The rules of softball are similar to baseball's, but they are not exactly the same. The main differences are affected by field dimensions, the pitching mound and home run fences. There are other differences in the setup of the fielders and the batting order that make softball its own distinct game.
Use of Players
In softball, 10 players are used in the field, and 10 batters are in the lineup. The extra fielder in softball usually plays in the outfield. However, this is not a requirement. If a coach chooses, she can put the extra fielder in the infield. The only requirement is that the fielder must be stationed in fair territory. The only fielder allowed to be positioned in foul territory is the catcher. A coach may use a designated hitter for any of the fielders. This is a significant difference from baseball, in which the designated hitter can be used only for the pitcher. A coach can use the designated hitter for any position she chooses. If she chooses not to use a designated hitter, all fielders end up batting.
Pitching
A pitcher must deliver the ball from the pitching rubber in the middle of the pitching circle. She must remain in the pitching circle when the pitch is completed. The pitching rubber is 43 feet from home plate, and the pitching circle has a radius of eight feet. This is designed to make sure pitchers release the ball quickly. In the drag-and-leap pitching method, pitchers move several feet ahead of the rubber by the time they release the ball. The pitcher's circle rule assures that the pitcher does not have too much of an advantage over the batter.
Safety Rules
All batters and runners must wear helmets anytime they are on the field of play. This includes players who are in the on-deck circles. Helmets must have earpieces that cover both ears. Masks that cover the face are not required, but they are encouraged.
A safety base is used at first base. This regulation (white-colored) base is in fair territory and used by the fielder. It also has an orange base attached to it in foul territory. The runner uses this base. This helps avoid collisions between the first baseman and the runner.
Interference and Obstruction
Any runner on base may proceed to the next base in the usual ways (on a batted ball, a stolen base attempt, a wild pitch or a passed ball). If a fielder gets in the way of the runner and that fielder is not involved in the fielding of the ball and the two players collide, obstruction is called and play is stopped. The umpire awards the baserunner the next base or possibly another base if she believes the baserunner could have advanced that far if obstruction had not occurred.
However, if the baserunner prevents the fielder from making a play, the umpire rules interference, and the runner is declared out. If the umpire believes the interference cost the team in the field a double play, she can award two outs on the play.
Player Positions
While the pitcher must start on the pitching rubber and the catcher must be positioned behind the plate, the other fielders do not have to be in any specific position (other than in fair territory). The first baseman does not have to be within 10 feet of the base, but it is customary and useful for her to be there. The other infielders are positioned in their usual positions because of the tendencies of batters to hit the ball in those areas. However, if a strong left-handed hitter is up to bat, the shortstop often moves away from her usual position and moves to the right-field side of second base to anticipate a hit.
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