2024 USA Softball Rule Book

2024 Ofcial Rules

of Softball

Adopted, published and distributed by:

2801 NE 50th Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203

(405) 424-5266 • Fax: (405) 424-3855

by any means without written permission from the publisher.

USA Softball Inc (USA Softball)

2801 NE 50th Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203

(405) 424-5266 • Fax: (405) 424-3855

USASoftball.com

Table of Contents

President's Message....................................................................... 3

CEO's Message............................................................................... 4

Commissioners by

State.................................................................. 6

2024 USA Softball Playing Rule Changes ....................................12

Official Softball Playing Rules Table of Contents ..........................13

Playing Rules.................................................................................16

Official Softball Diamond Dimensions .......................................... 28

Appendix - The Penalty Page ......................................................120

Rules Supplement .......................................................................122

Playing Rules/Rules Supplement Index ......................................154

Trademark and Service Mark Notice ...........................................179

Safety Awareness Guide .............................................................183

To view the USA Softball Code, Procedural Manual and Bylaws,

please visit USASoftball.com

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear fellow USA Softball members,

It is my sincere honor to welcome you all to our 2024 season.

USA Softball has long been one of the world's largest and most

prestigious organized softball programs, and I look forward to

progressing that tradition throughout my two-year term as your

USA Softball President.

USA Softball has been the leader of the sport since 1933

when the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was established.

Throughout its 90+ years of operation, the ASA, now known as

USA Softball, has had many great leaders and members that

made a substantial impact on the organization that we are today.

We have had many challenges over the years, but through all

that and more, we have continued to provide a game for people

to play and enjoy with their family and friends.

Today, we continue the work of our ASA/USA Softball predecessor's mission! We will

continue to provide leadership in our softball community by offering everyone opportunities

to be involved in our great sport. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, the

Council, and the National Ofce Staff to continue carrying the torch forward while ensuring

the best possible experience for all of our USA Softball members.

For youth coaches, leagues, and other valued registered members, USA Softball has

Regional, State, and Metro Commissioners available for answers, advice, and access to a

wealth of resources. Our experienced people are the rst place to turn when you want to

enhance your program, level up your softball operations, and take advantage of the USA

Softball membership opportunities. In addition to our network of Commissioners, USA

Softball’s umpire program has been among the nation's largest ofciating organizations

for years while being nationally recognized as the best trained and most procient in the

sport.

USA Softball is committed to providing a safe environment for our members and

participants by deterring and proactively addressing abusive conduct. Every member

of this organization is responsible for protecting our participants and ensuring their

safety and well-being on and off the playing eld. As with other National Governing

Bodies representing the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, USA Softball puts this

committment to practice by requiring background checks and SafeSport Training for adults

who have regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors.

My dedication to USA Softball's mission and vision, coupled with our council, coaches,

and players' involvement and input, will continue to launch us into the future. These next

two years serving as the President of this great organization will be robust and exciting.

I’m ready to hit the ground running while welcoming ideas and actions to move forward

collectively.

Motivation comes from working on things that we care about, and I care signicantly about

USA Softball's past and its future.

Dave Devine

President of USA Softball

CEO’S MESSAGE

Dear softball participant,

On behalf of USA Softball, I want to say thank you. Thank you to

the athletes, coaches, umpires, administrators and spectators who

put in a continuous effort all across the country. YOU are ones

who make a difference in our sport every single day and your

participation in this great game is appreciated. I want to personally

thank you for choosing to play USA Softball and allowing our

organization to continue its historic mission of developing,

administering and promoting the sport of softball across the United

States.

With over 90 years of inuence over the sport of softball, our

organization has grown from a small idea in Chicago, Ill. to a

ourishing softball powerhouse in Oklahoma City, Okla. With that

strong foundation, USA Softball remains as the National Governing Body of Softball in the

United States while being recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee

(USOPC) for our commitment to the well-being of our members and participants. By providing

the best-of-the-best in all aspects of the game, our organization takes great pride in our

reputation and responsibility as we move forward each year while growing the sport not only

in our country, but all across the world – both on and off the eld.

As the leader in the sport of softball, our commitment to athlete safety is our top priority. USA

Softball will not tolerate ANY abuse – physical, mental, emotional or sexual. That is why

for over 10 years, USA Softball has required background checks for all adults on the eld

of play in our Youth/Junior Olympic (JO) program. In conjunction with the USOPC and the

U.S. Center for SafeSport, we developed and implemented policies designed to protect our

members from various types of misconduct and abuse and hold rm to those standards.

Helping to enforce this commitment throughout the grassroot ranks of our organization, our

network of state and metro associations are a direct reection of the investment that various

personnel have put into their local programming. The future of USA Softball is in good hands

because of these volunteers and their efforts conducting thousands of successful and exciting

events throughout the year.

USA Softball is unique. We offer a variety of events and opportunities that is second-to-none

with an ultimate goal of getting people to stay involved in the game they love at many different

levels. From ages 8-80, USA Softball offers fast pitch, slow pitch, modied pitch and 16-Inch

slow pitch softball both recreationally and competitively. As the pipeline from the grassroots to

the National Team program, USA Softball also provides an avenue for athletes to represent

their country on the international stage. With the talent continuing to grow each and every

year, it is very likely that we are watching future National Team members compete at our local

tournaments and National Championships across the country on a regular basis.

The 2023 season brought many achievements, and it also brought room for growth with

excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. With the announcement of Softball added to

the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sport Program, a spark has been reignited within our game

and we are thrilled and honored to continue leading that charge as we move forward. I am

looking forward to watching athletes both at the grassroots level and at the international level

take the eld with passion, re – and most of all – a hope for the future.

We wish you all the best in yet another season of softball. Whether it’s earning a USA Softball

National Championship title, getting the call to umpire the nal game of the tournament or

just soaking in every moment playing the sport you love with those around you, we hope you

achieve all your goals and more. Once again, thank you for choosing to play Softball…the

Game America Plays!®

Sincerely,

Craig A. Cress

USA Softball Chief Executive Ofcer

OWNING THE ZONE

STARTS HERE

USA SOFTBALL COMMISSIONERS BY STATE

PLEASE VISIT ASSOCIATION WEB SITE

FOR COMPLETE STAFF LISTING

ALABAMA

Alabama Commissioner

Tracy Morgan

360 Ashbury Rd.

Albertville, AL 35951

Cell: (256) 490-8924

Email: tmorgan@

usasoftballofalabama.com

ALASKA

Alaska Commissioner

Roger Garcia

7517 Tyre Drive

Anchorage, AK 99502

Work: (907) 375-1150

Home: (907) 243-8200Cell: (907)

227-7558

Email: commissioner@usasoftballo-

falaska.com

ARIZONA

Arizona Commissioner

Kim Swafford

Cell: (423) 987-4402

Email: [email protected]

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Commissioner

Walker Clark

1008 Oakbend Dr

Little Rock, AR 72206

Work: (501) 772-2923

Email: [email protected]

CALIFORNIA

Central California Commissioner

Manny Alderete

624 Del Mar Dr

Bakerseld, CA 93307

Cell: (661) 331-0084

Email:

[email protected]

Northern California Commissioner

Vince DeFriese

Cell: (650) 222-8503

Email:

[email protected]

Sacramento Commissioner

Jeff Morrow

6380 Tupelo Dr. Suite 3

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Cell: (916) 496-1891

Email:

[email protected]

San Francisco Commissioner

Anna Louie

1224 34th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94122

Cell: (415) 30-8788

Email: [email protected]t

Southern California Commis-

sioner

Chris Drumm

PO Box 5028

Oceanside, CA 92054

Cell: (760) 473-4823

Email:

[email protected]

