S O F T B A L L

EQUIPMENTS
Ball

Despite the sport's name, the ball itself is not

soft. The size of the ball varies according to the
classification
of
play;
the
permitted
circumferences in international play are 12 in (30
cm) and 11 in (28 cm).Some balls have a raised
seam, and others do not. The ball is most often
covered in white 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 fibre kapok, or a mixture of cork and rubber,
or a polyurethane mixture, or another approved
material. In 2002, high-visibility yellow "optic"
softballs were introduced. 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 use, 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 in
circumference. This larger ball is generally softer
(sometimes called a mush ball). When using a 16inch ball, the fielders do not wear gloves or mitts

Bat

The bat used by the batter is

made of metal or composite
materials (carbon fiber etc). It
may be no more than 34 in (86
cm) long, 2.25 in (6 cm) in
diameter, or 38 oz (1.08 kg) in
weight. Also, in fastpitch a
"drop" of no more than 12 is
allowed. The drop is calculated
by taking the length of the bat in
inches and subtracting the
weight in ounces. If a person is
using a composite softball bat it
will take a good amount of
swings before the bat can be
classified as broken in.

Gloves

All defensive players wear fielding

gloves, made of leather or similar
material.
Gloves
have
webbing
between the thumb and forefinger. The
first baseman and the catcher may
wear mitts; mitts are distinguished
from gloves in that they have extra
padding, and no fingers. In 2007, ASA
and other organizations revised their
rules regarding gloves and mitts,
allowing any player to use a glove or
mitt. Except for the pitcher, whose
glove cannot be white or gray (this
confuses the batter), gloves and mitts
can be any color. Gloves used in
softball are generally larger than the
ones used in baseball.
In 16 inch softball, gloves are generally
not worn. It will be determined by
league whether gloves are permissible
or not.

Uniform

CAPS

SHIRT

PANTS

Each team wears distinctive uniforms.

The uniform includes a cap, a shirt, an
undershirt, tight sliding undershorts, and
shorts
or
pants;
these
are
the
components for which standards are set.
Sliding kneepads are also optional.
Caps must be alike and are mandatory
for male players. Caps , visors, and
headbands are optional for female
players, and doesn't have to be the same
color. If the color is the school color it is
ok. A fielder who chooses to wear a
helmet (see below) is not required to
wear a cap.
Including for softball players, most
players use "sliding shorts" otherwise
known as compression short for other
sports like soccer, football etc. These
shorts help, and protect the upper thigh
when sliding towards second, third, or
home plate.

CAPS

SHIRT

PANTS

At the back of the uniform an

Arabic number from 1-99 must be
visible. Numbers like 02 and 2 are
considered
identical.
Players'
names are optional.
All players are required to wear
shoes. They may have cleats or
spikes. The spikes must extend less
than 3/4 inch (19 millimeters)
away from the sole. Rounded metal
spikes are illegal, as are ones made
from hard plastic or other synthetic
materials. Detachable metal cleats
are forbidden at any level of play.
Many recreational leagues prohibit
the use of metal cleats or spikes in
order to reduce the possible
severity 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 spikes are not allowed.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS

All batters are required to wear batting

helmets. Batting helmets must have two ear
flaps, one on each side, and a protective cage.
Cages are required at most age levels except
the youngest level but are mandatory at higher
levels of youth softball. The cage prevents
balls from hitting the batter's face. Helmets and
cages that are damaged or altered are
forbidden.
In fast pitch, the catcher must wear a
protective helmet with a facemask and throat
protector. A female catcher must wear a body
protector at any level of play. At the youth
level, shin guards are required. Shin guards
also protect the kneecap. Also, some third
base players or players in other positions may
be required to wear a face mask. This is to
prevent damage to the face.
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.
Protective gear of any kind is generally not
worn in 16 inch softball.

THROAT PROTECTOR
CHEST PROTECTOR

SAFETY MASK
LEG GUARDS

BATTING HELMETS

SHIN GUARD
KNEE PAD

ACCESSORIES
INDICATORS

CAPS

BRUSHES

BALL BAGS
EMROIDERED
FLAGS AND
NUMBERS

PLATE

T BALL STAND
BASES
KIT

THE END
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