balk

Question
What happens if a pitcher drops the ball while on the rubber in high school fast pitch softball? Is this a balk with runners on, is there any penalty?

Answer
HI Carlo,


If the ball slips from the pitcher's hand during the delivery a ball is called on the batter, the ball remains live and runners can advance at their own risk.  This is in ASA.

In NFHS it is not an "automatic" ball, the ball continues to be live and the batter can swing at it if they have an opportunity. Runners can advance at their own risk.

There are no awarded bases.

Mark