Hey guys,

quick ques...

Can someone explan the rule on visits to the mound / change pitcher in SP ASA.

is it 3 visits in the game = must change pitcher for one batter? For game?

Is it the same in USSSA and NSA?

Thanks

Larks - Basketball Ref...softball player

ASA, after the 3rd charged conference the pitcher is removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game, this is on the 4th trip and all trips thereafter. If the coach informs the umpire of the pitching change then there is not a charged conference and the pitcher may return to the pitching position.
There is no reqirement to pitch to any batter.

So if I read this right....on the 4th trip, I must remove the pitcher from the game or just pitching position?

pitching position

Same in USSSA.

Not sure of NCAA, but AFA, coaches get one per inning,
second one would requre the removal of the pitcher.

Conferences: Section 4:11

In NFHS any time a coach changes a pitcher it does not cout as a charged conference. In each of innings 1 thru 5 a HS coach goes out and changes pitchers the are 0 charged conferences. Please note this difference.National Federation of State High School Associations 2004 Softball Rule Book,Rule 7 Article 1 page 38

It does not count as a charged conference in ASA either, with one caveat -- the coach must inform the umpire he will be changing pitchers before he talks with any defensive player (ASA used to say the coach had to inform the umpire before entering the field of play - i.e. crossing the foul lines. Now it says before he talks with a player.)

Bagman62,

Just having fun here, but Rule 7 Art 1 page 38 does not
have anything to do with pitching. Rule 7 covers Batting.
You used Sect nr. instead of rule nbr. (Rule 3 Sec 7 Art 1)

Glen,

Thanks for the correction.

Some coaches would say "article number and page number are correct, 2 out 3 ain't bad for any umpire"