I think both are correct... but arguing different points.
In Slow pitch softball the ball is dead when it hits the ground. Besides that... no one gets a base for being hit by the pitch in Slowpitch Softball.
The ball remains live after hitting the ground in both fastpitch games (softball and baseball) and the hit batter is awarded first base in both games.
When the batter is not hit by the pitch:
If the batter does not swing the pitch will be called a BALL - for not entering the strike zone in flight. If the batter does swing, the result is dependent upon the contact with the bat (a hit or a strike). The pitch that goes into the dirt cannot be considered a catch - e.g. 2 strikes on the batter, pitch is in the dirt, batter swings and misses, this is a dropped third strike. Even if the catcher fields the ball cleanly after the bounce in the dirt, it cannot be considered a catch because the ball hit the dirt before it was caught.
Poor pitching should result in penalty to the pitcher not just a bruise on the batter.
