Stalling for time...

What, if anything, can be done about teams/coaches stalling for time during a ball game? I see this tactic used at all age levels during bracket play, but especially at the younger ages.

Many obvious things are used. One of the most used is the old "time out...I need to tie my shoe." I have seen batters walk into the batter's box and call time to tie their shoe. They should check their shoes while in the on deck circle! How about a strike being called in order to get the timeout or something like that? I have seen defensive players use the same tactic. How about you have to make a substituion in order to get the timeout or something like that. Most players can tie a shoe in between pitches

I have seen a coach tell his catcher to call time and go talk to the pitcher and the whole infield come in to join only to see the girls out there giggling and just have a grand time stalling at the coaches request. They were definitely not talking softball. Then, 2 pitches later the coach comes out and stalls even more. What can be done? How about only 1 defensive timeout by a team (player or coach) in an inning without making a sub...the second requires a sub for the pitcher.

I know that some will say just don't fall behind and you will not have to worry about it. Well, I hate to see a team lose to stalling in a hard fought 3 to 2 game that was cut short.

I am not sure what can be done about it, but some things can be done to make a coach think twice about blatant stall tactics. You could say we will play 4 or 5 innings I am thinking about the younger ages...how about 4 complete innings for pool play (with the mercy rulle in effect) and then play 1.5 hours for all bracket play with some consequences in place for stalling.

I know we haven't had many discussion topics lately and I thought this would be a good one.

 

NO Drop Dead

If the tournament directors would get rid of the 'drop dead' time and allow the teams to finish the inning, then that would prohibit a lot of the stalling.
In showcase tournaments, they will drop dead with the batter in the box and a count on the batter. That is completely uncalled for, especially when a batter is trying to showcase her talent just as much as the pitcher who was stalling on the mound.

 

You Can Blame---

Dean Smith !!!

 

The "clock" is one unfortunate rule in tournament play. A set number of innings is the fairest way to play, however it is difficult to do when trying to get back to back games in. You aren't going to like this but, you must take the good with the bad.
Not saying you do this, it's ironic to see coaches fuss and holler when the stall hurts them only to use it to thier advantage in the next game.

 

Ye, but how about putting in some consequences and rules that will deter it?

 

Stalling is usually only a problem when we are behind and yes it is obvious when it happens. I do say get rid of the drop dead time and lets finish the inning. But managing the game is as much a part of the game as playing the game. IMO if you do not get rid of that 1 min left and allow that extra at bat and you loose, well as a coach you have not done your job. The silly tieing of the shoe or things like that are childish use your timeouts and conferences. All of us have been on both sides of this and we seem to have opinions whether it is OK or not at that time. Also IMO we could cut down on the time outs and other things that allow time to be killed so that play can decide. As the rules are now sometimes good tactics and smart coaching help decide the outcome.

 

umpire control

perhaps the umpire, if he/she is competent, will realize what is happening and push things along. To me stalling is a detrimant to the game and the umnpire can have some influence.

 

1. In showcase play, its the players we are showcasing, not the coaches!
Play Ball!

2. In tournament play, "trophy 8-14ish gigs", then there is a "time factor" that can be used in order to benefit. IE, reverting back to the last full inning of play to determine the score. Do I like it? Nope! I'd rather lose than take advantage of such a situation.
Taking advantage of a rule is not wrong unless its a blatant disregard for true sportsmanship.
In a close game, time running out, as long as my team, especially my pitcher is composed, I'd let them play.
Win or lose, if coaches will let the kids plow their own field, I've gotta believe that they'll be far better off.
Umpires should not dictate a winner/loser of any game.
Coaches should teach the kids to PLAY the game.

 

I agree an umpire should not dictate a winner/loser in any way. He can "push" things alongs without letting a coach DICTATE a game. This way the umpire will not allow the slow down and not punish the team that is behind.

 

The flip side is fun though.Had a team get up 2 runs after 2 innings.Coach started stalling,calling time to discuss every call that the ump made and turning it into a long drawn out affair.Had his kids call time for a 'conference' on the mound until the ump broke it up,one pitch later calling time himself so he could "calm" his pitcher and make "defensive adjustments".Went like this for 2 innings then we jumped on them for 7 runs and all of a sudden the complaints that we were dragging on and off the field.Said the ump should speed us up.Man it was fun to watch him squirm!!!Watch out stalling coaches,sometimes it will turn around and bite you on the butt!!