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Softball & Baseball Field - Rules & Regulations

Figure 11.32, Table 11.8, Table 11.9
 
Common Points of Confusion
 
Figure 11.32 illustrates some details of field layout that are frequently rendered incorrectly, either because the rule book is misinterpreted, or because the rules are observed by convention but remain unwritten.
 
In taking measurements from home plate, the white point on the plate, not the black point, is the one that is used. Foul lines pass through the outside edge of first and third base and continue to the outside of the foul poles, which are themselves in fair territory.
 
Figure 11.32.
Frequently misunderstood points of field design
 
The back edge of first and third base are 90 feet from home plate, but the center of second base is 90 feet from the foul lines. The front of the pitcher's plate is 60 feet, 6 inches from the white point on home plate, and the center of second base is 127 feet, 3-3/8" from the white point of home (Table 11.8).
 
Table 11.8.
Baseball Dimensions
 
The circled edge of the skinned area is 95 feet from the front edge of the pitcher's plate. In laying out a softball field, the arc of the infield does not always have its center at the pitcher's plate. Instead, it is sometimes centered on a point several feet behind the pitcher's plate. In designing a softball field, see Table 11.9 or consult the rule book for the appropriate governing or sanctioning body to determine the exact center point for the infield arc.
 
11.7b Lane and Boundary Dimensions
 
Tables 11.8 and 11.9 show dimensions for the most common fields.
 
Table 11.9.
Softball Dimensions
 
11.7c Governing and Sanctioning Bodies
 
Among the most important governing bodies for North American baseball and softball are the following:
 
Official Baseball Rule are published and distributed by:
 
Sporting News
P. O. Box 11229 Des Moines, Iowa 50340 (800) 825-8508
 
These rules are followed by Professional Baseball, National Baseball Congress, Stan Musial, American Legion, Connie Mack, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, and others. For fields used for competition sanctioned by these organizations, contact the sanctioning body for up-to-date rules.
 
College Baseball and Softball
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
6201 College Boulevard Overland Park,
Kansas 66211
(913) 339-1906
 
High School Baseball and Softball:
National Federation of State High School Associations
11724 Plaza Circle,
Box 20626
Kansas City, Missouri 64195
(816) 464-5400
 
Pony League Baseball:
Pony Baseball, Inc.
P. O. Box 225
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301-0225
(412) 225-1060
 
Babe Ruth Baseball:
Babe Ruth League, Inc.
1770 Brunswick Pike,
P. O. Box 5000 Trenton, New Jersey 08638
(609) 695-1434
 
Little League Baseball: Little League Baseball, Inc.
P. O. Box 3485
Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701
(717) 326-1921
 
Softball:
Amateur Softball Association of America
2801 North East 50th Street
Oklahoma city, Oklahoma 73111
(405) 424-5266