Softball Rules by League: Little League, High School, USA
- Rulebook and regulations, Little League Softball Rulebook (2026 edition)
- Rules Book, NFHS Softball Rules Book (2026 edition)
- Official Rules, USA Softball Official Rules (2026 edition)
- Last checked Nov 1, 2026
- By Julien Levadoux
The core rules match: runners leave on the pitcher's release, the look-back rule applies, and a leap is legal but a crow hop isn't. The differences are in the details. Little League requires every player to play and bat. High school and USA Softball use the DP/FLEX. USA Softball's run rule is 15, 12 or 8 runs, and its intentional walks still need four pitches.
On the bases
- Leaving the base: On the pitcher's release Runners may leave the base when the pitch is released, in the Major Division and in Junior and Senior League. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Look-back rule: Yes (eight-foot circle rule) With the pitcher holding the ball in the 8-foot circle, runners must immediately advance or return; a violator is out. (Rule 7.08(5) Note 2)
- Courtesy runner: Being checked.
Pitching
- Pitching distance: 40 feet Minors pitch from 35 feet; Junior and Senior from 43 feet. (Little League Field Specifications)
- Leap and crow hop: Leap legal; crow hop illegal Since 2024 both feet may leave the ground during the delivery; replanting the pivot foot and pushing off again is illegal. (Rules 2.00, 8.01(s), 8.05(a))
- Illegal pitch penalty: Ball; runners don't advance Ball to the batter with no award to runners; the offense may take the play, and it stands if all runners advance. (Rule 8.05)
- Pitcher limits: 12 innings a day Pitching 7 or more innings in a day requires one calendar day of rest; no pitch counts; Junior/Senior have no restrictions. (Regulation VI(b))
- Intentional walk without pitches: Yes, by manager's request The defensive manager requests it without pitches; LL says this doesn't apply in its upper divisions. (Rule 6.08(a)(1) Note 1)
Calls
- Dropped third strike: Yes, in the Major Division The batter may run unless first base is occupied with fewer than two outs. (Rule 6.05(b))
Lineups
- DP/FLEX: No (Senior League only) DP/FLEX replaced the designated hitter in Senior League softball in 2024; Majors bat straight 9 or a continuous order. (Rules 2.00, 3.03, 7.14(a))
- Extra player (EP): No; continuous batting order instead Major Division teams bat straight 9 or use a continuous batting order; there is no EP or DH. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Re-entry: Starters once; defense any time A starter may re-enter once, in her original batting spot, after her substitute has met mandatory play. In the Major and Junior divisions, players may also enter or re-enter on defense at any time. (Rule 3.03)
- Mandatory play: Yes: 6 defensive outs and one at-bat Regular season: every player present plays 6 defensive outs and bats once; tournaments require a continuous batting order. (Little League: Mandatory Play, What Parents Need to Know)
The game
- Game length: 6 innings Regulation after 4 innings (3½ if home team leads); Junior and Senior play 7 innings, regulation after 5. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Run rule (run-ahead): 15 after 3, 10 after 4 Also 8 after 5 as a regular-season option; Junior/Senior use 15 after 4 and 10 after 5. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Time limits: None; local league may add one No time limit by rule, but a local league may impose one during the regular season. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
Equipment
- Bat certification: BPF 1.20 marking Non-wood bats must be printed BPF 1.20 and meet Little League specs; 33 inches max (34 Junior/Senior). (Rule 1.10)
- Metal cleats: Not permitted Metal cleats are not permitted in the Major Division but are permitted in Junior and Senior. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Face guards: Being checked.
