ASA on calling time

Question
Bottom of 7th, home team starts inning 3 runs behind. Home team scores a run and has no outs with runners on 1st and 2nd. As pitcher starts to pitch, shortstop bends down to tie shoe, pitch is on forward motion and volunteer husband base coach on first hollers for time as pitch is released. Pitch is hit toward short and rolls into outfield. Runner on 2nd scores and runners are on 1st and 2nd. Visiting team complains that time should have been called quicker. Umpire in the field said the pitch was in air and time couldn't be called. Umpires discuss and play stands. Game comtinues with home team scoring 4 runs in the 7th to win the game. Visiting team files protest a day later with Parks Dept Director who rules that the entire bottom of the 7th inning must be replayed. Half inning is scheduled to be replayed after a game that the visiting team plays. Visiting team will be warmed up and the home team will be coming in cold for this half inning. Shortstop did not request time before bending down to tie shoe, she thought she would have enough time. Time was called by a husband who happened to be coaching first base that night. When can time be called?

Answer
Hi Barbara,

I agree with the umpires.

1) only an umpire can "call" time, just because a coach or player asks for time does not mean we grant it.

2)ASA 10-8-f an umpire will not call time after the pitcher has started their delivery

3) this is totally on the defense for F6 doing whatever they were doing

As a tournie UIC I would not honor the protest, this game is over.  In fact I don't see a legitimate reason for a protest,  what playing rule was misinterped here?  Plus it must be made known to the umpire before the next pitch, legal or illegal, was that done?

However the PD is free to disagree w/ me, even though it's the wrong decision.  If so the game should resume at the spot the protest was filed not the complete 1/2 inning.

mark