Help the coach please. pitching???

[BoBo]

Playing ASA rules

We have a young lady who has a ritual.

Receives ball from catcher

Steps behind pitchers plate in the circle.

Goes to mouth with pitching fingers. licks them.

Wipe fingers off on uniform shirt or pant.

Then steps on the plate presents and pitches.

I asked why she does this it is to clean her hand of the dirt and dust. And she has done this for some time.

Tonight the plate umpire says she can not go to her mouth.

Is this all the time?

Only when on the pitchers plate?

Only when in the circle?

Can someone please clarify for me with an exact rule/case number please.

Is it different in ASA than it is in NFHS?

Thanks in advance

[AtlUmpSteve]

Tonight's umpire just applied a baseball rule which isn't an ASA, NFHS, or NCAA rule. The pitcher may go to her mouth in the circle, and on the pitching plate, as long as she wipes that hand prior to making contact with the ball.

ASA 6-6.A, NFHS 6-2-2, NCAA 10-13.a Note.

[Az.Ump]

This would apply in L.L. softball.

Paul

[NSABlue]

Did he call a "balk"?