COLORADO

Colorado Commissioner

Chris Silvaggi

520 Topeka Way

Castle Rock, CO 80109

Cell: (203) 667-5862

Email:

[email protected]

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Commissioner

Hank Koritkoski

78 Villa St

Middletown, CT 06457

Home: (860) 803-3012

Email: [email protected]

DELAWARE

MD-DC-DE Commissioner

Jack Hutcherson

102 Pond View Drive

Centreville, MD 21617

Cell: (240) 691-9254

Email:

[email protected]

FLORIDA

Florida Commissioner

Dwayne Sealy

420 Locklie St.

Dunedin, FL 34698

Cell: (850) 566-9268

Email:

dwayne@usasoftballorida.com

GEORGIA

Georgia Commissioner

TBD

HAWAII

Hawaii Commissioner

Mia Rodrigues

PO Box 893654

Miliani, HI 96789

Cell: (808) 306-3823

Email: [email protected]

IDAHO

Idaho Commissioner

Rick Hansen

14404 NE 5th Court

Vancouver WA 98685

Home: (360) 573-1708

Work: (360) 609-4381

Email: [email protected]

USA SOFTBALL COMMISSIONERS BY STATE

PLEASE VISIT ASSOCIATION WEB SITE

FOR COMPLETE STAFF LISTING

ILLINOIS

Chicago Commissioner

Tom O’Neill

8137 Hillcrest Ln

Tinley Park, IL 60477

Work: (708) 906-0351

Cell: (708) 429-2008

Email: [email protected]

Illinois Commissioner

Bob Adams

1824 Northshore Dr.

Pekin, IL 61554

Work: (618) 684-4890

Home: (618) 684-6864

Email: [email protected]

INDIANA

Indiana Comissioner

Brett Williamson

3114 Tamarack Ct #906

Evansville, IN 47715

Cell: (812) 219-2443

Email:

[email protected]

IOWA

Iowa Commissioner

Tom Topping

1126 Jensen St.

Iowa City, IA 52246

Cell: (319) 330-7030

Email: [email protected]

KANSAS

Kansas Commissioner

Chuck Hawke

4525 W. 140th Street

Leawood, KS 66224

Cell: (816) 914-4938

Email: [email protected]

Kansas City Commissioner

Chuck Hawke

4525 West 140th Street

Leawood, KS 66213

Cell: (816) 942-4938

Email: [email protected]

KENTUCKY

Kentucky Commissioner

Brett Williamson

3114 Tamarack Ct #906

Evansville, IN 47715

Cell: (812) 219-2443

Email:

[email protected]

LOUISIANA

Louisiana Commissioner

Bill Skinner

11438 N. Lee Hughes Road

Hammond, LA 70401

Cell: (985) 07-0092

Email: bskinner2@charter.net

MAINE

Maine Commissioner

Tony Gowell

97 Marble St

Lewiston, ME 04240

Home: (207) 240-7058

Email: [email protected]

MARYLAND

MD-DC-DE Commissioner

Jack Hutcherson

102 Pond View Drive

Centreville, MD 21617

Cell: (240) 691-9254

Email:

[email protected]

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Commissioner

Commissioner

Phil McElroy

116 Ice House Landing

Marlborough, MA 01752

Cell: (617) 417-9281

Email: [email protected]

MICHIGAN

Detroit Commissioner

Stu Alderman

17150 Waterloo

Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

Work: (313) 885-4600

Cell: (586) 242-9873

Email:

[email protected]

Michigan Commissioner

Darrin Duistermars

353 N 120th Avenue

Holland, MI 49422

Work: (616) 395-0178

Cell: (616) 218-1861

Email: [email protected]

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis Commissioner

Scott Gagnon

2117 W River Rd

N. Minneapolis, MN 55411

Work: (612) 230-6487

Cell: (763) 226-4002

Email:

[email protected]

Minnesota Commissioner

Dan Pfeffer

877 Meander Ct

Medina, MN 55340

Work: (769) 399-8105

Cell: (952) 250-3393

Email: [email protected]

USA SOFTBALL COMMISSIONERS BY STATE

PLEASE VISIT ASSOCIATION WEB SITE

FOR COMPLETE STAFF LISTING

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi Commissioner

Davey Cole

167 Creekwood Cr

Saltillo, MS 38866

Cell: (662) 321-8528

Email:

[email protected]

MISSOURI

Kansas City Commissioner

Chuck Hawke

4525 West 140th Street

Leawood, KS 66213

Cell: (816) 942-4938

Email: [email protected]

Missouri Commissioner

Kristy Rich

524 Home Drive

St. James, MO 65559

Work: (573) 265-2267

Cell: (573) 465-5819

Email:

[email protected]

St. Louis Commissioner

Ron Taylor

1117 Holly Springs Trail

St. Peters, MO 63376

Cell: (314) 429-7577

Email:

[email protected]

MONTANA

Montana Commissioner

Jim Pellegrini

2 Rebecca Court

Helena, MT 59601

Home: (406) 443-4431

Cell: (406) 461-5641

Email: [email protected]

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Commissioner

Joe Patterson

4103 Osborne Dr East

Hastings, NE 68901

Work: (402) 462-7100

Cell: (402) 984-2219

Email:

[email protected]

NEVADA

Nevada Commissioner

Andy Williams

867 N. Lamb Blvd., #153

Las Vegas, NV 89110

Cell: (602) 292-0176

Email: [email protected]

NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire Commissioner

Dan Boyce

290 Vinton Street

Manchester, NH 03103

Work: (603) 666-0530

Email: [email protected]

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey Commissioner

Michael Warner

609 Dover Chase Blvd

Toms River, NJ 08755

Cell: (848) 210-0634

Email: [email protected]

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico Commissioner

Darrell Chancey

1012 Sandia Dr.

Clovis, NM 88101

Cell: (575) 760-7734

Email: [email protected]

NEW YORK

New York Commissioner

Michael Warner

609 Dover Chase Blvd

Toms River, NJ 08755

Cell: (848) 210-0634

Email: [email protected]

New York City Commissioner

Michael Warner

609 Dover Chase Blvd.

Toms River, NJ 08755

Cell: (848) 210-0634

Email: [email protected]

NORTH CAROLINA

The Carolinas Commissioner

Tim Doby

1391 Old Glendon Rd.

Carthage, NC 28327

Cell: (910) 690-3556

Email: tdoby@usasoftballofth-

ecarolinas.com

NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota Commissioner

Dick Gulmon

883 Chautauqua Blvd.

Valley City, ND 58072

Cell: (701) 490-0078

Email: [email protected]

OHIO

Ohio Commissioner

Warren Jones

810 Township Rd 1504

Ashland, OH 44805

Cell: (419) 651-3335

Email: wjonesjr3@frontier.com

USA SOFTBALL COMMISSIONERS BY STATE

PLEASE VISIT ASSOCIATION WEB SITE

FOR COMPLETE STAFF LISTING

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Commissioner

Mike Thomas

229 Campbell

Ardmore, OK 73401

Cell: (580) 222-0502

Email: [email protected]

OREGON

Oregon Commissioner

Dave Adelhart

975 Yale Ave.

Gladstone, OR 97027

Cell: (503) 504-9005

Email:

[email protected]

Portland Commissioner

Dan Bennett

34751 SE Kelso Rd

Boring, OR 97009

Cell: (971) 242-9988

Email: [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Commissioner

Jeff Sell

Email: [email protected]

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island Commissioner

Beverly Wiley

36 Paine Rd

Foster, RI 02825

Work: (401) 921-9623

Cell: (401) 573-5335

Email:

beverly[email protected]

