Separating Hands

[umpire_scott]

I've heard from other umpires something about having to separate your hands when a pitcher steps back off the plate.  Is this a balk if they don't do it?  If so what balk rule are they violating?

[maven]

Once F1 comes set, he may step back off the rubber (disengage).

 

He must separate his hands before re-engaging the rubber.

 

It's not a balk, it's a "don't do that."

 

Call time, issue the instruction, and prevent a quick pitch if you can (which IS a balk).

[catsbackr]

I understand what you're saying but that comes real, real close to coaching.  Why wouldn't we just let him continue and then balk him?

[maven]

I understand what you're saying but that comes real, real close to coaching.  Why wouldn't we just let him continue and then balk him?

 

The rules prohibit taking the rubber with the hands together but prescribe no penalty. The proper enforcement is to disallow it, not to wait until he does something else illegal.