Little League Softball Rules & Regulations

The Little League organization started in 1939 when the very fist Little League game was played. Today, the league overseas both baseball and softball and establishes rules for both. These rules are printed in books and can be accessed online by members if the organization. It is important for players and officials to check the rues often, as changes may be made each season.

  1. Bases

    • Beginning in 2008, rule 1.06 of the Little League organization required the first, second and third bases on Little League softball fields to be detachable, or “disengage-able.” According to the Little League website, studies have shown that “55 percent of injuries to runners occur while sliding into base, and 47 percent of all injuries to runners result in fractures.” Unlike traditional bases, disengage-able bases are designed in such a way that the top portion of the base will come off and move with a runner if she slides into the base. The top of the base will not move, however, when a person steps onto it or runs over it.

    Short Throws

    • During a softball game, the pitcher may throw the ball short, causing it to bounce its way to the batter. In this situation, the Little League rules outline several possible outcomes. A strike is called if the batter swings at the bouncing ball and misses. If the batter swings at the ball and hits it, the ball is considered live and play continues as if the ball had never bounced. If the batter opts not to swing at a bouncing ball, the umpire should call a ball regardless of whether the bouncing ball happens to pass through the strike zone. If the batter is struck by the bouncing ball, the batter is given a walk to first.

    Interrupted Games

    • Bad weather or the Little League curfew can make it impossible to finish a softball game. When this happens in a tournament game, the game must be continued if a winner can not be determined. This means that the game must be continued if it is stopped during any inning in which the home team does not finish their at bat after the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead. A coin toss prior to the game determines which team will be the home team and which will be the visitors, as all softball fields are considered neutral by the league.