Fastpitch softball is a very competitive game and it is not without its share of injuries and potential danger. Pitchers can throw the ball at speeds up to 70 miles per hour from a distance of 46 feet. That's about the equivalent of a baseball thrown at 95 MPH. Safety precautions have to be taken with all offensive players who walk out on the field.
Batting Helmets
Any time a player comes up to bat, she must wear a helmet. That helmet has to be made of hard plastic and it must cover the front of the head, the top of the head, the back of the head and the ears. Players do not have to wear masks that cover the face but they are encouraged. If the batter reaches base, the helmet must remain in place throughout the player's journey around the bases. All players must wear their helmets when they come out of the dugout and into the on-deck circle.
Catcher's Gear
Catchers have to wear catcher's masks, chests protectors and shin guards before they come out of their dugout to receive pitches. Catchers may wear cage-style masks or hockey style goalie masks. If a coach or another player comes out of the dugout to warm up the pitcher, that individual must wear a catcher's mask in order to take those pitches.
Baseball Shoes
All players must wear shoes with cleats when taking the field to play softball. Flat soled gym shoes are not sufficient, although ripple-soled shoes are allowed on artificial turf fields. Players may not wear metal spikes under any circumstances. Players will be called out on the field and ejected from the game if they slide and their spiked shoes are raised up in the direction of the fielder trying to tag them out. The spikes have to be pointed at the base and away from the fielder's body. Players may not crash into defensive players in an effort to jar the ball loose. Players will be called out if they do not slide and try to evade a collision.
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