The National Softball Association is a nationwide co-ed softball organization that was founded by Hugh Cantrell in 1982 for youth and adult players. The association acts as an umbrella to several leagues throughout the United States and helps provide equipment, insurance and a strict set of rules. These rules are to be adhered to at all times when a game is in session.
The Field
In the NSA, the softball field resembles a baseball field in that there are three bases, a home plate, and a pitching rubber, with the exception of fields that have two first base bags that play under modified NSA rules. However, the distance from the front of home plate to the pitching rubber varies considerably depending on the age group and whether it's fast pitch or slow pitch. For example, fast pitch leagues supporting ages eight and under pitch from just 35 feet, whereas adult women's slow pitch rules require a distance of 53 feet. If the distance is determined to be any farther or shorter during the game, the umpire must stop the game immediately and make the necessary rubber adjustments before play resumes. The fence distances in the outfield are not set in stone for any particular field, and may be adjusted.
Equipment
In the NSA, bats must be no longer than 34 inches, no heavier than 38 oz and no wider than 2.25 inches in diameter. There are no minimum dimension requirements, however, which allows for youth players to use bats as small and as light as necessary. This rule keeps the game fair and fun so that youth players can concentrate on getting down proper mechanics with a lighter bat, rather than trying to swing a bat that's too heavy for them.
Substitutions
Unlike its cousin, baseball, NSA rules allow for players to be substituted out of the game defensively, and then put back into the game later on. This prevents the "extra players" on the team from having to sit on the bench for the entirety of the game, and also gives senior players a chance to rest in the middle of a game. A team may carry as many as two extra players during any game, but these players have to remain in the same spot on the batting order.
Safety
Safety is a major concern in the NSA, as after any given pitch there may be a small, hard, round object flies through the air at dangerously high speeds. In youth slow pitch leagues, batters must always wear batting helmets with ear flaps while they are at the plate, and while they are running the bases. If an umpire sees a batter or runner removing his helmet during play, a dead ball is immediately declared and a warning is issued. Similarly, youth league catchers must wear protective gear when behind the plate. This includes a protective helmet, a neck protector that extends below the helmet and a body protector.
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