1999 ASA
Playing Rules Changes

Questions or comments should be sent to Merle Butler, ASA Director of Umpires Email address:  mbutler@softball.org

1999 PLAYING RULE CHANGES AND COMMENTS

The new 1999 Playing Rule changes are listed below with comments prepared to help explain the intent of the new rule. TRANSPARENCIES will be available January 1 to assist the local instructors in interpreting these changes.

Rule 1
CHARGED CONFERENCE  Also Rule 5-Sec. 7-B

A. Defensive Conference. The defensive team requests a suspension of  play, and a representative enters the playing field and talks with any defensive player.

COMMENTS: The rule previously read that a defensive conference was charged only when a representative from the dugout spoke with the pitcher. This change now makes it a charged conference if the representative from the dugout speaks with any defensive player. If the manager or other team representative speaks with any defensive player(s) twice in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.

Rule 1
DEAD BALL

The term used for a ball that (1) touches any object or player out-of-play, (2) is lodged in umpire’s gear or in an offensive player’s clothing, or (3) the umpire has ruled dead. A dead ball line is considered in play.

COMMENTS: Added to the "dead ball" definition are two situations which have raised interpretations in the past. A ball lodged in umpire’s clothing or gear, or a ball lodged in an offensive player’s (runner or batter) uniform should both be ruled dead. A ball lodged in a defensive player’s uniform remains live (Rule 8-4-I)

Rule 1
DISQUALIFIED PLAYER  Also Rule 4-9

A player removed from the game for a rule violation. A team may continue to play shorthanded (Rule 4-1-D) if no substitutes are avbailable. Any disqualified player discovered participating in the game will constitute a forfeit.

COMMENTS: This new wording shows that a team can continue a game shorthanded if a player is disqualified, but if ejected and not enough players are available, the game would be forfeited. NOTE: No longer are players disqualified for hitting excessive home runs in the slow pitch game.

Rule 1
EJECTED PLAYER Also Rule 4-9

A player or coach removed from the game by the umpire, usually for an unsporstmanlike act or conduct. A flagrant act will require the player or coach to leave the grounds for the remainder of the game. A team may NOT continue to play shorthanded (Rule 4-1-D). If no substitutes are available the game is a forfeit. Any ejected player or coach discovered participating in the game will constiture a forfeit.

COMMENTS: The difference between disqualification and ejection is due to an unsportsmanlike act or conduct. In disqualification, the player or coach can remain on the bench, and can coach from the coach’s boxes. If ejected, the player or coach must leave the grounds. Arguing balls and strikes is considered an unsportsmanlike act and the player or coach will be ejected. If a team is shorthanded due to ejection, the game is forfeited.

Rule 1
ILLEGAL PLAYER Also Rule 4, Sec 7 (A-D)

A player who takes a position in the lineup, either on offense or defense,  who does not have a legal right to the position. NOTE: Failure to report a substitute does not qualify as an illegal player.

COMMENTS The "illegal player" definition was brought about with the elimination and penalty for an unreported substitute. The "illegal player" is a pitcher,batter, or runner who takes a position in the game where he should not be (ie., illegal re-entry; a DEFO batting or running for someone other than a DP; a pitcher who has been removed by the umpire because of defensive conferences, and returns to pitch; or an offensive player already in the lineup who runs or bats for another offensive runner.)

Rule 1
SUBSTITUTE   Also Rule 4-6B

Any member of a team’s roster who is not listed as a starting player, or a starting player who re-enters the game. If not reported, the substitute will be considered in the game when a pitch has been thrown. There is no penalty for not reporting. If a substitute is illegal for any reason, the player will be subject to the penalty for that violation.

COMMENTS: In previous years an unreported substitute was a violation which resulted in the ejection of the unreported player when brought to the attention by the opposing team. This is no longer the case. There is no penalty for a player entering the game without reporting. He is considered in the game when one pitch has been thrown. "Illegal Players" have now been inserted into the rules to cover the violations and penalties for those infractions.

