Basic Softball Rules and Regulations

Different softball leagues and levels of play have modified the rules, but there are some basics that remain the same universally.

  1. Playing Field

    • Each field should have two batter's boxes, two on-deck circles, a catcher's box and two coach's boxes. Home plate and the pitcher's plate must be made of rubber.

    Equipment

    • Bats should be one rounded, solid piece of material and made of wood, metal or a composite material. The ball must have a smooth cover that is cemented around it and be white or yellow.

    Coaches, Players and Substitutes

    • Each team can have two base coaches who stand in the coach's boxes while their team is on offense. Each team has nine to 12 players who can play anywhere on the field within fair territory.

    Scoring

    • The official scorer makes all decisions regarding how players advance from one base to the next. The scorer will keep track of defensive putouts and assists, as well as sacrifices, runs batted in and pitching statistics.

    The Game

    • A regulation game is seven innings unless the "home" team is leading after 6 1/2 innings. If a game is tied after seven innings, the offensive team starts its turn at bat by placing a runner at second base.