SAOA Softball - Ball rotation procedure

1. Ball Rotation Procedures A. The pitcher has a choice of ball to pitch at the start of each half inning. (EXCEPTION: If both balls do not get into play in the top of the 1st inning, the pitcher in the bottom of the 1st inning must use the 2nd game ball) Use common sense and make this happen in a way that is not noticeable.

2. Ball Rotation Procedure The current game ball should be used until it goes out of play or becomes unplayable. When the ball goes out of play (batted foul), the umpire should put another ball in play. The pitcher now must pitch with that ball unless the ball is deemed unplayable by the umpire.

3. Ball Rotation Procedure If the pitcher requests another ball because it is unplayable, give them another ball and remove the unplayable ball from the game. Do not give the pitcher a choice of balls when nothing is wrong with the ball.

4. Ball Rotation Procedure After an inning is completed, the ball should be returned to the vicinity of the pitcher’s plate by the team leaving the field. The pitcher taking the field now has a ball with which to start the next half inning. The pitcher may request another ball from the plate umpire, the umpire should give them another ball after receiving the ball from the pitcher. The pitcher has now made their choice and must pitch that ball.