the international softball federation is the international governing body for the sport of...

7/30/2019 The International Softball Federation is the international governing body for the sport of softball.docx

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The International Softball Federation is the international governing body for the sport ofsoftball.

The ISF is a non-profit corporation recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations).

The ISF organizes and conducts world championship competition in women's & men's fast pitch,

junior women's & junior men's fast pitch (19-and-under), women's, men's & coed slow pitch, andwomen's & men's modified pitch. The ISF sanctions regional championships and provides

technical support to Regional (Multi-Sport) Games. Additionally the ISF qualifies teams for

Olympic softball competition in coordination with the IOC. The ISF provides the official playingrules for international competition including but not limited to; Olympic Games, world

championships, regional championships, regional Games and other sanctioned competitions.

As part of a campaign to return softball to the Olympic Games in time for2020, in April 2013,

the ISF began a process of merging with the International Baseball Federation to form a new

combined federation for both sports,[2]

the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WSBC).
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Softball is a variant ofbaseballplayed with a larger ball on a smaller field. It was invented in1888 in Chicago as an indoor game. It was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball,

playground, softbund ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies'baseball. The name softball was given to the game in 1926. A tournament (1933) at the Chicago

World's Fair spurred interest in the game. The Amateur Softball Association of America

(founded 1933) governs the game in the United States and sponsors annual sectional and WorldSeries championships. The International Softball Federation regulates rules of play in more than110 countries, including the United States and Canada. Women's fast-pitch softball became an

Olympic sport in 1996, but it (and baseball) was dropped in 2005 from the 2012 games. Despite

the name, the ball used is not soft. It is about 12 in. (30 cm) in circumference (sometimes largerfor slow-pitch), which is 3 in. (8 cm) larger than a baseball. The infield in softball is smaller than

in baseball; each base is 60 ft (18 m) from the next, as opposed to baseball's 90 ft. (27 m). There

are two types of softball: in the most common, slow-pitch softball, the ball, sometimes larger

than the standard 12 in, must arch on its path to the batter, 10 players make up a team, andbunting and stealing are prohibited; in fast-pitch softball the pitch is fast, there are 9 players on

the field at one time, and bunting and stealing are permitted. Softball rules vary somewhat from

those of baseball. Two major differences are that the ball must be pitched underhandfrom46 ft. (14 m) for men or 43 ft. (12 m)[1]

for women as compared with 60.5 ft. (18.4 m) in

baseballand that seven innings instead of nine constitute a regulation game.[2]

Contents

[hide]

1 History 2 Overview 3 Game play

o

3.1 Official baseline dimensionso 3.2 Fast pitch pitching distanceso 3.3 Slow pitch pitching distances[14]

4 Equipmento 4.1 Ballo 4.2 Bato 4.3 Gloveso 4.4 Uniformo 4.5 Protective equipment

5 Umpires 6 Gameplay

o6.1 Pitching

o 6.2 Batterso 6.3 Getting the batter outo 6.4 Advancing around the bases

6.4.1 Special circumstanceso 6.5 Scoring runso 6.6 Ending the game

7 Positions
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o 7.1 Pitchero 7.2 Catchero 7.3 First basemano 7.4 Second basemano 7.5 Shortstopo 7.6 Third basemano 7.7 Outfielders

8 Modification of ruleso 8.1 Indoor play

9 International competitiono 9.1 New Zealando 9.2 Australiao 9.3 Japano 9.4 Chinao 9.5 Europeo 9.6 United States

10 See also 11 References 12 External links

[edit] History

First photo of a Softball team, Chicago, 1897
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Indoor baseball player, 1907

The earliest known softball game was played in Chicago, Illinois on Thanksgiving Day, 1887. Ittook place at the Farragut Boat Club to hear the outcome of the Yale and Harvard football

game.[3]

When the score was announced and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus threw a boxingglove at a Harvard supporter. The other person grabbed a stick and swung at it. George Hancock

called out "Play ball!" and the game began, with the boxing glove tightened into a ball, a broom

handle serving as a bat. This first contest ended with a score of 41-40.[4]

The ball, being soft, wasfielded barehanded.

[5][6]

George Hancockis credited as the game's inventor for his development of ball and an undersizedbat in the next week. The Farragut Club soon set rules for the game, which spread quickly to

outsiders. Envisioned as a way for baseball players to maintain their skills during the winter, thesport was called "Indoor Baseball".

[7]Under the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", the game moved

outside in the next year, and the first rules were published in 1889.[7]

In 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. ofMinneapolis organized outdoor games as exercise forfirefighters;this game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball, or diamond ball.

[4]

Rober's version of the game used a ball 12 inches (305 mm) in circumference, rather than the 16-inch (406 mm) ball used by the Farragut club, and eventually the Minneapolis ball prevailed,

although the dimenscluded "mush ball", and "pumpkin ball".[4]

) The name softball had spreadacross the United States by 1930.

[8]By the 1930s, similar sports with different rules and names

were being played all over the United States and Canada. The formation of the Joint Rules

Committee on Softball in 1934 standardized the rules and naming throughout the UnitedStates.

[7]

Sixteen-inch softball, also sometimes referred to as "mushball" or "super-slow pitch", is a directdescendant of Hancock's original game. Defensive players are not allowed to wear fielding

gloves. Sixteen-inch softball is played extensively in Chicago,[9]

where devotees such as the late

Mike Royko consider it the "real" game,[10]

and New Orleans. In New Orleans, sixteen-inch

softball is called "Cabbage Ball" and is a popular team sport in area elementary and high schools.
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By the 1940s, fast pitching began to dominate the game. Although slow pitch was present at the

1933 World's Fair, the main course of action taken was to lengthen the pitching distance. Slow

pitch achieved formal recognition in 1953 when it was added to the program of the AmateurSoftball Association, and within a decade had surpassed fast pitch in popularity.

