The ISC Executive Committee has passed a new Charged Defensive Delay rule aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays of game.

A Charged Defensive Delay is defined as follows:

A delay caused by one or more defensive players leaving their position on the playing field to conference with another defensive player(s), which results in a delay in play. Time may or may not be called.

The new rule is:

CHARGED DEFENSIVE DELAY 

A defensive team may only have one charged defensive delay per half inning.

Exception: Normal communication between players (including a catcher and pitcher) that does not require either to vacate their position on the field. It shall not be a Defensive Delay if players confer during a charged offensive conference, injury or other administrative delay provided they are ready to resume play upon the umpire’s request.

If a team is out of delays, the umpire will have discretion to grant a brief, escorted visit at the catcher’s request if a cross-up in signals has occurred between the pitcher and catcher.

Effect: The second and subsequent defensive delay in any half inning shall result in a ball being awarded to the batter. A second or subsequent defensive delay immediately after a hit, walk, or putout shall result in a ball being awarded to the next batter.

 A few application / interpretation items to note: 

  1. While this is primarily aimed at catchers asking for time (or not) to go talk to the pitcher, it could also involve an infielder who did the same, or even two infielders. It does not have to involve the pitcher or catcher.

Once the Defensive Delay is completed, the plate umpire will advise the defensive team (much like they would for a Charged Defensive Conference) by announcing “that is your defensive delay for this half inning” or something similar. It is up to the plate umpire to record / track these events for each half inning.

  2. Our interpretive guidance for umpires focuses on two elements – there must be communication between players and it must result in a delay in play. An infielder who runs over and snaps the ball into the pitchers glove after the infield throws the ball around after a play and immediately returns to their position would not result in a delay in play as the batter would still be coming to the plate – thus no Charged Defensive Delay. A group of infielders who all meet at the pitcher and linger would likely be considered a delay and thus would be charged with a defensive delay.

The rule will take effect for the 2023 ISC World Tournament set to be played August 12-19 in Denmark, WI, primarily at Circle Tap Bar & Grill. 

For additional information on the ISC, contact

Larry Fisher, ISC Executive Director

iscfastpitch@gmail.com