Understanding the Rule Change: Clean vs. Dropped Third Strikes in Baseball

Question
In past years, following ASA rules, I have been told that a drop third strike is any pitch that hits the dirt regardless of how the catcher fields it.

However, I was told that this year it is no longer a drop third strike if the catcher catches it cleanly.  Meaning, the pitch comes in and bounces into the catcher's glove and the catcher does not bobble it.

Is this a change this year?

Answer
Hi Greg,
Thank you for your question.  

You were CORRECTLY told that a dropped third strike is any pitch that hits the dirt regardless of how the catcher fields it.  

You were INCORRECTLY told that this year it is no longer a dropped third strike if the catcher catches it cleanly after it bounces--say, off the pitching plate, grass, dirt, or home plate--the rule is the same as it always has been.

The term Dropped Third Strike is a misnomer, isn't it?  So is the not-much-improved term Uncaught Third Strike.  They both indicate that the catcher drops or doesn't catch the pitch, respectively, which may not be the case!

Scott Kelly