[7]

The first British women's softball league was established in 1952.

[7]

In 1991, women's fast-pitch softball was selected to debut at the 1996 Summer Olympics.[4]

The

1996 Olympics also marked a key era in the introduction of technology in softball; the IOCfunded a landmark biomechanical study on pitching during the games.

In 2002, sixteen-inch slow pitch was written out of the ISF official rules, although it is still

played extensively in the United States underThe Amateur Softball Association of America, or

ASA rules.

The 117th meeting of the International Olympic Committee, held in Singapore in July 2005,

voted to drop softball and baseball as Olympic sports for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

[11]

Other sanctioning bodies of softball are AAU, NSA, PONY, ASA, ISC, USSSA, and ISA.

[edit] Overview

Softball is played between two teams on a large field, with 9 players from one team on the fieldat a time. The field is usually composed of a dirt or brickdust infield which contains the

quadrilateral shape and running areas, and a grass outfield. However, the field also can consist ofall dirt, grass, artificial turf, or, in areas such as New York City, asphalt . There are 4 bases on

the infield (first base, second base, third base,and home plate); the bases are arranged in a square

and are typically 45 to 65 feet (13,7 to 19,8 meters) apart. Near the center of this square is thepitcher's circle, and within the circle is the "rubber", a small flat rectangular piece of rubber

about a foot and a half in length. The rubber can be 40 or 43 feet away from home plate,depending on age level and also the league one is playing in. The object of the game is to score

more runs (points) than the other team by batting (hitting) a ball into play and running around the

bases, touching each one in succession. The ball is a sphere of light material, covered withleather or synthetic material. It is 10 to 12 inches (or rarely, 16 inches

[12]) (28 to 30.5

centimeters) in circumference. The game is officiated by one or more neutral umpires. Players

and umpires are generally free to ask for a brief stoppage at any time when the ball is not in play,

or immediately following a play once its outcome is clear.

The game is played in a series of innings, usually 7 (youth leagues may play 6). There is no timelimit or clock as in other sports, although amateur leagues often impose a time limit for practicalreasons. An inning is one series of both teams playing offense and defense. Each inning is

divided into a top half and a bottom half indicating which team is playing which role. The

offense bats and attempts to score runs, while the defense occupies the field and attempts torecord outs in a variety of ways. After the defense records 3 outs, the half inning is over and the

teams switch roles.
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To start play, the offense sends a batter to home plate. The batting order must be fixed at the start

of the game, and players may not bat out of turn. The defense's pitcher stands atop the rubber and

throws the ball towards home plate using an underhanded motion. The batter attempts to hit thepitched ball with a bat, a long, round, smooth stick made ofwood, metal orcomposite. A pitch

must fly over plate within an area known as the strike zone: it must cross over home plate, and as

it crosses it must be above the knees and slightly below the shoulders (roughly the armpit or theshirt logo). The strike zone therefore varies from batter to batter, and the umpire behind homeplate is the sole arbiter of what is or is not a valid pitch. A pitch which is outside the strike zone

is a ball, and if the batter reaches 4 balls, the batter is awarded the first base. A pitch which

crosses the strike zone is a strike, and a batter who reaches 3 strikes is out (a strikeout), and thenext batter in the order comes to bat. A strike is also recorded on any pitch that the batter swings

at and misses entirely, and also on a pitch that is hit foul (out of play). A foul ball may or may

not result in a strikeout dependent upon what association and local league rules. However,

bunting a foul ball does result in a strikeout. In some associations and leagues, bunting is notallowed and results in an out.

The batter attempts to swing the bat and hit the ball fair (into the field of play). After a successfulhit the batter becomes a baserunner (or runner) and must run to first base. The defense attempts

to field the ball and may throw the ball freely between players, so one player can field the ballwhile another moves to a position to put out the runner. The defense can tag the runner, bytouching the runner with the ball while the runner is not on a base. The defense can also touch

first base while in possession of the ball; in this case it is sufficient to beat the batter to first base

and an actual tag of the batter is unnecessary. A runner is said to be thrown out when the playinvolves two or more defensive players. Runners generally cannot be put out when touching a

base, but only one runner may occupy a base at any time and runners may not pass each other.

When a ball is batted into play, runners generally must attempt to advance if there are no open

bases behind them; for example, a runner on first base must run to second base if the batter putsthe ball in play. In such a situation, the defense can throw to the base that the lead runner is

attempting to take (a force out), and the defense can then also throw to the previous base. This

can result in a multiple-out play: a double play is two outs, while a triple play, a very rare

occurrence, is three outs. Runners with an open base behind them are not forced to advance anddo so at their own risk; the defense must tag such runners directly to put them out rather than

tagging the base.

