For example, in some slow pitch softball leagues a batter starts at bat with a count of one ball one strike. Strength acquired in the underhand windmill motion is based on the open-to-close hip motion. [4]) The name softball had spread across the United States by 1930. Thirteen people on a softball team show up for a game. It is governed by USA Softball (formerly known as the Amateur Softball Association) and takes part in international softball competitions. Official umpires are often nicknamed "blue", because of their uniforms in many jurisdictions, most significantly ISF, NCAA and ASA games, umpires wear navy blue slacks, a light powder blue shirt, and a navy baseball cap. The center fielder covers the area behind second base if the ball is going to be thrown in that direction. There are different types, including a sacrifice bunt, or slap bunt. [37], Runners may advance at risk to be put out: on a hit by another player; after a fly ball has been caught, provided the player was touching a base at the time the ball was first touched or after; or (in fastpitch) automatically, when a pitch is delivered illegally. "Sliders" may also be worn for similar protection. Depending on the team they can travel all over the United States or even out of the country such as to Canada, the summer and fall for many weeks and days at a time. How many Players on a Softball team? This means that approximately 80% of major league teams have more players on their roster than the required number of players for legality. The spikes must extend less than 0.75in (19mm) away from the sole. The center fielder is part of a group of two other fielders that make up the outfield. Generally, outfielders act as a back-up to the infielders when they make plays or if the ball is hit past the infield. Caps are mandatory for male players. The rubber distance from the plate in fastpitch can be as short as 35 feet for 10u players up to 43 feet for ages 14 and older. INDOOR SOFTBALL RULES. [1] The ball itself is typically 11 or 12 inches (28 or 30 centimetres) in circumference, also depending on specifics of the competition. First basemen however, can be both left- and right-handed. End loading of a cap refers to the addition of weight manually placed at the end of the barrel to distribute more weight at the tip. Softball teams are often organized around groups of employees who play in the early evening after work in the summer. If the player hits the ball and advances to a base without a fielding error or an out being recorded, then that is called a "base hit". Softball in the Olympics. Pitchers are also not allowed to have any white on their gloves including the seams. They may have cleats or spikes. It was also fewer people than likely would have passed through the gates on opening day alone this year -- a recently . The gear worn by a catcher protects them from balls thrown in the dirt or wild pitches. [35] Male pitching can reach speeds around 85 miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour). The softball pitcher makes a windmill motion while throwing underhand, unlike baseball pitchers who throw overhand. The defense can tag the runner, by touching the runner with the ball while the runner is not on a base. The fastest pitch ever recorded was at 77mph by Monica Abbott on June 16, 2012. In some leagues, the number of home runs that can be hit by a team are limited. In order to do that, they start while having the ball in their glove, they throw their arms behind their hips, they shoot forwards with their leg, which is on the same side as their glove, and leave their glove hand there and the other arm goes around the shoulder, bends the elbow, and turns their wrist toward the 3rd baseman, and brings their arm through at the end, flicks their wrist, (which affects the ball's speed, spin and subsequent motion), and brings the arm up, with the hand by their shoulder. No matter what way the batter hits the ball, they must be inside the batter's box when the bat makes contact with the ball. Pitchers also throw knuckleballs which are generally slower and move erratically. If the game is tied, play usually continues until a decision is reached, by using the international tie-breaker rules. A ball hit in the air and caught before hitting the ground, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter out. Besides covering certain areas of the field, the left fielder must be the smartest of the outfielders. The USSSA, founded in 1968 as the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association, but renamed in 1997 to the United States Specialty Sports Association, is the only association that still has a men's major slow-pitch program alive. There is never more than one "plate umpire"; there can be up to three "base umpires", and up to a further three umpires positioned in the outfield. On steals to second base (when the runner from first is advancing to second on the pitch) the shortstop usually covers. Fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball. A catcher may signal to a position player that they will be trying to throw the runner out. If the ball is hit to the left side of the field, the second baseman covers second base. Softball | Definition, Rules, History, & Facts | Britannica In girls' fastpitch, depending on the age group, pitchers can throw from 30mph to 65mph or more. In the Pan-American Games, Team USA has made the finals in all seven appearances at the Games when Men's Fast Pitch was played. Job Title Female, 86.8% Male, 13.2% Softball Player gender ratio Softball Player gender pay gap Women earn 95 for every $1 earned by men Male Income $50,220 Female Income $47,945 Softball Player gender ratio over time (c) Of the 12 people who show up, 2 . All pitches are thrown from