when does a conference begin ?

[Chess Ref]

Bottom of the 7th inning. Defensive coach takes a conference. Then about 4 batters later , the other coach comes out and asks the PU if he can have a time out. Then the coach crosses the foul line in front of 3rd before PU can stop him. Big hooting and hollering about now he has to change Pitchers caused he "crossed the line."

PU gets together with coach and then he just talks to F6. So PU said he didn't need to change his Pitcher cause he only talked to F6. PU announced this for all to hear.

1. Was this handled right for NCAA ?

2. FED ?

3. ASA ?

I was under the impression a conference was a conference-didn't matter who coach talked to.