1. Officiating Softball
Group 4

2. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. 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)

7. • 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.

8. 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.

10. 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.

11. • 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.

13. Umpire’s Hand Signals