On the bases
- Leaving the base: On the pitcher's release Leaving before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand is a dead ball, no pitch, and the runner is out. (Rule 8-7-18)
- Look-back rule: Yes Applies when the pitcher controls the ball in the circle; a runner may stop once, then must return or advance. (Rule 8-8)
- Courtesy runner: Yes, for pitcher and catcher For 2027, the pitcher and catcher no longer have to face a batter first before a courtesy runner can be used for them. (Rule 8-10)
Pitching
- Pitching distance: 43 feet 43 feet at all high school levels. (Rule 1-1-2)
- Leap and crow hop: Leap legal; crow hop illegal Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot or having both feet in the air is allowed; replanting and pushing off again is not. (Rule 6-1-2c)
- Illegal pitch penalty: Ball; runners don't advance Delayed dead ball; ball to the batter, runners not awarded a base unless the offense takes the play result. (Rule 6-1-1)
- Pitcher limits: None nationally The NFHS book sets no innings limit, pitch count or rest rule. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Intentional walk without pitches: Yes, on request The defensive coach, pitcher or catcher may request it before or during the at-bat; the ball is dead. (Rules 2-65-2, 8-1-3)
Calls
- Dropped third strike: Yes Batter may run on an uncaught third strike unless first is occupied with fewer than two outs. (Rule 7-4-7)
Lineups
- DP/FLEX: Yes, optional A team may play straight 9 or start 10 with the DP/FLEX. (Rule 3-2-6)
- Extra player (EP): No NFHS has no extra player rule. (2026 Major Rule Difference between USA Softball, NCAA and NFHS (USA Softball, file dated 6-10-2026))
- Re-entry: Starters and subs, once each Any player may re-enter once, in her original batting spot. (Rule 3-2-5)
- Mandatory play: No NFHS has no mandatory play or continuous batting rule in regular or postseason games. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
The game
- Game length: 7 innings Regulation after 5 innings (4½ if home team leads); JH/JV doubleheader games may be 5 innings by state adoption. (NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026))
- Run rule (run-ahead): Set by state association NFHS leaves the run-ahead rule to each state association, so the margins vary by state. (Rule 4-2-3)
- Time limits: None, unless state or park sets one No NFHS time limit; state associations may set procedures, and a public park may impose one. (Rule 4-2-3)
Equipment
- Bat certification: ASA 2000/2004 or USA Softball mark One of three marks (ASA 2000, ASA 2004, USA Softball All Games), not on the non-approved list. (Rule 1-5-1)
- Metal cleats: Permitted Metal cleats and metal toe plates are permitted at all levels. (Rule 1-6-11)
- Face guards: Batting face guard required Fastpitch batting helmets need a NOCSAE face mask/guard (since 2006); fielder masks are optional unless a state requires them. (NFHS Rules Changes Affecting Risk 1982-2016 (hosted by DIAA))
On the bases
- Leaving the base: On the pitcher's release The runner must keep contact until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand; leaving early is a dead ball, no pitch, runner out. (Rule 8.7.S)
- Look-back rule: Yes Applies once the batter-runner reaches first and the pitcher has the ball in the circle; one stop allowed, then commit. (Rule 8.7.T)
- Courtesy runner: Yes, for pitcher and catcher A courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher and the catcher. (Rule 8.10.A-G)
Pitching
- Pitching distance: 43 feet (14U-18U) 10U pitches from 35 feet and 12U from 40 feet; boys 14U and up pitch from 46 feet. (Rule 2.1)
- Leap and crow hop: Leap legal; crow hop illegal Both feet in the air is allowed; replanting the pivot foot and pushing off again is illegal. (Rule 6A.3K)
- Illegal pitch penalty: Ball; runners don't advance Nullified if the batter reaches first and all runners advance; otherwise the offense takes the result or a ball. (Rule 6A.11)
- Pitcher limits: Being checked.
- Intentional walk without pitches: No; four legal pitches required To walk a batter intentionally, the pitcher must legally deliver every pitch; the ball stays live. (Rules 8.1.C, 6A.4)
Calls
- Dropped third strike: Yes The batter may run on an uncaught third strike, as in the other rulebooks. (Rule 8.3.D (mention))
Lineups
- DP/FLEX: Yes, optional A team may start 9, or 10 with the DP/FLEX. (Rule 4-3)
- Extra player (EP): Yes, one EP (JO) JO teams may bat 10 with one EP, with or without the DP/FLEX. (Rule 7.2.F)
- Re-entry: Any player, once Any player may re-enter once, in the same batting-order spot. (Rule 4.5.A)
- Mandatory play: No; JO may bat the whole roster No mandatory play; JO pool play may bat 9, 9 with DP/FLEX, or the whole roster. (Rule 7.2.F)
The game
- Game length: 7 innings A regulation game is seven innings; a called game is regulation once five or more complete innings are played. (Rule 5-3A, 5-3C)
- Run rule (run-ahead): 15, 12 or 8 runs after 3/4/5 Leads of 15 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 or 8 after 5; required at national championships for JO and women's fastpitch; full innings unless the home team reaches the margin batting. (Rule 5-9A)
- Time limits: 1:40 at nationals; 1:30 or 1:40 locally National championships: no new inning after 1 hour 40 minutes; territorial play may set 1:30 or 1:40 beforehand. (Rule 5.10A, 5.10B)
Equipment
- Bat certification: USA Softball mark, approved list Must bear an approved certification mark, be on the approved list and not on the non-approved list. (Rule 3-1A)
