Stepping on the Plate

[Andy]

Scott - you're absolutely right, but it seems the intent of the coach was to get that third out and get to the next inning. The coach just did not know the rule (there is a big news flash!)

His intent was to "noticeably delay or to hasten the game?" so 5.4.E comes into effect. The penalty for violating this rule is forfieture of the game.
Since this is a pretty severe penalty, how about this approach; (first suggested by Dakota, if I remember correctly)

Coach: "Batter, step on the plate!"

Umpire: TIME! (wanders slowly over to the coach)

Umpire: "Coach, did you just tell your batter to step on the plate to create an out?"

Coach: "Yep"

Umpire: "Coach, you know that is in violation of rule 5.4.E don't you? Do you know what the penalty is for violation of that rule?"

Coach: "Uhhhh, No"

Umpire: "The penalty is that you forfeit the game, coach. Is that what you want?

If he says yes, go ahead....if he says no, hopefully, you will have taken enough time that the limit will have expired anyway and it becomes a moot point!