INTRODUCTION Softball is a team sport, the objective of which is to score more runs than the other team by batting the ball with the use of a bat. It Is played by two teams of Dine players each positioned in a playing field or sometimes called as the diamond. ‘Softball is a variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. Itis an ‘exceptionally popular sport participated around the world. The game finally made its bow at the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 when it was played only by women. Softball {5 2 team sport popular especially in the United States. Some key differences between softball and baseball are that softballs are larger than baseballs, and pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand (www.athleticscholarship.net), Lesson {ISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT George W. Hancock: The Founder of the game. The history of softball dates back to Thanksgiving Day of 1887, when several alumni sat in the Chicago, illinois Farragut Boat Club, anxiously awalting the ‘outcome of the Yale versus Harvard football game, When Yale was announced as winner, a Yale alumnus playfully threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The Harvard fan swung at the balled-up glove with a stick, and the rest of the group looked on with interest. George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, Jokingly called out, “Play ball!” and the first softball game commenced with the football fans using the boxing glove as a ball and a broom handle in place of a bat. As the history of softball shaped itself over the next decade, the game went under the guise of “indoor baseball,” “kitten baseball," “diamond ball,” "mush ball,” and “pumpkin ball.” In 1926, Walter Hokanson coined the term “softball” while representing the YMCA at a National Recreation Congress meeting, and by 1930, the term stuck as the sport’ official name. In 1934, the Joint Rules Committee on Softball collaborated to create a set of standardized rules. Up until this point, the game was being played with varied rules, player positions, and ball sizes. The original softball used by the Farragut Boat Club ‘was 16 inches in circumference. However, Lewis Rober Sr., the man responsible for ‘organizing softball games for firefighters in Minneapolis, used a 12-inch ball. Rober’sbball won out as the preferred softball size, and professional softball games today are played using @ 10-12-inch ball, However, many Chicagoans still hold fast to the belief that real softball is played using a ‘16-inch ball, Games using these 16-inch balls are often referred to as “cabbage ball,” “super slow pitch," and “mush bell,” and unlike competitive softball, players are not allowed to wear fielding gloves. According to the official rules developed early In the history of softball, and eventually defined by the International Softball Federation, there are nine players on the field at a time. The players take the positions of pitcher, catcher, first baseman, Second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, and outfielder. Usually, there are three outfielders holding the positions of right ‘fielder, left fielder, and center fielder. However, stow pitch softball allows for a fourth person in the outfield. similar to baseball, the team with the most runs at the end of the seventh inning is named the winner. A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOFTBALL IN THE PHILIPPINES American troops first introduced softball in the country and it was first called "indoor baseball’, Initially, it was @ game for girls. In 1911, indoor baseball was formally introduced in local public schools to replace basketball as a game for school girls. It soon became the ‘umber 1 sport among women in Bicol Region and the Visayas. The Philippines took the {ead in introducing indoor baseball, forerunner of present day softball to other countries such as Japan and China. Lesson 2: VALUES/BENEFITS The game softball has a wide appeal because through an adjustment of the rules and the size of the balls and bats it can be adapted that it can be safely played by both sexes and by all ages. Thus, popular in schools, city leagues, and industrial leagues, at family ‘gatherings, and when camping and at other outings. + Softball provides healthful, invigorating activity in which a full range of movement through running, stretching, sliding, batting, catching, and throwing is involved. + Iallows for an individual achievements, but requires all players work together ifthe team is to be successful + Softball provides opportunities abound for developing leadership, fellowship, social Bojustment, respect for authory, respect for auton, selfconta, and. other Important qualities «+ Decislons must be made and acted on in fractions of seconds, constant mental Blertness ts necessary foreach team member. + Practicing the bosic sil of softball, whether two or tree players or both complete teams are participating, provides enjoyment for each person, + Softball develops physical skis, coordination, and to some extent cardo resprotory endurance. «Softball provides teamwork, coordination, and card respiratory endurance.