Rule 6

Section 1:

Pitching Regulations

Article 1...

     The pitcher shall pitch while facing the batter and having at least one foot in contact with the pitching mark at the time he releases the ball. He may receive a verbal signal from the catcher. This signal indicates that the batter is ready and the pitcher shall quickly proceed to pitch.

Article 2...

     The pitcher is required to give two verbal signals when delivering the ball to the batter. The first signal, “Ready”; the second signal, “Pitch” OR “Ball” may be stated at any point, prior to the batter’s swing, during a pitching sequence. At least 1 verbal signal, by either the catcher or pitcher, should be clearly audible to the defense at the start of each pitching sequence. These are the only signals considered to be legal; any other words / signals used by the Pitcher will result in a no - pitch call. (See Sect. 2, Art. 3 for penalties)

Article 3...

     Each legal pitch shall be declared by the umpire to be a strike, pass (ball), foul hit, or dead ball. A pitch dropped during delivery shall be a no pitch. A foul ball shall be called a strike unless it is the fourth strike. A foul tip shall be ruled a foul ball and called a strike unless it is the fourth strike. The fourth strike must be a clean miss.

Article 4...

     The pitcher is not a fielding position and must make every effort to avoid touching or being touched by a batted ball.

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