Welcome! Pick here for General Table of Contents Pick here for Playing Rules Table of Contents On this information page you will find: General notes about this rulebook. Other Notes: General notes about this rulebook. SEARCH: This rulebook is presented using Adobe Acrobat®. This allows you the user to search the rulebook for specific text using the Adobe Acrobat®software search tool. Select the binocular icon, type in the word or phrase you are looking for and pick the search button. NAVIGATION: You may navigate the rulebook using the bookmarks shown on the left or from either of the Table of Contents pages. To Navigate using the bookmarks simply select the title of the bookmark and the Acrobat software will take you to that page. To navigate from a Table of Contents page simply select the title or page number you wish to go to. RETURNING TO THE UMPIRE MECHANICS SOFTWARE: The umpire mechanics software is still running when you launch this rulebook. This allows you to switch between the umpire mechanics software and this rulebook. There are several ways to accomplish this on a windows machine. Most commonly the taskbar at the bottom of the screen or using the “Alt” and “Tab” key to cycle through the software programs that are running on your computer. SOFTBALL PLAYING RULES Copyright by the Amateur Softball Association of America REVISED 2005 “Permission to reprint THE OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES has been granted by THE AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA.” Where (Fast Pitch Only) is shown, Modified Pitch rules are followed the same as fast pitch with the exception of the pitching rule. Where (Slow Pitch Only) is shown, 16" slow pitch rules are followed the same as slow pitch with the exception of the pitching rule. The words “Junior Olympic” or the initials “JO” refer to youth softball. New rules and/or changes are in bold letters in each shaded section. Housekeeping changes are shaded, but not bold. Read the “Points of Emphasis” at the end of the rules to clarify various selected rules. Other Notes: Included on this CD is a convenient copy of the 2005 Rule Changes and Comments. We have made every effort to keep the mechanics and text within this product accurate. In the event of a conflict in language between any printed version of the Rule changes and the version on this CD, the website version controls. You can get to the official ASA website by directing your browser to http://www.asasoftball.com/ The proud sponsor of this CD is Texas Sports Services. You can find equipment and other softball supplies for umpires, players and fans at their website, http://www.texassportsservices.com/ Give the CD a try and enjoy! 2 2005 Official Rules of Softball Official softball rules adopted, published and distributed by: THE AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 2801 NE 50th Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203 (405) 424-5266 • Fax: (405) 424-3855 Umpire Edition 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, 1987-2005 by THE AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 2801 NE 50th Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203 (405) 424-5266 • Fax: (405) 424-3855 All rights reserved. 2 Official Rules of Softball TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message ................................................................................................. 4 Executive Director’s Message .................................................................................. 5 Board of Directors ...................................................................................................... 6 Association Directory ................................................................................................. 8 Commissioner Emeritus .......................................................................................... 29 Regional Junior Olympic Commissioners ............................................................. 30 Regional Player Representatives .......................................................................... 31 Regional Umpires-in-Chief ..................................................................................... 32 Allied Members ........................................................................................................ 33 Past Presidents ....................................................................................................... 34 2004 National Champions ....................................................................................... 35 2005 National Championships ................................................................................ 36 2006 National Championships ................................................................................ 38 Official Softball Diamond Dimensions .................................................................... 40 2005 Playing Rule Changes .................................................................................... 42 Playing Rules Table of Contents ............................................................................ 45 Playing Rules ........................................................................................................... 46 Points of Emphasis ................................................................................................ 132 Playing Rules/Points of Emphasis Index .............................................................. 160 Umpire Manual ...................................................................................................... 185 National Indicator Fraternity ................................................................................. 260 ASA Umpire Medals Program ............................................................................... 261 ISF Umpires ........................................................................................................... 266 Elite Umpires ......................................................................................................... 267 Lifetime Members .................................................................................................. 269 Trademarks ............................................................................................................ 272 National Softball Hall of Fame .............................................................................. 272 Local Association Champions .............................................................................. 278 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE E. T. Colvin After a year as President of this great organization, I am amazed by the dedication and cooperation of the thousands of volunteers and the employees of ASA. This partnership is the reason ASA/USA is the greatest softball organization in the world. Being the National Governing Body of Softball is a responsibility that we take very serious. ASA is committed to providing the best organization, tournament program, umpire program and benefits to our members. Thanks you to over three million players, coaches and sponsors that participate in ASA leagues throughout the country. It is because of your continued support that ASA remains the number one softball organization in America. Softball, “ASA Softball,” America’s Game. This has never been truer than in 2004 when the USA Women’s team dominance at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece became the top story of the Olympics. Called the real ‘Dream Team’ and ending up on the cover of Sports Illustrated, this team brought the sport of softball to national prominence. Touring the country prior to the Olympics and having several of these game televised on ESPN, gave nationwide exposure to the sport of softball. There has been much discussion about equipment changes over the past few years. We believe we are in the observation phase of this process. ASA has made some changes to the bat and ball standards and we must now continue the process by obtaining as much information as possible to evaluate the effect of these changes on our sport. This will always be an ongoing process to assure that the equipment that is ASA approved is the best for our game. It is an honor to serve as the President of ASA. ASA will always be the leader in the sport of softball giving our teams and players the opportunity to play in the best organized leagues and the highest quality of competitive tournaments. We are committed to you and will always be thankful for your support and participation in the ASA program. 4 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Ron Radigonda Welcome to the 2005 Season! As another eventful and exciting year is upon us, I want to take a moment to say thank you to each and every one of you for making 2004 one of softball’s finest! From the success of the ASA National Championships to USA Softball’s third consecutive Olympic gold medal in Athens, the things accomplished in 2004 were remarkable. The dedication from each of you to the sport of softball on a daily basis is what makes this organization the best in the world. As always, it is an honor to work with you as we continue to strive for safety and enjoyment of America’s game. Looking back, 2004 brought several highlights to the ASA family. We saw an increase of over 30,000 members in individual registrations while our National Championship Series Finals were a continued success with 73 tournament titles awarded. The inaugural year for the Men’s Major Slow Pitch Money tourna- ment, the re-structure of the division proved success and we are looking forward to even more changes