|
NFHS |
NFHS RULE REF |
ASA RULE REF |
AMATEUR SOFTBALL
ASSOCIATION |
|
(EQUIPMENT) |
|
|
(EQUIPMENT) |
|
Exposed
lower-body undergarments must be either school colors or colors of black,
white, or gray. |
1-1-5c |
3-6B & C |
If more than
one player wears exposed undergarments (lower and upper body) they must be
the same color and style. |
|
A
manufacturer’s logo shall not exceed 2-1/4 sq. inches. |
1-1-5 |
|
No such
rule. |
|
The exterior
warning label on batting helmets must be embossed. A team warning is
issued for failure to wear the required batting helmet. Players who
fail to wear proper helmet are ejected. |
1-1-6 |
3-5E |
No warning
label is required, but the NOCSAE seal of approval must be embossed on the
helmet. |
|
Players
cannot remove helmets while ball is alive, meaning they must be worn until
they reach the dugout. Also included bat/ball shaggers while in
playable territory. |
1-1-6 (Penalty) |
3-5E(1) EFFECT |
Players can
remove their helmet after touching home plate on the way to the dugout.
No requirements for bat or ball shaggers. All J.O. batting helmets must
be equipped with chin straps beginning in 2003. |
|
The 12” ball
will be used in both fast and slow pitch competition. State Association
can adopt the 11” ball if they also move the bases to 65 feet. The NHSF
authenticating mark shall be on each ball. |
1-3-4 |
3-3J & K |
Co-Ed men
will hit a 12” and women an 11” softball. Women’s slow pitch and all
girls slow pitch will use the 11” ball. Men and boys fast pitch,
14-16-18 under slow pitch, and women’s fast pitch and G12-14-16-18UFP will
use the 12” ball. Boys and girls 10-under fast pitch and boys 10-12
under slow pitch will use the 11” ball. |
|
Bats must
meet ASA performance standards, and bats shall be labeled with the
permanent/embossed ASA certification mark. |
1-3-5 |
3-1N |
Bats must
have ASA approved seal showing 2000, or be listed on the ASA website (by
manufacturer) as approved (www.softball.org). PRE-1995 bats can be
approved by the umpire at the game. |
|
A ball
rotation system is mandatory. |
4-1-4 |
No ref. |
Optional.
Mandatory in championship play POE #2. |
(EQUIPMENT
CONT’D) |
|
|
(EQUIPMENT
CONT’D) |
|
No such
rule. |
----- |
3-3-A |
The softball
shall be a regular smooth-seamed, flat surface, pebble or dimple textured
ball with concealed stitches. (SP only) |
|
Players in
the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings, watches,
earrings, bracelets, necklaces, (including cloth or string types) or other
cosmetic or decorative items that are hard. |
1-1-9 |
3-6-F |
Exposed
jewelry, which is judged by the umpire to be dangerous, must be removed and
may not be worn during the game. If they refuse, they cannot play. |
|
Metal cleats
are prohibited. Metal toe plates are prohibited. |
1-1-8 |
3-6G |
Metal and
polyurethane cleats are prohibited in youth. Metal toe plates are
legal. |
|
The
commercially manufactured catcher’s head, face, and throat protector may be a
one-piece design or a multi-piece design. |
1-1-7 NOTE |
3-5C Note |
Hockey style
one-piece design catcher’s helmet/mask is legal. The slow pitch
catcher, as well as all FP or SP players, (except FP catcher), can wear a
clear plastic face mask. If the hockey style mask does not have built
in throat protector, one must be added. |
|
Uniforms of
all team members should be of the same color and style. |
1-1-5 |
3-6-B |
Player’s
pants may be mixed (long and short) as long as they are alike in color. |
(EQUIPMENT
CONT’D) |
|
|
(EQUIPMENT
CONT’D) |
|
Prior to
start of game, both head coaches must verify to umpire-in-chief that all
players are properly equipped. |
1-1-10 |
----- |
No
requirement. |
|
Bases are 60
feet apart (Fast and Slow Pitch). Slow pitch must use 65 foot bases if
