Pitching distance

Question
I have been told that 14U girls would be pitching from 43 feet in 2011. Is this true?

Answer
Andy,

I checked the 2011 rule changes and don't see the 14U JO rules changed to 43'.  I have copied them below for your reference.  Note that the rule changes cover all of ASA softball not just Junior Olympic (youth girls) fastpitch.

Thanks
Tom

2011 ASA Softball Playing Rule Changes with Comments
Rule 2 Section 1 Table: The base distance for Men抯 Class A and Class B Slow Pitch
classification shall be 70 Feet.
Comment: Allows for more defensive plays in our upper classifications of Men抯 Slow
Pitch.  
Rule 2 Section 3H: The double base shall be used at first base in all divisions of play.
The base is 15 X 30 inches and both sides of the double base, white and contrasting
color, shall be of equal thickness. (5?max).  
Comment: This clarifies that both sides of the double base must be equal in height.
Rule 3 Section 1D:  The safety grip can be made of  cork, tape or other synthetic
material and must be permanently attached and cover the handle region of the bat. No
bare metal may be exposed in the area covered by safety grip. It shall not be less than
10 inches and not more than 15 inches. Any attachment such as a molded finger grip,
flare cone, or choke up device must be attached to the grip with safety tape. Resin, pine
tar, or spray substances are permissible on the safety grip only.  
Comment: Better defines the safety grip of a legal bat.
Rule 3 Section 1H: An ASA official bat抯 characteristics shall remain fixed at the time of
manufacture and may not be altered in any way other than specifically provided for in
(Rule 3 Section 1) or as specifically  approved by the ASA.  Approved bats shall be
considered altered if they are rolled, shaved, repainted, weighted or modified to change
their characteristics from that produced by  the manufacturer. Identifying the bat by
means of laser marking, engraving, or painting the name or number of the player will not
make the bat an altered bat.  
Comment:  This better defines an altered bat and allows for engraving to be part of the
identification process.  
Rule 3 Section 3A: The ball must have an ASA approved Certification Mark and not
appear on the ASA Non Approved Ball List.
Comment:  There will be balls with certification marks that will be added to a non
approved ball list. This clarifies that the balls on this list will no longer be approved. Rule 3 Section 3E [3]: A yellow cover red stitch 12?ball with as follows:
Size: at least 11.875 in.; Weight: at least 6.250 oz.; COR: .520 max; Compression:
300.0 lbs max and Dynamic Stiffness: 5500.0 lbs max.
Comments: Allows for an additional 12?ball for the Slow Pitch Classification of play
that is less temperature sensitive, reduces batted ball speed, and increases player
reaction time.
Rule 3 Section 6: Exception: Men抯 Class E/Rec: The only uniform requirement is
matching shirts with numbers.  
Comment: Allows the uniform code for E/Rec Classification to be less stringent.  
Rule 4 Section 1C [3]: If discovered using the wrong number of females or males in the
outfield or infield and brought to the umpire抯 attention by the offended team:
           a) After a pitch legal or illegal or play made,
               EFFECT: All action stands.
           b) Before the next pitch legal or illegal or play made,  
           c) Before the defense has left the field,  
           d) Before the umpires have left the field of play,
               EFFECT: b, c and d
1) If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and all other
runners have advanced at least one base.  All action of the batted ball
stands.
2) If all runners, including the batter runner, do not advance at least one base.     
    The manager has the option of taking the result of the play, or awards the         
    batter first base and advances all runners, if forced.
Comment: This adds a penalty for the defensive team not playing the right number of
males and or females in the outfield and infield.  
Rule 6 Section 3K [2] (Modified Pitch) The pivot foot must drag and not lose contact
with the ground.
Comment: This matches the foot requirements for 10 man with 9 man in the rule book.  Rule 7 Section 3B: (Adult Slow Pitch Only except Seniors) The batter shall assume a
one ball, one strike count upon entering the batter's box.
Comment: This removes the Master抯 Slow Pitch Classification from the exception and
they will now start with a one and one count.  
Rule 10 Section 5D: The approved navy ball bag(s) with ASA letters to be worn with
the Navy or Fechheimer gray slacks; or the gray ball bag(s) with the ASA letters may be
worn with the Fechheimer gray slacks.
Comment: Clarifies the uniform rule to allow the gray ball bag with the ASA letters to be
worn.  
Rule 10 Section 5H: The plate umpire must wear a black or silver mask, with black or
tan padding and a black throat protector.
Comments: This allows for a silver colored mask to be worn by the plate umpire.