Question: In high school baseball, pitcher assumes windup position by stepping on pitching plate. Is this time of pitch?
Answer: Contacting pitching rubber is starting point of pitching regulations but is not considered time of pitch. From windup position while in contact with rubber, time of pitch occurs with any movement of arms/legs prior to pitch. (BB – Rule 2, Sec. 28, Art. 3)
Question: In high school softball, does time of pitch (TOP) begin with step toward homeplate?
Answer: While in contact with pitching plate and with hands together, (TOP) begins when a hand is taken off the ball or pitcher makes motion as part of windup. (SB – Rule 6-1-2(a))