Rule 2, Sec. 1
DISTANCES

Change G10-UFP base distance from 55 feet to 60 feet and B10-USP  pitching distance from 35 feet to 40 feet.

COMMENTS: NOTE: The B10-UFP base distance remains at 55 feet, and the G10-USP pitching distance remains at 35 feet. 

Change MMSP base distance from 65 feet to 70 feet.

COMMENTS: This change is for Men’s Major only. The Men’s Major Industrial and the Men’s Major Church divisions remain at 65 feet.

Rule 3, Sec. 1-N
BATS
Beginning January 1, 2000, only bats which bear an ASA approved certification mark, or which are included on a list published by the ASA National Office, which signifies that such bat model complies with the ASA bat performance standards then in effect will be allowed for use in ASA Championship Play.

COMMENTS: Some manufacturers will be testing bats in advance of January 1, 2000 and these bats will be published by the national office prior to the 2000 date for everyone’s information, particularly for championship play.

Rule 3, Sec. 1-O
BATS
The weight, distribution of weight, or length of the bat must be permanently fixed at the time of manufacture and may not be altered in any way thereafter, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Rule 3, Sec. 1.

COMMENTS: This new rule prohibits the use of a bat which has a weight attachment on either the barrel or knob end of the bat. One manufacturer has a bat of this type on the market and they have been notified that it is illegal. If found by an umpire in the game, treat the bat as being illegal and not altered.

Rule 3, Sec 3 H
BALLS
     The white cover, white-stitch or yellow optic cover, red-stitch 12-inch ball with a COR of .50 or under shall be used in the following ASA play: men’s and women’s fast pitch, boys 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-U fast pitch. It must be marked ASA-5095.

COMMENTS: The yellow optic cover, red stitch ball has been approved for use in fast pitch play. The ball must be marked either .50 COR or .47 COR. The .50 COR can be used in adult and junior Olympic Boys play as indicated in Section "H". The .47 COR must be used in Junior Olympic Girls play as indicated in Section "I". The NCAA used the .50 COR and the High School Federation used the .47 COR ball in 1998. The ball is more visible to fielders, batters, and umpires.

Rule 3, Sec 3-I
BATS
The white cover, white-stitch or yellow optic cover, red-stitch 12-inch ball with a COR of .47 or under shall be used in the following ASA play: Girls 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-U fast pitch. It must be marked ASA-4795.

COMMENTS: As explained in the previous change, this rule covers Junior Olympic Girl's Fast Pitch play only.

Rule 3, Sec 3-J
BALLS
The white cover, white-stitch or yellow optic cover, red-stitch 11-inch ball with a COR of .50 or under shall be used in the following ASA play: Boys 10-under fast pitch. It must be marked ASA-5095

COMMENTS: This new change allows B10-U Fast Pitch to also use the yellow optic cover ball with red stitches.

Rule 3, Sec 3-K
BALLS
     The white cover, white-stitch or yellow optic cover, red-stitch 11-inch ball with a COR of .47 or under shall be used in the following ASA play: Girls 10-under fast pitch. It must be marked ASA-4795.

COMMENTS: This new change for 11-inch balls with the .47 COR was added for the G10-UFP game. Umpires should check the stamp on the ball to be sure of the .47 COR.

Rule 3, Sec 3-L
BALLS
The white cover, red-stitch 12-inch ball with a COR of .47 and under shall beused in the following ASA play: men’s slow pitch and coed (male batters only) slow pitch, boys 14-, 16-, and 18-under slow pitch; and all modified pitch. It must be marked ASA-4795. NOTE: The .50 COR yellow optic, red stitch ball is not legal for slow pitch or modified pitch play.

COMMENTS: B14-, 16-, and 18-U Slow Pitch previously used the white stitch .50 COR softball. All age groups have now been changed to the red-stitch 12-inch ball with a .47 COR or the same ball used in men’s and coed men’s play.

Rule 3, Sec 3-N
BALLS
The gold-stitch 12-inch ball with a COR of .44 and under shall be used in super slow pitch and men’s major slow pitch. It must be marked ASA- 4495.

