Girls Pitching, ASA Fastpitch

Question
What are the regulations pertaining to the foot pushing off the rubber in relation to a hop during the delivery. My daughter pitches and recently was called for an illegal pitch because her foot came off the ground.

Answer
Hello Ken

The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitchers plate until the release of the ball. The ground in front of the pitchers plate is considered part of the plate so the pivot foot is allowed the drag on the ground away from the plate as long remains in contact with the ground. If there is a hole dug out in front of the plate which is common the umpire takes this into consideration.

Basically the pitcher cannot leap off the plate (become airborne) nor can they hop off the plate and replant the pivot foot on the ground in front of the plate (this is called crow hopping).