A ball which is hit in the air and caught before hitting the ground is an immediate out, regardless

of whether the ball would have landed fair or foul. A fly ball is a ball hit high and deep, a pop flyis a ball hit high but short, and a line drive is a ball hit close to the horizontal. In any such

situation, runners must remain on their bases until the ball is touched by a defensive player or

hits the ground. If a runner leaves the base before a fly ball, pop fly, or line drive is touched or

contacts the ground, the defense can throw the ball to that base, and if the base is tagged beforethe runner returns, the runner is out as well, resulting in a double play. If the runner remains on

the base until the ball is touched, or returns to the base after the catch but before the defense can

put him out, he is said to tag up and may attempt to advance to the next base at his own risk. If

there are less than two batters out and runners on 1st and 2nd bases and the batter hits a pop flyin the infield, the batter is automatically out to prevent unfair play by the fielders. Unfair play
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may result from infielders deliberately dropping the ball to try and achieve a double play. This

rule is called the infield fly rule.

Offensive strategy is fairly straight forward, revolving around hitting the ball to let the batter

reach base safely and to advance the base runners towards home plate to score runs. Defensive

strategy can be more complex, with particular situations calling for different positioning andtactical decision making based on the number of outs and positions of any baserunners. For both

sides, there can be a trade-off between outs and runs: the offense can sacrifice a batter to advance

runners, while the defense may allow a runner to score if the remaining runners can be put out ina double play.

[edit] Game play

The playing field is divided into 'fair territory' and 'foul territory'. Fair territory is further divided

into the 'infield', and the 'outfield', and the territory beyond the outfield fence.

The field is defined by 'foul lines' that meet at a right angle at 'home plate'. The minimum lengthof the baselines varies classification of play (see below for official measurements). A fencerunning between the baselines defines the limits of the field; this fence is equidistant from home

plate at all points.

Behind home plate is a 'backstop'. It must be between 25 and 30 feet (7.62 and 9.14 meters)

behind home plate depending on the type of division that is playing.

'Home Plate' is one corner of a diamond with 'bases' at each corner. The bases other than home

plate are 15 in (38 cm) square, of canvas or a similar material, and not more than 5 in (13 cm)

thick. The bases are usually securely fastened to the ground. The bases are numbered counter

clockwise as first base, second base, and third base. Often, but not always, outside first base (thatis, in foul territory) and adjacent and connected to it there is a contrast-colored "double base" or

"safety base". It is intended to prevent collisions between the first baseman and the runner. Therunner runs for the foul portion of the double base after hitting the ball while the fielding team

tries to throw the ball to the regular first base before the runner reaches the safety base. However,

not all softball diamonds have these safety bases and they are much more common in women's

softball than in men's. The double base is required in ISF championships.

The infield consists of the diamond and the adjacent space in which the infielders (see below)

normally play. The outfield is the remaining space between the baselines and between theoutfield fence and the infield. The infield is usually "skinned" (dirt), while the outfield has grass

in regulation competitions.

Near the center of the diamond is the pitching plate. In fast pitch, a skinned circle 16 feet (4.88

meters) in diameter known as the pitching circle is around the pitching plate.[13]

A field is officially supposed to have a warning track between 15 and 12 feet (5 and 4 meters)

from the outfield fence. However, if the game is being played on a field larger than required, no

warning track is required before the temporary outfield fencing.
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Located in foul territory outside both baselines are two 'Coach's Boxes'. Each box is behind a

line 15 feet (5 meters) long located 12 feet (3 meters) from each baseline.

[edit] Official baseline dimensions

Fast PitchBaselines

Slow Pitch Baselines WheelchairBaselines

60 feet

(18.29 m)

70 feet (21.34 m) or 65 feet (19.81 m) or more depending

on the association and level of play50 feet (15.24 m)

[edit] Fast pitch pitching distances

College and Adult Under 18 Under 16

Female Male Female Male Female Male

43 feet

(13.11 m)

46 feet

(14.02 m)

43 feet

(13.11 m) or

43 feet(13.11 m)

43 feet

(13.11 m)

43 feet

(13.11 m) or 43

feet (13.11 m) or30 feet (9.14 m)

43 feet (13.11 m)

There is a little leaguedistance also...35 feet

for minors, 38 feet for

majors middle school isalso 43 feet

[edit] Slow pitch pitching distances[14]

Adult Youth Kids Wheelchair

1519 years15-16 yrs

(Female)1214 years


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(30.50.3 cm), in weight between 6.25 oz (178 g) and 7.0 oz (198.4 g) in fast pitch; 110.125 in

(29.70.3 cm), weight between 5.875 oz (166.5 g) and 6.125 oz (173.6 g) in slow pitch. For

comparison, under the current rules of Major League Baseball, a baseball weighs between 5 and5

14 ounces (142 and 149 g), and is 9 to 9

14 inches (229235 mm) in circumference (2

783 in or

7376 mm in diameter).[15]

A 12-inch circumference ball is generally used in slow pitch,

although in rare cases some leagues (especially recreational leagues) do use a 14-inchcircumference ball. Some balls have a raised seam, and others do not. The ball is most oftencovered in white or yellow leather in two pieces roughly the shape of a figure-8 and sewn

together with red thread, although other coverings are permitted. The core of the ball may be

made of long fiberkapok, or a mixture ofcorkand rubber, or a polyurethane mixture, or anotherapproved material.

[13]

In 2002, high-visibility yellow "optic" covering, long-used for restricted flight balls in co-edrecreational leagues, became standard for competitive play. Yellow is the color of official NCAA

and NAIA softballs. Yellow softballs are fast becoming the standard for all levels of play for

girls' and women's play in particular. White balls are also allowed, but are much more common

in slow pitch than in fast pitch.

In Chicago, where softball was invented, it remains traditional to play with a ball 16 inches (41centimeters) in circumference. The fielders do not wear gloves or mitts.

