Legal Pitching in ASA Softball: A Detailed Analysis

Question
If the pitcher steps on the rubber and has both feet in contact with the rubber,
her hands are apart, and the ball is in her glove.  Before receiving the signals
from the catcher, she brings her hands together, then gets the signals from the
catcher and proceeds to pitch the ball.  Is this a legal or illegal pitch?

Answer
Hi Phil,

In ASA play the pitcher must take the signal or appear to take the signal with the hands separated and the ball in the glove or the hand.  Then bring the hands together for 1-10 sec and the pitch begins when 1 hand is taken off the ball.

if she is taking the signal with her hands together it is an illegal pitch.

Mark