Where is this rule? Time not called before asking for new ball

[ninthgirl]

Playing under the USA Softball rulebook, but ump also familiar with NFHS and coached under USSSA, could be a mix-up between rule books.

A single was just hit. Grass is still a little damp. Pitcher wants a new ball because the current game ball is wet. Throws ball to catcher, who throws it to the coach for a new one. Time was not called before this happened.

Ump awards the runner on first second base because time was not called. After this, every pitcher or catcher who throws the ball back is extravagantly careful to ask for time.

No one on the sidelines is familiar with a rule that covers this situation. Where does it come from?

 

[Sweet Lou]

Sounds like a live ball until the ump grants time. Sounds like the base award was for ball out of play. Though I'm curious why the catcher would be getting a new ball from the coach and not the umpire.

 

[Orange Socks]

Happens often. Never seen an ump award a base though. All the pitcher needs to do is to raise her hands to the ump to indicate she needs a dry ball. Many times a coach is sitting on a bucket with a towel and dry ball especially if it's drizzling and the pitcher throws the ball to the coach and he tosses her a new one. Usually the ump doesn't have any more dry balls in his hip bag.