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Q:  I have 2 questions regarding the time between 1/2 and complete innings. I know that the pitchers have 60 seconds from the completion of the 3rd out to complete up to 5 pitches. What would the rule and/or penalty be for a team that huddles outside their dugout for a minute or more before taking the field or entering the dugout. My 2nd question is that if a team is huddling outside their dugout while the opposing team is on the field doing infield practice, is this a safety concern, any rule and/or penalty in this situation?  I did not find anything specifically covering this in the rule book.

A:  On the first question, if the offense delays; The pitcher has one minute to warm up or eight pitches to start the game and five between innings or eight pitches for a reliever. After the warm up period is done, he has twenty seconds to deliver a pitch or a ball is called. (6-2-2-c, Penalty and Exception)

If the defense delays; The batter delays the game by failing to take his position in the batter's box within twenty seconds, a strike shall be called. (7-3-1 and 2-27-1-f)

A warning might be called preventive officiating, letting them know that you are aware of the delaying tactics and the consequences that follow.

A forfeit would be extreme, but sometimes just letting teams know that this is a rule and it can be enforced is enough to get people hustling. (4-4-1-c)

With warm ups: Teams should not be in live ball territory while the other team is taking infield practice. The umpire may restrict the coach to the dug out or the coach can be ejected. (3-3-1-f-5 and Penalty, for coaches who violate f)