Sharlene

O.
Corsat

SOFTBALL
THREW THE YEARS

Field Regulations
Softball fields have four bases that players can run or protect when playing offense
or defense. These bases are positioned for batters to run counter-clockwise from home
base to first, second, and third base in succession. Spacing between bases differs by
league but in general, bases are placed roughly 60 feet apart within the inner diamond of
the softball field.
The field area inside the base diamond is called the infield. The field area outside
the bases is called the outfield. A foul line extends on both sides of the field from the
home plate line straight through first and third base into the outfield. This foul line marks
the boundary for batted softballs to be considered in play. Typically, a fence or outer
limiting line marks the area behind the outfield to designate official home runs.

Player Rules
Every softball team has 10 players although some leagues do permit teams to play
as few as eight players. Softball requires two teams to play against each other, alternating
batting (offense) and fielding (defense) positions one time each inning.
The infield consists of the catcher at home plate, the pitcher, and one base defender at
first, second and third base. A shortstop is positioned between second and third base. The
outfield defensive positions include left fielder, center fielder, right-center fielder and right
fielder.

Game Rules
Basic rules for scoring exist for every league that directly affects actual game play.

SCOREBOO
Game Rules

Each runner must touch the bases in order when advancing

through the bases. Runners are not permitted to leave the base
before a subsequent batter hits the softball. The batter is allowed
to run past first only after tagging the base, provided they are not
showing intention to continue running to second base. This rule is
allowed because many runners can't stop quickly after running top
speed from their batting position at home base to first base.
Runners must tag each base bag and are not permitted to
run past second or third. Runners can slide into second, third base
and home plate. Stealing from one base to another is not allowed,
except in some fast-pitch leagues.

Batting Rules
A batter is allowed three strikes for each at bat before being
called out. However, softball leagues try to save time during games
and as a result, almost all leagues have a one-out rule for every
player coming to bat. This means each player really only has two
outs per at bat. Fouls are considered strikes unless a player already
has two fouls. Pitchers must also keep one foot on the ground when
pitching the softball.
Most softball governing association monitor every bat used in their
leagues very closely. Umpires check the legality of bats before
games. Each governing agency has a complete list of legal bats
available within in their league.

Time Frame
Some leagues set time limits for the entire game that