Softball Umpiring Rules

Softball umpires have to execute games decisively and fairly. They must know the rules of the game and be able to explain them at a moment's notice if players or coaches have questions. Umpires need to maintain authority. If they are secure in their knowledge of the rules of the game, they don't have to get argumentative when explaining their decisions. However, questions about their integrity or motives cannot be tolerated.

  1. Positioning in Slow Pitch

    • In most recreational slow-pitch softball leagues, one umpire works the game. That umpire stands next to home plate on the opposite side of the batter because the strike zone is not between the batter's knees and arm pits, as they are in women's organized softball. The strike zone is determined by a mat behind home plate, and if the ball hits it, the pitch is considered a strike. The umpire should be able to call all bases as well as fair and foul balls from that position.

    Positioning in Fast Pitch

    • The rules in fast-pitch softball require the umpire to stand behind the catcher so she can call balls and strikes. According to the rules of softball, the strike zone is considered any pitch above the knees and below the letters on the jersey. If there are no letters, the upper limit is considered to be at chest level. The umpire must make sure the pitcher remains in the pitcher's circle at all times. If the pitcher finishes her pitch and does not have both feet inside the circle, the pitch is deemed illegal.

    Batters box

    • The batter must start out in one of the two batters boxes on either side of the plate. When playing organized recreational softball, the batter is allowed to move up in the box as the pitch is in the air. This momentum-gathering move enables the batter to hit the ball farther, but the move is deemed illegal if at least one foot is not in the batter's box when contact is made.