What are the regulations for pitching the softball correctly (slowpitch)?

RULE 6. - PITCHING REGULATIONS (Slow Pitch Only)
N.B. The EFFECT for all Sections 1 - 7 follow at end of Section 7:

Sec. 1. PRELIMINARIES

Before commencing the delivery (pitch), the pitcher

a. Shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.

b. Must take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and with one or both feet in contact with the pitcher's plate.

c. Must come to a full and complete stop with the ball held in one or both hands in front of the body. The front of the body must face the batter. This position must be held for not less than one second and not more than ten seconds before starting the delivery.

Sec. 2. STARTING THE PITCH

a. The pitch starts when the pitcher makes any motion that is part of his windup after the required stop. Prior to the required stop, any motion may be used.

Sec. 3. LEGAL DELIVERY

a. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.

b. The windup must be a continuous motion.

c. The pitcher must not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion.

d. The pitcher must deliver the ball toward home plate on the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip with an underhanded motion.

e. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher's plate until the pitched ball leaves the hand. If a step is taken, it can be forward, backward, or to the side, provided the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher's plate and the step is simultaneous with the release of the ball.

f. The pitcher shall not pitch the ball

1. Behind his back, or

2. Through his legs, or

3. From the glove.

g. The pitch shall be released at a moderate speed.

NOTE: The speed is left entirely up to the judgment of the umpire. The umpire shall warn the pitcher who delivers a pitch with excessive speed. If the pitcher repeats such an act after being warned, he shall be declared an Illegal Pitcher and may not pitch again for the remainder of the game.

h. The ball must be delivered with a perceptible arc of at least 1.83m (6 ft) and not more than 3.65m (12 ft), from the ground.

i. The pitcher may not continue to windup after he releases the ball.

j. The pitcher has 10 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball, or after the umpire indicates, "play ball."

< Prev		Next >

You need to login or register to post comments.
Discuss this item on the forums. (0 posts)