Softball has been played for over 120 years internationally. Slow-pitch softball has increased in popularity to the point to where now there are fully stocked leagues from Australia to Hawaii. Official slow-pitch softball rules keep games fair and help keep you safe on the field. various rules and regulations deal with potential on and off field issues.
On Field Rules
All games will last seven full innings with a few exceptions. If the home team is leading at the end of the top half of the seventh inning, the game will be over. If the game is tied at the end of seven innings the game will resume until one team has scored more runs than the other team at the end of an inning. If your team is leading by 20 runs after four innings, or 12 runs after five innings, your team will be awarded an immediate victory.
If you are a pitcher, you must pitch the ball at a moderate speed. The umpire is the judge of the speed of every pitch. You must arc the ball no more than 12 feet in the air, and no less than 6 feet off of the ground. During the pitch you must always keep your pivot foot on the pitcher's rubber.
If you are a batter, the moment that you hit a ball into fair territory you are considered a baserunner. If you are struck by the ball, or you are pitched four balls in a single at bat, you are awarded a walk.
In senior slow-pitch softball there are two home plates. The one that you stand next to while in the batter's box serves as a gauge for balls and strikes, and another sits back and behind the left side of batter's box that is used for scoring. This second plate helps avoid collisions at home plate.
Player and League Regulations
Every team can have 10 players, which includes one "extra" fielder on defense. Senior slow pitch allows up to 11 players. If you are taken out of the game, you may re-enter one time without penalty, but only if you remain in the same batting position in the lineup. If you are taken out again, you may not re-enter. Teams may play one fewer player.
If you are a coach you must be dressed in the same uniform as everyone on your team. You have to stay in the coach's box, or the dugout.
If you argue balls and strikes you may be ejected from the game. If you are ejected you must remain on the bench, and if your team still has enough players they will be allowed to play shorthanded.
Equipment Regulations
Any bat you use must be marked with "official softball" by the manufacturer. Your bat must be no longer than 34 inches long and can weigh no more than 38 ounces. The thickest part of your bat can be no more than 2.25 inches in diameter.
Softball sizes will vary from 11 inches to 16 inches depending on what team and division you play in.
Whether you're in the field, behind the plate or in the batter's box, you have the option of wearing a protective helmet whenever you like.
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