fastpitch softball balk / foot off pitching plate

Question
does a pitcher have to release the pitch while her foot is in contact with the pitching plate...  some people seem to think that she can release the ball while she is dragging her foot and obviously off the rubber...we are little league williams port softball...12 and under, and 10 and under leagues...

also, in ll play, the book says there are no balks.. i have seen in the internet that clleges seem to have a balk rule - is there a such thing as a balk in fastpitch girls softball...
thank-you

Answer
Hello John

In ASA and college fastpitch softball, there is no such thing as a balk. However an illegal pitch can be called on a pitcher for certain things.  I抦 pretty sure it抯 not a balk in the Little League fastpitch softball rule book either.

Yes in the pitching motion the pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitchers plate until the release of the ball. However the rules allow the pivot foot to drag on the ground away from the plate and as long remains in contact with the ground before the release the pitch is legal.