softball questions

Question
if the umpire notices that the batter steps into the batters box with an illegal bat, is she called out immediately

Answer
HI Cassundra,

Just for info there is a difference between and illegal bat and an altered or non-approved (banned)bat in ASA play.

The penalty for an illegal bat is an out, no pitch needs to be thrown, just stepping in the box is enough.  Using a baseball bat would be an example of an illegal bat.

IN NFHS play an altered bat is treated as an illegal bat and it is an out and a warning.

The penalty for an altered or "banned" bat is an out and ejected from the game and/or the tournament, again no pitch need be thrown.  This penalty is is ASA play.

thanks for the question

mark