Legal Glove Question

[Dukat]

Are there any of the major rulesets which do not allow a 3rd baseman to wear a 1st basemans mitt?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Dukat

Are there any of the major rulesets which do not allow a 3rd baseman to wear a 1st basemans mitt?

Been a couple of years since I have worked it, but USSSA FP used to only allow F2 and F3 to wear mitts. I couldn't find their online rules anymore, so I am not sure if this has changed.

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Been a couple of years since I have worked it, but USSSA FP used to only allow F2 and F3 to wear mitts. I couldn't find their online rules anymore, so I am not sure if this has changed.

Yeah, but was it that long ago that ASA started allowing mitts everywhere?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

Yeah, but was it that long ago that ASA started allowing mitts everywhere?

That was a few years ago. 2006, maybe?

USSSA (slow-pitch): Only 1st Base and Catcher may wear a mitt. My understanding is that USSSA normally follows ASA rules on equipment for fast-pitch. Check with your local or state USSSA director for fast-pitch on that.

[Stu Clary]

It's OK in high school unless the glove measures +14 inches.

[outathm]

NCAA ok too.

changed in last 2-3 years.

[TwoBits]

USSSA does not differentiate between a glove or mitt in fast pitch softball. The phrase "glove/mitt" is used throughout the rule book.

USSSA Caseboook, Gloves/Mitts, page 6: Situation A: R3 is on third and R2 is on second with one out when B1 bats with a 2-2 count. B1 hits a fly ball to right field. F9 catches the ball and R3 tags up and scores as R2 advances to third. The defensive coach immediately notifies the umpires that F9 is wearing a first baseman's mitt.
Ruling: The play stands. It is legal for F9 to wear a first baseman's mitt. Any fielder can wear a glove or any fielder can wear a mitt as long as it meets the dimension specifications. The catcher's mitt/glove can be and size.

Originally Posted by TwoBits

USSSA does not differentiate between a glove or mitt in fast pitch softball. The phrase "glove/mitt" is used throughout the rule book.

USSSA Caseboook, Gloves/Mitts, page 6: Situation A: R3 is on third and R2 is on second with one out when B1 bats with a 2-2 count. B1 hits a fly ball to right field. F9 catches the ball and R3 tags up and scores as R2 advances to third. The defensive coach immediately notifies the umpires that F9 is wearing a first baseman's mitt.
Ruling: The play stands. It is legal for F9 to wear a first baseman's mitt. Any fielder can wear a glove or any fielder can wear a mitt as long as it meets the dimension specifications. The catcher's mitt/glove can be and size.

This would be in line with what ASA has, which confirms my "suspicions" that USSSA follows the ASA rules for fast-pitch. Again, check with the local USSSA fast-pitch director.

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

This would be in line with what ASA has, which confirms my "suspicions" that USSSA follows the ASA rules for fast-pitch. Again, check with the local USSSA fast-pitch director.

I don't do ASA, but I have noticed that USSSA and NFHS use almost identical rules sets right down to the wording of the rule books. If ASA and NFHS rules are nearly the same, then you may be right. Personally, I would love for all the governing bodies to get together and agree on one uniform rule set. It would make it easier for all coaches, players, officials, parents, etc.