Pitching in fast pitch softball

Question
Please clarify - when the pitcher pitches, do both feet have to touch the rubber?  We just played a game where we believe that the opposing pitcher was pitching illegally - only one foot was ever on the rubber.  Our coach said it does not matter.  Please clarify.

Answer
Assuming high school, just one foot.



KS,

Based on your comment I will add to the answer.  I figured that since you were asking me a question on All Experts, you would accept my answer.  A 1 rating for knowledge is pretty tough, especially when it was absolutley correct.  I don't know if you can revise ratings.  If you can, I hope that you do after reading this addtional information.

As far as when the rule was written the way it is, I don't know.  I   have been involved in girls fastpitch at the high school level, rec league, b level travel and select travel.

I do believe at one time, ASA, the governing body of the highest levels of travel ball used to allow the start of the pitch with one foot behind the pitching plate as well.  This was changed a long time ago.  They still allow it for Men's fast pitch.  Since "When did this change?" isn't really a rules question, but instead is a history question.  I hope that you won't hold it against me for not knowing.
It is difficult enough keeping up with the current rules and the variations amoung governing bodies.  For my purpose the history doesn't matter when I call a game.

The NFHS rule book used by almost all of the high schools in the country, lays down the pitching rules in Section 6.  You need to look specifically at articles 1 and 2.  The book completely diagrams foot placement for legal v. illegal pitching.

For future reference and to double check me, you may want to go to http://www.nfhs.com/index.asp?cmd=showcategory¶m_0=70 .  Get the casebook as well as the rulebook.  The casebook is needed to properly interpret some items consistantly.  The books are $6.95 each.

I dont' want to disparage anybodies reputation, but in the future, it may be best to take the HS school coaches opinion over the travel ball mom's on high school rules.  Even if she has the ASA book memorized, there are difference in the rules.  In this case, the HS coach is correct for HS, the TB mom is correct for ASA.

Tom