Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 5/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dr. Mark. I have a two part question. Now in ASA rules, there is no Balk in softball, correct? And if a pitcher crow hops, is the penalty a DEAD-BALL And runners are not to advance or given a free one base after the pitch?
ANSWER: Hi Walter,

that is correct there is no such thing a balk in ASA softball.

a crow hop is an illegal pitch and illegal pitch penalties apply
1 if the batter hits the ball, reaches 1st base safely and all other runners advance at least 1 base, the illegal pitch is nullified, all play stands, no option is given

2 otherwise the manager has the option of taking the play or taking a ball on the batter and all runners advance 1 base

3 if hit by an illegal pitch out of the strike zone b-r is
awarded 1st base and all runners are awarded 1 base.

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr. Mark. In Girls ASA 10u. It is true that there is no stealing home plate?  In the league my daughter plays in Girls 10u. They are saying there is NO STEALING HOME for any reason in the In-House Rules, but during games they say you can steal home plate ONLY if a B-R on 3b and ball 4 (BB) is awarded to batter at home. This seems contradicting to their own In-House Rule and possibly ASA rules.  Please clarify...

Answer
Hi Walter,

Soory I can't clarify because these are in house rules for your 10u and the leagues are allowed to modify ASA rules to their own play.

In ASA play 10ua same rules on running the bases apply that apply to the rest of JO

10ub you still can't steal home

mark