when a runner can leave a base in 6U fpsoftball

Question
Hi,

I am coaching my daughter 6U (coach pitch) softball team.  I understand the rules to be that a runner can not leave the base until the player batting hits the ball.  A coach on another team sends his players running as soon as the coach pitching releases the ball.  The rules say there is no stealing and if the ball is missed on the swing the coach brings them back to the base.

The umpires have done it both ways.  I am not trying to be difficult, I just want to coach them by the rules.  

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Terry,

There are not any rules supplements covering 6U players.  The ASA and high school rule is written as the runner can leave the base on the release of the pitch.  You may have a local rule stating the runner can't leave the base until there is contact.  You will need to get this answer from your league.

Tom