Softball is a recreational sport that has been played by men and women for decades. The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the governing body of USA softball. The ASA has established uniform rules and regulations for youth and adult softball, and extends to both sexes.
Team Formation
To be registered as a coed ASA team, a team must consist of 10 players equally divided into male and female players. ASA rules also specify that two males and two females must be present in infield and outfield, and there must be a male and female pitcher and catcher. Exceptions are allowed if shorthanded play is necessary, however if a member of the opposite sex arrives during the game the lineup must be adjusted immediately to adhere to ASA regulations.
Game Play
An ASA regulation game consists of seven innings. In the event that scores are tied at the end of seven innings, play will continue. Additional innings will be played until one of the teams has a higher score at the end o a complete inning. Games can be called if the umpire deems necessary. Acceptable reasons for calling a game include darkness, inclement weather, fire and any other circumstance that could put players in danger.
Batting And Pitching
The ASA states that coed teams must alternate sexes in their batting order. Diameter of the balls used will vary slightly among the sexes. Men will bat with an 11-inch ball whereas females will use a 12-inch ball. Pitching can be classified into one of four categories. Fast pitch, modified pitch, slow pitch and 16-inch slow pitch are all possible pitching categories with differing rule sets. Specific rules for each of these pitching styles are outlined in the ASA softball rule book released annually.
Using ASA Rules
ASA softball rules apply only during ASA Championship play, however rules can be used at the local level in non-championship play as well. Use of rules during non-championship play will be at the discretion of local league officials. ASA softball rule books are updated and published annually, and are distributed to all teams and umpires registered with the Amateur Softball Association. Registration and additional information can be accessed on the ASA website.
Member Comments