NSA Softball Rules

The NSA, or National Softball Association, was created in 1982 by founder Hugh Cantrell. The National Softball Association offers league play for children and adults alike. The 2010 National Softball Association rule book has specific rules regarding the equipment and safety requirements needed for successful softball play. The National Softball Association holds annual tournaments culminating in the top two teams of each league playing in the NSA World Series.

  1. The Playing Field

    • The NSA rulebook has specific requirements for the dimensions of the playing field for both children and adult softball leagues. For girls playing in the 10-and-up age group, a minimum distance of 150 feet is required between the home plate and the fence. The maximum distance is 200 feet. The bases must be 60 feet apart and the pitching mound must be 35 feet from the home plate. For girls in the 12-and-up league, a minimum distance of 175 feet is required between home plate and the fence with a maximum distance of 200 feet. The bases should be 60 feet apart with the pitching mound 40 feet away from home plate. Girls 14 and up have the same field requirements as the 12 and up league but have the option of moving the pitchers mound between 40-43 feet from home plate. The girls 16-and-up and 18-and-up leagues have a minimum distance of 200 feet with a maximum of 225 feet. The bases must be 60 feet apart with the pitching mound 40-43 feet from home plate. Adult women have the same specifications as the 18-and-up league. Adult men have a minimum fence distance of 225 feet with a maximum of 250 feet, bases that are 60 feet apart, and a pitching mound 46 feet from home plate.

    Equipment

    • The NSA creates an annually updated list of the accepted bats that are allowed in league play. The NSA does allow certain models of wooden bats. The bat cannot be more than 34 inches long or have a weight heavier than 38 ounces. The official NSA softball must be a raised-seam, flat-surfaced, or concealed-stitched ball. The ball's inner construction must be made from materials approved by NSA guidelines. Gloves are required for players in the field. Shoes are required for all players. All team players must wear matching uniforms. The NSA urges players to not wear jewelry during play.

    Players

    • Each NSA softball team must have at least nine players on its roster with a maximum of 12 players. All players can only play in one age group. Players are allowed to play one league above their age group but not one league down. Each player must verify his or her age with a legal form of I.D. before being admitted to play. Both male and female players are eligible for the adult leagues once they reach the age of 16.