State Association adopts 11” ball. |
1-2-1 |
2-1 |
Exception:
Bases are 65 feet apart for boys and girls 14-16-18-under slow pitch. |
|
|
|
3-6-D |
6” Arabic
numbers between 0-99 must be worn on the back of the jersey. No player
may wear three digit numbers or fractions less than 1. The numbers must
be visible. |
|
Players
should wear uniforms properly and as designed. Does not address
tie-ups. |
1-1-5g |
3-6 |
Sleeves or
straps of the uniform tops may be adjusted, with or without tie-ups, to
comfort the player. If the uniform is tied up, the numbers must be
visible, otherwise the ties must be removed. |
|
The home
coach shall decide whether the grounds or other conditions are suitable for
starting a game. |
4-1-2 |
5-2 |
The home plate
umpire shall decide whether the grounds or other conditions are suitable for
starting a game. |
|
(SP)
pitching distance with 12” ball is 46’. (SP)
pitching distance with 11” ball is 50’ (by state adoption). |
1-2-1-a(3) |
2-1 |
(SP)
pitching distance for girls 16-under and 18-under is 50’ (11” ball only). |
(BATTING) |
|
|
(BATTING) |
|
Batter is
called out for intentionally hitting the ball in foul territory, if the ball
has a chance to become fair in the umpires judgment. |
7-4-1g Note |
7-6-i |
No reference
to foul territory. Fair territory only. |
|
A bat
hitting a fair ball will not rule the batter out, unless the act is
determined to be intentional. |
7-4 K |
7-6 I |
Any time the
bat hits the ball over fair territory, it is considered intent and the batter
is ruled out. If the ball hits the bat, it is ruled fair or foul
depending where they hit each other. |
|
When a
player delays a game by not promptly taking her position in the batter’s box,
the umpire will wait 20 seconds and then call a strike. A pitch does
not have to be thrown. |
7-3-1 |
7-3-BC |
Batter must
take his/her position in the box within 10 seconds after being directed to by
the umpire. If she does not enter in 10 seconds, the umpire will call a
strike. No pitch has to be thrown. The ball remains dead.
(JO only) Between pitches, one foot must remain in the box while taking
signals or taking practice swings. |
|
(SP) The
strike zone is that space over any part of home plate which is between the
batter’s HIGHEST shoulder and the knees when the batter assumes the natural
batting stance. |
2-56-4 |
1-strike zone |
(SP) The
strike zone is that space over any part of home plate which is between the
batter’s BACK shoulder and her front knee when she assumes the natural
batting stance. |
|
No such
ruling. |
|
7-6-F |
The batter
cannot step back out of batter’s box and run back into box to hit the pitch.
If contact is made the batter is out. If no contact, a strike is ruled. |
|
No such
ruling. |
|
7-6-O (Exception) |
If the
catcher accidentally hits the batter on a return throw to the pitcher, and
this allows runners to advance safely, where they wouldn’t have advanced,
time should be called and return the runners to the base they started from. |
(BASERUNNING) |
|
|
(BASERUNNING) |
|
When
spectator interference occurs, the ball becomes dead at the moment of
interference and the umpire imposes such penalties and/or make any awards as
in the umpires judgment will nullify the act of interference. |
8-4-L |
8-2N |
If a
spectator reaches into the field of play and interferes with a fielder’s opportunity
to catch a fly ball, the batter is out, runners return. On fair batted
balls or overthrown balls and spectator interference occurs, the ruling
remains the same. |
|
When
sliding, the runner must be within reach of the base with either a hand or a
foot when the slide is completed. |
2-52-1 |
----- |
No such
ruling, yet guidelines have been similar when considering an interference
call. |
|
Double Base:
