DDs team was visiting team down 2-1 and time was close to running out. DD is pitching. The other team is stalling, taking extra time giving signs to batters, tying shoes, all the usual tactics.
DD knew she had to be quick if we were to have another at bat. DD would approach the pitching plate from behind, hand separated, she would then acknowledge her signal from the catcher, and bring her hands together and wait, all while the batter was looking taking signals from the third base coach either completely out of the box or one foot out of the box. Once the batter entered the box, and the PU would signal, DD would fire a pitch. I'll admit, she did catch the batter by surprise several times. The opposing coach was arguing illegal quick pitch, however the PU did not call any illegal pitches.
After the game, the opposing coach tells our coach to watch our pitcher she is quick pitching. Her quick delivery was very effective that inning.
As a PU, is there a sequence of events your are looking for between the pitcher and batter's actions?
Are there any rules governing when a pitcher can take their position on the pitching plate (I have checked the rule book and cannot find any)?
Edit: Here is the USSSA rule I was looking at:
RULE 6. PITCHING RULE
Sec 1. A legal pitch shall conform to the following:
A. Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall put both feet on the pitcher's plate.
Part of the pivot foot must be on top of the pitcher’s plate. The non-pivot
foot must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate. Both feet must be within
the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.
The hands must be apart.
The pitcher may not take the pitching position on the pitcher's plate
without possession of the ball, and the pitcher may not simulate pitching
with or without the ball when near the pitcher's plate.
B. Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with the
shoulders in line with first and third base with the ball in the glove or
pitching hand, with the hands separated.
C. While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal
from the catcher.
D. After completing “C” above, the pitcher shall bring the hands together in
front of the body for not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball.
The hands may be motionless or moving.
If there was a violation of the above, it was probably D. She would be standing there, hands together, sometimes more than 10 seconds while while waiting on the batter to get in the box.
My only problem with what"DD" was doing was having hands together while waiting... I have taught girls to basically do exactly what she was doing except to not put hands together until batter has both feet in box, then she should already know pitch and all she has to do is grip and start pitching motion... That should only take 2-3 sec max... Then it's keeps the team from being able to complain, but pitcher is pitching quickly but legal... Just my 2 cents.