Softball is a competitive and recreational game played throughout the U.S. It is a game that requires players to have equipment to help them play the game and protective equipment that keeps them safe. The proper equipment is required by the rules before the players can take the field.
Function
Players need equipment to perform the basics of the game. To catch the ball, fielders need to wear gloves on their non-throwing hands. Catchers and first baseman may wear mitts while all other players wear gloves with fingers. Players who come to the plate must have bats to hit the ball. The size of the bats are determined by the age and skill level of the performers. Bats can be made of wood, aluminum or composite material. Players wear batting gloves to get a good grip on the bat and to protect the hands from developing callouses. Batting gloves are optional.
Footwear
Players are allowed to wear specialized baseball shoes -- commonly referred to as spikes -- when they play softball. The shoes have rubber or plastic spikes on the sole of the shoe that allow the player to run or move on the field without slipping or falling. The spikes provide traction and allow a player to change direction. The players are not allowed to use the spikes as a weapon when sliding into a base. Metal cleats are allowed in some advanced leagues, but never among youth players.
Protective Equipment
The batter must wear a helmet when she comes to the plate in softball. The helmet must be made of hard plastic and it must have flaps that come over both ears. The player must wear the helmet when she comes out of the dugout and moves into the ondeck circle and must also wear the helmet at all times on the base paths.
Catcher's Equipment
The catcher positions herself behind home plate. Pitchers throw the ball to the catcher from a distance of 46 feet and can throw fastballs, curves, drops, risers and changes of pace. The batter stands at the plate and tries to make contact, and foul tips that fly back at the catcher are often the result. Those tips can strike anywhere on the body. As a result, the catcher must wear a mask, a chest protector and shin guards. The catcher's mask must also include a rung where a throat protector hangs to protect that vulnerable area of the body.
Warning
All softball equipment should be checked regularly by players and coaches. Players want to make sure that their glove is in good working order on a game-by-game basis. For example, a glove that is older may tear or rip from time to time. The player must check to make sure that the glove can still function and provide protection from all hard hit balls. Bats must be checked to make sure they are not cracked or damaged. The same holds true for all footwear and catcher's equipment.
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