Conferences - Both teams talking to players
2016/7/15 16:50:06
Question
In ASA rules when an opponent calls time for a conference with one or more of their players can I have a "free" conference with one or more of my players?
For example:
- If the opponent's coach calls time and is out in the circle talking to the pitcher, can I call the batter and runners over to the third base area to talk to them?
- Or is it okay to just meet the batter between 3rd and home to talk to her?
- Or could I just take a couple steps over to the runner on third and start talking to her?
Would I also be charged for a conference if I did any of these? If so which ones?
Thanks for all the time you and the other experts put into these softball questions and answers. I have learned so much and really do appreciate all the time and effort you put into this.
Answer
Hi Douglas,
Thank you for your question and for your appreciation!
ASA Rules Supplement #9, CHARGED CONFERENCES, addresses your question perfectly: "It is not an offensive conference when a team representative confers with a batter and/or runner(s) during a defensive charged conference as long as they are ready to play when the defense is ready, or when the pitcher is putting on a warmup jacket."
So, you would be allowed to confer with your offensive players in all three of the places on the field you asked about, or anywhere else for that matter. You wouldn't be charged an offensive conference if you wrapped up your discussion with your players right after the defensive coach concluded his conference. You're not required to, though. If you needed to talk with your players for a while longer, then the umpire would merely charge you with an offensive conference, "piggybacked" onto the other team's charged defensive conference.
Scott Kelly
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