

[Dakota]

True, but what I was referring to is the umpire calling for the pitch when the batter is not ready / in the box. It is unnecessary and a safety hazard. Just warn / call the strike.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

True, but what I was referring to is the umpire calling for the pitch when the batter is not ready / in the box. It is unnecessary and a safety hazard. Just warn / call the strike.

In that case, yes, you're absolutely right. If the batter doesn't take their position within 10 seconds, "strike!" If they've stepped into the box, gotten ready, then start that darned dance with the pitcher, I'll tell them to step in once I see the pitcher ready. If they don't... strike. But if the pitcher and batter are ready, pitcher starts the pitch, and THEN the batter steps out, I call the pitch as though the batter never left. If the batter is too stupid to stay in the box when they're supposed to and they get injured, that's their problem. Darwin strikes again.