Softball is a popular sport that is played on a competitive and recreational basis. The game is governed by rules concerning the field, player equipment and the number of players used in a game. These rules need to be known by all players and coaches before they take the field in a competitive game.
Number of Players and Positions
In competitive softball, 10 players are on the field. The extra player is usually a fourth outfielder, but that is not a requirement of the rules. The extra player can be stationed anywhere in fair territory. All 10 players in the field are eligible to bat when three outs are recorded and the team comes in from the field. However, a designated hitter may be used for any one of the fielders. The designated hitter does not have to be used to bat for the pitcher, as is the case in baseball. The coach of a team may choose not to use a designated hitter if she wants all the fielders to bat. However, if the team starts a game without using a designated hitter, it cannot choose to use one later in the game.
Distances
The pitching rubber is 45 feet from home plate. The pitcher must stand on the pitching rubber as she prepares to deliver the pitch, and she must end up within the pitching circle when she finishes the pitch. All bases are 60 feet apart in competitive softball. Fences are not required on softball fields, but they should be a minimum of 200 feet from home plate down the foul lines and 225 feet to centerfield.
Protective Equipment
All batters must wear protective equipment when they come up to the plate. Hitters must wear protective plastic helmets that have coverings over both ears. These helmets must be worn in the on-deck circle, the batter's box and the base paths. All catchers must wear catcher's masks, chest protectors and shin guards. The catcher's mask must have a throat protector hanging from the bottom rung. All players who warm up pitchers prior to the start of an inning must wear a catcher's mask. Fielders and hitters may wear protective face masks, but they are optional.
Pitching Rules
Pitchers must deliver the ball to home plate while standing on the pitching rubber. The pitcher may take a windup prior to releasing her pitch, but after taking one rocker-step toward second base, all movements must be forward. The pitcher is only allowed to step directly toward home plate. If she steps to the side, the umpire will call an illegal pitch.
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