SOUTH CAROLINA

The Carolinas Commissioner

Tim Doby

1391 Old Glendon Rd.

Carthage, NC 28327

Cell: (910) 690-3556

Email: tdoby@usasoftballofth-

ecarolinas.com

SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota Commissioner

Gary Young

1515 W Kemp Ave

Watertown, SD 57201

Cell: (605) 956-1091

Email:

[email protected]

TENNESSEE

Tennessee Commissioner

Dan Adkins

Email:

Danny.Adkins@ocorp.com

TEXAS

Dallas/Fort Worth Commis-

sioner

Dave Devine

2005 Westminster

Irving, TX 75039

Work: (214) 620-0415

Cell: (972) 845-1038

Email: dave@usasoftballdfw.org

Houston Commissioner

Stoney Burke

14210 Prospect Point Dr

Cypress, TX 77429

Cell: (281) 723-3033

Email:

[email protected]

Texas Commissioner

Rodney Cobb

102 Wonder World Dr. #304-604

San Marcos, TX 78666

Cell: (512) 738-7610

Email:

[email protected]

UTAH

Utah Commissioner

Steve Rollins

443 S. 725 East

Layton, UT 84041

Res: (801) 546-2810

Cell: (801) 725-3664

Email: [email protected]

VERMONT

Commissioner

Wayne Straiton

43 Hill St

Barre, VT 05641

Home: (802) 249-1668

Email:

[email protected]

VIRGINIA

Central Virginia Commissioner

John McPhail

5818 Fieldview Dr

Roanoke, VA 24019

Cell: (540) 400-1356

Email:

usasoftballofcentralva@gmail.

com

Piedmont Virginia Commis-

sioner

Andy Dooley

7938 W Lynchburg Salem Tpke

Thaxton, VA 24174

Cell: (540) 330-9635

Email: [email protected]

USA SOFTBALL COMMISSIONERS BY STATE

PLEASE VISIT ASSOCIATION WEB SITE

FOR COMPLETE STAFF LISTING

WASHINGTON

Seattle Commissioner

Jim Donner

2303 N 194th St.

Shoreline, WA 98133

Cell: (206) 854-1181

Email: [email protected]

Washington Commissioner

Rick Hansen

14404 NE 5th Ct

Vancouver, WA 98685

Home: (360) 573-1708

Cell: (360) 609-4381

Email: [email protected]

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia Commissioner

Matt Stoddard

6812 Hwy 47 West

Coxs Mills, WV 26342

Work: (304) 804-2027

Cell: (304) 288-3351

Email: [email protected]

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin Commissioner

TBD

WYOMING

Wyoming Commissioner

Rebecca Pexton

Email: [email protected]

The BEST Play USA Softball!

Annually, USA Softball conducts over 100 National Championships in

each of its major disciplines of the sport – slow pitch, fast pitch and

modied pitch.

The road to USA Softball National Championships begins at the local

level through each of USA Softball’s state and metro associations.

Whether it’s a league or state championship or a series of qualifying

tournaments – each association determines how berths are allocated

for teams within their associations.

Map out your road to a USA Softball National Championship today!

Contact your state/metro association Commissioner today to see how

your team can participate at a USA Softball National Championship!

To nd a list of National Championships, please visit

USASoftball.com and click "Tournaments & National Championships"

on the main navigation menu.

Is your softball equipment approved for USA Softball Championship

play? For a complete updated listing of USA Softball Certied

Equipment, please visit USASoftball.com!

RULE REFERENCES FOR 2024

3-6 Uniform

3-6A[2] Equipment

4-8B Disqualiedor

Ejected

Participants

6A-6A Foreign

Substance/

Protective Wraps

6B-6A Foreign

Substance/

Protective Wraps

8-2K The Batter-

Runner is Out

8-9A[1] AdultSlowPitch

8-9A[2&7] AdultSlowPitch

Changestherequirementforlistedclassications

ofSlowPitchfrommatchingshirtstoshirtsthat

aresimilarincolor.AddsWomen’sandCoedE/

Rec.

Speciesthathead/sweatbands,bothpullover

andtiedareoptionsforplayers.Alsoaddspink

asanapprovedcolorforheadwear.

Addsaonegamesuspensionforanyparticipant

orgamepersonnelejectedfromacontest.

Addsanadditionalpenaltyforadefensiveplayer

that continues to place a foreign substance on

the ball in Fast Pitch.

Addsanadditionalpenaltyforadefensiveplayer

that continues to place a foreign substance on

theballinModiedPitch.

Speciesthatifanineldyisruled,theineld

yhasprecedenceoveranintentionallydropped

ball.

Changeswhenacourtesyrunnerisociallyin

the game.

Allowsforanadditionalcourtesyrunnerforthe

pitcheranytimetheyareonbase.

106

2024 PLAYING RULES

PLAYING RULES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rule 1-Definitions ..........................................................................16

Rule 2-The Playing Field ...............................................................24

Rule 3-Equipment ..........................................................................30

Rule 4-Players and Substitutes .....................................................42

Rule 5-The Game ..........................................................................56

Rule 6-Pitching Regulations (Fast Pitch) .......................................62

Rule 6-Pitching Regulations (Modified Pitch) ................................67

Rule 6-Pitching Regulations (Slow Pitch) ......................................72

Rule 6-Pitching Regulations (16-Inch Slow Pitch) .........................76

Rule 7-Batting ................................................................................80

Rule 8-Batter-Runner and Runner.................................................88

Rule 9-Protests ............................................................................110

Rule 10-Umpires..........................................................................112

Rule 11-Scoring ...........................................................................114

Rule 12-Use of USA Softball Playing Rules ................................119

Rules Supplement .......................................................................122

Playing Rules and Rules Supplement Index ...............................152

“Permission to reprint THE OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES has been granted by

USA Softball Inc.(USA Softball).”

If and/or when the USA Softball Rules and USA Softball Procedural Code conict

the USA Softball Procedural Code will override playing rules.

Where (Fast Pitch) is shown, Modied Pitch rules are followed the same as fast

pitch with the exception of the pitching rule. Where (Slow Pitch) is shown, 16”

Slow Pitch rules are followed the same as slow pitch with the exception of the

pitching rule.

The words “Junior Olympic” or the initials “JO” refer to youth softball.

New rules and/or changes are in bold letters in each shaded section. Housekeep-

ing changes are shaded, but not bold.

Read the “Rules Supplement” at the end of the rules to clarify various selected

rules.

PREAMBLE TO THE RULES.

WARNING, DISCLOSURE AND DISCLAIMER

One of the primary purposes of USA Softball’s Ofcial Playing Rules (including

its Equipment Standards) and USA Softball’s Code is to promote competitive bal-

ance and to preserve the integrity of the sport of amateur softball. USA Softball’s

Ofcial Playing Rules and Code should not be considered a guarantee that

participants, spectators or others will be safe or free from injury or harm. There

are risks and dangers incidental to the game of softball, including specically (but

not limited to) the danger of being injured by thrown bats, thrown balls, batted

balls or other objects. Softball poses a risk to its participants, spectators and

other persons at or near USA Softball events or practices. Softball is a vigorous

team sport at times involving severe cardiovascular stress and violent physical

contact. Softball involves certain risk, including but not limited to death, serious

neck and spinal injuries resulting in complete or partial paralysis, brain damage

and serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, muscles and internal organs, and

equipment provided for the protection of the participants may be inadequate to

prevent serious injury. It is further disclosed that softball involves a particularly

high risk of ankle, knee, head, and neck injury. In addition, participation in USA

Softball events may involve activities incidental thereto, including but not limited

to, travel to and from the site activity, participation at sites that may be remote

from available medical assistance, and possible reckless conduct of other partici-

pants. Participants engaging in softball and activities incidental to softball do so

with knowledge of the danger involved and agree to accept any and all inher-

ent risks of property damage, personal injury, or death. Parents, family, guests,

participants and spectators assume all risk and danger of personal injury, losses,

damages to person or property and all hazards arising from, incidental to or

related in any way to the game of softball.

