Softball Rules

Valid through 2025

Special Olympics New Hampshire has created this set of rules based on the rules outlined by Special Olympics International as well as the World Softball Confederation (WBSC), the international governing body for softball, rules for slow pitch softball. 

These rules shall be used to govern all Special Olympics New Hampshire Softball competition through the end of 2025 when we next review these rules.

Events Offered

 

Registration

 

Divisioning

 

Equipment

Uniform

 

Competition

Field of Play

Game Procedure

Rosters:

Scoring of Runs

Batting

Tiebreaker rule

Mercy rule:

Home Run Rule:

For any in excess, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and no runners can advance

Shorthanded Rule:

Courtesy Runner:

Unified – Extra Player:

Timeouts:

 

Disqualification & Protest

A disqualified player is prohibited from playing but can remain in the team area or serve as a coach

Individual Skills

Scoring: The net throwing score equals the throwing distance, measured at a point on the throwing line straight across from (perpendicular to) the spot where the ball landed, minus the error distance, the number of meters the ball landed off target, away from the throwing line. The player’s score is the better of the two throws. Both