Hello,

I've been playing under the impression that, after a turnover in the central zone, the marker should wait until the thrower has the disc in his hands to start the stall count.

I was recently confronted by a player stating that they could start the stall count as soon as I step next to the disc to pick it up, as they only have to wait for a pivot foot to be established. Indeed, the rule says exactly that:
9.3. The marker may only start and continue a stall count when:
9.3.1. Play is live, or until a pivot is established after a turnover

My initial reaction after reading that was to think "only a thrower can establish a pivot foot, and I'm not a thrower until I have the disc in my hands", but the definition of "Pivot" doesn't support my argument in a clear manner. Although it does mention a "thrower" a few times, it also says: "A player establishes a pivot point by placing, or keeping, a particular part of
their body at a specific point, which they intend to use as their pivot point."

So, is there anything in the letter of the rules that would prevent a marker from starting the stall count before a player picks up the disc? If not, would this be against the spirit of the rules?

Thanks in advance for your time!

The definition of a marker makes reference to the thrower, and the definition of a thrower makes reference to having possession of the disc.

They might try to argue that you have established your pivot, but it doesn't matter at all, because they aren't the marker until you're the thrower. And you aren't the thrower until you have the disc.