Since first being played as an indoor version of baseball in Chicago in 1888, softball has grown into a major outdoor team game. Softball is played by both men and women. There are two types of softball, fast pitch (FP) and slow pitch (SP) with several rules differences between the two.

Bases are 60ft apart (FP) and 65ft (SP). In fast pitch the pitching distance is 40ft for women and 46ft for men; in slow pitch it is 46ft for all players. The outfield fence is 200ft for women and 225-250ft for men in fast pitch; the outfield fence is 250ft for women and 275-300ft for men in slow pitch.

The home plate is made of rubber or other suitable material.
The pitcher’s plate is made of rubber and the top of the plate is level with the ground.

The bases are made of canvas or other suitable material and must be securely fastened in position.

Matches are controlled by:
a) the plate umpire, who judges batting, appeals, and forfeited matches; and
b) the base umpires, who take up different positions on the playing field from where best to render base decisions. The umpires share equal authority to: judge illegal pitches and stealing bases; expel players or team officials; and suspend play.

1 pitcher
2 catcher
3 first baseman
4 second baseman
5 third baseman
6 shortstop
7 left fielder
8 centre fielder
9 right fielder
10 short fielder (SP)

The ball is made of kapok, polyurethane or of a mixture of cork and rubber. It is covered in horse or cow hide or has an artificial surface. The cover is cemented to the ball and sewn with waxed thread.
Circumference 11 7/8-12 1/8in; weight 6 1/4-7oz. Special rubberised balls are available but usually the ball is not soft.

http://www.softball.org.nz