WBSC Softball World Cup Rules Introduction

Introduction to the WBSC Softball World Cup rules

Tournament Structure

Qualifications

Teams qualify through regional tournaments (e.g., Asia Cup, Americas Qualifier).

Teams need to qualify through regional qualifiers (e.g. Asian Cup, Americas Qualifiers).

Format

Group stage followed by knockout rounds (quarterfinals, semifinals, finals).

It is divided into group stage and knockout stage (1/4 finals, semi-finals, finals).

Game Rules

Innings & Duration

7 innings per game. Extra innings apply if tied.

Each game has 7 innings, with a tie going into extended innings.

A time limit (e.g., 90-120 minutes) may apply in group stages.

There may be a time limit (e.g. 90-120 minutes) for the group stage.

Mercy Rule

Game ends early if a team leads by 15+ runs after 3 innings or 10+ runs after 5 innings.

If one side leads by 15 points (after 3 innings) or 10 points (after 5 innings), the match ends early.

Designated Player (DP).

Teams can use a DP (flex player) to bat without fielding.

Teams can use Designated Batter (DP) to only play offense and not defense.

Scoring & Tiebreakers Scoring & Tiebreakers Rules

Ranking Criteria

Teams are ranked by win-loss record, then head-to-head, run differential, etc.

Ranking basis: win-loss record > head-to-head > net score, etc.

Tiebreaker Extended Round Rules

Extra innings start with a runner on second base to encourage scoring.

The extended inning starts with a runner on second base to speed up the score.

Equipment & Safety

Approved Gear Equipment

Bats and balls must meet WBSC certification standards.

Bats and balls must meet WBSC certification standards.

Safety Rules

Helmets mandatory for batters and base runners.

Batters and runners must wear helmets.

WBSC-Specific Rules WBSC特殊规则

Roster Size lineup size

Teams can register 15-20 players per tournament.

Each team can register 15-20 players.

Pitch Speed Monitoring

Fastpitch pitchers’ speeds are tracked for fairness.

Speed softball pitchers are to be monitored to ensure fairness.

Anti-Doping & Conduct

Anti-Doping

Strict adherence to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) rules.

Strictly follow World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.

Code of Conduct

Players/coaches must respect umpires and opponents.

Players/coaches are expected to respect referees and opponents.