= Lesson 3: EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES EQUIPMENT * Ball Fig. The Ball Despite the sport's name, softballs are not especially soft. The size of the ball varies ‘ccording to the classification of play; the permitted circumferences in international play are 120.125 in (30.50.3 cm), in mass between 6.25 oz (178 g) and 7.0 oz (198.4 g) in fast pitch; 1140125 in (29.740.3 cm), mass between 5.875 0z (166.59) and 6.125 oz (2736 g) in slow pitch. A 12-Inch circumference ball is generally used in slow pitch, although in rare cases some leagues (especially recreational leagues) do use a 14-inch Circumference ball, Some balls have a raised seam, and others do not. The ball is most often covered 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 fiber kapok, or a mixture of cork and rubber, or a polyurethane ‘mixture, or another approved material. © Bat Fig.2. The Bat ‘The bat used by the batter can be made of wood, aluminum, or composite materials ‘such as carbon fiber. Sizes may vary but they may be no more than 34 Inches (86 cm) long, 6.0 inches (6 cm) in diameter, or 38 oz. (1.2 kilograms) in mass. The standard bat barrel diameter for both slowpitch and fastpitch softball is 2% inches. Many players prefer a smaller barrel, which reduces mass and allows higher swing speed. * Gloves Fig.3. The GlovesAl defensive players wear fielding gloves, made of leather or similar material. Gloves have webbing between the thumb and forefinger, known as the "pocket". No part of the love is allowed to be the same color as that of the ball, including thet of Its seams. Pitchers are also not allowed to have any white on their gloves Including the seams tee up to the pmblre's ciscretion if he or she believes that any coloring on the glove interferes with or hinders the batter from seeing the ball clearly, Gl loves used in softball are u than the ones used in baseball. No glove larger than 14" (American Softball Association) sanctioned play, ‘Protective equipment @ eit Fig.4. The Protective Equipment ‘A helmet must have two ear flaps, ually larger (36 cm) can be used in ASA fone on each side. Helmets and cages that are damaged or altered are forbidden. Helmets must be worn by batters and runners in festoitch, Helmets are optional 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 medical reasons. In fast pitch, the catcher must wear a protective hhelmet with a face-mask and throat protector, shin guards and body protector. Shin guards also protect the kneecap. -_ = wy Fig.5. Uniforms *¢ ‘* Umpire's indicatorFig.6. The Umpire's Indicator = Batting tee Fig.7. The Batting Tee 2. FACILITY ‘+ The Softball Diamond Softbalt tts an, Fig.8. STANDARD SOFTBALL DIAMONDLesson 4: ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE a Persistence is more Important than talent. 2 Respect the game as much as you want to be respected, 3. Tuck in your shirt, Don’t wear your hat backwards. Practice hard because you play the way you practice. 6. It doesn’t take any talent to hustle. 7. Bea student of softball. Learn the game. 8. Help your team win whether you play or not. 9. Never argue with an umpire, 10. Agree to let your coaches train you. + Set high standards along with knowing the steps to attain them. Don't tell people what you are worth, prove it to them. Don’t let anyone make an excuse for you. 14. Maintain eye contact with all adults when they talk to you. Practice on your friends. 15. Life is not fair, regardless of what some people want you to think, 16. Be passionate about your teammates. 17. Love the game, 18. Players are not the only people in the game. There are coaches, trainers, umpires. 19. The only thing that coaches owe you is HONESTY. 21. Balance makes champions. If you focus on hitting and ignore the defensive part of your game, you will never be @ complete player. 22. Be as diligent on defense as you are on offense. 23, Defense wins more games than offense. 24, You don't have to be a great athlete to be a good softball player. 25. Go hard all the time. NEVER walk on a softball field. 27. When you stretch, do it best. 28. When you play catch, throw to a target and hit it every time. When you play catch, catch the ball or block the bad throw, keep it in front of you every time, 29, As a batter / runner, run to first as though it matters that you are safe. 30. Know the situation on defense and do the right thing.Lesson 6: SAFETY Certain safety precautions should be observed during softball play and practice sessions thareemelah softball Is considered as hazardous sport. Injuries are always @ possibilty, ‘therefore the following precautions should be taken by ali players and instructors: 1. The playing field should be kept clear rocks, depressions, dangerous areas, and obstructions. When possible, the infield should be dampened at least twice a day. 2. Bases must be anchored to the ground. 3. Sliding techniques should be 4. The players should be act covering the bases to a batting and other safety perfected, but avoid unnecessary slides, quainted with the correct procedures for calling for fly balls, old collision with the baserunner laying down the bat after Drecautions that are designed to avoid injury. 5. Balls that are relatively soft should be used when playing without gloves. 6. Catchers should always wear a mask and chest protector when working behind the plate. Bats that have a non-slip gripping handle should be used. 8. An adequate warm up is important; all players should be completely warmed up before they attempt hard throwing. When players are playing catching, bunting or hitting, they should form two lines facing each other. 