Editing Softball (section)

==Equipment==
Equipment required in softball includes a ball, a bat (composite, metal or wooden), gloves, uniforms and protective gear. For example, helmets for the offensive team and a helmet, shin guards, and chest protector for the defensive catcher. Also cleats, sliding shorts, face masks and knee sliders may be worn for softball.

===Ball===
[[File:Yellow softball.jpg|thumb|right|A modern optic yellow softball]]
Despite the sport's name, the ball is not actually soft, though it does have a lower density and greater [[coefficient of restitution]] than a baseball.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

The size of the ball varies according to the variety played and age of the participants. The circumference for fastpitch for adults is {{val|12|0.125|u=in}} ({{val|30.5|0.3|u=cm}}), with a mass between {{cvt|6.25|and|7.0|oz|g}}, while children under 12 use a ball with a circumference of {{val|11|0.125|u=in}} ({{val|27.9|0.3|u=cm}}) with a mass between {{cvt|5.875|and|6.125|oz|g}}. A 12-inch circumference ball is generally used in slow pitch. (For comparison, a baseball is {{convert|9|to(-)|9+1/4|in|0}} in circumference and has a mass between {{convert|5|and(-)|5+1/4|oz|0}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Rules of Baseball|year=1998|publisher=Major League Baseball Enterprises|location=Objectives of the Game}}</ref>)

The ball is covered in two pieces of leather or similar synthetic covering that are roughly the shape of a figure-8 and sewn together along a continuous seam. The core of the ball may be made of long fiber [[Ceiba pentandra|kapok]], a mixture of [[cork (material)|cork]] and [[rubber]], a [[polyurethane]] mixture, or another approved material.<ref name="rules">{{cite web |last=WBSC |title=Official Rules of Softball |url=https://static.wbsc.org/assets/cms/documents/b5480455-60e2-bfc3-1e2e-3566c2765cc5.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |publisher=WBSC |format=Adobe Acrobat (pdf)}}</ref>

Before 1993, white balls were standard at all levels of play. In that year, a new, fluorescent optic yellow colored ball was first used in college softball.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19930119&slug=1680849 |title=Making A Pitch: UW Softball Starting Slow, But Stay Tuned |last=Smith |first=Craig |publisher=Seattle Times |date=January 19, 1993 |website=Encyclopedia of Things |access-date=November 6, 2021 |quote=This year [1993], the Pac-10 is using the livelier yellow ball with a tighter cork center to put more power hitting in the game.}}</ref> Yellow softballs have become the standard for all levels of play; white balls are also still allowed but are very uncommon today.

In [[Chicago]], where softball was invented, it remains traditional to play [[16-inch softball|a variant of slow-pitch with a ball {{convert|16|in|cm|sp=us|abbr=off}} in circumference]]. The fielders do not wear gloves or mitts.<ref name="Sharon Kennedy Wynne">{{cite news| last = Wynne | first = Sharon Kennedy | title = A kinder, gentler softball | newspaper = St. Petersburg Times | date = 2005-07-27 | url=http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/27/Neighborhoodtimes/A_kinder__gentler_sof.shtml | access-date = 2007-02-19}}</ref> A 16-inch softball when new is rough and hard, with hand and finger injuries to fielders frequent if they do not "give" when receiving a ball,<ref>{{cite news | first = Howard | last = Wolinsky | title = Softball's hard on the hands // Doctors treat variety of injuries from city's unique style of sport | date = 1991-06-23 | url = http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-4060371.html | work = Chicago Sun-Times | access-date = 2010-06-12}}{{dead link|date=January 2016}}</ref> but the ball "breaks in" slightly during a game and continues to soften over time with continued play. A well-broken-in ball is called a mush ball and is favored for informal "pick-up" games and when playing in limited space, such as a city street (because the ball does not go as far). A 16-inch ball is also used for wheelchair softball.

===Bat===
The bat used by the batter can be made of wood, aluminum, or composite materials such as carbon fiber. Sizes may vary but they may be no more than {{convert|86|cm|in|order=flip}} long, {{convert|2.25|in|cm}} in diameter, or {{convert|38|oz|kg}} in mass.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Rules of Softball |url=https://static.wbsc.org/assets/cms/documents/b5480455-60e2-bfc3-1e2e-3566c2765cc5.pdf}}</ref> The standard barrel diameter for both slow pitch and fast pitch softball bats is {{frac|2|1|4}} inches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/baseball-softball.html|title=How are Baseball and Softball Bats Different?|website=www.acs.psu.edu|access-date=January 23, 2020}}</ref> Many players prefer a smaller barrel, which reduces mass and allows higher swing speed.

Although there are a variety of bats used, there are several that are banned due to performance enhancement. For example, with a thinner wall, the ball recoils faster off the bat, allowing it to travel further. Many bats may be "doctored" or "juiced" by being end loaded, shaved, or painted. End loading of a cap refers to the addition of weight manually placed at the end of the barrel to distribute more weight at the tip. Shaving bats require machine use in order to remove the inner walls of the bat to improve elasticity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.BigDawgBatRolling.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-bat-shaving.htm |title=Bat Shaving|date=2 March 2024 }} Brock, bigdawgbatrolling.com July 21, 2017</ref> Lastly, illegal bats may be painted to resemble legal ones.