[16]A 16" softball when

new is rough and hard, with hand and finger injuries to fielders frequent if they do not "give"

when receiving a ball,[17]

but the ball "breaks in" slightly during a game and continues to soften

over time with continued play. A well-broken-in ball is called a mush ball and is favoured forinformal "pick-up" games and when playing in limited space, such as a city street (because the

ball does not go as far). A 16-inch ball is also used for wheelchair softball.

[edit] Bat

The bat used by the batter can be made of wood, aluminum, or composite materials such ascarbon fiber. Sizes may vary but they may be no more than 34 inches (86 cm) long, 2.25 inches

(6 cm) in diameter, or 38 oz. (1.2 kilograms) in weight.[18]

In fastpitch softball, wooden bats are

not allowed. The standard bat barrel diameter for both slowpitch and fastpitch softball is2

14 inches. Many players prefer a smaller barrel, which reduces weight and allows higher swing

speed.

[edit] Gloves

All defensive players wear fielding gloves, made of leather or similar material. Gloves havewebbing between the thumb and forefinger, known as the "pocket". The first baseman and the

catcher may wear mitts; mitts are distinguished from gloves in that they have extra padding, and

no fingers. No part of the glove is allowed to be the same color as that of the ball, including thatof its seams.

[13]Gloves used in softball are usually larger than the ones used in baseball. No

glove larger than 14" (36 cm) can be used in ASA sanctioned play.

[edit] Uniform
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Each team wears a distinctive uniform. The uniform includes a cap or visor, a shirt (usually

sleeveless), tight sliding undershorts (these are optional), socks, and shorts or pants; these are the

components for which standards are set.[13]

Caps, visors, and headbands are optional for female players, and have to be the same color. Caps

are mandatory for male players. A fielder who chooses to wear a helmet (see below) is notrequired to wear a cap.[13]

Many female players use "sliding shorts", otherwise known as compression shorts in othersports. These shorts help to protect the upper thigh when sliding into a base. "Sliders" may also

be worn for similar protection. These are somewhat padded shinguards that extend usually from

the ankle to the knee of the wearer and wrap all the way around the leg(s). They protect the shin,calf, etc. from getting bruised or damaged while sliding into homeplate and make it much more

comfortable to slide into the plate. Most male players use long, baseball-style pants.

At the back of the uniform, an Arabic numeral from numbers 1 through 99 must be visible.

Numbers such as 02 and 2 are considered identical. Also, on the back of the uniforms players'names are optional.[13]

Jewelry, excepting medic-alert-style bracelets and necklaces, cannot be worn during a game.

Those must be taken off to players wearing them.[13]

All players are required to wear shoes. They may have cleats or spikes. The spikes must extend

less than 0.75 inch (19 mm) away from the sole. Rounded metal spikes are illegal, as are onesmade from hard plastic or other synthetic materials. High school athletes are sometimes

permitted to wear metal cleats, such as in Ohio.[19]

Many recreational leagues prohibit the use of metal cleats or spikes to reduce the possibleseverity of injuries when a runner slides feet-first into a fielder. At all youth (under 15) levels, in

co-ed (the official terminology for mixed teams) slow pitch, and in modified pitch, metal spikesare usually not allowed. All uniforms must be tucked in and look presentable.

[edit] Protective equipment

A helmet must have two ear flaps, one on each side. Helmets and cages that are damaged or

altered are forbidden. Helmets must be worn by batters and runners in fastpitch. Helmets areoptional in slowpitch. In NCAA fastpitch softball you have the option to wear a helmet with or

without a face mask. Most female travel ball teams for fast pitch softball require the batter to

wear a helmet with a face mask. In male fastpitch masks are generally only used for medicalreasons. In fast pitch, the catcher must wear a protective helmet with a face-mask and throatprotector, shin guards and body protector. Shin guards also protect the kneecap.

[13]

In slow pitch, the catcher must wear a helmet and mask at youth levels. At adult levels, there is

no formal requirement for the catcher to wear a mask, although the official rules recommend it.

A female catcher may optionally wear a body protector in slow pitch.[13]
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In any form of softball, any player (other than fast pitch catchers on defense) can wear a

protective face mask or face guard. As usual, it must be in proper condition and not damaged,

altered, or the like.[13]

This is intended to prevent facial injuries.[20]

[edit] Umpires

Decisions about plays are made by umpires, similar to a referee in American football. The

number of umpires on a given game can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of seven.

There is never more than one "plate umpire"; there can be up to three "base umpires", and up to afurther three umpires positioned in the outfield. Most fast pitch games use a crew of two umpires

(one plate umpire, one base umpire).

The plate umpire often uses an indicator (sometimes called a clicker or counter) to keep track ofthe game

Official umpires are often nicknamed "blue", because of their uniformsin many jurisdictions,

most significantly ISF, NCAA and ASA games, umpires wear navy blue slacks, a light powder

blue shirt, and a navy baseball cap. Some umpires wear a variant of the uniform: some umpiresin ASA wear heather gray slacks and may also wear a navy blue shirt; umpires from the USSSA

wear red shirts with black shorts; National Softball Association (NSA) umpires wear an official

NSA white-colored umpire shirt with black pants or black shorts; NSA Fast-Pitch umpires wearthe white NSA umpires shirt and heather gray slacks. Regardless of what uniform is worn, all

umpires in the same game are required to have matching clothing.

