Rules 101 Pictures & Videos for USIAA Softball:
What Remains the Same:
- The field/diamond dimensions (distance between pitcher/batter, batter's box, distance between the bases, minimum outfield distances, etc.).
- The equipment (bats, balls, gloves, protective gear, etc.).
- Pitching techniques.
- Players & substitutions rules (except for the new DEH rule).
- Methods of dismissal (i.e. outs).
- Foul balls (i.e. the ball has to be hit in the zone bounded by the lines to first base and third base).
What Changes Part #1 (i.e. what will be taken from Welsh Baseball or Cricket):
- Rules for scoring (1 run per base after hit, players will not subsequently score when moving around the bases on another player's hit except for reaching home plate or stealing a base, four balls = 1 run, Home run = 4 runs).
- Structure/number of innings (from 9 innings & 3 outs to 3 innings & all 10 players are either dismissed or stranded on base).
- New method of dismissal = Timed Out (i.e. when an incoming batter is not ready to play within 3 minutes of the previous batter being out).
- The Bonus Points System (similar to the ones used in professional rugby).
- Mercy rules.
- Pitch Counts (postseason only).
- All teams must have a 10-man batting order in which both the Designated Extra Hitter (DEH) and the pitcher must bat; The DEH can go into the field for any of the other 9 players (usually outfielders) in the game and that player will then become the DEH.