Umpiring Dilemma: Handling Coach Conferences During a Game

Question
I was umpiring a local league game and ran into a situation.  The defensive team coach called time to visit with his pitcher twice in one inning.  He then called for time and had a conference with his entire team in the same inning.  This game was 14 and under and I was informed to call the game according to the 2008 asa rules book.  i informed the coach to replace his pitcher and he refused saying that talking to his entire team was not considered a charged conference to his pitcher and that no rule is in the book about replacing the pitcher on the third conference.  Please help.

Answer
Hi Lance,

A team may have 3 defensive conferences per 7 innings.  They may use them all in 1 inning or spread them out.  After 3 the pitcher must be removed.

A charged conference is when the defense requests suspension of play for any reason and a team rep enters the playing field and verbally communicates with any player.

Also should a defensive player request time and approach the dugout for instructions this also is a charged conference.

It is not a cc if the team rep enters the playing field and informs the umpire prior to any verbal comments to any defensive player that the pitcher will be removed.

Mark