below the waist in an underhand motion. This minimum number of nine is enforced to ensure that each team has enough players to fill each position. Usually, there is a small area on one of the walls in the outfield that results in a home run being awarded if the batted ball hits it. For example, helmets for the offensive team and a helmet, shin guards, and chest protector for the defensive catcher. In fast pitch, to be within the strike zone, the pitch must cross over home plate, and as it crosses it must be above the knees and slightly below the shoulders (roughly the armpit or the shirt logo). In the outfield there is a left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. Within the game of softball, the center fielder is traditionally the fastest of the three outfielders. A "crow hop" is an illegal pitch that occurs when the pitcher pushes with the pivot foot from somewhere other than the pitching plate. Softball rules vary somewhat from those of baseball. b) How many ways are there to assign the 10 positions by selecting players from the 13 people who showup? She may have to stretch to keep her foot on first base while receiving a ball from a teammate in order to record an out. If a fielder intentionally carries a ball out of play, two bases are awarded from the time the ball leaves the field of play. For instance, if a runner is on third base prior to a hit, and he or she crosses home plate after an out is made, either on the batter or another runner, the run is not counted.[37]. The Chinese have frequently toured the US and have now similar caliber coaching and training programs. More advanced levels require the left fielder to be able to field the ball during "slap hit" situations by playing shallow. Often, but not always, outside first base (that is, in foul territory) and adjacent and connected to it, there is a contrast-colored "double base" or "safety base" intended to prevent collisions between the first baseman and the runner. At some tournaments there might be a rules interpreter or Tournament Chief Umpire (TCU) (also known as the Umpire In Chief, or UIC) available to pass judgment on such protests, but it is usually up to the league or association involved to decide if the protest would be upheld. First Basemen (1B) Positioned just to the left of the first base, the first baseman's main role is to make fielding plays on balls hit toward first base. Although there are a variety of bats used, there are several that are banned due to performance enhancement. These softballs, when hit, will not go as far as regular softballs. That is because the player must vacate first base to allow the next batter to reach it, and consequently can only go to second base, where a force out may be recorded. Algebra questions and answers. If this is unintentional (fielder's momentum), the award is one base. Advanced Math questions and answers. Softball is played in over a hundred countries around the world. The proposal awaits formal endorsement from the congress of both federations. Shin guards also protect the kneecap. Peterson, Brian. [20] This is intended to prevent facial injuries.[32]. She must make an attempt to get out of the way and it is the umpire's judgmental call whether the batter attempted to move. [7] Under the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", the game moved outside in the next year, and the first rules were published in 1889.[7]. [22]), The ball is covered in two pieces of leather or similar synthetic covering that are roughly the shape of a figure-8 and sewn together along a continuous seam. Every two years an open women's European fastpitch championship is held with over twenty nationals teams. Co-ed recreational leagues, where men and women play on the same team, generally have provisions to keep men from dominating the game. Updated: April 22, 2023 by David Reed Softball, a popular sport enjoyed by many, has its own unique set of rules and regulations. These 10 players can be a View the full answer Transcribed image text: 3) Thirteen people on a softball team show up for a game. It is recommended in lower age groups. Like baseball, softball in Japan is intensely competitive. With two outs, the batter can attempt to run to first whether or not it is already occupied. The bases are cushions 15 inches (38cm) square, of canvas or a similar material, and not more than 5 inches (13cm) thick. 30 Million Americans Play Softball - Los Angeles Times [11] By the 1930s, similar sports with different rules and names were being played all over the United States and Canada. The catcher is allowed to take off his/her mask to catch a pop fly or to watch the play. The United States also has a competitive women's softball team that competes in international tournaments. In male fastpitch masks are generally only used for medical reasons. Each tournament would feature eight teams. The last (bottom) half of the seventh inning or any remaining part of the seventh inning is not played if the team batting second is leading. Since the outfielders are further apart from each other, it can be hard to hear each other. However, bunting a foul ball does result in a strikeout. The center fielder needs to be the quickest because of the large area of field they must cover. However, if the game is being played on a field larger than required, no warning track is required before the temporary outfield fencing. At adult levels, there is no formal requirement for the catcher to wear a mask, although the official rules recommend it. [24] A 16-inch softball when new is rough and hard, with hand and finger injuries to fielders frequent if they do not "give" when receiving a ball,[25] but the ball "breaks in" slightly during a game and continues to soften over time with continued play.