Putting the ball in play

[Tru_in_Blu]

I've asked this question at both ASA and NFHS clinics. Unfortunately, the answers I've received appear to be more opinion than rule based.

I was dinged in an NFHS evaluation for not signalling after EVERY foul ball. Most of the ASA veterans are more of the 1 play ball declaration at the start of the game, and that's it.

Many express the opinion that if the batter is in the batter's box, we're good to go, and the assumption is that the ball is in play at that point.

But as a previous post asked, what if a runner steps off a base or the pitcher does something in that time between the foul ball and the batter being set in the box. If you've not signaled, can you call a violation. Or maybe worse, ignore one?

Ted