ASA fastpitch - batter hitting ball in the dirt

[RM85]

I recently began coaching a 12U ASA team after a couple of years with a USSSA team, and I don't have a rulebook (great admin in this league...not).

Recently one of my girls hit a pitched ball after it had bounced before reaching the plate (took my "be aggressive" admonition to extremes!) and the result was a base hit! But the umpire said it was a dead ball because it had hit the dirt before she hit it.

I argued that the dead ball ruling may be correct in slow pitch but not in fastpitch - to no avail. Fortunately, the girl got another base hit, so no harm was done, but I'd like to know for future reference....what was the correct call?

Thanks - and I'll keep trying to get a rulebook! Still can't believe the ASA doesn't put their rulebook online like the other organizations.