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USSSA vs ASA rules differences

I did not do any USSSA last year and am doing a tournament this weekend.

I found this link:

USSSA FP Umpires Information

The first link is:

2012 Eleventh Edition Rules
Note: The online rule book supersedes the printed rule book

Do I need the clarifications below that? Or, are they in that online version of the book?

I found the 2012 Fast Pitch Case Book

Also, Rule Differences USSSA, NFHS, ASA, NCAA

So, I think I am pretty well set.

If anyone has any particular points for USSSA vs ASA rules differences, I would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,
Joe

The 2 main ones I can think of at the moment are bunt and double first base. ASA does not require the bat to be withdrawn on a bunt attempt if the ball is out of the zone, USSSA does.

ASA makes the exception on the double first base of a bad throw pulling the fielder onto the colored portion of the base. USSSA does not have this exception.

http://usssa1.com/FPUmpires/2012FPRules.pdf

Quote:

RULE 6. PITCHING RULE
Sec 1.
A legal pitch shall conform to the following:
A. Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall put both feet on the pitcher’s plate. Part of the pivot foot must be on top of the pitcher’s plate. The non-pivot foot must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate. Both feet must Both feet must be within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.

http://usssa1.com/FPUmpires/Fast%20P...ces%202012.pdf

Rules Differences

Quote:

PITCHING POSITION, PRELIMINARY (FEET)
USSSA 6.1.A Pivot foot partially on top of the pitcher’s plate (rubber); non pivot in contact or behind. Within 24”

ASA 6.1.A.2 both feet in contact with pitcher’s plate within the 24 inch width of the pitcher’s plate

NFHS 6.1.1 pivot foot on or partially on top surface of the pitcher’s plate; non-pivot foot in contact with or behind pitcher’s plate, both
feet must be within the 24 inch width of the pitcher’s plate

NCAA 10.2.1 both feet in contact with portion of pitcher’s plate; pivot foot partially on top; within the 24 inch width of the pitcher’s plate

PITCHING POSITION, PRELIMINARY (NON PIVOT FOOT)
USSSA 6.1.E.2 One step forward; No step backward.
ASA 6.1.A.2 One forward step only
NFHS 6.1.1 Any step backward must start before the hands come together.
NCAA 10.4.2 A portion of the nonpivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate at all times before beginning the forward step

I'll go with the rulebook. :D

Hmmm, good catch. I am surprised by this because I got the link from the USSSA.

The actual wording is here:

RULE 6. PITCHING RULE
Sec 1. A legal pitch shall conform to the following:
A. Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall put both feet on the pitcher’s plate. Part
of the pivot foot must be on top of the pitcher’s plate. The non-pivot foot
must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate. Both feet must be within the
24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.
The hands must be apart.
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on the pitcher’s plate
without possession of the ball, and the pitcher may not simulate pitching
with or without the ball when near the pitcher’s plate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst (Post 847678)

I'll go with the rulebook. :D

Or you could have Steve tell you personally that his association is meant to be a bridge into high school, and that the foot behind the pitchers plate is legal, and stop calling it IP. (That's how I learned it! :) )

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbcrowder (Post 847699)

If I remember right, it was only a year or two that USSSA removed the "foot behind the plate (rubber)" part of the rule.

And while we're at it, despit that the "2012 Rules Difference" documet has this descrepency regarding preliminary position of the feet (6.1.A), they got 6.1.E.2 correct (no backward step).

:D

PS: Word is that next year NFHS will also require both feet in contact and no step back.
PPS: Are you talking about the same Steve that I know (Florida resident)?

Player or coach can appeal in USSSA.