According to the rulings, when is stopping required?

Stopping is required before a pitch because it is critical to ensure that all players are in their proper positions and ready for the play. This requirement helps maintain the flow of the game while ensuring that the pitch is executed fairly and in accordance with the rules.

In the context of baseball and softball, stopping before a pitch also allows the pitcher to focus and be aware of the fielding conditions, the position of base runners, and the count, which are vital for executing a successful pitch.

The other options, while they may involve moments in the game where attention is needed, do not specifically require a pause as part of the rules guiding play and preparation for a pitch. Thus, stopping before the pitch is a crucial aspect of the game.