asa slowpitch softball fair or foul

Question
I was the plate umpire when a fly ball was hit and the third baseman standing in fair territory made contact with a ball in the air over third base that was slightly over foul territory, then stepped into foul territory with one foot while the other was still in fair territory while he juggled the ball and then dropped it landing in foul territory.  Since the defender at third base was completely in fair territory on the ground at time of contact with the fly ball, shouldn't the fielder be an extension of fair territory at time of contact even if the ball was over foul territory in the air?  This is confusing and not clearly stated in any of the rules that I could find in the Asa rule book.  The rule for out of play seems to be contrary to the same situation between foul and fair territory and when a fly ball enters the space over the outfield fence for a home run?  Shouldn't they all be based on the same criteria to reduce confusion when making these calls?

Answer
Hi Mike,

This is a very simple rule for fair or foul.....where is the ball when it is 1st touched by a defensive player?  If THE BALL is in fair territory it is a fair ball.

If THE BALL is in foul territory when 1st touched by a defensive player it is a foul ball.

It NEVER matters where the player is on fair and foul.

" The rule for out of play seems to be contrary to the same situation between foul and fair territory and when a fly ball enters the space over the outfield fence for a home run?"

I understand what you are saying but a ball is not out of play until it actually touches the ground that is out of play or is touched by a player out of play.  The air space above out of play ground is not out of play, and a defensive player can make a play provided the player is in live ball territory.  As you know you can have a legal catch on a fair or foul ball "over a fence".

Mark