When should time be called if a player is incapacitated?

When a player is incapacitated, the appropriate time to call for a halt in play is when the player is unable to continue playing safely. This decision is grounded in prioritizing the health and safety of the player above all else. If a player is injured or otherwise incapacitated, they may pose a danger to themselves or others on the field.

By calling time in this scenario, the umpire ensures that proper medical attention can be administered without delay, and it allows the game to be resumed in a manner that does not compromise player welfare. The focus on safety sometimes might mean calling time even if the injury occurs during a live play situation or at times when it may seem less critical, like during a game with a significant score difference. This approach underscores the responsibility that umpires hold in safeguarding the wellbeing of all participants in the game.