2022 Official Rules of Softball - Official Rulebook

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Mason

2022 Official Rules of Softball outlines the governing framework for USA Softball, including leadership messages and an organized presentation of rule content. It covers 2022 playing rule changes, official playing rules and related references such as diamond dimensions, the penalty page, and rules supplements, supported by indices and notices. The introduction emphasizes umpire training, safe sport responsibilities, registration improvements, and athlete protection requirements, including background checks and ACE Certification.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages219

Reading Time9 h 12 min

AccessFree to download

President's Message

CEO's Message

2022 USA Softball Playing Rule Changes

Official Softball Playing Rules Table of Contents

Playing Rules

Official Softball Diamond Dimensions

Appendix - The Penalty Page

Rules Supplement

Playing Rules/Rules Supplement Index

Trademark and Service Mark Notice

Safety Awareness Guide

2022 Official Rules of Softball Adopted, published and distributed by: 2801 NE 50th Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203 (405) 424-5266 • Fax: (405) 424-3855 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Copyright © 1978, 1987-2022 by USA Softball Inc (USA Softball) 2801 NE 50th Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203 (405) 424-5266 • Fax: (405) 424-3855 [USASoftball.com](USASoftball.com) All rights reserved. O Table of Contents President's Message....................................................................... 3 CEO's Message............................................................................... 4 Commissioners by State.................................................................. 6 2022 USA Softball Playing Rule Changes ....................................12 Official Softball Playing Rules Table of Contents ..........................13 Playing Rules................................................................................. 16 Official Softball Diamond Dimensions .......................................... 28 Appendix-The Penalty Page ......................................................116 Rules Supplement .......................................................................118 Playing Rules/Rules Supplement Index ......................................148 Trademark and Service Mark Notice ...........................................173 Safety Awareness Guide .............................................................174 O To view the USA Softball Code, Procedural Manual and Bylaws, [please visit USASoftball.com](please visit USASoftball.com) O THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I am extremely excited for my two-year term as President of USA Softball and look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the National Office staff in their efforts to continue making your experience as a member of USA Softball the best as possible. USA Softball encompasses everything from local recreational teams to National Team Programs who represent our country on the international stage. Our local associations across the U.S. are dedicated to promoting the USA Softball brand, which includes providing the very best in administration as well as league and tournament competition. I believe the training and administration of our USA Softball umpire program is one thing that sets us apart from other softball organizations as we provide elite training and learning opportunities for umpires across the U.S. through our Umpire Manual and National Umpire Schools. Having a prepared and well-trained umpire staff is critical to running leagues and tournaments across the country, and I am very proud of all our Blues Across America who are a part of the USA Softball umpire program. As the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our members, which includes our required SafeSport training, background checks and ACE Certification. Such requirements have been implemented by USA Softball, the USOPC and the U.S. Center for SafeSport in effort of ensuring our athletes are participating in a safe environment. If we can prevent just one unfortunate episode by utilizing these programs and guidelines, it will be worth all the effort. We have heard from our members that our individual registration system is difficult to navigate, and we are working to develop a more streamlined system that will soon be available to our teams. This is a significant investment by USA Softball in effort to make your experience more enjoyable and efficient. The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a negative impact on all sports, including USA Softball. We are continuing to work every day to move forward as an organization and look forward to the opportunities that the 2022 season will bring. USA Softball is a volun

FAQs

What does the 2022 Official Rules of Softball include beyond the playing rules?

It includes a President’s Message and CEO’s Message, a table of contents for official rules, diamond dimensions, penalty page and rules supplement sections, plus safety awareness guidance and trademark/service mark notices.

What is highlighted about USA Softball’s umpire program?

The document stresses that trained and prepared umpires are critical for running leagues and tournaments, and it describes elite training and learning opportunities through its Umpire Manual and National Umpire Schools.

How does the document address athlete safety requirements?

It emphasizes providing a safe environment through SafeSport training, background checks, and ACE Certification, and states that USA Softball does not tolerate physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Mason