While it is true that the pitch starts when the hands separate (ASA) or the windup motion starts (NFHS), some of the mechanics of the pitcher prior to that are regulated.
However, you can't call an illegal pitch until the pitcher has crossed some point of no return to make everything legal again.
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Originally posted by WestMichBlue
For example, the following actions are illegal - but they occur prior to the start of the pitch. Stepping on to the plate with both hands together; having the stride foot outside the 24" width; (ASA) starting with the stride foot behind the plate, or steping back with stride foot; (NFHS) stepping back with stride foot after the hands have come together.
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None of these are illegal until the pitcher starts the pitch. Why? Because up until then, she may still back off the plate and start over. In fact, stepping back may be her first step to backing off. So, you can't have an itchy trigger finger here.
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Until the hands separate (ASA) or a normal motion after the hand come together (NFHS), the pitcher is still allowed to step back off the plate. Can I assume that the above actions are NOT illegal IF the pitcher steps off the plate?
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Yes, if she does so before starting the pitch.
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So would you wait until the start of the pitch to make the call (verbal and DDB signal)?
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Yes.
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If you made it earlier, and the pitcher stopped and stepped back off the plate, does she negate your call?
WMB
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You've got some 'splainin' to do, IMO. The pitcher did what was required of her to start over. So, IMO, the call is voided. Expect a visit from the offensive manager.