WBSC releases Official Rules of Softball Fast Pitch 2026-2029

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) unveiled the Official Rules of Softball Fast Pitch 2026–2029, with key updates and rule changes aimed at consistently improving the quality of WBSC tournaments and their delivery. The new rulebook takes effect from 1 January, 2026.

Fast Pitch Softball Rulebook (PDF – English)

Fast Pitch Softball Rulebook (PDF – Spanish)

The Official Rules of Softball Fast Pitch 2026–2029 are in effect for all international competitions during the four-year cycle, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where Olympic softball will be staged in Oklahoma City from 23 to 29 July 2028.

Key rule change: Base running

The most significant modification affects base-running procedures. Under the previous rules, runners were permitted to leave the base when the ball left the pitcher’s hand during delivery.

Beginning in 2026, a runner may now advance once the pitcher’s non-pivot foot returns to the ground during the pitching motion. This adjustment is intended to improve consistency in officiating and align with the natural rhythm of elite-level play.

Bull pen regulations updated

The new rulebook also introduces clarified guidelines concerning personnel in the bull pens, allowing coaches to be present.

The coach may provide instruction only to the players in the bull pen. No interactions or directions may be given to active game participants on the field of play.

These changes formalise long-standing practices while ensuring clear separation between in-game coaching and warm-up activity.

Editorial and terminology revisions

Several updates were made to improve consistency and remove duplicative language without altering the substance of the rules.

Examples include:

• Consolidating terms such as “team bench”, “team area”, “dugout or team area”, “players’ bench” and “dugout area” into a single term: “dugout”.
• Standardising “team representative”, “official representative”, “manager” or “coach” to “coach or manager”.
• Implementing various grammatical and stylistic edits to improve clarity.

The full list of rule changes is available here.