Time between innings

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

This may be an unpopular stance, and there is no exact rule support, per se. But, one minute was selected as a reasonable amount of time for (both) teams to change over, and prepare for the opposite role. The team leaving defense should have same one minute to:

1) leave their defensive positions and go to the dugout,
2) remove defensive equipment (catcher),
3) take a swig of water,
4) get their bats, helmets, put batting gloves on,
5) take a few practice swings,
6) coaches have a few words,
7) base coaches move to their coaching boxes,
etc.

It so rarely happens that a team hustles out every inning as a normal pace of the games, that I have no sense of special urgency when they finally choose to just because it now benefits them. If the opposing team cooperates, fine. If the opposing team makes a special effort to delay, I will address that. But one team just now deciding they have an added incentive to get started, well, I'm giving the opposing team a reasonable opportunity to get ready, similar to what they have had all game long to this point.

You forgot the HP and BU getting together an chatting about where they are going for their beer after the game, talking about the cute mom on the side, etc

Seriously - is there anything more annoying than, especially when working the bases, than a partner who who comes jogging up to you to chatter in between innings?? Especially a veteran who should know better. I know when I am working the plate, unless it is warm and I need to hydrate, I never leave that dirt area around HP. It's called setting an example, I do believe. As a result, I have a nice rep in my area of having games that move right along.