EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY RULES

Franklin Township Softball Equipment & Safety Rules

Revised 04/01/2025

Clothing & Accessories

All players must wear softball pants or athletic pants/leggings that cover the knees. Jeans and jean shorts are not allowed to be worn for practices or games. Shorts are only permitted for practice if the Head Coach specifies ahead of time that shorts may be worn and there will be no sliding. Jewelry is not allowed during games and should not be worn to practice.

GAMES: The league provides a game jersey and matching socks. It is preferred that players wear black softball pants for games.

Footwear

Players are required to wear closed toed athletic shoes for all practices and games. Moulded cleats are preferred for 10U and 12/14U age divisions, but not required. Metal cleats are not allowed at any time for any age division.

Softball Bats

The league does not require specific bats, nor have bat restrictions. However, if a coach and/or umpire believe a player is knowingly using a bat which is illegal at higher sanctions of softball in order to gain an advantage, the player may be asked to use a different bat.

Softball Gloves/Mitts

A softball glove or mitt is required for players while they are playing in the field. There are no restrictions on the glove.

Batting Helmets

All batters/runners MUST be wearing a helmet with an attached face mask when exiting the dugout and keep their helmet on until they re-enter the dugout.

Fielding Face Masks

All players at every age division are required to wear a face mask at all times while playing in the field during practices and games.

Catcher's Equipment

Catchers are required to wear full catcher's gear, including a catcher's helmet, chest protector, and leg guards at all practices and games while playing the position of catcher. The league has catcher's gear available in all equipment bags, or a catcher may wear their own gear.

Heart Guards/Chest Protectors

All pitchers and pitcher's helpers are required to wear a heart guard or chest protector tank at all times while playing these positions. The league has heart guards available in all equipment bags.

These rules will be strictly enforced, both in practices and in games. All board members and umpires are aware of the rules, and failure to comply will result in lost practice and/or game time by the player. Multiple offenses by the same team will be noted and taken into consideration by the Board.