DISCLAIMER: USA Softball Inc. (“USA Softball”), its ofcials, agents, EMPLOY-

EES, SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, contractors, LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND

AFFILIATES are not responsible for ANY INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) OR

LOSS OF PROPERTY TO ANY PERSON SUFFERED WHILE WATCHING,

PLAYING, PRACTICING, OR IN ANY OTHER WAY AT OR INVOLVED IN THE

GAME OF SOFTBALL FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING OR-

DINARY NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF USA SOFTBALL OR ITS AGENTS,

EMPLOYEES, SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, THE OWNERS AND LESSORS

OF THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHERS WHO ARE INVOLVED AND INCLUD-

ING THE RECKLESS CONDUCT OF OTHER PARTICIPANTS. USA Softball ex-

pressly disclaims any and all liability for any injury or property loss related in any

way to the game of softball. This warning, disclosure and disclaimer is intended

to be as broad and inclusive as permitted for applicable laws. If any portion is

held invalid the remainder of the warning, disclosure and disclaimer will continue

in full legal force and effect.

ALTERED BAT: Whenthephysicalstructureofalegalsoftballbathasbeenchanged.

APPEAL PLAY:Aplayoraruleviolationonwhichanumpiremaynotmakeadecision

untilrequestedbyamanager,coachorplayer.

BALL COMPRESSION:Theloadforce,inpounds,requiredtocompressasoftball

0.250incheswhenmeasuredinaccordancewiththeASTMtestmethodformeasuring

compression-displacementofsoftballs.

BALL COR:Thecoecientofrestitutionofasoftballwhenmeasuredinaccordancewith

theASTMtestmethodformeasuringcoecientofrestitutionofsoftballs.

BASE ON BALLS:Permitsabattertogainrstbasewhenfourpitchesarejudgedto

beoutofthestrikezone.

BASE LINE:Animaginarylinedirectlybetweenbases.

BASE PATH:Alinedirectlybetweenabaseandtherunner’spositionatthetimea

defensiveplayerisattemptingtotagthatrunner.

BATTED BALL:Anypitchedballthathitsthebatorishitbythebatandlandsor is

touchedeitherinfairterritoryorfoulterritory.

BATTER’S BOX:Theareatowhichthebatterisrestrictedwhenbatting.

BATTER-RUNNER:Aplayerwhohascompletedaturnatbatbuthasnotyetbeenput

outorreachedrstbase.

BATTING ORDER:Theociallistingofoensiveplayersintheorderinwhichtheybat.

BLOCKED BALL:Abatted,pitchedorthrownballthatistouched,stoppedorhandled

byapersonnotengagedinthegame,orwhichtoucheslooseequipmentoranyobject

thatisnotpartoftheocialequipmentorocialplayingarea.

BLOOD RULE:Referstoaplayer,coachorumpirewhoisbleedingorwhohasblood

ontheiruniformandtreatmentisrequired.

BUNT:Apitchedballthatisintentionallytappedwiththebat,slowly,withintheineld.

RULE 1 - DEFINITIONS

CATCH/NO CATCH:

A. Acatchisalegallycaughtball,whichoccurswhentheeldercatchesabatted,

pitchedorthrownballwiththehand(s)orglove/mitt.

1 Toestablishavalidcatch,theeldershallholdtheballlongenoughtoprove

controlofitand/orthatthereleaseoftheballisvoluntary.

2 Iftheballismerelyheldintheelder’sarm(s)orpreventedfromdroppingtothe

groundbysomepartoftheelder’sbody,equipmentorclothing,thecatchis

notcompleteduntiltheballisinthegraspoftheelder’shand(s)orglove/mitt.

3 Theelder’sfeetmustbewithintheeldofplay,touchingthe“outofplay”line

orintheairafterleavingliveballterritoryinordertohaveavalidcatch.Aplayer

whois“outofplay”andreturnsmusthavebothfeettouchingliveballterritory

oronefoottouchingandtheotherintheair,forthecatchtobelegal.

B. It is not a catch:

1 Ifaelder,whilegainingcontrol,collideswithanotherplayer,umpireorafence,

orfallstothegroundanddropstheballasaresultofthecollisionorfallingto

theground.

2 Ifaballstrikesanythingotherthanadefensiveplayerwhileitisinightitisthe

sameasifitstrucktheground.

3 Whenaeldercatchesabattedorthrownballwithanythingotherthanthe

hand(s)orglove/mittinitsproperplace.

CATCH AND CARRY:Alegalcatchfollowedbyadefensiveplayercarryingtheball

intodeadballterritory.

CATCHER’S BOX:Theareatowhichthecatcherisrestrictedwhilecatching.Thecatcher

must remain in the box until:

A. (Fast Pitch)Thepitchisreleased.

B. (Slow Pitch)Thepitchedball:

1 Isbatted.

2 Touchestheground,plate,orbatter.

3 Reachesthecatcher’sbox.

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY:WhenusedintheUSASoftballPlayingRules,theterm

“ChampionshipPlay”shallhavethesamemeaningasisassignedtosuchtermbythe

USASoftballCode.

CHARGED CONFERENCE:Whenateamrepresentativerequestsasuspensionofplay

ordelaysthegameforthepurposeofdeliveringamessagetoanotherteammember,

unlessthepitcherisremovedfromthepitchingposition.

CHOPPED BALL: (Slow Pitch)Occurswhenthebatterstrikesdownwardwithachop-

ping motion of the bat.

COACH:Apersonwhooccupiesthecoach’sboxand/orassistsinthedirectionoftheir

teamrepresentativesontheeld.

COACH’S BOX:Theareainwhichthebasecoachisrestrictedtopriortotherelease

of the pitch.

COURTESY RUNNER:Anyplayerwhorunsforarunnerwithoutachargedsubstitution.

CROW HOP: (Fast Pitch)Theactofapitcherwhosteps,hopsordragsothefrontofthe

pitcher’splate,replantsthepivotfoot,therebyestablishingasecondimpetus,orstarting

point,pushesofromthenewlyestablishedstartingpointandcompletesthedelivery.

DEAD BALL:Aballthatisnotinplay.

DEFENSIVE TEAM:Theteamintheeld.

DESIGNATED PLAYER (DP): (Fast Pitch)Theplayerwhoisinitiallyontheline-upcard

intheteam’sbattingorderbutnotinthedefensiveline-up.

DISLODGED BASE:Abasedisplacedfromitsproperposition.

DISQUALIFIED PLAYER:Aplayerremovedfromthegameforaruleviolation.

DOUBLE PLAY:Aplayinwhichtwooensiveplayersarelegallyputoutasaresultof

continuous action.

DUGOUT/TEAM AREA:Anout-of-playareadesignatedforplayersandteamrepre-

sentatives.

EJECTED PARTICIPANT:Ateamrepresentativeremovedfromthegamebytheumpire,

usuallyforanunsportsmanlikeactorconduct.

EXTRA PLAYER (EP): (Slow Pitch and Junior Olympic Fast Pitch) Anoptionalplayer(s)

in these games.

FAIR BALL:Alegallybattedballthat:

A. Settlesoristouchedonoroverfairterritorybetweenhomeandrstbaseorbetween

homeandthirdbase.

B. Boundsoverorpastrstorthirdbase,whichisinfairterritory,regardlessofwhere

the ball hits after going over the base.

C. Whileonoroverfairterritory,touchestheperson,attachedequipmentorclothing

ofaplayeroranumpire.

