Umpire Timeout

Question
FHCSSA (Florida Half Century Senior Softball Association)state tournament 65yr and older division. Under what circumstances can an umpire call time out. To put it simple can an umpire call time out when the ball is still in play and runners on base are still running or off the bag(base?

Answer
Hi John,

There are really 2 questions here, when can an umpire call time and when should an umpire call time

briefly....an umpire should not call time when any play is in progress

in sp an umpire should call time when all play apparently ceases.  Time should also be called if a player is injured and requires immediate attention.

"To put it simple can an umpire call time out when the ball is still in play and runners on base are still running or off the bag(base?"  Well yes they can but if play has not ceased they shouldn't.  If they do, all play ceases and then they figure out what to do after that.

Mark