ASA (slow pitch) pitching and bunts

Question
Our league uses ASA rules (there are some local exceptions to cover the co-ed requirements, etc., but these exceptions are silent when it comes to these issues). I've got two issues that have been really big sticking points because of some whiners in the league.

1. Pitching. What is the pitcher required to do in "presenting the ball?" As I understand it, he has to have it in front of him for at least one second while on the pitching plate, right? Can it be in either hand (in the glove, or in the non-glove hand which is tucked in the glove gripping the ball)? And after "presenting," during the pitching motion, is the pitcher prohibited from "hooking" the ball behind his/her back (to generate a better angle for spinning it)? We actually have a guy in the league who complains anytime the ball goes behind the hip that "they're not presenting the ball!" I think he's distorting the rule. Any guidance? Also, is it illegal to come set, hold the ball out front in your glove, ("presenting"), then take it out of the glove behind the back, and pitch (normally, nothing goofy thrown behind the back or over the shoulder)?

2. "Bunting." What constitutes a legal, non-bunt swing? One (reasonable) umpire says "as long as I see the wrists break, you're OK" (meaning it's not an obvious check swing). Then again we had an intrusive umpire call one of our weaker hitters out because, with two strikes, he put a really soft (but full) swing on the ball to ensure he got it into fair territory. This umpire said "I think your intent was to bunt." Is intent even a factor?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jack,

sorry for the delay, occasionally AE doesn't notify me of a question initially, only after a few days.

"Section 1. PRELIMINARIES.
A. The pitcher must take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and withone or both feet in contact with the pitcher抯 plate.

C. The pitcher must come to a full and complete stop with the ball in front of the body. The front of the body must face the batter. This position must be maintained at least one second before starting the delivery."

The ball can be either in the hand, glove or both.

Section 3. LEGAL DELIVERY.
A. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
B. The delivery is a continuous motion.
C. The pitcher must not use a delivery in which there is a stop or reversal of the pitching 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 underhand motion. The palm of the hand may be over or under the ball.
E. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher抯 plate until the pitched ball leaves the hand. If a step is taken, it may be forward, backward, or to the side, provided the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher抯 plate and the step is simultaneous with the release of the ball.
F. The pitcher must not pitch the ball behind the back or through the legs.

As long as F1 meets those requirements no problem, I see no problem w/what you described the pitcher doing as far as "hooking" and if I understand the other description correctly, no problem, sometimes it's difficult to picture w/out seeing it.

Unless some action is truly bizarre and/or obviously illegal, let's face it the ball must be released 50' from the batter, 6-12 at moderate speed.  There's not much an ASA pitcher can do that would "trick" the batter.  Hitting a SP pitch is not brain surgery.


BUNT: A pitched ball that is intentionally tapped with the bat, slowly, within the infield.

did the batter roll their wrists?
did the batter swing through the pitch?  
If so the rule doesn't say how hard a batter must swing.

I have a hard enough time judging my own intent, let alone a softball player's.  In this case I can't read the batter's mind, nor am I asked to.

I hope this answers your questions

Mark