Decisions are usually indicated by both the use of hand signals, and by vocalizing the call. Safecalls are made by signaling with flat hands facing down moving away from each other, and a

verbal call of "safe". Out calls are made by raising the right hand in a clenched fist, with a verbal

call of "out". Strikes are called by the plate umpire, who uses the same motion as the out callwith a verbal call of "strike". Balls are only called verbally, with no hand gesture. The umpire

also has the option of not saying anything on a ball. It is understood that when he stands up, the

pitch was not a strike. Foul balls are called by extending both arms up in the air with a verbal call
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of "foul ball", while fair balls are indicated only by pointing towards fair territory with no verbal

call. No signal is given for balls that are obviously foul and for closer calls that are not

borderline; a mere acknowledgement signal is given.

All decisions made by the umpire(s) are considered to be final. Only decisions where a rule

might have been misinterpreted are considered to be protestable. At some tournaments theremight 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. Protests are never allowed on whatare considered "judgment calls"balls, strikes, and fouls.

[edit] Gameplay

A softball game can last anywhere from 3 to 9 innings, depending on the league, rules, and type

of softball; however 7 innings is the most common. In each inning, each team bats until threebatters have been put out (see below). The teams take turns batting. Officially, which team bats

first is decided by a coin toss,

[13]

although a league may decide otherwise at its discretion. Themost common rule is that the home team bats second. Batting second is also called "last at-bat".

Many softball players prefer to bat second because they feel they have more control in the lastinning, since they have the last at-bat.

In the event of a tie, extra innings are usually played until the tie is broken except in certaintournaments and championships. If the home team is leading and the road team has just finished

its half of the seventh inning, the game ends because it is not necessary for the home team to bat

again. In all forms of softball, the defensive team is the fielding team; the offensive team is at bator batting and is trying to score runs.

[edit] Pitching
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Fastpitch pitcherMegan Gibsonpitching the ball in the "windmill" motion

Play begins with the umpire saying "Play Ball". After the batter is ready and all fielders (exceptthe catcher) are in fair territory, the pitcher stands at the pitching plate and attempts to throw the

ball past the batter to the catcher behind home plate. The throw, or pitch, must be made with an

underarm motion often called the "windmill" motion: the ball must be released below the hipwhen the hand is no farther from the hip than the elbow to get it in the strike zone.

A windmill motion is done by extending the throwing hand around the body and releasing theball at about hip level at maximum speeds. Strength acquired in the underhand windmill motion

is based from the open to close hip motion. Without correct form and hip movement, pitches can

be inaccurate and can lose strength and speed. In girls' fastpitch, 12u up to 18u level can throwbetween 30 mph and 60 mph, or more. Girls who can pitch at the faster speeds are mainly

recruited to play Division 1 college softball. However, speed is not always the most important

factor in fastpitch softball. Pitchers can throw balls that curve inwards (screwball) and outwards

(curveball) on right-handed batters. There are also riseballs that move upwards and out of thestrikezone (as an attempt to force the batter to swing or cause them to hit a weak pop-up), drop

balls and drop curves (to cause the batter to hit groundballs; this is important at the higher levels

where strikeouts occur less often). The other common pitches are change-up and fastballs. A

change of pace (off-speed) is also very important, good pitchers will be able to throw all theirpitches at varying speeds and possibly even different pitching motions. Pitchers use deception as

a primary tactic for getting batters out as the reaction times are approximately half a second or

less.

The pitcher tries to throw the ball so that it passes through the "strike zone". However, in

advanced play a highly-skilled pitcher may deliberately pitch a ball outside the strike zone if shebelieves the batter is likely to swing. In other instances, such as when an extremely powerful
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hitter comes up to bat and they are followed by a weaker hitter, a pitcher may deliberately walk

the first batter based on the calculation that the next batter will be an easy out. The strike zone is

slightly different in different forms of softball. A pitch that passes through that zone is a "strike".A pitch that the batter swings at is also a strike, as is any hit ball that lands in foul territory.

A pitch which is not a strike and which the batter does not swing at what is a "ball". The numberof balls and strikes is called the "count". The number of balls is always given first, as 2 and 1, 2

and 2, and so on. A count of 3 and 2 is a "full count", since the next ball or strike will end the

batter's turn at the plate, unless the ball goes foul.

Various illegal acts done by the pitcher, such as "crow-hopping" are called an illegal pitch. A

"crow hop" occurs when the pitcher pushes with the pivot foot from somewhere other than thepitching plate. This often involves jumping from the pitching plate and replanting somewhere in

front of the pitching plate. The umpire sticks his left arm out straight to the side and clenches his

fist. This results in a ball being awarded to the batter, and any runners on base advancing to the

next base. The batter has the option to swing at the pitch that is deemed illegal,the defense is

given the option of result of the play or the penalty listed previously. Image to the rightdemonstrates a legal pitch as the push-off foot has not left the ground. The ball must be released

simultaneously with the lead leg step.

In 16-inch softball, the pitch is lobbed. Umpires will make calls based on where the ball lands

behind the plate. A pitch in "the well" is considered a perfect pitch.

In fast pitch softball, there are various types of pitches. Some are: the fastball, changeup,

dropball, riseball, screwball, curveball, dropcurve, dropchange.