10. Bats should never be scattered because a player could trip over them. Lesson 7: WARM-UP AND CONDITIONING EXERCISES 1. Slow jog 2. Stretching exercises + Shoulder/arms ‘Standing with your feet apart, extend your arms to the side, and begin making small Girdles in a forward formation. Gradually increase the size of the circles. Finally, reverse the motion. ‘© Triceps/ Shoulder Fold r arms above your head and grasp the elbow of one arm with other hand.Pull the elbow behind your head, siowly and gent. Reverse ths process for the ether elbow.A good addtion Is Bending Your hips from side fo sie we doing this exercise, Intertwine you fingers above your head with you palms up. Push back and up.Hold for 15 seconds, Neck ‘Stand with your arms at your side and push your neck forward with your chin, Return to normal. Repeat several times.Stand and look straight ahead. Move your head and slow and ex: * Yes" I. ur head an ‘aggerated * YES motions, followed by slow and exaggerated "NO" motions. Next, stil facing straight ahead, tlt your head to the side(left ear to left shoulder followed by right ear to right shoulder). Repeat several times, ips, Legs and Achilles Tendon ‘Stand short distance away from a fence or a backstop, holding unto it with both hands , and lean forward or until your head is on your arms. Bring one foot forward {and put it down in front of you with your knee bent, Extend the other leg behind you, in @ straight position. Keeping your back flat, move your hips forward; remember to keep the back leg straight with the heel flat on the ground, Make this a slow, easy stretch with absolutely no bouncing, Repeat the same for the other leg. Have two players face each other, an arms length apart, then stretch their arms out forward, at eye level, and hold each other's hands. Have the players lean forward, bending their arms, until their forehead touch. Hold this position briefly and then Push back to an arm's length. Repeat this process three times. Achilles Tendon/Ankle Sit on the ground with your back straight and leg stretched out in front of you. Bend your ankles and stretch your toes back toward your knees.Repeat three times, holding for 10 seconds each time. Sit on the ground, bend your left leg at the knee, and rotate your ankle clockwise 10 times, then 10 times counterclockwise. Do the same for the right ankle, Repeat three times for each ankle. Hamstring ‘An excellent way to stretch the hamstring with a partner: One partner stands while the one who is stretching lies on his back with one leg raised and resting against his partner's thigh. The stretcher pushes hard against his partner's thigh ( with the Partner providing resistance) for slow count of eight. After the elght count, the stretcher relaxes his leg muscles and his partner raises the leg about six inches higher. The stretcher starts pushing for another eight count, this time against the partner's stomach. The stretcher relaxes and the partner again raises the leg six Inches to his chest. Continue stretching, relaxing, and raising the leg until the stretcher feels that he has reached his maximum stretch. Switch legs and start over. Finally, the partners swap places. Sit on the ground with your right leg straight in front of you. Bend your left leg and place the sole of the foot against the inside of your right thigh. Be sure to keep the right leg straight and your foot and toes in an upright position. Never let the foot and, toes of the straight leg drop to the side. Now, bend forward at the waist, sliding your hands down your straight leg, concentrate ‘on relaxing the quadriceps (the large muscle at the front of the thigh). Experts agree that It Is easier to stretch the hamstring if the opposing muscle sets are relaxed. Repeat the exercise for the left leg.20 Lesson 10: BASIC RULES 1. Field, Players, and Equipment ‘The Field - The baselines will be 65 feet, The distance from pitcher's mound to home plate will be 50 feet. ‘The Players - A team must have 9 players to start or to continue a game with the ‘maximum of 10 players (not including an EP - SEE LAST RULE UNDER BATTING). ‘Substitutes - A player is officially in the game when his/her name has been entered ‘on the official score sheet. Once a player leaves the line-up, he/she may re-enter the game. FREE SUBSTITUTION/All teams must turn in batting order. No pinch Tunners...only in case of injury and that player cannot return to the game. ‘The captain is the only player who may address the officials during the game, but only on matters of rules interpretation. Equipment - No metal screws or screw-in cleats are allowed. Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are advised not to be wor. Bats must be offical softball Add-ons must be made to a roster prior to the SECOND game of Intramural softball season. Starting the Game ‘The pre-game conference will consist of each captain meeting with the umpire before the game to go over ground rules. Score sheets must be filled out before the game. Pitching Regulations ‘The pitcher must take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and with one or both feet in contact with the pitcher's plate. The pitch starts when the pitcher makes any motion that is part of his/her wind up. His/Her arm must come to a rest holding the ball in front of his/her body, with 2 pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate. This position shall be held for at least 1 second and not more than 10 seconds. He/She must deliver the ball on the first forward swing to the pitching arm past the hip. There must be no reserve stopping of the forward motion. ‘The pitcher shall not deliberately stop, roll, or bounce the ball while in the pitching position in order to prevent the batter from striking It. ‘The pitcher shall not at any time during the game be allowed to use