Offensive Time Outs

[findit99]

Is there any rule regarding the number of times a 3rd base coach (usually the manager) can leave the coaches box to huddle with a batter? I had a coach last night that was doing that way too much. Since I didn't know the rule the best I could do was tell him to keep the game moving.

Thanks in advance.

[lmsans]

Is there any rule regarding the number of times a 3rd base coach (usually the manager) can leave the coaches box to huddle with a batter? I had a coach last night that was doing that way too much. Since I didn't know the rule the best I could do was tell him to keep the game moving.

Thanks in advance.

You didn't specify ruleset: NFHS (3-4-2) = Yes one time an inning. There is no penalty, you just don't let him do it more than once.

NCAA (6-5f) 3 per game. Penalty could be ejection of the player

According to the BRD OBR has no provision.

[BrianC14]

It's important to remember that in all of the rule sets, a player or coach is requesting a time out. :wink:

[ExCop]

It's important to remember that in all of the rule sets, a player or coach is requesting a time out. :wink:

Bingo. This is the #1 problem with most players and coaches of all ages: They all think they can call time.

Case 1: Player steals second, called safe, holds up one hand to "call" time while stepping off the base to pick up his helmet and is tagged for an out.

Case 2: Batter steps out of the box while saying "Time" after pitcher starts his motion. Pitcher pitches anyway. Called strike 3.

In both cases the player said the same thing: "But I called time!"

The reply? "There's only two people on this field who can call time, and they're both dressed like me. You're out."

[Rich_Ives]

Is there any rule regarding the number of times a 3rd base coach (usually the manager) can leave the coaches box to huddle with a batter? I had a coach last night that was doing that way too much. Since I didn't know the rule the best I could do was tell him to keep the game moving.

Thanks in advance.

LL is once per inning. 5.10(d) NOTE:

[findit99]

Thank you for the LL rule reference - I had been looking for that for a long time.

Let's broaden it slightly. How do you deal with a third base coach who walks five steps toward home and all 9 batters take five steps toward third base on every pitch to get the signs and a pep talk?

This drove me crazy a few nights ago. I talked to the coach between innings - but I wasn't sure of the rule.

[Dano]

Rule 6.02C

If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box during his time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead, and no runners may advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter does not take his proper position before three strikes have been called, the batter shall be declared out.

[Rich_Ives]

Thank you for the LL rule reference - I had been looking for that for a long time.

Let's broaden it slightly. How do you deal with a third base coach who walks five steps toward home and all 9 batters take five steps toward third base on every pitch to get the signs and a pep talk?

This drove me crazy a few nights ago. I talked to the coach between innings - but I wasn't sure of the rule.


Consider it a conference.