Softball is governed by a set of rules and regulations designed to ensure fair play and safety for all participants. Below is an overview of the essential rules that govern gameplay, player conduct, and equipment usage.
Rules
Field, Players, and Equipment
- The Field: The baselines will be 65 feet apart. The distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate will be 50 feet.
- The Players: A team must have at least 9 players to start or continue a game, with a maximum of 10 players (not including an Extra Player or EP).
- Substitutes: A player is officially in the game once their name has been entered on the official score sheet. Players may re-enter the game after leaving the lineup. There is free substitution, but all teams must submit a batting order. No pinch runners are allowed unless an injury occurs, preventing the player from returning to the game.
- Captain’s Role: Only the team captain may address the officials regarding rules interpretations during the game.
- Equipment: Metal screws or screw-in cleats are prohibited. Jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, is advised against. All bats must be official softball bats.
- Roster Additions: Add-ons to a roster must be made prior to the second game of the intramural softball season.
Starting the Game
- A pre-game conference will involve each captain meeting with the umpire to discuss ground rules.
- Scoresheets must be completed before the game starts.
Pitching Regulations
- The pitcher must position both feet firmly on the ground with at least one foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
- The pitch begins when the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup. The pitcher must hold the ball in front of their body for at least 1 second but no longer than 10 seconds before delivering the pitch on the first forward swing of the arm past the hip. The forward motion must not be reversed.
- The pitcher is prohibited from deliberately stopping, rolling, or bouncing the ball while in the pitching position.
- The use of tape or other substances on the ball, pitching hand, or fingers is not allowed. Powder resin may be used under the umpire’s supervision.
- The pitch must have an arc between 6 and 10 feet.
- A “NO PITCH” will be declared for:
- Pitching during a suspension of play.
- A runner leaving the base too soon.
- A quick return pitch by the pitcher.
- The ball slipping from the pitcher’s hand during the windup or backswing.
- The pitching arc being lower than 6 feet or higher than 10 feet.
- No more than 5 warm-up pitches are allowed for a new pitcher at the beginning of the game or when relieving another pitcher. Only 3 pitches are allowed between innings.
- Intentional walks can be made by informing the plate umpire without the need for pitches.
Batting
- Each player on the batting side will bat in the order their names appear on the scoresheet.
- The batter must not hinder the catcher from fielding or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box or intentionally interfering while within the box.
- Team members at bat must not interfere with players attempting to field a foul fly ball.
- A strike is called for each legally pitched ball that hits the strike zone mat and is not swung at, and for each pitched ball swung at and missed by the batter.
- A ball is called for each pitched ball that does not hit the strike zone mat or touches the ground before reaching home plate and is not swung at.
- A foul tip is defined as a batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s mitt and is legally caught.
- The batter forfeits all rights if they swing at an illegal pitch.
- If an Extra Player (EP) is used, all 11 players in the starting lineup must bat, and any 10 of those 11 may play defense.
- Only ASA-approved slow-pitch softball bats are permitted in league and tournament play. Baseball bats are illegal; players using one will be ejected.
Protests
- Protests based solely on the accuracy of an umpire’s judgment will not be accepted.
- The Supervisor on duty must be informed of the protest immediately.
- A formal written protest must be submitted to the Intramural Office within 24 hours after the game but no sooner than 6 hours post-game. Refer to the Intramural Recreational Sports Handbook for additional details.
Balls and Strikes
- A walk is awarded after 4 balls.
- A player strikes out after 3 strikes.
- If the batter fouls after receiving the second strike, they are out.
- Each batter starts with a 1 ball/1 strike count.
Player Conduct
- Anyone involved in a fight will be suspended for the remainder of the season and may face further disciplinary action.
- Any player ejected from 2 games in the season will be suspended for the remainder of the season and may face further disciplinary action.
- Players who push, shove, or disrespect an umpire will be ejected from the game, with further penalties as outlined in the Intramural Recreational Sports Handbook.
Definitions
- Appeal Play: A play upon which an umpire cannot make a decision until requested by a player, which must be made before the next pitch.
- Base Path: An imaginary line three feet to either side of the direct line between the bases.
- Batter’s Box: The area where the batter stands while preparing to hit.
- Batter/Baserunner: A player who has finished their turn at bat but has not yet been put out or reached first base.
- Bunt: An illegally tapped ball that is not swung at but intentionally met with the bat.
- Catcher’s Box: The area where the catcher must stand until the pitcher delivers the pitch.
- Dead Ball: A ball that is not in play and will only be considered in play again once the pitcher is within 8 feet of the mound, and the umpire calls “Play Ball.”
- Fair Ball: Any batted ball that settles in fair territory or touches any part of the bases.
- Foul Tip: A foul ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher and is legally caught.
- Illegally Caught Ball: A catch made with any part of the fielder’s uniform or cap that is detached from its proper place.
- In Jeopardy: Indicates that a ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.
- Infield Fly Rule: A fair ball that is easily catchable by an infielder with runners on first and second base or bases loaded and fewer than 2 outs.
- Interference: The act of a defensive player hindering a batter or an offensive player hindering a defensive player.
- Obstruction: The act of a fielder impeding a baserunner while not in possession of the ball.
- Out of Play: A ball that has gone beyond the boundary lines.
- Pivot Foot: The foot the pitcher must keep in contact with the pitcher’s plate until the ball is delivered.
- Play Ball: The term used by the umpire to indicate the start or resumption of play.
- Sacrifice Fly: A fair fly ball that allows a runner to advance or score but results in the batter being out.
- Turn at Bat: Begins when a player enters the batter’s box and continues until they are out or become a baserunner.
Time: The term used by the umpire to signal the suspension of play.