As a HS Coach I've had two diametrically opposed experiences with this question.
One game against the top team in the division, we had a freshman on the mound, loosing 5-0, she lost the grip and ball rolled toward second. The umpire called an illegal pitch and advanced the runner from third to home. I called time and talked to the umpire he called in the field ump. When it became apparent that they were confused they asked the opposing team about the rule and the entire coaching staff said they 'didn't know the rule'....the run scored and they went on the win by 15 and the game was over in 2 1/2 innings. The umpires called me before the bus left the parking lot and apologized for getting the call wrong, it wouldn't have made any difference to the outcome but it was rather noble of them. Those coaches lost my respect forever, his kids didn't learn much, the bus ride was longer than the game and my starters only got 1 at bat while a sub never saw the field.
Same season different team: they were up by 8-0 and the coach pulled most his starters and let his subs play. When we started to come back and scored some runs he reinserted his starters and finished the game. They won it 10 to 7. We played all seven innings, we got through our line-up 3-4 times and his subs got some innings.
The second coach could have run up his stats and crushed my team but instead he allowed a full game to be played, my kids were able to hold up their heads and his younger kids got some playing time. It was a win all around.
BTW: The first team got crushed in their first playoff game much to my delight.
One game against the top team in the division, we had a freshman on the mound, loosing 5-0, she lost the grip and ball rolled toward second. The umpire called an illegal pitch and advanced the runner from third to home. I called time and talked to the umpire he called in the field ump. When it became apparent that they were confused they asked the opposing team about the rule and the entire coaching staff said they 'didn't know the rule'....the run scored and they went on the win by 15 and the game was over in 2 1/2 innings. The umpires called me before the bus left the parking lot and apologized for getting the call wrong, it wouldn't have made any difference to the outcome but it was rather noble of them. Those coaches lost my respect forever, his kids didn't learn much, the bus ride was longer than the game and my starters only got 1 at bat while a sub never saw the field.
Same season different team: they were up by 8-0 and the coach pulled most his starters and let his subs play. When we started to come back and scored some runs he reinserted his starters and finished the game. They won it 10 to 7. We played all seven innings, we got through our line-up 3-4 times and his subs got some innings.
The second coach could have run up his stats and crushed my team but instead he allowed a full game to be played, my kids were able to hold up their heads and his younger kids got some playing time. It was a win all around.
BTW: The first team got crushed in their first playoff game much to my delight.