Amateur Softball Rules

Amateur softball in the United States consists of slow pitch and fast pitch. While the two are similar in many respects, there are differences in how each is played, such as how the pitcher delivers the ball to home plate. Many of the same rules are also followed in both sports, but there are some major differences.

Player Differences

Fast-pitch softball includes a position know as the DP, or Designated Player, and is used in conjunction with a Flex player. The DP is a batter only, and does not play the field. The Flex player is a fielder only, but may enter the game as a batter in the DP's spot in the batting order. Slow pitch does not employ the DP/Flex, but instead allows for an Extra Player (EP), an additional batter in the lineup who does not play in the field.

Rules for Pitchers

Fast-pitch rules allow for the pitcher to "leap" when delivering the ball, which is when both feet become airborne while pushing off the mound, but this is not permitted in slow pitch. In fast pitch, the pitcher's pivot foot is defined as the foot kept in contact with the pitcher's plate prior to pushing off, while in slow pitch it is extended to when the pitcher actually releases the ball. In slow pitch, a quick pitch is illegal, but is only regarded as a "no pitch" in fast pitch.

Strike Zone and Base Stealing

The strike zone in slow pitch is defined as where the ball crosses home plate in an area between the batter's back shoulder and the front of the knee while assuming a natural stance. In fast pitch, the strike zone is the area between the top of the hitter's knees and armpits. Stealing bases is permitted in fast pitch as long as the base runner does not leave the base until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. In slow pitch, the runner may attempt to advance once the pitched ball crosses the front of home plate.

Equipment

Slow pitch allows for the ball to be 10, 11, 12 , 14 or 16 inches in diameter, while in fast pitch the diameter can only be 11 or 12 inches. Slow-pitch catchers are required to wear either a batting helmet with ear flaps or a catcher's helmet with a mask or face guard, while in fast pitch adults must wear a mask and throat protector, with helmets being optional. Fast pitch requires the wearing of a ball cap for males, while caps, visors, and headbands are optional for females.

Number of Players

The number of slow-pitch players in the game depends on the level of play. The standard is 10 defensive players with one Extra Player, with seniors allowing for one or two EPs or 11 defensive players and one or two EPs depending on the age bracket. Co-ed rules call for five male and five female players, or six males and six females if EPs are used. Fast pitch uses either nine or 10 players depending on whether a DP is used.

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