COMMENTS: Men’s Major Slow Pitch will now use the gold stitch .44 COR softball. The Super Division has used this ball for several years. Men’s Major Industrial and Men’s Major Church will continue to use the .47 red stitch ball.

Rule 3, Sec 3-P
BALLS
Beginning January 1, 2001, for all balls used in ASA Championship Play, the load force required to compress the ball 0.25 inches must not exceed 525 pounds when such balls are measured in accordance with the ASTM test method for measuring compression-displacement of softballs.

COMMENTS: Between January 1, 1999 and January 1, 2001, the load force will be 750 pounds as written in the 1998 Rule Book. Balls with the 750 load force will be legal balls during this period. The 525 pound load force will be mandatory in 2001 with most manufacturers reducing to this in 2000.

Rule 3, Sec 3-Q
BALLS
Beginning January 1, 2001, only balls which bear an ASA approved certification mark signifying compliance with the COR limitations and compression limitation then in effect will be allowed for use in ASA Championship Play.

COMMENTS: Similar to bat marking, balls will have an approved certification mark to show compliance with COR and compression limitations.

Rule 3, Sec 5 A-C The ice hockey style face mask is approved for usage by catchers.

COMMENTS: In the 1998 rule book, the wording only stated "hockey" style face mask. This could have been misinterpreted for field hockey or ice hockey, so the wording was changed for 1999. Only the ice hockey goalie style face mask is approved.

Rule 3, Sec 6-D
UNIFORM NUMBERS
     An Arabic number, between 0-99, of a contrasting color at least six inches high must be worn on the back of all uniform shirts. No players on the same team may wear identical numbers. (Numbers 0 and 00 or 3 and 03 are examples of identical numbers).

COMMENTS: Numbers less than 1 (1/4, 1/2, .5, etc.), higher than 99 (100, 202, 555, etc.), or containing three digits (007) will be illegal.

Rule 4, Sec 1-D(1)
SHORTHANDED RULE
(To start a Game)
A game may begin with 8 players (fast pitch), nine players (slow pitch and coed), and if another player arrives, that player must be inserted into theninth (fast pitch), tenth (slow pitch), or ninth or tenth batting position (depending on vacant spot when alternating sexes in coed). Note: A team can not start shorthanded in coed with eleven players.  One EP cannot be used to start.

COMMENTS: The "shorthanded rule" now includes fast pitch and coed slow pitch. This change clarifies that when a game begins shorthanded, and a player arrives, he must be inserted into the last position on the batting lineup. In coed, the batting order must still be alternated and depending on whether the team is a male or female player short, will determine whether the ninth or tenth spot in the batting order will be vacant. In all cases the automatic out will be recorded when the missing player is due to bat.

Rule 4, Sec 1-D(2) A team can continue a game shorthanded if it began with a full batting lineup.
(To continue a game)

COMMENTS: This sub-section is not new, however for clarification it has been separated from starting a game shorthanded. Failing to have the required number of eligible players (8 in fast pitch and 9 in slow pitch) to start or continue a game will result in forfeiture. If a team begins a game with a complete lineup, or begins shorthanded, and a missing player arrives completing the lineup, they may continue to play one player short when a player has to leave for any reason other than ejection and there are no eligible substitutes. The game would be a forfeit if a player is ejected and there are no substitutes or a team is two players short.

Rule 4, Sec 9-B
ARGUING BALLS AND STRIKES
Any arguing on the judgment of balls and strikes will constitute a team warning. Any repeat offense shall result in the ejection of that team member.

COMMENTS: This rule was listed under Rule 10 in 1998 and used in the Super Slow Pitch Division of play. It was very successful. The rule prohibits any offensive or defensive player (not just the batter or pitcher). It includes the manager, coach and substitutes in the dugout, from arguing an umpire’s call on balls and strikes. The umpire should issue a team warning first and any person repeating the verbal arguing shall be ejected.

Rule 5, Sec 4-G
FORFEITURE
If the order for ejection of a player, manager or coach is not obeyed withinone minute.

COMMENTS: The words "manager or coach" were added. This is not a change, but an addition to the rule which has always been followed in the past.

