batter/coach timeouts for conference

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May 10, 2014
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Just checking to see if there are any rules about the number of timeouts a coach and batter(s) can take in an inning? We have played a team in 14U that takes a timeout conference with each batter. They use it as a tactic to break the timing of the game and it has become excessive even to the point fans beginning to complain about the delays. Are there any limitations to how many or how often they can call a timeout to talk with the batter?

Thanks in advance.
Z
 
Sep 14, 2011
768
18
Glendale, AZ
I charged offensive conference per inning. NFHS and USA SB rules. NCAA is experimenting this year with some new charged conference rules.

A charged conference is where a team representative requests time to confer with a player.

You don't mention exactly what is happening, but you do mention that it is creating a delay.

If the coach is requesting time or speaking to the batter much longer that just some general encouragement as she goes to the plate, the umpire needs to step up and move the game along. Can you provide a bit more detail on these "timeouts"?
 
May 10, 2014
16
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Ajaywill,

Sorry for not being clear on my post. Yes, the 3rd base coach conferred with each batter once they had 2 strikes against them. This was the batter walking about 1/3 to 1/2 the way to the coaches box on 3rd base and taking about 10-20 seconds to "talk". I believe it is intended to change the pitcher's rhythm and the timing of the game. These were initiated by the 3rd base coach. Are there any penalties the HPU can assess for repeatedly trying to delay the game this way (i.e. strikes added to batter or warnings). I intend to head this off the next time we face them, I just want to know what I can stand on with the Blue.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Ajaywill,

Sorry for not being clear on my post. Yes, the 3rd base coach conferred with each batter once they had 2 strikes against them. This was the batter walking about 1/3 to 1/2 the way to the coaches box on 3rd base and taking about 10-20 seconds to "talk". I believe it is intended to change the pitcher's rhythm and the timing of the game. These were initiated by the 3rd base coach. Are there any penalties the HPU can assess for repeatedly trying to delay the game this way (i.e. strikes added to batter or warnings). I intend to head this off the next time we face them, I just want to know what I can stand on with the Blue.

Yes, the umpire should tell the coach he has had his one offensive conference, if he insists on having a 2nd he is ejected.
 
May 10, 2014
16
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Yes, the umpire should tell the coach he has had his one offensive conference, if he insists on having a 2nd he is ejected.

Thanks, I'll make sure to clarify this at the plate meeting next time we face them.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
I coach 1B for my DDs 10u rec team, I "confer" with probably half of the batters (eye contact, out of the box, not generic eye on ball stuff) mostly about where to stand (backing them up against faster pitchers, it is sooo hard to get them to understand this) and about getting out of box when runner i son 3rd after the pitch. would this count?
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
I coach 1B for my DDs 10u rec team, I "confer" with probably half of the batters (eye contact, out of the box, not generic eye on ball stuff) mostly about where to stand (backing them up against faster pitchers, it is sooo hard to get them to understand this) and about getting out of box when runner i son 3rd after the pitch. would this count?

Softball is a live game. Unless you (1B Coach) are requesting a stoppage in play (timeout) you are fine.

If you don't request a timeout as in the OP the umpire may (should) charge you with one...you can't stop a live game.

There are other rules in play such as the time a pitcher has to deliver the ball between pitches. If the 3B coach is conferencing with the batter you can see the conflict.
 
Last edited:
May 10, 2014
16
0
I coach 1B for my DDs 10u rec team, I "confer" with probably half of the batters (eye contact, out of the box, not generic eye on ball stuff) mostly about where to stand (backing them up against faster pitchers, it is sooo hard to get them to understand this) and about getting out of box when runner i son 3rd after the pitch. would this count?

bmakj: From what others have commented and trying to "read-up" on the rules I don't think the instructions you are describing would fall under a conference. It sounds like your batters while not in the BB are in and around HP receiving verbal instruction that everyone can hear. My OP was relating to the batter leaving the HP area and the coach & batter having a private meeting away from HP and the 3B coaches box. I have learned many umpires will not enforce some of these types of technical rules unless you make a protest. In one game we actually had the umpire tell us they would not rule on it until we protested even though it was a technical infraction (not this current issue, a different one).
 

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