Signs to Pitchers

Question
During an ASA youth softball game, an illegal pitch was called on a pitcher because the coach gave her the "sign" directly instead of going through the catcher.  The runner on 2nd base was awarded 3rd and the batter who had a 2-1 count prior to the illegal pitch was given first base. Is there such a rule and if so, why was the batter awarded first?

Thanks

Thanks

Answer
Hi John,

the only requirement is that the pitcher be on the pitcher's plate w/ hands separated and take or "appear" to take the signal. She can take the true signal from her "poppa" in the stands if she wants.

The award for an illegal pitch where "nothing happens" is a ball on the batter and runners advance 1 base.  If this was an IP the batter should not have been awarded 1st unless it was ball 4.

Mark