Kid's Softball Rules

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By Rhonda Campbell
eHow Contributing Writer

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The National Softball Association of America (ASA) is the country's official governing body for the sport. Created in 1933, the organization is responsible for developing, reviewing and revising game rules for kid and adult softball. Coaches, players and umpires are expected to understand and obey the rules of the game.

Slow Pitch

Catchers must stay in their box until the ball is pitched and batted, reaches the catcher's box or hits the ground. If the batter hits a slow pitched ball with a downward chopping motion it is considered a chopped ball. Pitchers must keep at least one foot on the pitchers plate while throwing a slow pitch.

Fast Pitch

Pitchers must keep their foot on the pitcher's plate before they push off to throw a fast pitch. Runners are permitted to run toward the next base after the ball is released. Catchers must remain in the box until after the ball is released.

Delayed Dead Ball

A delayed dead ball is called when a fielder willfully touches or catches a fair thrown, batted or pitched ball with their uniform or equipment that is removed from its proper place. The batter is awarded three bases from the time the last pitch was thrown. Runners are also to be awarded three bases from the last base touched from the time the pitch was thrown.

Bunt Attempt

When a batter intentionally taps a pitched ball with the bat so that it remains in the infield it is considered a bunt attempt. Standard rules applicable to safe base runs and outs apply to bunt attempts.

Charged Conference

When a team manager or coach requests that a play be suspended or delayed so that they can communicate with a player a charged conference is declared. Game delays so that the coach can speak with and replace a pitcher are not considered charged conferences. Although the ASA does not state how many charged conferences a team is allowed, state amateur softball associations like the Iowa Amateur Softball Association limit each team to one offensive conference per inning and three defensive conferences during a five inning game.

Considerations

Youth athletes must wear certified equipment while competing in an official softball game. ASA sets and tests equipment standards and specifications. Warm up and official game bats and balls are required to bear the ASA approved certification stamp of approval. Beginning in January 2008 previously approved grandfathered bats are no longer authorized for game use. The bats were initially allowed a two mile per hour testing variance as of April 2003, but have since been discontinued. Game balls must be red, black or blue and include ASA markings.