Batter-runner should use the colored base on initial play at first
base, unless the fielder is drawn to the side of the colored base, in which
case the runner would go to the white base and the fielder to the
colored. Runner is never out for touching white base rather than
colored base. |
Page 82 |
8-2-m(b) |
Double Base:
If a play is made on the batter-runner and the runner touches only the white
portion, the defense can appeal the runner until she returns and the runner
will be ruled out. |
|
Double Base:
Used by state adoption only. |
1-3-1 NOTE 2 |
2-3H-2 |
Double Base:
Required for JO Girls (2002). |
|
A runner may
not return to touch a missed base or one left too soon on a caught fly ball
if the player has reached a base beyond the base missed or one left too soon
and the ball becomes dead. |
Appeal
Procedures Page 80 |
8-6-G(2) |
When the
ball becomes dead, runners may return to touch a missed base or the base left
too soon even if they have advanced, touched , and are a base beyond the
missed base or the base left too soon. |
|
If interference
occurs by a runner on a foul fly ball, the runner is out, the ball is dead, a
strike is called, and the batter remains at bat (SP only). If this is
the third strike, the batter is also out. |
8-6-13
Exception |
8-8 NOTE
Sec. J-L Exception |
If interference
occurs by a runner on a fair or foul fly ball, the runner and batter are out. |
(BASERUNNING
CONT’D) |
|
|
(BASERUNNING
CONT’D) |
|
For removing
a helmet intentionally while running the bases, a team warning is issued for
the first occurrence, and the player is restricted to the dugout on the
second team occurrence. |
1-1-6 (Penalty) |
3-5-E (EFFECT) |
For
intentionally removing a helmet while running the bases, the runner is called
out. If not seen by the umpire, there is no call. |
|
The runner
is out when a fair batted ball contacts her before it touches an infielder,
or after it passes any infielder, excluding the pitcher, and in the umpire’s
judgment no other infielder can make a play.
|
8-6-11 |
8-9-E 8-8-J(5) |
Only that
runner hit with a fair batted ball while standing in foul territory will be
protected if an infielder had an opportunity to make an out. When a
runner intentionally interferes with any defensive player having an
opportunity to make an out on a deflected ball, the runner is out. |
|
Look Back
Rule: The ball must be in the pitcher’s possession for the “Look-Back Rule”
to be in effect. It is possible for the ball to be in her possession,
but not in either hand. |
Page 85 POE
8-74 |
8-8-T |
Look-Back
Rule: The pitcher must have possession and control of the ball within the
pitcher’s circle. Control means the ball has to be in one or both
hands. It cannot be between her legs, under one arm, etc. |
|
No such
rule. |
|
1 – Dead
Ball |
A ball
lodged in offensive players clothing is a dead ball. |
|
No such
rule. |
|
8-4-I |
A ball
lodged in defensive players clothing is a live ball. |
|
(PLAYERS) |
|
|
(PLAYERS) |
|
A designated
hitter (DH) may assume a defensive position but must remain in her same
batting spot. If she assumes a defensive position, DH role is
terminated. If the defensive player bats for the DH, the DH role is
terminated. |
3-1-5 |
4-3E |
A designated
player (DP) may play defense for any player including the player listed as
defensive player only. The role of DP is not terminated in this
case. The “DP” is terminated only when the defensive player moves to
bat for the “DP”. |
(PLAYERS
CONT’D) |
|
|
(PLAYERS
CONT’D) |
|
An illegal
player is ejected if discovered by the umpire or by either team after the
ball has become alive. |
3-1-4a Penalty |
4-7-A-D |
The illegal
player must be protested by the offended team, to the umpire before she is disqualified.
