What happens when a softball pitcher breaks the pitching rules?
I · Intermediate · Pitching and base running · 3 of 4The umpire signals an illegal pitch and lets play go on. If the batter does not hit the ball, a ball is added to the count and every runner advances one base. If the batter does hit it, the batting team chooses between that award and the result of the play. A pitcher who keeps offending can be removed from pitching.
How it works
- What is illegal: any breach of the rules on the stance, the stop, the delivery, the step or throwing to a base from the plate.
- Delayed dead ball: the umpire signals and the play runs to its end before the penalty is applied.
- Not hit: "an extra ball is awarded to the batter (first base if ball four), and each base runner advances one base".
- Hit: the batting team may take the result of the play instead.
- No choice needed: if the batter reaches first and every runner advances at least one base, the illegal pitch is cancelled.
- Hits the batter: the batter goes to first base and all runners advance one base.
- Too slow: a pitcher over 20 seconds gives up a ball. Runners do not advance.
- Quick return pitch: a pitch before the batter is set. It is a "no pitch" and does not count.
- Dropped ball: if the ball slips from the hand in the delivery, a ball is called and play stays live.
- Foreign substances: nothing may be put on the ball. A pitcher who licks their fingers must dry them first.
- The pitching arm: no tape on the fingers and no sweatband or bracelet on that wrist or forearm.
- Repeat offences: after a warning, the pitcher is removed from the pitching position for the rest of the game.
The glossary has the softball pitching rules, the crow hop and leaping entry, the quick pitch, the ball, the illegal pitcher and the pitch clock.
Tricky cases
An illegal pitch is called with a runner on third and the batter does not swing. What is the result?
A ball on the batter and the runner on third scores.
The batter hits an illegal pitch for a double and the runner from first reaches third. Is there a choice to make?
No. The batter reached first base and the runner advanced at least one base, so the illegal pitch is cancelled and the play stands.
The batter hits an illegal pitch and is thrown out at first. What can the batting team do?
Take the award instead: the batter returns with a ball added to the count and each runner advances one base.
Is running over the 20 seconds an illegal pitch?
No. It has its own effect: the ball is dead and a ball is awarded to the batter. Runners stay where they are.
Why the rule exists
The penalty has to cost something whether or not there are runners on base, so it is paid twice: a ball to the batter and a base to each runner. Letting the play finish first means the batting team is never worse off because the pitcher broke a rule.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Improper pitching mechanics | Illegal pitch: a ball, and runners advance one base | WBSC Softball Rule 4.3, Effects |
| Over 20 seconds | A ball only | WBSC Softball Rule 4.3.3 k |
| Quick return pitch | No pitch | WBSC Softball Rule 4.5 |
| Baseball | The same kind of act is a balk with runners on, and only the runners advance | WBSC Baseball Rule 13.10 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Softball: Fast Pitch (2026-2029), Rules 1.2.2 f, 4.3.5, 4.3.7, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.8, and the Effects for Rules 4.3.1 to 4.3.8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Softball, Fast Pitch, 2026-2029 (PDF).