Softball

Officiating Softball

Group 4

Softball

Is a game similar to baseball but differs in rules and equipment used. The playing field is divided into the infield and outfield. The diamond that is formed by lines between the bases (60’ distance) inside the baseline is called the infield. While the area outside the baseline but inside the playing field is called the outfield.

The game is composed of seven innings, or rounds. An inning ends when both teams have taken turns playing offense and defense. When a team plays offense, they must field in a “batter” who will try to hit the ball with a bat. If the batter is successful, he/she will become the “base runner”. The base runner must reach a base ahead of the ball. When he/she crosses a home plate, a run/point will be given to his/her team. The scoring in softball is done if a player touches 1st 2nd 3rd and home it is a point. The defense will position their players (pitcher, catcher, basemen, short stops, and outfielders) and try to stop the offense from

The defense will position their players (pitcher, catcher, basemen, short stops, and outfielders) and try to stop the offense from scoring by forcing them to commit outs. When three outs are committed by the offense, a switch of roles will be made between the teams.

The following are rules that players must follow in performing the skills:

Pitching• The pitcher must hold the ball with

two hands at the start of the pitch.• The pitcher can only throw the ball

using an underhand throw (palm facing up)

• Before the pitch, both feet should be on the pitcher’s rubber.

• The pitcher is allowed to take a single step forward as he/she pitches the ball.

• The ball must go to the batter’s strike zone, otherwise a ball will be called.

Batting• The ball must be hit if it goes inside

the strike zone, otherwise a strike will be called.

• The batting order (the list and order of the batter) must be followed.

• A batter is called out if and when:a. Three strikes have been committed

(strike out)b. A fly ball is caught.c. The batter does not stand in the

batter’s box.

Base running• Each base must be touched by the

base runner.• Only one base can be run by a

runner.• A runner cannot leave a base until

the base has left the pitcher’s hand.• A runner must tag the bases where

he/she stands before going to the next base when a fly ball has been caught.

• A base runner cannot run past another base runner who is ahead of him/her.

• Stealing a base is not allowed.• A runner is out if:a. They are tagged with the ball

before reaching a base.b. The ball gets to first base before the

runner does.c. They run more than three feet out

of the base line to avoid being tagged.

Umpire’s Hand Signals