|
|
If a runner
is injured and is safely on base, the most recent batter not on base is
allowed to run for the injured player, until that player is put out, scores,
or the half inning ends. |
3-1-7a |
4-1D(2) |
If a runner
is on base safely and cannot continue, an out is recorded, if no legal
substitute is available. |
|
No such
ruling. |
----- |
4-2 |
(SP) Players
determined to be physically challenged as established by American
Disabilities Act (1990) will be allowed to play. |
|
Once a team
has gone shorthanded and another eligible player is available, that eligible
player may be inserted into the vacated spot. |
3-1-7d |
4-1D(2b) |
If a
substitute arrives, he must be inserted immediately into the vacant
spot. |
|
A player who
has been rendered unconscious during a game shall not be permitted to resume
participation that day without written authorization from a physician. |
3-1-8 |
----- |
No rules
coverage. |
|
Any player, coach,
substitute, attendant or bench personnel who charges an umpire shall be
ejected. |
3-3-1-P |
10-9-A |
No penalty
for charging an umpire. The act must be unsportsmanlike after reaching
the umpire for a player or coach to be ejected. |
(PLAYERS
CONT’D) |
|
|
(PLAYERS
CONT’D) |
|
Team
personnel who leave their positions or bench area when a fight has broken out
shall be ejected from the game. |
3-3-1o(4) |
|
No such
ruling. |
|
A team must have
ten players (SP) or nine players (FP) to start or the game is forfeited. |
4-3-1f |
4-1-D(1) |
A team can
start with one less player. If another player arrives after the game
begins, he/she is placed in the vacant spot in batting order. If a
player does not arrive, an out is taken each time the vacant spot comes to
bat. |
|
(PITCHING) |
|
|
(PITCHING) |
|
(SP) Five
pitches are allowed between innings when warming up. |
6-4-10 |
6-8 |
(SP) Only
three pitches are allowed between innings when warming up. |
|
(SP) The
pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving ball from
catcher. |
6-4-8 |
6-3-J |
(SP) The
pitcher has 10 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball, or
after the umpire indicates “play ball.” |
|
(SP) The
pitcher must come to a full and complete stop facing the batter with the
shoulders in line with first and third bases and hold this position for at
least one and not more than 10 seconds. If a step is taken, it
must be forward. |
6-4-1 and 2 |
6-1B 6-3E |
(SP) The
pitcher must stop with the ball in front of the body. The step can be
forward, backward, or to the side outside the width of the pitcher’s plate as
long as the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate until the ball
is released. |
|
A pitcher
removed from the pitching position (but staying in the game) can return to
the pitching position only once per inning. |
3-1-1 NOTE 2 |
6-9FP 6-9SP |
Pitchers can
return to pitching position any number of times (as long as they were not
removed due to a rule violation), but if they return in the same inning, no
warm-up pitches are allowed. |
(PITCHING
CONT’D) |
|
|
(PITCHING
CONT’D) |
|
The pitch starts
when one hand has been taken off the ball or the pitcher
makes any motion that is part of the windup after hands
are brought together. |
6-2a |
6-2FP |
The pitch
starts when one hand is taken off the ball after the hands have been
placed together. Any movement of hands/arms prior to the hands
separating does not start the pitch. |
|
Prior to
starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall take a position with the
non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate. |
6-1-1 |
6-1-A (1&2) |
(FP) For
women and JO girls, pitcher shall take a position with both feet in contact
with the pitcher’s plate. For men and JO boys, the pivot foot must be
in contact, but the non-pivot foot can be to the rear of the plate, but
within the 24” width of the plate. |
|
No ruling on
contacting a pitched ball with detached equipment. |
|
8-6-F |
(FP)
Contacting a pitched ball with detached equipment on a batter’s third strike would
entitle the batter and all runners one base. On other pitches, there is
no penalty if runners are not advancing, no apparent play is possible, or no
advantage is gained. |
|
No such
ruling. |
----- |
6-1B |
(FP) The
pitcher shall take the signal from the catcher (or the dugout) with the
hands separated while in contact with the pitching plate. The ball must
remain in either the glove or pitching hand. |
|
(FP) The
step backward, with the non-pivot foot, must start before the hands come
together. |
6-1-2b |
6-3G |
(Women &
