ASA Softball Rules & Regulations

Since 1933, the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) has governed and fostered softball in America. At a time when the sport was disorganized, much like scenes depicted in the film "A League of Their Own," the ASA became the governing body for the sport, establishing rules and regulations for play. Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the ASA oversees more than 3 million softball players.

  1. Regulations

    • The ASA is made up of softball players, coaches and umpires, most of whom belong to local affiliations. Each local affiliation pays $1,000 in annual dues to the ASA. The organization has established regulations and guidelines to ensure the game is played consistently and fairly across all jurisdictions and to promote good sportsmanship throughout the leagues. Through its regulations, the ASA is able to provide coaching, training, skills workshops and other educational series about softball throughout the United States.

    Eligibility

    • Eligibility of players falls under the same standards of the International Softball Federation. It is the obligation of the player or parent to provide an accurate representation of the player's eligibility. For all national championships, a player must show proof of identification to be eligible to play. Should a coach enter into a tournament with false representation of eligibility, they will be disqualified. ASA players may only play in one softball league per calendar year, except in the case of the senior citizen leagues.

    Tournament Play

    • Six levels of championship and tournament play are outlined within the ASA Code. These levels include: Local Association Championships, National Qualifiers, Regional Championships, Territory Qualifying Championships, National Championship Finals and USA Men's and Women's National Championship Series. Registration for tournament play must be received by the ASA seven days prior to the first game of the championship series. Teams play each tournament level as part of a bracket. Should two teams face a tie, they will either engage in head-to-head competition or be declared co-champions of the tournament.