D. Whileoverfairterritory,anoensiveplayerinterfereswithadefensiveplayerat-

temptingtoeldabattedball.

E. Touchesrst,secondorthirdbase.

F.  Firstfallsorisrsttouchedonoroverfairterritorybeyondrst,secondorthirdbase.

G. Whileoverfairterritory,leavestheplayingeldbeyondtheouteldfence.

H. Hits the foul pole.

FAIR TERRITORY:Thatpartoftheplayingeldwithin,andincluding,therstandthird

basefoullinesfromhomeplatetothebottomoftheplayingeldfenceandperpen-

dicularlyupwards.

FAKE TAG:Aformofobstructionbyaelderwhoattemptstotagarunnerwithoutthe

ballandtherebyimpedesarunneradvancingorreturningtoabase.

FIELDER:Anyplayeroftheteamintheeld.

FLEX:TheplayerwhoisinitiallylistedinthetenthspotorthelastspotinJOPlaywhen

battingmorethan9ontheline-upcard,andmayplayanydefensiveposition,andmay

enterthegameonoenseonlyintheDesignatedPlayer’s(DP)battingposition.

FLY BALL:Abattedball,fairorfoul,thatrisesintotheair.

FORCE OUT:Anoutwhichmaybemadeonlywhenarunnerlosestherighttothebase

thattherunnerisoccupyingbecausethebatterbecomesabatter-runner,andbefore

the batter-runner or a trailing runner has been put out.

FOUL BALL:Abattedballthat:

A. Settlesoristouched(notcaught)onoroverfoulterritorybetweenhomeandrst

baseorbetweenhomeandthirdbase.

B. Boundsorrollspastrstorthirdbaseonoroverfoulterritory.

C. Whileoverfoulterritory,touchestheperson,attachedordetachedequipmentor

clothingofaplayeroranumpire,oranyobjectforeigntothenaturalground.

D. Whileoverfoulterritory,anoensiveplayerinterfereswithadefensiveplayerat-

temptingtoeldabattedball.

E. Firsthitsthegroundoverfoulterritorybeyondrstorthirdbase.

F.  Touchesthebatterorthebatinthebatter’shand(s)asecondtimewhilethebatter

iswithinthebatter’sbox.

G. Goesdirectlyfromthebattoanypartofthecatcher’sbodyorequipmentandis

caughtbyanotherelder.

H. Hitsthepitcher’splateandrollsuntouchedtofoulterritorybeforereachingrstor

thirdbase.

FOUL TIP:Abattedballthatgoessharplyanddirectlyfromthebattothecatcher’s

hand(s)orglove/mittandislegallycaughtbythecatcher.

HOME TEAM:Theteamthatstartsthegameondefense.

ILLEGAL BAT:Abatthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsofanocialbatorwarm-upbat.

ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL:Occurswhenthebatterhitstheballfairorfouland:

A. Atthetimethebatmakescontactwiththeball,theentirefootiscompletelyoutside

thelinesofthebatter’sboxandontheground.

B. Atthetimethebatmakescontactwiththeball,anypartofthefootistouchinghome

plate.

C. Anillegal,alteredornon-approvedbatisused.

D. Atthetimethebatmakescontactwiththeball,thebatter’sentirefoothascontacted

thegroundoutofthebatter’sboxandreturnedtohittheballwhileinsidethebox.

ILLEGAL PLAYER:Aplayerwhotakesapositionintheline-up,eitheronoenseor

defense,whodoesnothavealegalrighttothatposition.

IN FLIGHT:Thetermusedforanybatted,thrownorpitchedballwhichhasnotyet

touchedthegroundorsomeobjectorpersonotherthanaelder.

IN JEOPARDY:Atermindicatingthattheballisinplayandanoensiveplayermay

be put out.

INELIGIBLE PLAYER:AplayerwhodoesnotmeettherequirementsoftheUSASoftball

Code.

INFIELD:Thatportionoftheeldinfairterritorythatincludesareasnormallycovered

byinelders.

INFIELDER:Aelderwhodefendstheareaoftheeldaroundrst,second,thirdor

shortstop areas.

INFIELD FLY:Afairyball,notincludingalinedriveoranattemptedbunt,whichcan

becaughtbyaninelder,pitcherorcatcherwithordinaryeortwhenrstandsecond

orrst,secondandthirdbasesareoccupiedwithlessthantwoouts.

INNING:Thatportionofagamewithinwhichtheteamsalternateonoenseanddefense

andinwhichtherearethreeoutsforeachteam.Anewinningorhalf inning begins im-

mediatelyafterthenaloutofthepreviousinningorhalfinning.

INTERFERENCE:Theactofanoensiveplayerorteammember,umpireorspectator

thatimpedes,hinders,orconfusesadefensiveplayerattemptingtoexecuteaplay.

Contactisnotnecessary.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC PLAYER:AnyplayereligibletoparticipateintheJuniorOlympic

program.IfJuniorOlympicplayersplayonanadultteam,itisconsideredplayinginan

adultleagueandadultruleswillbeineect.

Warning: If a Junior Olympic player elects to play on an adult team and be subject to

adult rules, players may be subject to a heightened risk of injury because of: (A) a potential

disparity in the skill level, weight and size of players; and/or (B) adult rules not mandating

certain requirements or protective equipment.

LEAPING: (Fast Pitch)Anactbythepitcherwhenbothfeetbecomeairborneonthe

initialmoveandpushfromthepitcher’splate.

LINE DRIVE:Abattedballthattravelsparallelornearthegroundthroughmostofitsight.

LINE–UP CARD:Theocialdocumentlistingstartingplayersandsubstitutesofa

given team.

MANAGER: The team representative that must have control of their team at all times

onandotheeld.

NON-APPROVED BAT:AbatthatdoesnotmeetUSASoftballspecicationsorisonthe

currentUSASoftballnon-approvedbatlistwithUSASoftballCerticationMarks.

OBSTRUCTION:Theactofadefensiveteammember:

A. Whohindersorimpedesabatterfromstrikingatorhittingapitchedball.

B. Whoimpedestheprogressofarunnerorbatter-runnerwhoislegallyrunningthe

basesunlesstheelderis:

1 in possession of the ball.

2 intheactofeldingabattedball.

Note: Contact is not necessary to impede the progress of the batter-runner or

a runner.

OFFENSIVE TEAM: The team at bat.

ON-DECK BATTER:Theoensiveplayerwhoisscheduledtobatnext.

ON-DECK CIRCLE:Theareanearesttheoensiveteam’sdugoutinwhichthenext

batterisrestrictedtobeforethereleaseofthepitch.

OUTFIELD:Thatportionofthefieldinfairterritorywhichisnormallycoveredby

outelders.

OUTFIELDER:Afielderwhodefendstheareaofthefieldthattheleft,left-center,

right-center,andrighteldersnormallyplay.

OVER SLIDE:Theactofanoensiveplayerwhen,asarunner,slidesbeyondorloses

contactwithabasetheplayerisattemptingtoreach.

OVERTHROW:Athrownballfromaelderthatgoes:

A. Beyondtheboundarylinesoftheplayingeld(deadballterritory),or

B. Becomesablockedball.

PARTICIPANT:Astartingplayer,substitute,manager,coachorotherteamrepresentative

locatedinthedugout,teamareaorplayingeld.

PASSED BALL:Alegallydeliveredpitchthatshouldhavebeenheldorcontrolledby

thecatcherwithordinaryeort.

PIVOT FOOT: Thefootwhich:

A. (Fast Pitch) mustremainincontactwiththepitcher’splatepriortopushingo.

B. (Slow Pitch) thepitchermustkeepincontactwiththepitcher’splateuntiltheball

 isreleased.