Girls FP) Both feet must be in contact with the pitching plate while taking
the signal and during delivery. A step must be taken and it can only be
forward. Men and JO
Boys can step back with non-pivot foot before or after hands are brought
together. |
|
|
|
(PITCHING
CONT’D) |
|
|
(SP) The
catcher must be in and remain within the boundaries of the catcher’s box
until each pitch reaches home plate or is batted. |
6-4-6 (SP) |
6-6-A |
Same as
National Federation but also includes until ball touches the ground or home
plate. |
|
(FP) If a
pitcher delivers an illegal pitch and the batter hits the ball (fair or
foul), or becomes a base runner, the coach of the team at bat shall have the
option of the result of the play or the penalty for the illegal pitch. |
6-2-3 Exception |
6-(1-8) FP 6-(1-7) SP |
In (FP) if
all runners and the batter advance one base the illegal pitch is
ignored. In (FP) if the runners and batter do not make at least one
base, the manager has the option to take the result of play or the illegal
pitch enforcement. |
|
(SCORING) |
|
|
(SCORING) |
|
If an error cannot
be charged to a fielder, assess it to the team. |
9-5-5 |
11-2-6 |
No reference
to “team” error. |
|
No such
ruling. |
----- |
11-2B (1)E |
A sacrifice
“slap hit” will not be charged as a time at bat. |
|
A base hit
is credited to a batter because a runner is declared out for being hit by the
batted ball. |
9-3-2b |
11-3-D 8-8 NOTE Sec. J-L |
A fielder’s
choice is credited to a batter when a runner has been called out for
interference on the batted ball. |
|
|
|
(SCORING
CONT’D) |
|
|
Umpire-In-Chief
required to record team warning. |
10-2-3j |
----- |
No such
requirement. |
|
Scorekeeping
errors must be brought to the umpires attention before umpires leave the
field. |
10-2-3n |
----- |
No such requirement. |
|
(COACHING) |
|
|
(COACHING) |
|
A coach who
is ejected shall leave the vicinity of the playing area immediately and is
prohibited from any further contact, direct or indirect, with team during the
remainder of the game. |
3-3-2 |
10-9A-C |
Coaches or
players ejected can remain on bench. If the act is flagrant, he must
leave the ball park. |
|
Coaches
shall be attired in school uniforms or jersey/coaching shorts, slacks, or
warm-up suits (including fleece warm-ups) in school colors or black/white,
gray, or khaki. |
3-2-1 |
4-8-B |
Coaches
should dress in similar colors as team uniform. If a coach wears
headwear, it must be approved. |
|
Coaches can
not use any type of communication equipment; television monitoring or replay equipment;
or use amplifiers or bullhorns for coaching purposes. |
3-3-1 g and
m |
4-8-C(1
& 5) |
No
communication equipment is allowed between the coach, the dugout, the coach
in the other coaches’ box, or the spectator areas. |
|
Coaches,
players and bench personnel are prohibited from using tobacco products
(including smokeless). The umpire shall issue a team warning to the
coach. Had a team warning already been issued for the same infraction,
offender will be ejected. |
3-3-1N |
----- |
No ruling. |
|
|
|
(UMPIRES) |
|
|
No such
ruling. |
|
1 – Dead
Ball |
A ball
lodged in umpires clothing or equipment shall be ruled dead. |
|
Use of video
by umpires for purpose of making calls or rendering decisions is prohibited. |
10-1-4 |
----- |
No such
rule. |
|
(GAME) |
|
|
(GAME) |
|
Games can be
shortened by agreement of the opposing coaches for run rule, time limit or
one team leading by substantial margin, if state association does not have a
ruling. |
4-2-3 |
5-9 |
Games can be
called after five innings if a run ahead rule is used (FP-8) (SP-12). |
|
Media shall
be prohibited from being in the live ball area. |
1-2-3 |
----- |
No such
rule. Media allowed in live ball area as long as they control their
equipment. POE # 22. |
|
The
tie-breaker procedure can be used if adopted by state association. |
4-2-6 |
5-11-A |
A tie
breaker is used in girls’ and women’s fast pitch. Beginning in the 8th
inning, and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its
turn at bat with the player scheduled to bat ninth, placed on second base. |
|
|
|
(GAME
CONT’D) |
|
|
Protests are
optional depending on state association. |
4-4-1 |
9-2A-C |
Protested
games can be made on misinterpretation of playing rule, use of illegal
substitute, or use of illegal player. |
|
A ball
passing through the designated media area in flight remains alive. The
ball becomes dead if it touches inside the designed media, but does not, if
the media area is unoccupied. |
5-1-o |
----- |
No rule POE
# 22. |