Equipment needs to comply with the rules governing play for your league. Most leagues follow Amateur Softball Association rules in regard to equipment, advise Diane L. Potter and Lynn V. Johnson in "Softball: Steps To Success." That means a bat approved for Little League but not the ASA would not be allowed for use in a game that's played under the guise of ASA rules.
Balls
Some equipment rules depend on the age of the players. The ball, for example, is 11 inches circumference in both slow and fast pitch for kids 10 and younger. For kids in the 12 and under division, it's 12 inches for fastpitch and 11 inches for slow pitch. Same goes in the 14 and under division, according to the American Sport Education Program. Balls approved by the ASA carry a certification mark on them.
Bats
Bats have to be made of aluminum or wood. They also need to be approved by the ASA or the governing association for your league if it has different rules. Bats approved by the ASA will have a certification mark on them.
Helmets
Players must wear helmets when they are running bases and when they are up to bat under ASA rules. Helmets certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment are recommended. Some leagues also require face guards and/or chin straps. Catchers always need a face mask on their helmet. They also must have shin guards, a throat protector, a throat guard and a chest protector for playing fastpitch. A few leagues don't actually require the chest protector, but the ASEP recommends it strongly even when not required.
Uniforms
The ASA requires players to wear uniforms of the same color with shirts that have six-inch numbers on the back. Each player on the team has to have a different number. Knee high socks are not required, but they are recommended.
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