PLAY:Anattemptbyadefensiveplayertoretireanoensiveplayer.Apitchisnotcon-

sideredaplayexceptasitrelatestoanappeal.

PLAY BALL:Thetermusedbytheplateumpiretoindicatethatplayshallstart.

PROTEST:Aformalrequesttoreviewthedecisionofanumpire’sruleinterpretation.

QUICK PITCH:Apitchmadewiththeobviousattempttocatchthebatterobalance.

RUNNER:Anoensiveplayerwhohasreachedrstbaseandhasnotyetbeenputout

orscored.

SACRIFICE FLY:Scoredwhen,withfewerthantwoouts,thebatterscoresarunner

withayballorlinedrivethatis:

A. Caught.

B. Droppedbyanyelderand,inthescorer’sjudgment,therunnercouldhavescored

afterthecatchhadtheyballorlinedrivebeencaught.

STARTING PLAYER:Aplayerlistedontheline-upcardthatisinspectedandapproved

bytheplateumpire.

STEALING:Theactofarunnerattemptingtoadvanceduringapitch:

A. (Men's Adult and Women's Slow Pitch with stealing, Men's 21U and Junior

Olympic Boys 18U Slow Pitch) Runnerscanadvanceoncethepitchedballreaches

thefrontedgeofhomeplate.

B. (Fast Pitch) Runnerscanadvanceoncethepitchedballleavesthepitcher’shand.

STRIKE MAT:Amat24incheslongwithaVshapedcutoutwiththeedges12inches

longtottightwiththepointofhomeplate.

STRIKE ZONE:Thatspaceoveranypartofhomeplate,whenabatterassumesanatural

battingstanceadjacenttohomeplate:

A. (Fast Pitch)Betweenthebatter’sarmpitsandthetopoftheknees.

B. (Slow Pitch)Betweenthebatter’sbackshoulderandthefrontknee.

C. (Seniors Slow Pitch)Arectangle17”x32.5”matisusedwhichincludestheplate

andtheplateextension.Anylegallypitchedballnotswungatthatlandsonanypart

oftheplateormatwillberuledastrike.Theshouldertothekneestrikezonehas

beeneliminated.

SUBSTITUTE:Anymemberofateam’srosterwhoisnotlistedasastartingplayer,ora

playerwholeavesandre-entersthegame.

TAG:Alegaltagistheactofadefensiveplayer:

A. Touchingabasewithanypartofthebodywhileholdingtheballsecurelyandrmly

inthehandorgloveor:

B. Touchingtherunnerorbatter-runnerwiththeballwhilesecurelyheldinthehandor

glove.

TIME:Thetermusedbytheumpiretosuspendplay.

TRIPLE PLAY:Aplaybythedefenseinwhichthreeoensiveplayersarelegallyputout

as a result of continuous action.

TURN AT BAT:Whenaplayerrstentersthebatter’sboxandcontinuesuntiltheplayer

issubstitutedfor,putout,orbecomesabatter-runner.

WILD PITCH:Alegallydeliveredpitchthatthecatchercannotcatchorstopandcontrol

withordinaryeort.

RULE 2 - PLAYING FIELD

SECTION 1 - THE PLAYING FIELD

Theplayingeldistheareawithinwhichtheballmaybelegallyplayedandelded.There

shallbeaclearandunobstructedareabetweenthefoullinesandwithintheradiusof

theprescribedfencedistancesfromhomeplate.

OFFICIAL DISTANCE TABLE

Adult Division Bases Pitching Min. Fence Max. Fence

Fast Women 60’ 43’ 200’ 250’

Pitch Men 60’ 46’ 225’ 275’

Mod. Women 60’ 43’ 200’ 275’

Pitch Men 60’ 46’ 265’ 325’

Slow Women 70’ 50’ 265’ 300’

Pitch Men 70’ 50’ 300’ 325’

Senior 70’ 50’ 300’ 315’

Coed 70’ 50’ 275’ 300’

16-In. Women 55’ 38’ 200’ 250’

Pitch Men 60’ 38’ 250’ 300’

Youth Division Bases Pitching Min. Fence Max. Fence

Fast G10-U-A/B 60’ 35’ 175’ 225’

Pitch G12-U-A/B 60’ 40’ 200’ 225’

G14-U-A/B 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

G16-U-A/B 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

G16-U Gold 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

G18-U-A/B 60’ 43‘ 200’ 225’

G18-U Gold 60’ 43’ 200’ 225’

B10-U 60’ 35’ 175’ 225’

B12-U 60’ 40’ 200’ 225’

B14-U 60’ 46’ 200’ 225’

B16-U 60’ 46’ 200’ 225’

B18-U 60’ 46’ 225’ 250’

Slow G10-U 60’ 40’ 175’ 200’

Pitch G12-U 60’ 46’ 175’ 200’

G14-U 65’ 50’ 225’ 250’

G16-U 65’ 50’ 225’ 250’

G18-U 65’ 50’ 225’ 250’

B10-U 60’ 40’ 200’ 225’

B12-U 60’ 46’ 225’ 250’

B14-U 65’ 50’ 275’ 300’

B16-U 65’ 50’ 275’ 300’

B18-U 65’ 50’ 275’ 300’

Note:CEOwillestablishthebaseandfencedistanceforMen'sSuperSlowPitch

Championship.

Note: In Junior Olympic Fast Pitch 8 - Under, the region hosting the Regional Champion-

ship Finals will establish the base, pitching, and fence distance as well as other sections

of the USA Softball Playing Rules.

Ifthebasedistancesorthepitchingdistanceisfoundtobeatthewrongdimensions

duringthecourseofthegame,correcttheerror,withnopenalty,andcontinueplaying

thegame.Everyeortshouldbemadebytheumpiretoobtainthecorrect

dimensions.

SECTION 2 - GROUNDS

Groundorspecialrulesestablishingthelimitsoftheplayingeldmaybeestablished

bytournamentocials.Anyobstructiononfairgroundlessthantheprescribedfence

distancesfromhomeplateshouldbeclearlymarkedfortheumpire’sinformation.If

usingabaseballeld,themoundshouldberemovedandthebackstopdistancesmust

meetthoseprescribed(minimumof25feetoramaximumof30feetfromhomeplate).

SECTION 3 - LAYOUT

Forthelayoutofthediamond,refertothedrawingshowingtheocialdimensionsfor

asoftballdiamond.Thissectionservesasanexampleforlayingoutadiamondwith

60-footbasesanda46-footpitchingdistance.Todeterminethepositionofhomeplate,

drawalineinthedirectiondesiredtolayoutthediamond.Driveastakeatthecornerof

homeplatenearestthecatcher.Fastenacordtothisstakeandtieknots,orotherwise,

markthecord,at46feet,60feet,84feet101/4inches,andat120feet.Placethecord

(withoutstretching)alongthedirectionlineandplaceastakeatthe46-footmarker.

Thiswillbethefrontlineatthemiddleofthepitcher’splate.Alongthesameline,drive

astakeatthe84-foot101/4-inchmarker.Thiswillbethecenterofsecondbase.Place

the120-footmarkeratthecenterofsecondbaseand,takingholdofthecordatthe60-

footmarker,walktotherightofthedirectionlineuntilthecordistautanddriveastake

atthe60-footmarker.Thiswillbetheoutsidecornerofrstbaseandthecordwillnow

formthelinestorstandsecondbases.Again,holdingthecordatthe60-footmarker,

walkacrosstheeldand,inalikemanner,marktheoutsidecornerofthirdbase.Home

plate,rstbase,andthirdbasearewhollyinsidethediamond.Tocheckthediamond,

placethehomeplateendofthecordattherstbasestakeandthe120-footmarker

atthirdbase.The60-footmarkershouldnowcheckathomeplateandthemiddleof

secondbase.Inthelayoutofa65-footbasepathdiamond,followthesameprocedure

withthefollowingsubstitutedimensions:65foot,130foot,and91feet11inches.Check

alldistanceswithasteeltapewheneverpossible.

