Softball is often sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and International Softball Federation. There are numerous rules of the game when playing softball. The rules are very similar to baseball rules.
Pitching
The pitcher is only allowed to throw the ball underhand towards home plate. Both of the pitcher's feet must remain on the rubber (the base on the pitcher's mound) before he throws the ball. The pitcher is only allowed to step forward one time while pitching. Before he throws the pitch, both hands must be on the ball, with the ball in his glove.
Batting
Batters must stay in the batter's box while the pitcher is pitching, but they may step out before the next pitch is thrown. The batter is called out if she does not stand in the batter's box, if she steps on home plate or if she hits the ball into an "out" situation. A player is out if she gets three strikes, if the ball is caught before hitting the ground, if she is tagged out by the ball or if the ball reaches first base before she does.
Gameplay
There are nine players on the softball field at once during a game. The field is divided between the infield and the outfield. The infield consists of the baseball diamond, which is the part of the field that houses the bases. The outfield is the grassy area that sits outside of the baseball diamond. Any ball hit outside the baselines--which are the lines that stretch from home plate to the outfield--is considered foul. Games last seven innings unless the teams are tied. An inning consists of both teams getting an opportunity to pitch and hit the ball.
Baserunning
When running the bases, players must touch each base in order (first, second, third, then home). They can overrun first base but can be tagged out if they overrun any other base. Base runners are not allowed to leave their base until the pitcher has thrown the ball. After a fly ball is caught, every runner must tag the base he started on before being permitted to run to the next base. Stealing bases is not permitted in softball, nor is a runner passing another runner. A runner is considered out if he is tagged with the ball, if he runs at least three feet outside of the base line or if the ball gets to his base before he does.
Field Dimensions
According to the NCAA's official softball rules, the distance between each base is 60 feet. The distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate is 43 feet. The distance from home plate to the backstop must be a minimum of 25 feet and a maximum of 30 feet. The warning track, or the dirt right in front of the outfield wall, must be ten feet in length. The area from the foul line to the dugout or crowd must be between 25 and 30 feet. The pitcher's mound has a radius of eight feet.
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