Softball 12U is a fast-pitch youth division of the Amateur Softball Association of America, the national governing body of softball. Children 12 and under play in the 12U division. Some of the field dimensions for 12U softball are different from other leagues, although the distance from home plate to first base is the same for ASA fast-pitch youth and adult.
Base Dimensions
The distance from home plate to first base in the 12U ASA division is 60 feet. The distance is measured from the back tip of home plate to the back corner of first base. This also is the distance between first and second base, second and third base, and third base and home plate. The ASA fast-pitch adult league has the same base dimensions. The distance between the bases in the 10U youth division, a younger league, is 55 feet.
Pitching Distance
The ASA 12U division is a fast-pitch softball league. The pitcher's mound is 40 feet from home plate, measured from the front of the pitcher's plate to the back of home plate. In comparison, the distance to the pitchers' mound in the 10U league is 35 feet. For the adult fast-pitch league, the distance is 40 feet for women and 46 feet for men. The pitcher's mound is a circle with a 16-foot diameter.
Other Specifications
The ASA-recommended home run fence distance for the 12U category is between 175 and 200 feet. The softball is yellow or white, has a 12-inch circumference and weighs between 6.25 and 7 oz. The softball bat must be marked "ASA approved" or have an ASA certification mark. Pitchers deliver the ball in an underhand motion and can pitch a maximum of five innings. Stealing bases is allowed in the 12U division.
Players
A team roster is limited to 12 players. Nine players are on the field for defense. If at least seven players are not present when the game begins, that team forfeits the game. The defense consists of three outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher and a catcher. Designated hitters are not allowed. Each player must play at least three innings of the game. The batters and runners must wear batting helmets.
