Dear League, Since Dixie Softball began in 1975, it has always been its policy to follow the basic softball rules concerning fundamentals established by the governing body organization of fastpitch softball.  In 1975, that organization was the Federation of Fastpitch Softball Rules.  Much later, the US government established a National Governing Body for each Olympic sport that represented the USA.  Amateur Softball Association (ASA), now known as USA Softball, was chosen to be America's National Governing body of softball.   Since 1975, both organizations made "leaping" by a pitcher illegal.  However,  the rule has now been changed to where "leaping" is now legal in fastpitch softball.  Dixie Softball has decided to follow the governing body's new pitching rule.  Therefore the below pitching rule will be in affect immediately:

6:02 – THE PITCH STARTS:
  (A) when one (1) hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of her windup
  (B) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one (1) step, which must be forward, toward the batter, and simultaneous with the delivery of the ball to the batter.
  (C) Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.
  (D) The pivot foot may remain in contact or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching
the ground if the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground or a

  (A) when one (1) hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of her windup
  (B) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one (1) step, which must be forward, toward the batter, and simultaneous with the delivery of the ball to the batter.
  (C) Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.
  (D) The pivot foot may remain in contact or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching
the ground if the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground or a pitcher can have both feet off the ground at the same time as long as both feet remain within the twenty-four-inch (24”) width of the pitching plate and the pitcher does NOT replant the pivot foot. Definition: A replant of the pivot foot occurs when the pitcher pushes off the playing surface from anywhere other than the pitcher’s plate prior to the act of delivering the pitch.
  NOTE: It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot on the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Raising the foot off the pitching plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.