Bats, balls and protective equipment
WBSC · 2026–2029Use approved softball bats and balls meeting the WBSC standards. An altered bat is not acceptable merely because it originally carried an approval mark. Batters must wear an approved helmet. Catchers need a mask, throat protection, helmet, body protector and shin guards; protection is also required when receiving warm-up pitches.
The rule
Use approved softball bats and balls meeting the WBSC standards. An altered bat is not acceptable merely because it originally carried an approval mark. Batters must wear an approved helmet. Catchers need a mask, throat protection, helmet, body protector and shin guards; protection is also required when receiving warm-up pitches.
In practice
Any fielder may wear a glove, but mitts are reserved for the catcher and first-base player. The pitcher’s glove cannot match the ball’s color. Youth and modified fast pitch prohibit metal cleats. Damaged protective masks must be removed. Equipment approval is a playing requirement, not a guarantee that any item sold as softball equipment is permitted.
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