2025-26 Fastpitch Softball Rule Changes!

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Today’s discussion will discuss some of the upcoming rule changes for the 2025-26 season based on USSSA’s rule book. It’s important to note that USSSA is not the only sanction, but it is seen as an industry standard when it comes to rules. Here’s a breakdown of the key rule changes for USSSA Fastpitch Softball for the 2025–2026 season:

⚾ Age Eligibility Shift

• New cutoff date: Age eligibility will now be determined by a player’s age on September 1st instead of August 31st.

• Effective: Starting August 12, 2025, for the 2026 season.

• Impact: Aligns USSSA with other national programs and helps players compete with peers in the same grade level.

⏱️ Pace of Play Enhancements

• Inning transitions: Teams must switch sides within 60 seconds.

• Pitcher timing: Pitchers have 20 seconds to deliver the ball after receiving it.

• Batter timing: Batters must enter the box within 10 seconds once the pitcher is set.

• Penalties: Delays result in automatic strikes (batters) or balls (pitchers).

📊 Scorekeeping Adjustment (Rule 9-3-2b)

• If a base-runner is hit by a fair batted ball, the batter-runner is now credited with a fielder’s choice, not a hit.

• Goal: Improve consistency and accuracy in scorekeeping across all age divisions.

🧢 Dugout & Field Conduct

• Only the following may be outside the dugout during live play:

  • Batters

  • Base-runners

  • On-deck hitters

  • Bat shaggers

  • Defensive players actively engaged

• On-deck batters must use the designated circle nearest their dugout.

• No hitting balls to teammates on defense during live play.

📱 Electronic Communication Rules (Rules 1-8-6 and 3-6-11)

• Allowed: One-way electronic signals from coaches to catchers (defensive only).

• Not allowed: Communication with offensive players.

• Violations: May result in penalties or ejections.

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