Runner came home safely but failed to touch the plate, which was noted by the umpire, who said nothing. The offensive coach at third also saw it. But it was clear that the defense had not seen the missed base because they did nothing and said nothing. This is an appeal play, the onus is on the defense to act. Since an appeal has to be made before the next pitch the best thing for the offensive coach to have done would have been nothing, just let play continue. Instead, the offensive coach requested time and called the runner back. But this only created a conundrum because an appeal can only be made when the ball is live. Similarly a run cannot score during a timeout. The only chance for the offense in such a situation would be to position the runner near the plate and wait for the umpire to put the ball back in play so the runner could step on the plate. But by calling time they alerted the defense to the runner’s mistake so now the defense will be prepared to try to make an appeal. You can probably imagine what a mess that might become! So, the point is: in the case of a missed base and an appeal, do NOT request time, whether on offense or defense. Another rule relevant to the scenario above is this: Once a runner has entered the dugout that runner may not return and touch the missed plate. Richard Rickard, Umpire-in-Chief 2014