- Metal cleats: 14U and up only No metal cleats in 10U and 12U; 14U and older may wear them. A player who keeps wearing them after a warning is ejected. (Rule 3-6G)
- Face guards: Batting face guard required JO batting helmets need a NOCSAE-approved face mask/guard; there is no defensive face mask rule. (Rule 3-5E)
| Rule | LL Majors | High school | USA Softball |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the bases | |||
| Leaving the base | On the pitcher's release | On the pitcher's release | On the pitcher's release |
| Look-back rule | Yes (eight-foot circle rule) | Yes | Yes |
| Courtesy runner | Being checked | Yes, for pitcher and catcher | Yes, for pitcher and catcher |
| Pitching | |||
| Pitching distance | 40 feet | 43 feet | 43 feet (14U-18U) |
| Leap and crow hop | Leap legal; crow hop illegal | Leap legal; crow hop illegal | Leap legal; crow hop illegal |
| Illegal pitch penalty | Ball; runners don't advance | Ball; runners don't advance | Ball; runners don't advance |
| Pitcher limits | 12 innings a day | None nationally | Being checked |
| Intentional walk without pitches | Yes, by manager's request | Yes, on request | No; four legal pitches required |
| Calls | |||
| Dropped third strike | Yes, in the Major Division | Yes | Yes |
| Lineups | |||
| DP/FLEX | No (Senior League only) | Yes, optional | Yes, optional |
| Extra player (EP) | No; continuous batting order instead | No | Yes, one EP (JO) |
| Re-entry | Starters once; defense any time | Starters and subs, once each | Any player, once |
| Mandatory play | Yes: 6 defensive outs and one at-bat | No | No; JO may bat the whole roster |
| The game | |||
| Game length | 6 innings | 7 innings | 7 innings |
| Run rule (run-ahead) | 15 after 3, 10 after 4 | Set by state association | 15, 12 or 8 runs after 3/4/5 |
| Time limits | None; local league may add one | None, unless state or park sets one | 1:40 at nationals; 1:30 or 1:40 locally |
| Equipment | |||
| Bat certification | BPF 1.20 marking | ASA 2000/2004 or USA Softball mark | USA Softball mark, approved list |
| Metal cleats | Not permitted | Permitted | 14U and up only |
| Face guards | Being checked | Batting face guard required | Batting face guard required |
54 of 57 answers confirmed against each league's own documents; checked Nov 1, 2026. Local leagues and state associations can change some of these, so check your league's own rules too.
All sources (15)
- NFHS and Little League Softball Rules and Regulations Comparison (2026)
- 2026 Major Rule Difference between USA Softball, NCAA and NFHS (USA Softball, file dated 6-10-2026)
- Little League: Rule Interpretations for Little League Softball FAQs (modified 2026-05-07)
- NFHS: One-way electronic communications allowed for pitchers under 2027 high school softball rules changes
- Little League Field Specifications
- Little League 2024 Rulebook Significant Changes
- Little League Regular Season Pitching Rules (Regulation VI), modified 2026-02-11
- Little League: Rule 6.00 The Batter FAQs (modified 2026-05-07)
- Little League Playing Rules
- NFHS Softball Rules Book
- Little League: Mandatory Play, What Parents Need to Know
- USA Softball 2026 Official Rules of Softball (Rules 1-5 readable)
- Little League Bat Rules
- NFHS approved softball bat communication
- NFHS Rules Changes Affecting Risk 1982-2016 (hosted by DIAA)
Pick your daughter’s league above to see every rule in one list, with the details and where each one comes from. The table shows all three side by side.
The same everywhere
Most of fastpitch works the same way in all three rulebooks:
- No leading off. Runners can’t leave the base until the pitcher releases the ball.
- The look-back rule. Once the pitcher has the ball in the circle, a runner who’s off her base may stop once, then has to go back or go on. See the look-back rule.
- Leaping is legal, the crow hop isn’t, and an illegal pitch is a ball to the batter. See illegal pitches.
- The dropped third strike lets the batter run. See the dropped third strike.
Where they differ
- Playing time. Little League’s mandatory play rule makes every player field and bat in the regular season. High school and USA Softball have no such rule, though USA Softball’s girls’ (JO) pool play lets teams bat the whole roster.
- Lineups. High school and USA Softball allow the DP/FLEX; USA Softball JO also allows an extra player (EP). Little League’s Major Division bats nine, or the whole roster.
- Intentional walks. High school and Little League’s Major Division can award one without pitching. USA Softball still needs four legal pitches.
- Run rule and time limits. USA Softball ends games at 15 runs after 3 innings, 12 after 4 or 8 after 5, and tournaments often set time limits. High school leaves the run rule to each state. See the run rule.
- Metal cleats. Not allowed in Little League’s Major Division or USA Softball 10U and 12U; allowed in high school.
Coming next
USSSA fastpitch and other travel organizations, once every answer is confirmed. Local leagues and tournaments can add their own rules, so check the tournament’s rules too.
Explained in our own words, not an official ruling: in a competition, the committee, league or umpire decides, and local rules apply.
Sources
- Little League Softball Rulebook, Little League International (2026 edition)
- NFHS Softball Rules Book, NFHS (2026 edition)
- USA Softball Official Rules, USA Softball (2026 edition)