tape or other substances upon the ball, the pitching hand, or fingers. Under supervision of the umpire, powder resin may be use to dry the hands. ‘The pitch must be delivered with an arc between six and ten feet. *NO PITCH" shall be declared when: 1) The pitcher pitches during a suspension of play, 2) The runner Is called out for leaving the base too soon, 3) The pitcher makes 2 quick return pitch, 4) The ball slips from the pitcher's hand during the windup or backswing, or 5) The pitching arc is lower than 6 feet or higher than 10 feet. ‘At the beginning of the game or when a pitcher relieves another, no more than 5 pitches may be used as a warm up. Only 3 pitches will be allowed between innings. Play shall be suspended at this time. Intentional walks may be made by Informing the plate umpire, no pitches are necessary. GAME TIME IS START TIME.a 1.b.Batting + Each player of the side at bi appears on the score sheet. * The batter shall not hinder the catcher from fielding or throwing the ball by stepping ‘ut of the batter’s box, or intentionally hindering the catcher while standing within the batter's box. . Renee of @ team at bat shall not interfere with a player attempting to fleld a foul A strike is called by the umpire for each legally pitched ball hitting the strike zone mat and the batter does not swing, and for each pitched ball swung at and missed by the batter. This includes pitches the umpire has already declared "NO PITCH", A ball Is called by the umpire for each pitched ball which does not hit the strike zone ‘mat or touches the ground before reaching home plate and is not swung at by the batter, and for each illegally pitched ball. + A foul tip is a batted ball which goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s mitt or hand and is legally caught by the catcher. The batter is not out unless the ball goes above the batter's head before being caught or it Is the third strike. ‘The batter gives up all rights if he swings at an illegal pitch. If an Extra Player (EP) is used, all 11 on the starting line-up must bat and any 10 of those 11 may play defense. at shall become a batter in order In which his/her name 1.d.Balls and Strikes ‘+ 4 balls constitute a walk. ‘* 3 strikes constitutes an out (strike out). ‘+ Ifthe batter has a foul after receiving the second strike, the batter is out. ‘+ Each batter will start with a 1 ball/1 strike count. 1.e.Player Conduct * Anyone involved in a fight will be suspended for the remainder of the softball season and possible further disciplinary action, if necessary. ‘+ Any player ejected from 2 games in the season is suspended for the remainder of the season and possible further disciplinary action, if necessary. Any player pushing, shoving, disrespecting, etc. an umpire will be ejected from the game. Refer to the Intramural Recreational Sports Handbook for further penalties. iscellaneous. © Games consist of 7 innings. * The game will be called at the completion of the 3” inning if one team is ahead by 20runs, in the 4th Inning if a team Is ahead by 15 runs, and in the Sth Inning if a ‘team is ahead by 10 runs. If the home team Is ahead at the middle of the inning and the above scenarios exist then the game Is over. © There is a 50 minute time limit. Bunting and stealing are not permitted. © Rainouts will be rescheduled at the end of the regular season if possible.2 e Enh team Is responsible for providing a scorekeeper. The home team wil keep the Score, Score: The umpire will make the final decision on any discrepancies of the We catcher Is recommended to wear a mask Roanfleld practice willbe allowed after the firs inning. Runners may not leave the base until the ball has been struck by the batter. james will be canceled by 4:00 p.m. the day of the game. Bring your own gloves and bats, balls will be provided. Each runner is allowed one base If a fielder catches a fly ball in fair or foul territory but carries it out of bounds. When a ball is ruled out of play, all baserunners will be awarded two bases, the base he/she is running to at the time of the throw and the following base. aires will constitute @ 7 point differential (changed to 6-0 with the new forfeit i No artificial nolse-makers are allowed. Lesson 11: TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS AL. Home Plate Umpire Umpires working home plate in a softball game have the most responsibility of any umpire on the field. They must call every pitch a ball, strike or foul within a strike zone which varies from batter to batter. This requires the umpire to pay close attention to each pitch and the number of balls and strikes with each batter, as well as how the pitcher pitches the ball and whether he Is doing it legally or not. They must also pay attention to other rules pertaining to batters and catchers, for example, making sure batters stay within the batter's box when they are hitting, catchers don't interfere with a batter's swing and batters don't interfere with a catcher trying to throw base runners out. The home plate umpire must also call base runners out or safe at home plate, which is also often game- deciding, calls. 