Rule 5, Sec 8
HOME RUNS
* Class A and Major Masters Slow Pitch - Increased from six to nine.
* Major Coed increased from five to six.
* Class B, Class A Industrial, Class A Church and Major Seniors increased from three to     six. 
* Class A Coed increased from two to three.   
* Class C increased from one to three.
* No disqualification after limit has been hit.   Only an out is ruled.

COMMENTS: In 1999, no player will be disqualified at any level of play, because of hitting a home run after the limit has been hit. NOTE: The home run limit for different classifications were increased as underlined above.

Rule 6, Sec 1-A
FAST PITCH PITCHING
Both feet must be on the ground, in contact with the pitcher’s plate, and within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. The shoulders shall be in line with first and third bases.

COMMENTS: Both male and female fast pitch pitching rules are again the same. Both feet must be in contact with the pitching plate while taking the signal and throughout the pitch.

Rule 6, Sec 1-C
FAST PITCH PITCHING
Both feet must remain in contact with the pitching plate at all times prior to the forward step.

COMMENTS: Men can no longer start with one foot behind the pitching plate.

Rule 6, Sec 3G
FP PITCHING FOOT
NOTE: It is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across the pitcher’s plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides in order to push off the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Raising the foot off the pitching plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.

COMMENTS: New wording clarifies that the pivot foot can slide or turn across the pitcher’s plate in order to push from the plate.

Rule 6, Sec 3-I
FP PITCHING PUSH & DRAG
The pivot foot must remain in contact with or push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground, as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground.

COMMENTS: Again, with both the male and female fast pitch pitching delivery the same, this confirms the push and drag rule whereby the pivot foot must remain in contact with the ground. Leaping is illegal in all divisions.

Rule 6, Sec. 6
FOREIGN SUBSTANCE
Applying resin into the glove and then placing the ball in the glove is an  illegal act. Resin must be kept on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate.

COMMENTS: New wording clarifies that resin cannot be put directly into the glove. It cannot be applied directly to the ball either. Resin is used to dry the hand.

Rule 7, Sec 2-C2(b)
BATTING
Any advance or score made as a result of the improper batter becoming a batter-runner shall be nullified. Any runner who is put out prior to discovering this infraction, remains out

COMMENTS: If a runner(s) is ruled out as a result of a player batting out-of-order hitting into a force out, double play, etc., and the batting out-of-order is legally appealed, the runner(s) remains out, and the rest of the batting out-of- order will be enforced.

Rule 7, Sec 3B (SP & 16"SP Only)
BATTING AND BATTERS BOX
During the pitch, the batter must keep both feet completely within the lines of the batter’s box prior to a swing attempt. Thebatter may touch the lines, but no part of the foot may be outside the lines. EFFECT: If during the pitch, the ball is dead and a strike is called on the batter.

COMMENTS: This new rule addresses the situation where the batter leaves to the rear of the batter’s box to gain a running start, and then returns to the box when he hits the pitch. This is now an illegal act. When it occurs, the ball should be ruled dead and a strike called on the batter.

Rule 7, Sec. 6-L (J.O. 10-U Fast Pitch Only)
Rule 8, Sec. 1-B
     On a dropped third strike, the batter is out, but the ball remains live for runners who can advance or steal.

COMMENTS: A rule change keeping the ball live following a strike out (rather than dead as in 1998 Rules) makes this wording similar to the existing rule, and it was eliminated from both rules shown. In the 1999 Rules the only reference to the batter being out and the ball remaining live for runners to advance, is now listed under Rule 8, Section 4-H

Rule 8, Sec 3-I
BASERUNNING ON HOMERUN
(Super, Men’s Major, and Men’s Class "A" Slow Pitch Only)
      On any fair  batted ball hit over the fence for a home run, or a four base award, the batter and all runners are credited with a score. The batter and any runners on base do not need to run the bases. Note: This would eliminate any runner appeal play.

COMMENTS: Men’s Class "A" Slow Pitch has been added to those classifications that do not have to run the bases on over-the-fence home runs. The batter and all runner(s) can just proceed to the dugout. No appeal can be made on missed bases.

