Official Softball Rulebook

Complete guide to Perfect Game Softball rules, regulations, and tournament guidelines. Official rules governing all sanctioned events and competitions.

Table of Contents

Quick Actions

General Rules

1.1 Game Overview

Softball is played between two teams of nine players each. The objective is to score more runs than the opposing team by hitting a ball and running around four bases arranged in a diamond pattern.

Game Duration

  • • Seven (7) innings regulation game
  • • Six (6) innings if visiting team ahead
  • • Five (5) innings if mercy rule applies
  • • No time limit for championship games

Mercy Rule

  • • 15 runs after 3 innings
  • • 10 runs after 4 innings
  • • 8 runs after 5 innings
  • • Does not apply to championship games

1.2 Official Game Requirements

Minimum Innings

Four (4) complete innings, or three and one-half (3½) innings if the home team is ahead.

Weather Delays

Games suspended due to weather may be resumed from the point of suspension.

Forfeits

Teams must field at least eight (8) players to avoid forfeit.