===Gloves===
[[File:Softball player fielding 1565486.jpg|thumb|Fielding in softball]]
All defensive players wear fielding gloves, made of leather or similar material. Gloves have webbing between the thumb and forefinger, known as the "pocket".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/softball/choosing-the-right-softball-glove|title=Choosing the Right Softball Glove|date=2015-06-25|website=PRO TIPS by DICK'S Sporting Goods|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref> Gloves used in softball are typically larger than the ones used in baseball to account for the larger ball. No glove larger than {{cvt|14|in|cm|0}} can be used in ASA (American Softball Association) sanctioned play.

While extremely rare in recreational play, there are sometimes different size gloves for different positions on the field. Catchers and first baseman have what is called a mitt, whose pockets are larger than other gloves. These are more padded.<ref name="Sports Depot">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsdepot.com/|title=Baseball and Softball Glove Buying Guide|website=www.sportsdepot.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref> An outfielder's glove is smaller than the catcher's, typically 12 inches to 13 inches for fast pitch softball or 12 to 15 inches for slow pitch.<ref name="Sports Depot" /> An infielder's glove is the smallest, typically from 11.5 inches to 13 inches.<ref name="Sports Depot" /> A pitcher's glove is typically 11.5 to 12.5 inches for fast pitch or 11.5 to 13 inches for slow pitch.<ref name="Sports Depot" />

No part of the glove is allowed to be the same color as that of the ball, including that of its seams. Pitchers are also not allowed to have any white on their gloves including the seams. The umpire has discretion to determine whether any coloring on the glove interferes with or hinders the batter from seeing the ball clearly.

===Uniform===

Each team wears a distinctive uniform. The uniform may include a cap, a shirt displaying team colors and the players' number, sliding undershorts/compression shorts (optional), socks, and pants/athletic shorts. The team is required to have all of its members wear the same uniform.<ref name=rules/>

Caps, visors, and headbands are optional for female players, and have to be the same color. Caps are mandatory for male players. A fielder who chooses to wear a helmet or face mask is not required to wear a cap.<ref name=rules/>

Many players use "sliding shorts", otherwise known as compression shorts in other sports. These can be outfitted with a pouch for fitting a [[Jockstrap|protective cup]] for male players. These shorts also help to protect the upper thigh when sliding into a base. "Sliders" may also be worn for similar protection. These are somewhat padded shin guards that extend usually from the ankle to the knee of the wearer and wrap all the way around the leg(s). They protect the shin, calf, etc. from getting bruised or damaged while sliding into home plate and make it much more comfortable to [[Slide (baseball)|slide]] into the plate. Some male players use long, baseball-style pants. However, some female players now wear a shorter version of baseball pants.

At the back of the uniform, an Arabic numeral from numbers 0 through 99 must be visible. Numbers such as 02 and 2 are considered identical. Also, on the back of the uniform's players' names are optional.<ref name=rules/>

All players are required to wear shoes. They may have cleats or spikes. The spikes must extend less than {{cvt|0.75|in|mm|0}} away from the sole. Rounded metal spikes are illegal, as are ones made from hard plastic or other synthetic materials. High school athletes are sometimes permitted to wear metal cleats, such as in Ohio.<ref name="Ohio">Ohio Rules & Regulations</ref>

Many recreational leagues prohibit the use of metal cleats or spikes to reduce the possible severity of injuries when a runner slides feet-first into a fielder. At all youth (under 15) levels, in co-ed (the official terminology for mixed teams) slow pitch, and in modified pitch, metal spikes are usually not allowed.

===Protective equipment===

Helmets must be worn by batters and runners. A helmet must have two ear flaps, one on each side. Helmets and cages that are damaged or altered are forbidden. In NCAA fastpitch softball, players have the option to wear a helmet with or without a face mask. Most female travel ball teams for fastpitch softball require the batter to wear a helmet with a face mask. In male fastpitch masks are generally only used for medical reasons.

In fastpitch, the catcher must wear a protective helmet with a facemask and throat protector, shin guards and body protector. Shin guards also protect the kneecap.<ref name=rules/> In slow pitch, the catcher must wear a helmet, chest protector and mask at youth levels. At adult levels, there is no formal requirement for the catcher to wear a mask, although the official rules recommend it. A catcher may optionally wear a body protector in adult slow pitch.<ref name=rules/>

While mandatory for the pitcher in some slow pitch leagues, there is an option to wear a face mask on the field. It is recommended in lower age groups. It must be in proper condition and not damaged, altered, or the like.<ref name="rules" /> This is intended to prevent facial injuries.<ref name="Market Wire">{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pwwi/is_200302/ai_mark11051522 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529075448/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pwwi/is_200302/ai_mark11051522 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-05-29 |title=Addressing Eye and Facial Injuries |date=February 2008|work=Market Wire}}</ref>

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| image1            = Softball batter 1560583.jpg
| caption1          = [[Fastpitch softball|Fastpitch]] batter in a helmet with mask
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| caption2          = Runner in helmet with mask
| image3            = Samantha Show - pitcher (Ogaki Minamo).jpg
| caption3          = Pitcher with facemask
| image4            = Softball catcher 2006-04-01.jpg
| caption4          = Catcher wearing a helmet and chest protector
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