A. Thethree-footlineisdrawninfoulterritoryparalleltoandthreefeetfromthebaseline,

startingatapointhalfwaybetweenhomeplateandrstbase.

B. Thebatter’son-deckcircleisave-footcircle(21/2-footradius)placedadjacentto

theendoftheplayer’sbenchordugoutareaclosesttohomeplate.

C. Thereshallbebatter’sboxes,oneoneachsideofhomeplate.Thefrontlineofthe

boxwillbedrawnfromthecenterofhomeplate.Theinsidelinesofthebatter’sbox

shall be six inches from home plate.

BATTER’S BOX TABLE:

Fast,Modied&SlowPitch:  3’Wx7’L

16”SlowPitch    4’Wx8’L

D. Thecatcher’sboxshallbeaswideasthetwobatter’sboxesfromoutsidelineto

outsideline,8’5”forFastPitchandSlowPitchand10’5”feetwidefor16”Slow

Pitch.Thelengthofthecatcher'sboxwillbesevenfeetlonginFastPitchand10

feetlonginallSlowPitch.

E. Eachcoach’sboxisbehindaline15feetlongdrawnoutsidethediamond.Theline

isparalleltoandeightfeetfromtherstandthirdbaseline,extendedfromthebases

towardhomeplate.

F.  Thepitcher’splateshallbeofrubberorwood,24incheslongandsixincheswide.

Thetopoftheplateshallbelevelwiththeground.Thefrontofthepitcher’splateshall

betheprescribedpitchingdistancesfromthebackpointofhomeplate.Itshallbe

permanentlyattachedtothegroundatdistancesindicatedinRule2,Section1.(Fast

Pitch)Thereshallbea16-footcircle,eightfeetinradius,drawnfromthecenterof

thepitcher’splate.Thelinesdrawnaroundthepitcher’splateareconsideredinside

the circle.

G. Homeplateshallbemadeofrubberorothersuitablematerial.Itshallbeave-sided

gure,17incheswideacrosstheedgefacingthepitcher’splate.Thesidesshall

beparalleltotheinsidelinesofthebatter’sboxandshallbe81/2incheslong.The

sidesofthepointfacingthecatchershallbe12incheslong.

 (SeniorSlowPitch)Thesecondhomeplateshallbeplacedeightfeetfromtheback

tipofhomeplateonanextendedlinefromrstbase.Alineshallbedrawnfrom

thirdbasetothesecondhomeplate.

H. Thebases,otherthanhomeplate,shallbe15inchessquare,bemadeofcanvasor

othersuitablematerialandnotmorethanveinchesinthickness.Thedoublebase

shallbeusedatrstbase,inalldivisionsofplay.Thisbaseis15by30inchesand

bothsidesofthedoublebase,whiteandcontrastingcolor,shallbeequalinheight

(5"max).Halfthebaseiswhite(overfairterritory)andhalfisofcontrastingcolor

(overfoulterritory).Thebasesshouldbeproperlyfastenedinposition.

I. TheouteldfenceheightforLocalAssociation,Regional,NationalChampionships,

NationalChampionshipFinalsandtheUSASoftballChampionshipsmustbeatleast

fourfeethigh(atleastthreefeethighifusingtemporaryfencing)anditissuggested

that it be eight feet in height.

J. LocalAssociation,Regional,andNationalChampionshipFinalplay;theminimum

lightingguidelinescanbefoundatwww.USASoftball.com.

DIMENSION TABLE

Area Dimensions

Backstop 25’ minimum and 30’ maximum from home plate.

Bases 15” square.

Base (Double) 15” X 30” of white/contrasting color.

a) FP/MP Home Plate to rst/third 60’ from the back point of home plate to the back of the base.

b) SP Home Plate to rst/third 70’ from the back point of home plate to the back of the base.

c) 16” SP Men / Women 60’/55’ from the back point of home plate to the back of the base.

Batter’s Box FP/MP/SP 6” from home plate, 3 feet wide by 7 feet long: 4 feet in front of a line

drawn through the center of home plate.

Batter’s Box 16” SP 6” from home plate, 4 feet wide by 8 feet long: 4 feet in front of a line

drawn through the center of home plate.

Catcher’s Box 10’ in length in Slow Pitch and

7’ in Fast Pitch from rear outside

corner of batter’s box and 8’ 5” wide in FP and SP and 10’ 5” in

16” SP.

Coaches Box 8’ from the rst and third base line, 15’ long by 3’ wide.

Home Plate 17” wide, sides parallel to the batter’s box line and are 8 ½” long,

sides of the point facing the catcher are 12” long. The width of the black

edge is ¾”.

On-Deck Circle 5’ in diameter and 2’ 6" radius.

Pitcher’s Circle 8’ radius drawn from the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.

Pitcher’s Plate 24” long and 6" wide.

Three-foot lane Halfway line drawn in foul territory parallel to and 3’ from the rst base

foul line. It starts halfway from home plate and goes to the back edge of

rst base.

Skinned Ineld Use front center of the 46’ pitcher’s plate as the center point of arc.

55’ radius is recommended with 55’ bases.

60’ radius is recommended with 60’ bases.

65’ radius is recommended with 65’ bases.

70’ radius is recommended with 70’ bases.

65-Foot

Diamond

70-Foot

Diamond

91'11" 98'1115/16"

55-Foot

Diamond

77'91/4"

60'

15'

60'

8'Radius

2'6"

Radius

2'6"

Radius

On-Deck

Circle

Refer to Home

Plate Detail

Refer to Distance Table

Halfway

BENCH

FIELD DIMENSIONS

(Forbasedistances,pitching

distancesandfencedistances,

seeRule2,Section1)

60'

15'

On-Deck

Circle

84'10¼"

COACHES BOX

2’6”

32½"

17"

8½"

BASE

HOMEPLATE

PITCHER'SPLATE

ON-DECKCIRCLE

HOMEPLATE

DETAILS

AND

CATCHER'S

BOX

24"

Skinned Ineld

Usefrontcenterofthe46’pitcher’splateasthe

center point of arc.

•

55’radiusisrecommendedwith55’bases.

•

60’radiusisrecommendedwith60’bases.

•

65’radiusisrecommendedwith65’bases.

•

70’radiusisrecommendedwith70’bases.

Backstopshouldbeaminimumof25'

oramaximumof30'fromhomeplate.

55'

65'

70'

60'

FIELD DIMENSIONS

15"

5"15"

8½"

10'SP

3'4'

10'5"16"SP

2'5"3'

4'16"SP

8'16"SP

3'FP

& SP

2'6"

24"

17" 6"6"

BATTER'S

BOX

16"Slow

Pitch

Extra1'

added

to the

backof

the box

12"

17"

SENIORS'STRIKEMAT

DIMENSIONS

FENCE

Refer to Distance Table

7'FP

PREAMBLE TO RULE 3: Rule 3 governs the equipment to be used in USA Softball

Championship Play. Equipment bearing USA Softball’s approved certication mark(s)

should not be construed as a warranty or guarantee that the equipment is safe or will

safeguard participants or spectators from injury. Instead, USA Softball’s certication

marks merely indicate that the equipment model has been tested and complies with

USA Softball’s rules for Championship Play. The primary purpose of Rule 3 and USA

Softball’s equipment standards is to promote competitive balance and to preserve the

integrity of the sport of amateur softball. The use of USA Softball approved equipment in

Championship Play or otherwise should not be considered a guarantee that participants,

spectators or others will be safe or free from injury or harm. There are risks and dangers

incidental to the game of softball including specically, but not limited to, the danger of

being injured by thrown bats, thrown balls, batted balls or other objects.