At higher levels of play, pitchers aim for the inner and outer corners of the plate when throwing

fastballs. Pitchers also vary throwing fastballs at different heights to make hitting the ball evenharder for the individual up at bat. Similarly, both the dropball and the riseball are pitches that

change heights. To the batter, the dropball appears to be coming in level but then as the ball

reaches the plate, the pitch drops, trying to force the batter to hit the top of the ball. This shouldresult in the batter hitting a groundball. When pitchers throw riseballs, batters see the ball

coming in straight, but when the ball reaches the plate, it rises. The purpose of the riseball is to

have the batter hit an easy pop-fly or strike out. Another pitch that breaks at the last minute is thecurveball. When pitchers throw curveballs they snap their wrist and follow their arm across their

body, making the ball curve to the outside of the plate. Pitchers can also make the ball curve to

the inside of the plate by snapping their wrist the opposite direction (away from their body).The

one pitch that drastically changes speed is the changeup, disrupting the batters timing.

Fast pitch pitches may reach high speeds; At the 1996 Summer Olympics one pitch reached

73.3;miles per hour (118 kilometers per hour).[21]

Male pitching can reach speeds around 85miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour).

[edit] Batters
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A batter swings at a pitch

The offensive team sends one "batter" at a time to home plate to use the bat to try to hit the pitchforward into fair territory. The order the players bat in, known as the "batting order", must stay

the same throughout the game. Substitutes and replacements must bat in the same position as theplayer they are replacing. In co-ed, male and female batters must alternate.

The batter stands facing the pitcher inside a "batter's box" (there is one on each side of the plate

to compensate for either right or left handed batters). The bat is held with both hands, over theshoulder, and away from the pitcher (90 degree angle). The ball is usually hit with a full

swinging motion in which the bat may move through more than 360 degrees. The batter usually

steps forward with the front foot, the body weight shifts forward, as the batter simultaneously

swings the bat. When swinging, the back foot should look like it is squishing a bug. A bunt(baseball) is another form of batting. There are different types, including a [sacrifice bunt], or

[slap bunt]. There is also regular slapping in which a batter takes position on the left side of the

plate and usually stands in the back of the box, but it is possible form anywhere. The batter takesa step back with their leading foot as the pitcher is in the middle of the windup, crosses over with

their back foot and runs toward first base while they swing. There are many different types of

slapping and they all vary depending on the batter and their strengths. There are half swing slaps,fake slaps, and full swing slaps. Each type of slap has a different purpose or goal. No matterwhat way the batter hits the ball, they must be inside the batter's box when the bat makes contact

with the ball. If the batter steps out of the box while swinging, the batter is out.

Once the ball is hit into fair territory the runner must try to advance to first base or beyond.

While running to first base, the batter is a "batter-runner". When she safely reaches first (see

below) she becomes a "base-runner" or "runner".

A batted ball hit high in the air is a "fly ball". A fly ball hit upward at an angle greater than 45

degrees is a "pop fly". A batted ball driven in the air through the infield at a height at which aninfielder could play it if in the right position is a "line drive". A batted ball which hits the ground

within the diamond is a "ground ball". If a batted ball hits a player or a base, it is considered to

have hit the ground.
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A batter can also advance to first if hit by the pitch. If a batter is hit by the pitch it is a dead ball

and she is rewarded first base. 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. If he feels the batter could havemoved and avoided getting hit he or she will not reward the batter first base and the pitch will be

recorded as a ball. If the batter is swinging and gets hit in the hands while doing so it is still a

deal ball but counts as a strike, as your hands are considered part of the bat.

[edit] Getting the batter out

The Texas Longhorns softball team gets a strikeout against Penn State to end the game, February

15, 2008.

The batter is out if: three strikes are called (a "strikeout"); a ball hit by the batter is caught before

touching the ground (a "flyout"); the batter goes to a base that is already tagged ("tagged" or "tag

play"); a fielder holding the ball touches a base which is the only base towards which the battermay run before the batter arrives there (a "force out" or "force play"); or in certain special

circumstances. There is also a not so common occurrence when the batter has 2 strikes and

swings at strike three. If the catcher doesn't catch the ball, the batter has the chance to run to first

base and the catcher can throw the batter out at first base.

[edit] Advancing around the bases

A player trying to avoid a tag at third base.

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". The bases must be reached in order counterclockwise, starting

with first base. After hitting the ball the batter may advance as many bases as possible. Anadvance to first base on the one hit is a "single", to second base is a "double", to third base is a

"triple", and to home plate is a "home run". Home runs are usually scored by hitting the ball over

the outfield fence, but may be scored on a hit which does not go over the fence. A home run
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includes any ball that bounces off a fielder and goes over the fence in fair-territory (depending

upon association and local league rules) or that hits the foul pole. If a batted ball bounces off a

fielder (in fair territory) and goes over the fence in foul territory, or if it goes over the fence at alocation that is closer than the official distance, the batter is awarded a double instead.

[22]

If a runner becomes entitled to the base where another runner is standing, the latter runner mustadvance to the next base. For example, if a player hits the ball and there is a runner on first, the

runner on first must try to advance to second because the batter-runner is entitled to first base. If

the batter reaches first base without being put out, then that player can then be forced to runtowards second base the next time a ball is driven into fair territory. 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.[22]

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 fast pitch) automatically, when a pitch is delivered illegally.[22]

Runners advance without liability to be put out: when a walk advances another player to the

runner's current base; or automatically in certain special circumstances described below.[23]

[edit] Special circumstances

If there is a "wild throw" (or "overthrow") in which the ball goes out of the designated play area,

each runner is awarded two (2) bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw.Retreating past a made base, negates the advance to that base. If a fielder intentionally carries a

ball out of play, two (2) bases are awarded from the time the ball leaves the field of play. If this

is unintentional (fielder's momentum), the award is one (1) base. If on a tag play, the fielder loses

control (after establishing control) of the ball and it leaves the field of play, one (1) base isawarded.[22]

If there is a "wild pitch" in which the ball goes out of the designated play area, each runner is

awarded one (1) base from the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

In fast pitch, runners may try to get a "stolen base" by running to the next base on the pitch and

reaching it before being tagged with the ball. The point at which a runner can steal a base varies.

