FAST PITCH FOREIGN SUBSTANCE
It has been brought to our attention that some umpires may not be allowing an approved drying agent by the pitcher in Junior Olympic Fast Pitch. Our rule for all Fast Pitch reads:
Rule 6A Section 6A: A defensive player shall not, at any time during the game, be allowed to use any foreign substance upon the ball, pitching hand or fingers. Under the supervision and control of the umpire, powder resin and/or an approved drying agent that is included on the list published by the ASA may be used by the pitcher. The resin must be left on the ground and the approved drying agent in the pitcher’s pocket. A pitcher who licks their fingers must wipe the fingers off before bringing them in contact with the ball.
Effect: Illegal pitch. After the first offense, if any defensive player continues to place a foreign substance on the ball, that player shall be ejected from the game. If any other substance is found in the pitcher’s pocket, the pitcher shall be ejected.
1 If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, the illegal pitch is nullified. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given. When a runner passes a base, the runner is considered to have touched that base. 2 Otherwise, the manager has the option to take the result of the play, or the illegal pitch is enforced by awarding a ball to the batter and advancing all runners one base. 3 If an illegal pitch hits the batter out of the strike
The only approved drying agent we have is listed on the Certified Equipment page on the ASA/USA website. Click on Foreign Substance and Protective Wraps and you will see the only approved drying agent is Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer. Pitchers are allowed to have the Gorilla Gold drying agent in their back pocket and used during the game to help keep their hands dry. The cloth can be hanging out of their pocket as long as it is in a position to stay in the pocket.