The Amateur Softball Association of America is the official governing body of softball in the United States, setting the rules for junior, adult, senior, slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball for recreational leagues that play under its banner. The ASA received its appointment from the Unites States Olympic Committee, and its rules cover Junior Olympic and Olympic softball rules, as well. While most softball rules are similar to baseball’s, it’s a good idea to keep up with unique ASA rules.
Home Run Limit
In order to reduce the costs associated with lost balls and having enough on hand to complete a game, the ASA has limited the number of over-the-fence home runs a team can legally hit during a men’s or coed game. After a team has reached this limit, any more balls hit over the fence in fair territory are considered dead, the batter is out and runners can’t advance. The maximum number of over-the-fence home runs allowed is different for different classes of play, ranging from three to 15.
Pick-Off Rule
Unlike in baseball, baserunners may not advance during a pick-off attempt by a catcher or a pitcher during a 16-inch game. Even if a pick-off throw goes wild and is overthrown, runners must return to their original bases.
Catch
A catch is only made when a fielder has the ball in his glove long enough to show complete control. If the player is able to “catch” and keep the ball off the ground in his arms, other part of the body, cap or catcher’s mask, it is not considered a catch until he gets the ball into his hand or glove.
Base Stealing
In slow-pitch softball, a baserunner may not leave the bag in a steal attempt until the ball has reached the front part of home plate. In fast pitch, the player may start the steal as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
Balls
ASA softball games are played with 10-inch, 11-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch and 16-inch balls. Depending on the size of the ball, the rules of the game are different. Some balls come in fast pitch, slow pitch and modified pitch variations, and the correct type of ball must be used for each game (i.e., you cannot use a 12-inch fast pitch ball in a 12-inch slow pitch game just because both balls are 12 inches).
About this Author
Sam Ellyn has been writing, editing, lecturing and producing videos on the sport sciences (exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, physics, motor learning, pedagogy and sports medicine) for more than 20 years. He has written for numerous publications, including “Fit,” “Sports Illustrated for Kids’ Parent’s Playbook,” “Tennis” and “Golf Teaching Pro.”
