BUNTING FAST PITCH SOFTBALL

Question
QUESTION: Player squares around to bunt.  Never pulls bat back.  Pitch comes in high.  Umpire calls a ball because pitch was high.  Is squaring around considered an attempt on the pitch?  Umpire states she did not make an attempt and ball was outside of strike zone it is considered a ball.  True or False?

ANSWER: Hi Robbie,

A batter is allowed to put the bat over the plate.  Unless the pitch is in the strike zone or the batter makes an "offer" of the bat to the ball, it is a ball, so true.

mark

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

QUESTION: From the NCAA rule book:

Bunt Attempt
SECTION 20. Any non-swinging movement of the bat intended to tap the
ball into play. Holding the bat in the strike zone is considered a bunt attempt.
In order to take a pitch, the bat must be withdrawn ?pulled backward and
away from the ball.  This was another answer that i haad received?  

Answer
Hi Bonnie,

That is correct for NCAA softball however it is NOT correct for ASA or Fed ball.

My profile states I answer questions re: the playing of ASA softball.

You did not state in your question you wanted a NCAA answer, and because of the answer given by the umpire (I don't believe an NCAA umpire would make that basic mistake on their rules) I didn't even consider it.

Because there are ASA, Fed, USSSA, NSA, NCAA, LL and other orgs and they all have some differences, I give ASA answers per my profile unless the OP states they want another org rules, then I usually politely decline to answer it.

Mark