a defensive and offensive charged conference question

[shipwreck]

NFHS rules. The rule book says the definition of a charged conference is "when a coach or dugout/bench personnel requests and is granted a time-out to meet with offensive or defensive personnel"

I had a situation yesterday where the ball got fouled back to the backstop. The catcher went back to retrieve it and the head coach game out of the dugout to talk to her before she threw the ball back to the pitcher. I charged her with a defensive conference but by rule think maybe I botched that one since she never requested nor was granted time. How can I justify I made the right ruling?

Another situation was the catcher requested time for me to go talk to her pitcher. Infielders gathered around but no coach came out. Offensive coach came out to talk to his batter. I charged him with a offensive charged conference. I know it wouldn't have been one if the defense had a charged conference going on but it wasn't a charged conference for the defense. I think maybe I biffed that one too. Am I right that I got that one wrong? Dave

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

NFHS rules. The rule book says the definition of a charged conference is "when a coach or dugout/bench personnel requests and is granted a time-out to meet with offensive or defensive personnel"

I had a situation yesterday where the ball got fouled back to the backstop. The catcher went back to retrieve it and the head coach game out of the dugout to talk to her before she threw the ball back to the pitcher. I charged her with a defensive conference but by rule think maybe I botched that one since she never requested nor was granted time. How can I justify I made the right ruling?

Another situation was the catcher requested time for me to go talk to her pitcher. Infielders gathered around but no coach came out. Offensive coach came out to talk to his batter. I charged him with a offensive charged conference. I know it wouldn't have been one if the defense had a charged conference going on but it wasn't a charged conference for the defense. I think maybe I biffed that one too. Am I right that I got that one wrong? Dave

The point of limiting conferences is to avoid delay in the game. If neither causes an inordinate delay, I'm not really worried about it. However, if one side and the umpire is ready to continue play and the other is still "conferencing", then I would assess the charged conference. The only thing though is that for a charged conference, a coach or dugout personnel must be involved in the communication.

IOW, a battery meeting is nothing unless a coach is involved. Also, I wouldn't get too hung-up on the term "coach". Just look at it as any personnel not in the line-up, is a coach.

Well, at least that is the way I look at it.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

NFHS rules. The rule book says the definition of a charged conference is "when a coach or dugout/bench personnel requests and is granted a time-out to meet with offensive or defensive personnel"

I had a situation yesterday where the ball got fouled back to the backstop. The catcher went back to retrieve it and the head coach game out of the dugout to talk to her before she threw the ball back to the pitcher. I charged her with a defensive conference but by rule think maybe I botched that one since she never requested nor was granted time. How can I justify I made the right ruling?

Another situation was the catcher requested time for me to go talk to her pitcher. Infielders gathered around but no coach came out. Offensive coach came out to talk to his batter. I charged him with a offensive charged conference. I know it wouldn't have been one if the defense had a charged conference going on but it wasn't a charged conference for the defense. I think maybe I biffed that one too. Am I right that I got that one wrong? Dave

IMO, the first one depends on the situation, level of play, etc....although I seriously doubt I would have charged a conference for that. The second one is definitely not a conference in my opinion - since the fielders were already talking, the coach was simply using the time that was there. the book does not specifically address this - only charged conferences, but this is where I think common sense would prevail. Either way, I certainly would be out to break up the little chat session in the circle pretty quick anyways....

[RKBUmp]

While I can not fine a specifice ruling under FED, ASA rules supplement 9 indicates that if a defensive player approaches the dugout and receives instruction, this is considered a defensive conference. While the player may not have approached the dugout, the coach did enter the field, and regardless of if they asked and or were granted time, they talked with the catcher. I would have considered this a charged conference.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

While I can not fine a specifice ruling under FED, ASA rules supplement 9 indicates that if a defensive player approaches the dugout and receives instruction, this is considered a defensive conference.

Close. There must be a requested suspension of play. Just approaching the dugout does not constitute a charged conference. This rule was changed a while back because the rule used to note the coach entering the field. Some "smart" coaches who actually read the rule book, figured out that if the players came to them, the definition fo "charged" conference didn't apply.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

the book does not specifically address this

Yeah, it does.

"when a coach or dugout/bench personnel requests and is granted a time-out to meet with offensive or defensive personnel"

Did the offensive coach request time to talk with his batter? Nope. The catcher did. Not a conference assuming they break it up when the defense breaks theirs.