In fast pitch, the runner is allowed to begin stealing a base when the ball is released from the

"windmill" pitching motion, but until recently, stealing was forbidden in slow pitch because arunner has the opportunity to get a larger head start while the slow pitch is making its way to the

batter. As a result of rule changes initiated by the Independent Softball Association which later

made its way to the Amateur Softball Association and the International Softball Federation in the

21st century, most levels of slow pitch permit stealing bases, provided the runner starts when theball either touches the ground or crosses the plate. This rule encourages pitchers to be more

responsible with the pitch and catchers to play defense, as balls which miss the catcher are now

grounds to have stolen bases.[22]
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No matter what level of play, all baserunners must keep one foot on a base until the pitcher

throws the ball or until the ball crosses the front edge of home plate (depends on association).[22]

In fast pitch, if the catcher drops strike three (a "passed ball") with less than two outs, the batter

can attempt to run to first base if first base is unoccupied. The catcher must then attempt to throw

the ball to first base ahead of the runner. If he or she cannot, the runner is safe. With two outs,the batter can attempt to run to first whether or not it is already occupied.[22]

Depending on the league in slow pitch only a foul ball with two strikes on the batter means thebatter is out. Stealing in 16-inch softball is severely restricted, as a runner may only steal the

base in front of them if it is open, and if they are thrown at, " la" pickoff move or snap throw.

This results in many inexperienced players being thrown or doubled off when they attempt toadvance on a wild pickoff at another baserunner.

[22]

[edit] Scoring runs

A "run" is scored when a player has touched all four bases in order, proceeding counterclockwisearound them. They need not be touched on the same play; a batter may remain safely on a basewhile play proceeds and attempt to advance on a later play.

[22]

A run is not scored if the last out is a force out or occurs during the same play that the runnercrosses home plate. 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.[22]

[edit] Ending the game

The team with the most runs after seven innings wins the game. The last (bottom) half of the

seventh inning or any remaining part of the seventh inning is not played if the team battingsecond is leading.

If the game is tied, play usually continues until a decision is reached, by using the international

tie-breaker rule. Starting in the top of the eighth inning, the batting team starts with a base-runner

on second base, which is the player who is the last available to bat (in other words, the batterwho last took their position in the batter's box; regardless whether they were the last out or

another runner was put out).

In games where one team leads by a large margin, the run ahead rule may come into play in

order to avoid embarrassing weaker teams. In fast pitch and modified pitch, a margin of 15 runs

after three innings, 10 after four, or 7 after five is sufficient for a win to be declared for theleading team. In slow pitch, the margin is 20 runs after four innings or 15 after five innings.[13]

In

the NCAA, the required margin after 5 innings is 8 runs. The mercy rule takes effect at the end

of an inning. Thus, if the team batting first is ahead by enough runs for the rule to come intoeffect, the team batting second is given their half of the inning to try to narrow the margin.

A game may be lost due to a "forfeit". A score of 7-0 for the team not at fault is recorded(generally one run is awarded for each inning that would have been played). A forfeit may be
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called due to any of these circumstances: if a team does not show up to play; if one side refuses

to continue play; if a team fails to resume play after a suspension of play ends; if a team uses

tactics intended to unfairly delay or hasten the game; if a player removed from the game does notleave within one minute of being instructed to do so; if a player that cannot play enters the game

and one pitch has been thrown; if a team does not have, for whatever reason, enough players to

continue; or if after warning by the umpire, a player continues to intentionally break the rules ofthe game. This last rule is rarely enforced as players who break rules after being warned areusually removed.

The plate umpire may suspend play because of darkness or anything that puts players or

spectators in danger. If five innings have been played, the game is recorded as it stands. This

includes ties. If fewer than four innings have been played, the game is not considered a

"regulation" game.

Games that are not regulation or are regulation ties are resumed from the point of suspension. If

it is a championship game, it is replayed from the beginning. Team rosters may be changed.

[edit] Positions

There are nine players out on the field at one time. Although the pitcher and catcher have the ball

the most, each person has a specific job. In the infield there is the pitcher, catcher, first baseman,second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman. In the outfield there is left fielder, center fielder,and right fielder. In slow pitch softball there is an extra outfielder in the out field, who is

specified as a roamer. Normally, the defensive team will play with four outfielders, meaning

there is a left fielder, left-center fielder, right-center fielder, and right fielder.

[edit] Pitcher

The pitcheris the individual who throws the ball from the middle of the diamond or the pitcher's

mound. In baseball, the mound is elevated, but in softball the mound is not elevated. The pitcherusually throws the ball in the strike zone. In softball, the pitcher uses an underarm motion to

pitch the ball towards the strike zone. As soon as the pitcher makes a throw, the fielders are

ready to field balls that are hit in the middle of the diamond.[24]

Pitchers usually tend to be tall,

very flexible and have good upper body strength. Pitchers can be righthanded or lefthanded. Thesoftball pitcher makes a windmill motion while throwing under hand. Unlike baseball who throw

over hand.

