softball hit by pitch

Question
QUESTION: Tom, I know when batter is hit by pitch that first hits ground she (should be) is awarded first base (providing attempt made to get out of way). How do I prove that to the umpires? They say since it hit ground it is ball and dead. Does the 2008 rule book make mention of pitch hitting ground first? thanks

ANSWER: Jan,

I feel your pain.  I don't have a rule book handy, but I am sure this is covered.  If a pitch hits the ground it is a live ball.  It can be hit or it can hit the batter.  The only thing it can't be is a strike if the batter doesn't swing at it.

What I do when I run into somebody that has no clue, I take their money.  I talk to them a bit, maybe display some indicsion on my part then offer to bet them lunch.  I get a lot free lunches on softball rules questions.

After you secure the lunch bet refer the umpire to the 2008 NFHS case book, page 48, section 8.1.2.  Make him/her take you someplace nice.

Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does in mention anything in the ASA rule book?

Answer
Couldn't find anything specific in the ASA book.  But this is an absolute.  The ball is not dead when a pitch touches the ground.  If after touching the ground the ball hits the batter this is a hit by pitch.

ASA 2008 rule book pg 71 rule 5.A will cover you on the ball being live after touching the ground.

Page 75 8.1.F is the base award for hit by legal pitch.  No exception for ball hitting ground first.  

I don't have an ASA case book.  

Ask your umpire if the ball hits the ground before arriving at the plate, can a runner steal?  If they say yes, ask them how a runner can steal a base when the ball is dead!

We are talking about fastpitch arn't we?