hitting ball outside of batters box

Question
We play in an ASA slow pitch softball league. I was called out for stepping out of the batters box when I hit a foul ball.  The problem is that there was no batters box.  Should there be  a warning in this situation?

Answer
Hi Michael,

Even in tournament play the box doesn't survive the whole game.  As you know it is 3' by 7' 6" from the plate.

It is a judgement call by the umpire and some are easier than others.  IE if you step in front of the plate to try to go to the opposite field it's a pretty easy call since I know the line is 6" from the plate.  Since the batter has about 5' in front of the plate before they're out of the box it's a more difficult call, ect.

A good umpire has to be sure (usually it's pretty gross) otherwise the doubt has to go to the batter.

There is no rule allowing a warning.  It's either legal or we have a dead ball and an out.

Mark