Editing Softball (section)

==Playing field==
[[File:Softball diamond large.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a softball diamond]]
The playing field is divided into ''fair territory'' and ''foul territory''. Fair territory is further divided into the ''infield'', and the ''outfield''.

The field is defined by ''foul lines'' that meet at a right angle at ''home plate''. The minimum length of the baselines varies classification of play (see below for official measurements). A fence running between the baselines defines the limits of the field; distance from home plate to the fence varies by field. The widest part of the field is the distance between the ''foul poles'', which are erected where the foul lines meet the fence and are about {{convert|310 to 420|ft}} apart depending on the length of the foul lines.

Home plate is one corner of a diamond with ''bases'' at each corner. The bases are cushions {{convert|15|in|cm}} square, of canvas or a similar material, and not more than {{convert|5|in|cm}} thick. The bases are usually securely fastened to the ground. The bases are numbered counterclockwise as first base, second base, and third base. Often, but not always, outside first base (that is, in foul territory) and adjacent and connected to it, there is a contrast-colored "double base" or "safety base" intended to prevent collisions between the first baseman and the runner. The runner runs for the foul portion of the double base after hitting the ball while the fielding team tries to throw the ball to the fair portion before the runner reaches the safety base. However, not all softball diamonds have these safety bases and they are much more common in women's softball than in men's. The double base is required in the [[U-18 Women's Softball World Cup]].

The infield consists of the diamond and the adjacent space in which the infielders (see below) normally play. The outfield is the remaining space between the baselines and between the outfield fence and the infield. The infield is usually "skinned" (dirt), while the outfield has grass in regulation competitions.

Near the center of the diamond is the pitching plate, or colloquially "rubber". In fastpitch, a circle {{convert|16|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in diameter known as the ''pitching circle'' is marked around the pitching plate.<ref name="rules"/>

A field is officially required to have a warning track between {{convert|15|and|12|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} from the outfield fence. However, if the game is being played on a field larger than required, no warning track is required before the temporary outfield fencing.

Located in foul territory outside both baselines are two coach's boxes. Each box is behind a line {{convert|15|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} long located {{convert|12|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} from each baseline.

===Official baseline dimensions===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! Fast pitch || Slow pitch || Wheelchair
|-
| {{convert|60|ft|m|2}}
| {{convert|60|to|70|ft|m|2}} depending on the association and level of play
| {{convert|50|ft|m|2}}
|}

===Pitching distances===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|+Slow pitch pitching distances
! Adult<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.livestrong.com/article/362124-what-is-the-distance-from-home-to-the-pitching-mound-in-softball/ | title = What is the Distance From Home to the Pitching Mound in Softball? | access-date = 2012-06-01 | last = Herman | first = Al }}</ref>
! colspan=2 | Youth
! colspan=2 | Kids
! Wheelchair
|-
!  || 13–19 years || 10–12 years || 7–9 years || <7 years || 
|-
| {{convert|50|ft|m|2}}
| {{convert|50|ft|m|2}}
| {{convert|46|ft|m|2|abbr=}}
| {{convert|43|ft|m|2|abbr=}}
| Coach pitch 
|{{convert|28|ft|m|2}} 
|}

{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|+Fast pitch pitching distances
|-
!colspan=2 width:5%" style="background:silver; |Adult
|-
!width=15%|Female
!width=15%|Male
|-
|{{convert|43|ft|m|2}}
|{{convert|46|ft|m|2}}
|-
!colspan=2 width:5%" style="background:silver; |Under 16
|-
|colspan=2 width:5%"|{{convert|43|ft|m|2}} 
|-
!colspan=2 width:5%" style="background:silver; |12 and under
|-
|colspan=2 width:5%"|{{convert|40|ft|m|2}}
|-
!colspan=2 width:5%" style="background:silver; |10 and under
|-
|colspan=2 width:5%"|{{convert|35|ft|m|2}}
|-
!colspan=2 width:5%" style="background:silver; |8 and under
|-
|colspan=2 width:5%"|Coach pitch
|}