Can someone clarify the dropped third strike rule for ASA. Our league adopted ASA rules but have not supplied us with rule books. Every umpire we have had so far has had a different rule. After the catcher drops the third strike some umpires will call the batter out if they make a move towards the dugout others will call the batter out after she leaves the batters box and makes a move towards the dugout. Some will not call the batter out until she is tagged or thrown out or enters the dugout. Which if any are correct? Does anyone know how the rule is written?

Thanks

The dropped 3rd stilke rule is rough for people who don't understand but easy once you think through it.
If the pitch is uncaught, it doesn't have to be dropped, and is called a strike, then:

If 1st base is unoccupied with one or no outs
Or if 1st base is occupied with two outs
The batter may try to get to first before being put out with either a tag or a throw to first for a force out.

The batter-runner is not out until "put out" due to a tag or the force play at first
Or if the batter enters dead ball area, ie the dug out

There is also the issue of the pitch hitting the ground before reaching the plate and the batter swining at it, this is also the dropped 3rd strike or as we say it D3K.

Hope this helps

That (the one quoted) is correct according to the rules.

It's scary how badly this is called sometimes. One of my best umpires said, after the batter froze for a moment, "She's Out! Any hesitation and she gives up her right to run." Luckily, I was there to hear this, and had a conversation after the game.

Basically, this batter is a runner until she's put out.

I'm pretty sure Scott's explanation applies to all rules, not just ASA.

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CecilOne,

Under the <b>Playing Rules & Points Of Emphasis Index Section of the ASA Rule Book,</b>
it is listed as <b>DROPPED THIRD STRIKE....... FP.

for clarification
 

While the post, and replies address ASA, is the FED rule slightly different? I read the FED rule to allow the BR to run with "2 outs" regardless of whether or not 1st base is occupied, and with less than 2 outs only if 1st is unoccupied. Is that correct? If so, why the difference between the 2 sets of rules?

Both rules are the same. Just a typo. With two outs first can be occupied or not occupied. ASA and NFHS

Glen,
[/b]If the catcher never touches it ("fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground"), may the batter run?

[Edited by CecilOne on May 28th, 2005 at 02:06 PM]

Speaking ASA

The rule doesn't say anything about a "dropped" third strike. It states just as you noted, "fails to catch". Rule 8.1.B.2 includes the sentence, "This is call the third strike rule."

Speaking ASA

The rule doesn't say anything about a "dropped" third strike. It states just as you noted, "fails to catch". Rule 8.1.B.2 includes the sentence, "This is call the third strike rule." [/B][/QUOTE]It is a rhetorical question.