The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) provides a variety of competitive softball programs with associated leagues throughout the country. The adult softball programs for men and women are the largest programs in the ASA with several categories of competition, including slow pitch softball. The ASA rules specifically tailored for slow pitch games primarily deal with how you deliver the pitch to the batter, which is in a slow, lazy arc. Other game rules are also modified, such as the number of players per team and gender-specific rules for coed leagues.
Pitching Rules
The basic pitching difference between slow pitch and fast pitch softball is the motion, speed and arc of the pitch as it travels to the batter. In slow pitch softball, you pitch the ball to the batter using an underhanded motion, at a moderate speed with an arc that is at least six feet and no more than 12 feet from the ground to the top of the arc. The appropriateness of your speed and arc is determined in the sole judgment of the umpire. If you fail to meet either requirement, the umpire gives you a warning for a first violation. For a subsequent violation, the umpire can remove you from the pitcher's position for the remainder of the game.
Ball Regulations
ASA rules specify the type of ball you use in a game, which differs for men and women. In general, men use a 12-inch ball and women an 11-inch one. Even in coed leagues, you will use both types of balls depending on who is at bat. Each game ball must bear the ASA certification mark indicating it meets ASA standards. Some ASA leagues are permitted to use a qualified 16-inch ball. Players using the 16-inch ball often do not use fielding gloves.
Players
Slow pitch rules allows your team 10 fielders, as opposed to nine for fast pitch. In slow pitch coed leagues, your team must adhere to gender requirements for each position: the outfield and infield must comprise two males and two female players, with the pitcher and catcher being one male and one female. Senior slow pitch leagues for players 65 and older can include one or two extra players in the field and batting lineup. Coed slow pitch leagues can opt to include two extra players, one male and one female.
Local Variations
Your ASA-affiliated slow pitch league can include its own rules to provide competitive balance. For example, you can limit the number of home runs allowed per team per game, such as three per game, with each subsequent ball hit over the fence counted as an out rather than a home run. You can also include a "mercy rule" to end a game when the score becomes lopsided, such as a when one team builds a 15-run lead after five innings.
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