Resin Question
 

I had a game this weekend (ASA rules) where the pitcher used a resin bag and never wiped her hand off after using it. I didn't call anything because I couldn't remember the rule. Right after the game I retrieved my rule book and read Rule 6 Section 6 that rules on foreign substances. However, after reading the rule, I cannot find where it says that after going to the resin bag, they must wipe their hands with the exception of licking their fingers. Am I missing something or do they not have to wipe their hands after using the resin bag?

I also read my NCAA manual that does say they must wipe their hands but could not find it in the ASA manual.

What say you all??

Neither ASA nor NFHS require require wiping the hand after using a resin bag; it is not a foreign subsatnce, and, in fact, may be used under supervision of the umpire. Only NCAA requires wiping off the approved substance.

Thanks Steve. I thought I was missing something.

Another question on this subject. What about dirt? When a pitcher touches the ground and gets dirt on her hand instead of resin is she required to wipe her hand?

Thanks

Powdered resin in the only material that can be applied to the hand without wiping before bringing that hand to the ball.

Dirt ain't legal. Rubbing the ball on the dirt ain't legal either.

And...it is a rosin bag, not resin. Resin has been used to obtain a better grip by many folks. It comes in many forms, often an almost soft-rock-like consistency. (think pine tar.)

A rosin bag, on the other hand, has the white powdery stuff that you can use on your hand. Applying the rosin bag directly to the ball is not legal.

Here we go again... I say resin, you say rosin, let's call the whole thing off...

Yes, they are different, but the terms are used interchangeably to mean rosin in the rule books. That paragon of correct English usage (that would be the ASA rule book, in case you didn't recognize it from that description) calls it resin. So, I guess it is legal to put pine tar on the pitcher's hands in ASA? ;)

No, the rule says resin. Rosin is basically a form of resin.

I believe the term "resin" is used as a generic description to cover ANY compound which may exist now or in the future without getting specific as to a certain composition(s) which may vary from rosin.

Powdered pine tar might be legal, if under the control and supervision of the umpire. If you can find powdered pine tar, and distribute it in a controllable manner, then you could legally use it.

On the other hand, it would likely, if powdered, no longer have the properties that make it illegal in its natural form. I don't know; but let's not let this get further afield than the actual rule.

Oh yeah; why is this the ASA paragon of correct English usage?? The same word with the same spelling exists in the NFHS and NCAA rule books.

Don't worry. I harp on people who use "12 noon" or "12 p.m." to indicate the middle of the day, and on folks who use "12 midnight" or "12 a.m." for midnight. Just because we use these terms doesn't make them right – same thing goes for rosin and resin.

Now I'm going to find some windmills to tilt...

That's because ASA is the source of all evil in softball. If you don't believe me, just ask... oh, nevermind. :rolleyes:

I hear you loud and clear.;)

Rosin is to resin as beach is to shore.

Rosin is a resin, but a resin isn't necessarily rosin.

A beach is a shore, but a shore isn't necessarily a beach.

So if it's legal to put it on your hands and go directly to the ball, what is the reasoning for disallowing them to put it in their glove and the putting the ball in the glove? Don't you get the same effect?

Didn't I see this question on my SAT?

As the rule clearly states, it is used to dry the hand. Applying it to the ball or glove won't dry the hand, so would obviously be applying a foreign substance.

That's the same reason to NOT then wipe the hand you just dried; in most cases, the uniform is wet (either from sweat or rain), so wiping the now dry hand on a wet substance accomplished .......(what)??