SECTION 1 - OFFICIAL BAT

A. CERTIFIED/APPROVED: TheocialbatforUSASoftballChampionshipPlaymust

meetalltheUSASoftballspecicationsandtherequirementsofRule3,Section1,

and:

1Theocialbatmadeupoftheknob,handle,grip,taper,barrelandendcap

shallbefreeofburs,dents,cracks,sharpedges,rattlesandshownosignsof

excessivewear.TheocialbatmaybemarkedOFFICIALSOFTBALLbythe

manufacturerandshallbenomorethan34incheslongnorexceed38ounces

inweight.Theocialbatshallnotbemorethan2.250inchesindiameteratits

largestpart,includinganytoleranceforexpansion.Theocialbatmustbear

theappropriatecerticationmarkasshownbelowandmustnotbelistedonthe

USASoftballNon-ApprovedBatListwithCerticationMarks.

AND

2mustbeincludedonalistofapprovedbatmodelspublishedbyUSASoftball.

3must,inthesoleopinionanddiscretionoftheumpire,havebeenmanufactured

priorto2000andiftested,wouldcomplywiththeUSASoftballBatPerformance

Standard.Thisincludeswoodenbats.

RULE 3 - EQUIPMENT

Allowedinallgames

AllowedinallSlowPitch,Men's

andJOBoysFastPitchand

Men'sModiedOnly

Exception: AnybatsbearingtheUSASoftball,USSSA,orWBSCCerticationmarks

andpassourFastPitchCompressiontestingthresholdsareallowedintheUSA

SoftballMen’sMajorandMen’sOpenFastPitchChampionships.

4 Barrel Compression Machine: A USA Softball approved barrel compres-

sion testing machine shall be used at all National Championship Finals.

The barrel compression testing shall be coordinated by the Tournament

Director and shall be conducted under the direction of the umpire staff or

their designees.

Exception: SeniorSoftballbatsmaybeusedinSeniorChampionshipPlayonly.

Exception: Men’s16-InchandSeniorSlowPitchNationalChampionshipFinals

B. SAFETY KNOB:Theknobshallhaveadiameterofatleast1.6incheswithnosharp

edges.Theknobwillbepermanentlyattachedtothebatandmaybecoveredwith

grip tape.

C. HANDLE:Theregionofthebatfromtheknob,notincludingtheknob,tothestart

ofthetaperwherethediameterincreases.Thehandlewillincludeagrip.

D. GRIP:Thehandleregionofthebatmusthaveagripmadeofcork,griptape,orother

syntheticmaterial.Nobaremetal,woodorcompositematerialmaybeexposedin

thisarea.Thegripshallnotbelessthan6”andnotmorethan15”fromtheknob.

Resin,pinetarorspraysubstancesarepermissibleonthegripregiononly.

E. TAPER: The transitionareabetweenthehandleandthebarrel.Thetapershallhavea

generallyconicalshape.Itstartswherethebarreldecreasesinsizeandendswhere

thehandlediameterbecomesconstant.

F. BARREL:Theregionofthebatfromthetapertotheendcap,notincludingtheend

cap.Thebarrelregionshallbesmoothandroundwithin0.050inchesindiameter.

G. END CAP:Thecapplacedatthebarrelendofthebat.Theendcapshallbeper-

manentlyaxedtothebattopreventalterationstotheinteriorofthebat.Itshallbe

axedsothatitcannotberemovedbyanyoneotherthanthemanufacturerwithout

damagingordestroyingtheendcaporbarrel.

H. ALTERED BAT: AUSASoftballOcialBat’scharacteristicsshallremainxedatthe

timeofmanufactureandmaynotbealteredinanywayotherthanspecicallypro-

videdforinRule3,Section1orasspecicallyapprovedbyUSASoftball.Approved

batsshallbeconsideredalterediftheyarerolled,shaved,repainted,weightedor

modiedtochangetheircharacteristicsfromthatproducedbythemanufacturer.

Identifyingthebatbymeansoflasermarking,engraving,orpaintingthenameor

numberoftheplayerwillnotmakethebatanalteredbat.

I. CONSTRUCTION: Theocialbatshallbeofone-piececonstruction,multi-piece

permanentlyassembledortwo-pieceinterchangeableconstruction.Ifthebatis

designedwithinterchangeablecomponentsitmustmeetthefollowingadditional

criteria:

1 Matingcomponentsmusthaveauniquelockingkeytopreventuncertied

equipmentcombinationsintheeld.

2 All component combinations must meet the one-piece bat rules.

3 Manufacturermustdemonstratethattheinterchangeablebatfailsinasafe

manner(i.e.visibledamagebeforelockingfeature(s)fail(s)).

4 Batcomponentsmustbedesignedinawaytopreventuncertied

equipment alterations.

Note: If the bat is not constructed of wood, and not made of one-piece construction

with the barrel end closed, the barrel end shall have a rubber or vinyl plastic or other

approved material insert, or end cap at the large end of the bat.

SECTION 2 - WARM-UP BAT

Thewarm-upbatshallmeetthefollowingrequirementstobeapproved:

A. Stampedwith1/4inchlettersWBoneitherendofthebatormarkedinone-inch

lettersthewordsWARM-UPBATonlyonthebarrelendofthebat.

B. Thewarm-upbatshallcomplywiththesafetygripandthesafetyknobrequirements

oftheocialbat.

C. Beofone-piececonstructionoraone-piecepermanentlyassembledbatthatclearly

distinguishesitselfasawarm-upbatandisapprovedbyUSASoftball.

D. Theknobshallhaveadiameterofatleast1.6incheswithnosharpedges.Theknob

willbepermanentlyattachedtothebatandmaybecoveredwithgriptape.

E. OnlyapprovedattachmentsincludedinthelistpublishedbyUSASoftballcanbe

usedonwarm-upbats.

SECTION 3 - OFFICIAL SOFTBALL

A. CERTIFIED/APPROVED:OnlysoftballswhichbearanASAorUSASoftball

approvedcerticationmarksignifyingcompliancewiththeBallCORandBall

Compressionlimitationsthenineect,andwhichsatisfyallotherapplicable

provisionsinRule3,Section3,willbeallowedforuseinUSASoftballPlay.USA

Softballhasdevelopedtwocerticationmarksforsoftballs.Onemarksignies

BallCompression300lbsorless.TheothersigniesBallCompressionofmore

 than275lbs,butlessthan375lbs.TheballmustnotappearontheUSASoftball

Non-ApprovedBallList.Themarkingsarealsodistinguishablebycolor,wheregreen

representsaBallCORof.520orunder,redrepresentsaBallCORof.470orunder,

blackrepresentsaBallCORof.440orunderandbluerepresentsaBallCORof

.400orunder.Oneofthefollowingmustbeappropriatelyandindeliblystampedon

eachsoftballallowedforuseinUSASoftballChampionshipPlay.

GreenColored

Marking&Stamp

Max 300.0 lbs

Max .520 cor

RedColoredMarking

& Stamp

Max 300.0 lbs

Max .470 cor

BlackColoredMarking

& Stamp

Max 300.0 lbs

Max .440 cor

BlueColoredMarking

& Stamp

Max 300.0 lbs

Max .400 cor

RedColoredMarking

& Stamp

275.0 - 375.0 lbs

Max .470 cor

BlackColored

Marking&Stamp

275.0 - 375.0 lbs

Max .440 cor

BlueColoredMarking

& Stamp

275.0 - 375.0 lbs

Max .400 cor