...not speaking for comp...
Sec 8. A batter shall not delay the game by failing to promptly take his position in
the batter’s box within 10 seconds of the pitcher having the ball in the pitching
circle, or by stepping out of the box when the pitcher is on the pitcher’s plate.
PENALTY: If a pitcher is committed to delivering the pitch, the batter leaves
the box at the risk of having a strike called while being out of position. For
failure of the batter to be ready within 10 seconds after the ball has been
returned to the pitcher, the Umpire shall call a strike. If it is the third strike, the
Umpire shall call time and declare the batter out.
NOTE 1: After entering the batter’s box, the batter leaves it at the risk of being
charged with delay. The batter may request time-out if he desires to step out for
a valid reason and, if granted, the 10 seconds count will begin anew when the
ball is declared live. The Umpire is authorized to refuse to grant time-out if the
batter repeatedly causes delay or if his leaving the batter’s box appears to be an
attempt to worry the pitcher or to gain some other advantage.
NOTE 2: If the pitcher stops or hesitates in his delivery as a result of the batter
stepping out of the box or holding up his hand to request time, it shall not be an
illegal pitch. However, if the batter steps out of the box or holds up his hand to
request time and the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike
and the ball remains live. If a pitch is not delivered, a rule has been violated by
both the batter and the pitcher. The Umpire shall call time, declare, “no-pitch”
and begin play again. If the Umpire judges the batter’s action to be a deliberate
attempt to create an illegal pitch, the Umpire shall penalize according to the
Sportsmanship Rule (11.2.Q).
Comp, does the time the batter utilizes when taking a sign, looking at their bat, etc go against the 20 seconds?
Not trying to start a rucus, but just yesterday we encountered a bit of sniping about 20 seconds. DD gets the ball back, waits for the batter to take her sign, tap her cleats, say a few words to her bat and then step into the batter's box (didn't time it, but had to be well over 15-20 seconds at times). DD immediately steps onto the pitcher's plate, takes a sign and delivers the ball . Opposing coach starts chirping "20 second rule, 20 second rule".
thanks
Comp, does the time the batter utilizes when taking a sign, looking at their bat, etc go against the 20 seconds?
Not trying to start a rucus, but just yesterday we encountered a bit of sniping about 20 seconds. DD gets the ball back, waits for the batter to take her sign, tap her cleats, say a few words to her bat and then step into the batter's box (didn't time it, but had to be well over 15-20 seconds at times). DD immediately steps onto the pitcher's plate, takes a sign and delivers the ball . Opposing coach starts chirping "20 second rule, 20 second rule".
thanks