Southern Showcase Sports

Official Rulebook

PLAYING
RULES

Official SSS fastpitch softball rules governing all games played at Southern Showcase Sports events. Event supplements may add division-specific details but may not override this rulebook.

Playing Field

These rules apply to all SSS fastpitch softball events. Click any rule to expand or collapse its details.

All SSS fastpitch games are played on a 60-foot square infield diamond. Pitching distances and recommended outfield fence distances are set by age division:

  • ▸8U / 9U / 10U — Pitching: 35 ft · Bases: 60 ft · Fence: 200 ft
  • ▸11U / 12U — Pitching: 40 ft · Bases: 60 ft · Fence: 200 ft
  • ▸13U / 14U — Pitching: 43 ft · Bases: 60 ft · Fence: 200 ft
  • ▸15U / 16U / 18U — Pitching: 43 ft · Bases: 60 ft · Fence: 200–225 ft

Note

If base or pitching distances are found to be incorrect during a game, the error shall be corrected immediately with no penalty. The game shall continue and shall not be protested for this reason.

The field contains a 60-foot square infield diamond and an outfield area that may or may not be enclosed by a fence. All lines shall be marked with a material that is not injurious to the eyes or skin — lime or caustic material of any kind is prohibited. The infield and outfield, including boundary marks from the apex of home plate to 1st and 3rd and their extended foul lines, are fair ground. All other areas are foul ground.

  • ▸Home plate — 5-sided whitened rubber slab; 17 inches wide at the pitcher-facing edge
  • ▸Bases (1B, 2B, 3B) — 15-inch square canvas, no more than 5 inches high, securely anchored
  • ▸Double first base — 15×30 inches; white portion in fair territory, colored portion in foul territory
  • ▸Pitching plate — 24×6-inch whitened rubber slab, set flush with the playing surface
  • ▸Batter's box — 7 feet long, 3 feet wide, starting 6 inches from the plate
  • ▸Catcher's box — 10 feet from rear outside corners of the batter's box, 8 ft 5 in wide
  • ▸Pitcher's circle — 16-foot diameter circle drawn from the mid-point of the front edge of the pitching plate
  • ▸Coach's boxes — 8 feet from foul lines, 15 feet long from back edge of 1B/3B toward home plate
  • ▸On-deck circles — 2-foot radius, at least 30 feet from home plate if space allows

Questions About the Rules?

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

If you have questions about a specific rule or how it applies to your division, reach out before your event.

[email protected]