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pitcher in contact with pitching rubber

2016/7/15 16:44:09


Question
In asa girls fastpitch. Don't quote me on the rule but it says that the pitcher must be in contact with both feet on the pitching rubber.If the pitcher starts with both feet on the rubber and the hands are separated, once the hands come together if a step is done it must be forward.
The rule book doesn't say anything that the pitcher can not take a step backward prior to the hands coming together.

Ex: The pitcher is facing the batter with both feet in contact with the pitching rubber and the hands are separated. Then the pitcher starts to step back prior and simultaneously brings her hands together, then after her hands have come together she takes her step forward. Would this be considered an illegal pitch. If so, Can you let me know if their is anything in a case book on this ruling.

Reason:In Pony softball 2012 they changed the rule for the pitcher. It use to be that the pitcher could have the pivot foot on the rubber and the non-pivot foot could be on or behind the rubber.
Now the rule changed to; The pitcher must have both feet in contact with the rubber but doesn't say anything that they can not step back with the no-pivot foot prior to the hands coming together, but was mentioned to me that it is like the asa rule.

This may be a miss print or pony forgot to take it out.
It is a case play: The pitcher stands with two feet on the pitching rubber and takes the signal. She then steps or slides back with the non-pivot (a) while her hands are separated (b) while her hands are together.
Ruling: (a)legal and (b) illegal.Because her step must be forward with the non-pivot foot, a step back must be completed prior to the start of the pitch
I hope that I don't confuse you
Thanks confused umpire

Answer
Hi umpire,

For ASA (have no idea about pony but if it's the same...)

ASA 6 Section 1 c2. (Female) The pitcher shall take a position with both feet in contact with
the pitcher抯 plate.

e2.(Female) Both feet must remain in contact with the pitcher抯 plate at all
times prior to the forward step.

3-i Women抯 and all JO play) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must
take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the
ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length
of the pitcher抯 plate. It is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across
the pitcher抯 plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides in order
to push off the pitcher抯 plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate.
Raising the foot off the pitching plate and returning it to the plate creates a
rocking motion and is an illegal act.  

Mark
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