rule sets and field dimensions

[rsl]

I am a regular reader on the Basketball forum, but this is my first post here. Sorry for the newbie question.

I find myself responsible for a church owned softball field. It currently has bases that are 60 feet apart, as per NFHS 1.1.2 for a 12 inch ball. Some coaches in our league want to move them to 65 feet, as per USSSA rules. I don't have an ASA rule book.

What field configuration and rule set is best for a low key rec league? The field is used mostly for men's slow pitch, with some youth games (also slow pitch) thrown in.

I am leaning toward the NFHS rules, since the field is small. The plate is only about 20 feet from the backstop (instead of the required 25), and the infield extends only 52 feet from the pitching rubber (instead of 60 or 65).

Do you guys have any recommendations for a newbie?

Thanks!

[bniu]

it's not that hard to have both. home plate will be where it is and i guess the infield dirt will have to be extended to accommodate the longer bases. many rec fields have the ability to move the bases certain distances to accommodate different dimensions for different leagues...

[AtlUmpSteve]

As you are talking slowpitch, 65' would be correct for everything 14U up; the 60' rule is for fastpitch in NFHS.

I don't think the infield cut or backstop depth is as much as factor to game equity as the base distance or pitching distance (50').

[rsl]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot!

I'll probably go to 65, depending on the work involved with the infield cut.

[Dakota]

There are several ways of setting up for movable bases. If you are using the same field for multiple divisions of softball, you need the ability to set up the field properly for each division (base distances, pitching distance).

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

As you are talking slowpitch, 65' would be correct for everything 14U up; the 60' rule is for fastpitch in NFHS.

I don't think the infield cut or backstop depth is as much as factor to game equity as the base distance or pitching distance (50').

Correct. 12-Under slow pitch (both boys and girls) does use the 60' base paths with a 46' foot pitcher's plate.

As Dakota said, there are many ways to set up different base lengths to keep in line with the different ruling bodies. The cost, in my opinion, is not that much extra, and the amount of effort required to set extra "plugs" for bases is really not all that bad once you have everything else done.

Heck, if I lived in the area, I'd be happy to lend a hand. I've been considering doing some volunteer softball work anyway, either as an umpire or as some other form of guidance. You aren't in NC, are you?