Despite the difference in pitch speed and the skill needed to hit these pitches, fastpitch and slowpitch softball do have a few similarities. Both sports make a commitment to treating injured players and ensure that the bats used have a sturdy construction that will not become a safety concern. They also both keep the games moving quickly, so that players do not spend hours at the diamond every night.
Injuries
These sports both aim to keep players safe, so umpires take the proper precautions to prevent injuries. These sports feature a blood rule that forces a player to leave the game if he has blood on his uniform or body, and he cannot return until receiving the proper treatment. The umpire will also immediately end a play whenever he decides that a serious injury has occurred, which allows the injured player to seek assistance without delay.
Bats
Both sports have the same regulations on the length and weight of the bats that players can use. All bats used must weigh less than 38 oz. and measure less than 34 inches long. Umpires can deem a bat illegal if it does not have official softball markings, so players must make sure that they have a legal bat before participating. Players must also have a bat with a permanent construction; they cannot use multipiece bats that they can adjust themselves. You also are not allowed to alter a bat in any way.
Length of a Game
Fastpitch and slowpitch softball both feature seven inning games, but these games can go longer if the score remains tied after the completion of these innings. In these cases, the game will continue until one team leads at the completion of an entire inning. Because the umpire must keep the players safe, he can call for the game to end early if the weather turns or it gets too dark to continue. The teams will continue the game at a later date, unless they have already completed five innings. After five complete innings, the umpire can award the leading team a victory, unless that the trailing team has batted in fewer innings.
Warmup Pitches
At the beginning of a game or when a new pitcher enters the game, the pitcher can make five warmup pitches. When each subsequent inning begins, the pitcher can make three warmup pitches. For every additional warmup pitch made, the umpire will award the batter with a ball in the pitching count.
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