Quinte Baseball Umpires

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One of, if not the thing that you will hear complaints about is the time it takes to play the game. It is either really long and drawn out, or curfew with not much ball being played.

You can control this...

Here are some suggestions, not in any particular order.

Trips to the mound - Keep them down to 10 - 15 seconds once the coach reaches the mound. If they persist, go out and ask them to either change the pitcher or end the trip.

Also there is a rule in Mosquito regarding unlimited trips to the mound. While this is true, it still has limits. By rule, they are only allowed 1 trip per batter. If you think they are stalling for time, you can also deny the trips.

Requesting time after a slide - This in most cases, is not necessary. If they are injured, in any way, allow it. If they are using the time to dust off, tell them to do so while standing on the base. Ask them if they are hurt. If they reply no, do not grant time.

End of an inning - Tell them to hustle. Use the "Two Out Catcher Rule" so you don't wait for the catcher to get dressed. Remember, you are in control. If they are lazy going onto the field, announce "Balls In". This usually helps hurry things up.

Put the ball in play - After a time out, a foul ball, or prior to the first pitch of an inning, point to the pitcher and announce "Play".

Have on deck batter get foul balls - This is used on larger diamonds with large backstops. Cover this in the ground rules prior to the game.

Batter unwilling to get into the batters box - Call a strike. No pitch is needed. If they persist, call another strike.

Be on time - Get the game started on time.