Rule 6 – Slow Pitch Pitching Guidelines

Presented By: St. Louis ASA District Staff Members

Slow Pitch Pitching

Key Topics Contact & Feet Stop Start Step Release Illegal Pitch Excessive Speed Motion prior to contacting pitcher’s plate

Contact, Stop, & Start Pivot foot must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate Can be off either of the edges From stop to release Non-pivot foot anywhere One second stop facing batter Pitch starts with first motion after stop Before stop can use any motion

Step A step is not required, but if taken, may be in any direction. Must maintain contact with pitcher’s plate. Must be simultaneous with the release. After the release, may take more steps.

Release Must release on first swing past hip No stop or reversal of forward motion No release behind back, through legs or from the glove Palm over or under ball Moderate speed Six to Ten (St. Louis is Twelve) feet from the Ground May not continue pitching motion after the release of the pitch

Illegal Pitch Signal & Call “Illegal Pitch” when it occurs Loud enough for batter and catcher to hear Give delayed dead ball signal If batter does not swing ~ award a ball Ignore illegal pitch if batter swings Be consistent!

Excessive Speed Dangerous Entirely Umpire’s Judgment Ball on batter and warn the pitcher Second Violation Remove the pitcher from the pitching position for remainder of the game

Motion Prior To Contact with Pitcher’s Plate Any motion to pitch prior to contacting pitcher’s plate Illegal Pitch Warn Pitcher Second Violation Remove the pitcher from the pitching position for remainder of the game

No Pitch Pitch during suspension of play Quick pitch Before runner has returned to base after legitimately off base If anyone calls time or commits an act while the ball is live to attempt to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch

Review – Pitching Motion Prior to contact with the pitcher’s plate No motion to pitch is allowed After contact with the pitcher’s plate and before the required stop Any motion may be used After stop Pitch starts with the first motion After release Motion can not continue

Questions?