Ohio Fast-pitch Softball Rules

Each state has adopted its own set of rules and regulations for girls fast-pitch softball. Ohio has covered in depth how the game must be conducted to ensure fair play. These rules also govern the conduct of coaches and umpires. More details about the standards of playing softball in Ohio are available through the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

  1. Interscholastic Participation

    • Students attend school for an education. Therefore, certain regulations were enacted to protect the student’s ability to perform well in school and on the field. For example, a player may not participate in more than two games on any given school day, in which case a player may compete in three games.

    Non-Interscholastic Participation

    • Players cannot join another fast-pitch softball team while participating on the school team during the school's regular season. This includes tryouts, training, practices and competitions. A player may participate on a non-interscholastic team before and after the school’s regular season if there are no more than four girls from the same interscholastic team. Non-interscholastic participation is permitted during the regular fast-pitch season if the non-interscholastic team plays slow-pitch softball.

    Out of State Travel

    • Ohio softball teams may travel once per season to neighboring states, regardless of the total distance traveled, to play in preview games, tournaments and scrimmages. Teams may travel to states that are not contiguous regardless of distance as long as regular school hours are uninterrupted.

    Important Dates

    • Coaching and instruction may not begin before March for varsity and junior varsity teams. The first game may not be scheduled before the last week of March. The regular season ends during the second week of June. Refer to the OHSAA handbook for additional guidelines about these dates.

    Additional Information

    • The OHSAA is in compliance with the National Federation of Fast Pitch Softball. A varsity team may play up to 27 games on 23 dates during the regular season. Doubleheaders may be played on non-school days or on days when school is in session but is not open the following day.