Rule 8, Sec 4-G
SP BASE STEALING
(Super, Men’s Major and Men’s Class "A" Slow Pitch Only)
Runners may advance when the ball reaches home plate.

COMMENTS: Men’s Class "A" Slow Pitch can now steal bases similar to Men’s Major and Men’s Super Divisions.

Rule 8, Sec 4-H
BASERUNNERS FOR 10-UNDER
(10-Under FP Only)
(3) If a batter strikes out and the ball is dropped, the batter is out and cannot advance to first base, but the ball remains live forthe purpose of throwing the advancing runner out. (4) A batter, who receives a base on balls, cannot advance past first base. If they advance, once the ball becomes dead, return the batter to first base. (5) Awarded bases will apply to all runners.

COMMENTS: Three rules not in the rule book, but which were followed in 1998 have been added to this year’s rule book. These state that runners can run on a dropped third strike not caught with less than two outs, even though the batter is automatically out; a batter-runner who receives a base on balls cannot advance past first base; and awarded bases apply to all runners.

Rule 8, Sec. 4-I
BASERUNNING
Runners are entitled to advance with liability to be put out when a fair ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’s uniform or equipment.

COMMENTS: If a batted or thrown ball becomes lodged in a defensive players clothing or equipment, the ball remains live and runners can advance at their own risk. This prevents the defensive player from intentionally putting the ball intheir clothing or equipment, trying for a dead ball ruling.

Rule 8, Sec 6-F
CONTACTING PITCHED BALL WITH DETACHED EQUIPMENT
When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a pitched ball with his cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detached glove, or any part of the uniform which is detached from its proper place on their person, the batter and all  runners would be entitled to one base from the time of the pitch if a pitched ball, and in all games where stealing is permitted, they may advance farther at their own risk.

COMMENTS: This rule has always covered a batted or thrown ball, and now it also covers a pitched ball. If a defender uses his detached equipment or uniform to catch or retrieve a pitched ball, runners are awarded one base and can advance farther at their own risk.

Rule 8, Sec 6G(2)
RUNNERS RETURNING
A runner shall not be declared out if a fielder deliberately carries or throws the ball into dead ball territory to prevent that runner from returning to a missed bass or a base left too soon.

COMMENTS: This new rule prohibits a defensive player from intentionally throwing or stepping into dead ball territory in order to prevent a runner from returning to touch a missed base or one left too soon.

Rule 8, Section 8T(3)
LOOK BACK RULE
If the ball is in the pitcher’s possession within the 8 foot circle, and the batter-runner, after overrunning first base, commits back to the base, the batter-runner must then return non-stop to first base. (Committing to a base is the act of moving toward that base.)

COMMENTS: Runners have been able to overrun first base, start back for the base but before reaching the base, run for second after fielders leave second base. This new rule now reads that if a runner commits to first base (moving towards first), the runner must return to first base. He cannot change his mind and advance to second once it looks like he is moving directly to first following the overrun.

Rule 8, Sec. 8-Y
RUNNER’S OUT
Prior to a pitch (legal or illegal) to the next batter, if the runner was discovered having used an illegal bat, he shall be declared out. If the bat was altered, he shall also be disqualified. In either case, if the altered/illegal bat is discovered prior to the next pitch, any runners put out prior to the discovery shall remain out.

COMMENTS: Similar to batting out-of-order, if a batter-runner is discovered using an illegal or altered bat, and as a result of his putting the ball in play, a runner(s) was called out on a force out, double play, etc., the out(s) will remain and the rest of the violation will be enforced.

Rule 8, Section 10
COURTESY RUNNERS
Courtesy runners are allowed for both men and women’s senior play.
6. A runner who is replaced with a courtesy runner may not be used as a courtesy runner for the remainder of the inning.

If a player bats and reaches first base, and is replaced by a courtesy  runner, that same batter-runner cannot be used as a courtesy runner for any other teammate in that same inning. It is permissible for the player (batter-runner) to be used as a courtesy runner in another inning.