High School Softball Rules & Regulations

Softball is a highly competitive sport with strict rules and regulations at all levels of the game. For high school games, the National Federation of State High School Associations is the governing body that annually reviews and implements rule changes. Staying abreast of the current rules of high school softball will ensure you do not accidentally incur penalties during play.

Equipment and Field

High school softball infields are squares with 60-foot baselines, with the backstop 25 feet back from them. The infield line is a 60-foot arc from the center of the pitcher's plate. The distance of the outfield fence can vary depending on if males or females are playing and whether it is slow- or fast-pitch softball. The NFHS recommends a distance of 185 to 235 feet for fast-pitch, 250 to 275 feet for female slow-pitch and 275 feet to 300 feet for male slow-pitch. High school softball requires the use of an 11- or 12-inch softball that is white or "optic yellow," according to the NFHS. Gloves and mitts used in high school softball are relatively unregulated, though they cannot have more than two colors on them. As of 2011, all bats used in the game must meet the 2000 or 2004 Amateur Softball Association regulation standards.

Game Play

Each team must start the game with at least nine players, though up to 11 players are allowed in slow pitch for more substitution players. The game is played until the team trailing in score completes its turn at bat in the seventh inning or in an extra inning in the case of a tie game. As long as the teams complete five full innings, the NFHS considers a game complete even if the umpire stops it.

2011 Rule Changes

The NFHS introduced three new rules in the 2011 season. The first outlined new penalties for coaches who use incorrect lineup cards at the start of the game, the second was a clarification of a previous base runner interference rule and the third mandated that any player showing signs of a concussion must immediately leave the game. Though it was introduced in 2009, the biggest rule to impact the 2010 and 2011 seasons was the movement of the pitching plate back from 40 to 43 feet from home plate.

New Rule Reception

The movement of the pitcher's plate back three feet demonstrates how softball continues to evolve over time. The main rationale was that top-level pitchers were able to easily strike out batters previously. Hank Keathley of the Dover, Ohio "Times Reporter" writes some coaches and players feel the rule met its intended goal of giving batters greater response times against top pitchers. But junior varsity and younger players may find it difficult to pitch from the longer distance.