Infielders positioning

Question
What is the ASA rule (co-ed) for the positioning of the infielders such as the shortstop or second base "playing deep" (say 5 or 6 steps into the grass) when a male batter comes to the plate?

Answer
Hi Tommy,

In ASA coed you must have 4 infielders and 4 outfielders. In strict ASA play we do not use lines in the outfield.

I've been privileged to do tournament co-ed as an umpire and a UIC at it highest levels so I'm pretty experienced at it.

An infielder is a fielder who defends the area of the field around 1st, 2nd, 3rd or shortstop areas.

An outfielder is a fielder who defends the area of the field that the l, lc, rc, and r fielders normally play.

These definitions are very important in coed as we (the umpire) determine (our judgment) in the game of softball is the fielder positioned in an area that is common or normal to that position.  The fact that an infielder is on the grass does not in and of itself mean anything.

If the fielder is in a common softball position we allow it in coed.  If not we don't.  This also goes for a "rover"  An outfielder playing shallow in the outfield with 3 deeper is a common softball position.  As such a rover is allowed in co-ed,

You probably wanted a more defined rule on exactly where the defense can position themselves, sorry it doesn't exist but a good umpire doesn't need one.

Mark