2.Base Umpires Umpires are also assigned to watch each base, from first to third. These umpires have a number of duties each Inning, which entail watching each base and deciding whether runners are safe or out on plays at that base. First base umpires usually have the most challenging fob of the three, as many close plays are made at first base. They must watch the base to see if the runner beat an attempted out and is safe, or if the throw beat them and they are out, These umpires must also watch baserunners who are stealing bases and determine if they were tagged out, picked off, or if they made it to the bag before the tag was made, These umpires must also watch the pitcher, to see if they are pitching illegally.23 always needed in smaller league games, they are often wn the lines of the outfield and decide whether the ball is Inside the white line, itis fair. If It lands outside the white hhave the final call on whether home runs bounced off the top of the wall are fair or not (htto://www.ehow.com/list 6639609 softall-officials- duties.htm!), fair or foul. If the ball lands on of line, itis foul. These umpires also “TRE umpire calls a strike when any of the folowing situations occur: a.) STRIKE 1. The batter ‘swings at the pitched ball and misses it. 2. Legally pitched ball entering the strike and at which the batter not ‘swing. 3. Foul ball not ‘caught when the batter has less than two strikes. 4. Foul tip held by the catcher. b.) BALL 1, The pitcher pitches the ball outside of the strike zone and the batter does not swing the bat. 2. A ball touches the ground before reaching home plate. 3. The ball is pitched illegally. ©) FAIR HIT 1. The ball settles in fair territory or Is touched by a player in fair territory in the field. 2. Touches first, second, or third base. 3. Ball lands in the fair territory as it goes out from the infield. ‘4. Ball lands in the outfield in the area between the extended first and third baselines. ¢.) ABATTED BALL IS FOUL WHEN: 1. It settles in foul territory, which is to right of the first baseline or the left of the third baseline. 2. Lands in the foul territory in the outfield. 3._A foul tip not caught by the catcher. ¢-) ABATTER IS OUT IF: 1, The catcher catches a third strike. 2. A foul ball Is caught by one of the defensive players before the ball touches the ‘ground. 3. She/he hits a fly ball and caught by team on field. 4. She hits an infield fly and offensive team has incurred two outs. 5. The ball reaches first base and is caught by baseman and held before the batter reaches the base. f.) A BASERUNNER IS OUT IF: 1. A batted bail directly hits him‘The runner is tagged before reaching the base. He Is forced out of base. He leaved the base before the pitcher delivers the ball for a pitch. He runs more than 3 feet outside the baseline in running to a base. He does not return to his base before the ball reaches the baseman after a batted fly ball is caught. Terminologies ‘Appeal Play - A play upon which an umpire cannot make a decision until requested by a player. The appeal must be made before the next ball is delivered to the batter. Base. Path - An imaginary ine three feet to either side or direct line between the ses. Batter's Box - An area to which the batter is restricted while in position with the Intention of helping his/her team to obtain runs. Batter/Baserunner - A player who has finished his/her turn at bat, but has not yet been put out or touched first base. Bunt - An ILLEGALLY tapped ball not swung at, but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the infield. Catcher's Box - An area which the catcher must stand while and until the pitcher delivers a pitched ball. Dead Ball - Ball is not in play and is not considered in play again until the pitcher is. within 8 feet of the pitcher's mound and the umpires has called "Play Ball”. Fair Ball - Any batted ball which settles on fair territory between home and first base or home and third base; or that is on or over fair territory including any part of first {and third base when traveling to the outfield; or that touches any of the bases; or if it touches any person (player or umpire); or that passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence. Foul Tip - A foul ball which goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter's head, to the catcher's hand and is legally caught. Illegally Caught Ball - Occurs when a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with his/her cap, glove, or any part of his/her uniform while it Is detached from his/her proper place. In Jeopardy - A term indicating that a ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out. Infield Fly Rule - A fair, hit ball, other than a line drive, that is caught or in the opinion of the umpire could be easily handled by an infielder. Players must be on first and second base (or bases loaded) with less than 2 outs. Interference - The act of a defensive player which hinders or prevents a batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball, or the act of an offensive player, which impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player while attempting to execute a play. Obstruction - The act of a fielder, while not in possession of the ball or in the act of fielding @ batted ball, which impedes the progress of a base runner who is legally running bases. ‘Out of Play - A ball that has gone past the out of play boundary lines. Pivot Foot - The foot which the pitcher must keep in contact with the pitcher's plate until the ball is delivered. Play Ball - The term used by the umpire to Indicate that play shall begin or resume. Sacrifice Fly - A fair fly ball which enables any runner to advance or enables a runner to score, but which results in the batter/runner to be out.25 © Tum at Bat - Begins when a player first enters the batter's box and continues until he Is out or becomes a baserunner. + Time - Term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.