Game Time

[swells9232]

Okay, I have coached and been a spectator for my DD's games and this one still bothers me. In ASA rules on a timed game the clock officially starts when the first pitch is thrown, Rule 5 section 10. Then why do almost all umpires "start the clock" at the end of the managers' meeting? Grant it, it usually is only 3-5 minutes difference, but it does mean the difference between a new inning or not in some games.

[Comp]

Rule 6-9 also states that not more than 1 minute shall be used to deliver not more than 5 warm up pitches. So from the coaches meeting to 1st pitch really should be nowhere near 5 minutes. Teams should be ready to take the field immediately after the end of the meeting.

The ASA rule book pertains to championship play only. Regular tournaments can put other rules in place. Most tournaments are scheduling games every 1:45 or so and to keep games on schedule the tournament director is usually the one specifying when the clock starts.

[UmpSteve]

In local play, I tend to set my watch for game time + 1 minute, and start at the end of the pregame meeting. That gives the teams EVERYTHING they are entitled to, and, when they delay the start (as they almost ALWAYS do), no one to blame but themselves.

By gosh, if they hustled out and took LESS than the full minute (like that would EVER happen), they actually get extra game time.

Have done this for years, and don't recall anyone ever starting with extra time.

[MTR]

Okay, I have coached and been a spectator for my DD's games and this one still bothers me. In ASA rules on a timed game the clock officially starts when the first pitch is thrown, Rule 5 section 10. Then why do almost all umpires "start the clock" at the end of the managers' meeting? Grant it, it usually is only 3-5 minutes difference, but it does mean the difference between a new inning or not in some games.

You are correct, but just how do you expect an umpire to start a timer while looking at a pitch?

As others have noted, there are different rules everywhere and to be honest, starting the clock at the end of the pregame meeting at the plate is more likely to keep the games/tournament on time. Too many coaches complain about time while they waste more than anyone else. By starting the clock at the end of the pregame, there is an incentive for the coach to have the team ready to go and not fart and fool around with last second details.