[edit] Catcher

The catcheris always behind the hitter in semi-crouched position at home plate. The catcherrecovers pitches from the pitcher. The catcher also throws balls to other bases to throw out

runners. At home plate, the catcher is responsible for making some of the team's outs by retiring

base runners attempting to score. In most games, catchers provide a visual or finger clue as towhat the next pitch should be. Catchers are usually very strong, agile, think fast and possess fast

reflexes. Catchers need a lot of muscle to make powerful and fast throws. Catchers must block

balls on the ground and try to keep the pitches in front of them in order to prevent a girl from
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stealing a base. They are one of the most important players in the game. A good catcher makes

the pitcher look good by framing the pitches (moving balls into the strike zone in order to fool

the umpire). Catchers rule the field; they control the plays and tell everyone where to be andwhen to be there. They also tell the players how many outs there are and where the play is to.

They are most likely the team captain or share the responsibility with the pitcher.[25]

[edit] First baseman

The first baseman is the position to the right of the first base. The major role of the first basemanis to make fielding plays on all balls hit towards first base. The first base is usually involved in

every hit that occurs on the playing field. Individuals at first base have quick hands, a good reach

and are always on the lookout to catch the player off base. First basemen can be both left andright handed.

[edit] Second baseman

The second basemanplays in between the first baseman and the gap at second. If the ball is hit tothe left side of the field, second covers second base. If the ball is hit on their side of the field,they back up the fielder, cover first, or field the ball depending on where it is hit.The second

baseman also is the cut off on balls hit to the right side of the outfield. The second baseman also

throws directly to the pithcher to prevent runners from scoring. Mostly, when the ball is hit to theleft side of the field, the second basemen plays second for shortstop. Also, in the case of a bunt,the second baseman must cover second as the shortstop runs to cover third base, since the third

baseman is running up for the bunt.[26]

[edit] Shortstop

The shortstop fields all balls hit to the infield between the second and third bases. This individualalso helps cover second base, third base and is frequently involved in force plays, double plays

and frequently throws the ball to the catcher to throw out runners at home plate. On steals tosecond base (when the runner from first is advancing to second on the pitch) the shortstop

usually covers. The shortstop only doesn't cover second base when a right handed batter is up. In

this case, the second baseman covers the steal. Most short stops are very quick, agile and think

fast. They are the captain of the infield as is the center fielder of the outfield. Shortstops mayplay in a restricted zone but are faced with many types of hits and interact closely with the 2nd

base, 3rd base and home plate. Often double plays are due to quick thinking/reaction by the short

stop. When a ball is hit up the middle the and the shortstop catches it, they will flip the ball to the

second baseman for the best result. Short stop also takes the cut off for the left field when theplay is at second base. When the ball is hit to the right side of the outfield, the short stop then

covers second base. If there is a runner on first base and there is a hit down the line or in the gap

to right field, the shortstop will then go for the cut to third. Meaning the runner that is going fromfirst to second will most likely be advancing to third, and in that case, the shortstop will be the

cut off for the throw from right field to third base.[27]

Shortstop is one of the most difficult

positions to play due to the amount of balls being hit in that direction.

[edit] Third baseman
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The third baseman covers all hits to the third base and receives balls from the outfield. The third

base person also frequently throws the ball to the catcher trying to throw out the runner at home

plate. The individual at third base usually thinks fast because of the types of hits that commonlyoccur in that zone. Quick thinking can often stop runners from scoring or can result in double

plays.[28]

[edit] Outfielders

The outfielders are players that cover the grassy area behind the infield. Outfielders are namedfor their positions in the field relative to home plate. Traditional outfield positions include a left

fielder, a center fielder, and a right fielder. These players usually back up the plays made by the

infielders and make plays when the ball is hit past or over the infield. Because their positionscover a greater range than those of infielders, outfielders tend to have strong throwing arms.

Outfielders are responsible for throwing fielded balls to a player known as a cut-off person

(usually a second baseman or short stop). In this way, the outfielders more efficiently return the

ball to the infield with the goal of preventing baserunners from advancing to additional bases. In

some leagues/ organizations, four outfield players are utilized by each team, with the center fieldposition being shared between two players known as the left-center fielder and the right-center

fielder.

[edit] Modification of rules

One reason for the popularity of softball is the ease of modification of its rules, thereby allowing

the game to be adapted to a variety of skill levels. For example, in some slow pitch softball

leagues a batter starts at bat with a count of one ball one strike. In some leagues, the number ofhome runs that can be hit by a team are limited. In other leagues, stealing of bases is prohibited.

Some groups allow for a more defensive game by making home plate a force out for first base.

This reduces scoring evenly on both sides, and allows for some margin of error.

Co-recreational leagues, where men and women play on the same team, often adopt rules

intended to reduce gender inequality, under the assumption that men will be generally morepowerful and/or skilled. For example rules may stipulate that there must be an equal number of

men and women on the team, or that batting order alternate male and female batters.[29]

One

possible rule requires male batters to "switch hit".[30]

Some leagues even use different balls formale and female batters.

[31]While these modified rules are common, there are questions as to

their place in modern adult sports.[32]

Some leagues require teams to use limited flight softballs. These softballs, when hit, will not goas far as regular softballs. Other leagues limit the number of runs which can be scored in an

inning. Five is a common limit.

By allowing these and other modifications, softball can be enjoyed by children, teenagers, and

adults. Senior leagues with players over the age of 60 are not uncommon.

An example of a rule modification is the "offensive pitcher" (or "self pitch") often found in

informal games where the emphasis is on the social rather than the competitive aspects of the
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the international softball federation is the international governing body for the sport of...

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