Henderson Girls Softball Association

News Detail

10

Jan, 2020

Rules changes for the Spring 2020 season

Starting January 1st, 2020 ASA/USA Softball has made the following rule changes:

Rule 6A, Section 1C: Both feet must be on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher's plate. The shoulders shall be in line with the first and third bases. The pitcher shall take a position with their pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate and their non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher's plate.

Effect: Allows pitchers to begin with back foot not in contact with the pitcher's plate.

Rule 6A, Section 1E: The pitcher shall bring their hands together for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. A backward step may be taken before, simultaneous with, or after the hands are brought together. The pivot food must remain in contact with the pitcher's plate at all times prior to the forward step.

Effect: Allows pitchers to take a step backward with their back foot before, during, or after the hands are brought together.

Rule 6A, Section 11B&C, Rule 7, Section 5D: Eliminates the penalty of advancing a runner one base without liability to be put out from the effect of committing an illegal pitch.

Effect: When an illegal pitch is declared, the penalty is ONLY a ball on the batter. The ball is still live and runners may attempt to advance at their own risk.