Official Fastpitch Softball Rules

Softball is a game that can be played different ways. Many people like to get together to play softball on the weekends, however this game differs from fast pitch softball. Fast pitch softball has many more official rules than recreational or weekend leagues do.

  1. Helmet Removal

    • If an umpire sees a player remove a helmet while the ball is in play, a warning will be issued. If it occurs again, the player will be ejected.

    Bats

    • Official fast pitch softball rules state that the bat used by players cannot be longer than 34-inches long and should not weigh more than 31.5 oz.

    Live Balls

    • A dead ball is not considered to be in play again until the pitcher has the ball inside the 16-foot circle around the pitcher's mound.

    Game Length

    • A regulation game is seven innings. If the game is tied after seven innings, the game should continue until one team has more runs than the other at the end of an inning.

    Mercy Rule

    • If a team leads by 15 runs after three innings, a mercy rule is evoked and the game is declared over with the team in the lead named winner.