Special Olympics competitions are governed by the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Softball. The rules are based on those adopted by the International Softball Federation, so ISF rules generally apply unless they are in conflict with Special Olympics rules. Softball is among the 20 summer sports that Special Olympics athletes compete in, according to "Adapted Physical Education and Sport" by Joseph P. Winnick.
Divisions
Teams are divided up according to the compiled scores of each team member's Softball Team Skills Assessment Tests scores. The test assesses throwing, batting, fielding and base running. Coaches are required to submit a SAT score for team members prior to the competition. A team score is created by adding up the top 12 players' scores, then dividing the total by 12. While teams initially are placed in divisions on the basis of this SAT team score, a round of classification games are played to finalize the process, according to SOSR.
Innings
Regulation games have seven innings. However, if one team is leading by 10 runs or more after the fifth inning, the game is considered complete.
Teams
Each team has 10 players, but teams can use an extra player (EP). This player must be listed on the batting order, meaning all 11 team members will bat, and be identified prior to the game starting. This player also is required to play the entire game or the team forfeits the game. The EP can be substituted for, but only with a player who has not yet joined the game. The original EP is allowed to re=enter the game, according to SOSR.
Pitching
Balls are pitched underhanded. Four balls mean a walk, and three strikes are an out. If a batter has two strikes and hits a foul ball on a subsequent pitch, she is out under SOSR.
Hitting and Running Bases
Batters and base runners are required to wear helmets with chin straps. Coaches are not allowed to touch runners when the ball is in play. If the coach violates the rule, the runner is considered out. Coaches must stay within the boundaries of the coaching box.
Member Comments