International Softball Federation
Introduction to
Wheelchair Softball
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Introduction to Wheelchair Softball
History
Though the first person to play wheelchair softball has not
been documented the sport itself hasover 30 years of history.
The first team was formed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota—the
Sioux Wheelers in 1970, then in 1976 the National
Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) formed as the
governing body for the sport in the United States. The sport
has grown by leaps and bounds with hundreds of teams
throughout the United States and programs forming around
the world.
Objectives
ISF continues to break ground in the development of the sport world-wide. Along with ISF’s
equipment program development includes seeking new methods and disciplines to the sport of
softball. It affords greater opportunity for people of all ages, genders and abilities to
participate. Our goal would be to further develop Wheelchair softball for its consideration for
inclusion into the Paralympics Games.
Rules and Regulations
For International Competition: NWSA regulations with International Standards
Wheelchair softball should be played under the rule book set forth by the International
Softball Federation. (under current standards the NWSA uses the ASA rules a member
federation of the ISF)
Equipment
It is recommended that a 16” ball be utilized.
All participant must be in a manual wheelchair with foot platforms
Sacramento Field Dedication—National Wheelchair
Association
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Introduction to Wheelchair Softball
Field
Smooth Surface – no grass or soft dirt
Indoor Arena could be used (Gym, Warehouse, parking lot)
Dimensions:
minimum 150ft - maximum 220ft (foul lines 150ft and
180-220 ft to straight center)
Base Paths - The official diamond shall have 50ft
between all bases and 70ft, 8.5 inches from home to 2nd.
Bases are made up of a 4ft circle (semi-circle for 1
st
&
3
rd
) painted white. NOTE: at 1st base only , the base is
extended into foul territory. The extension shall be 24 inches deep and 24 inches wide
beginning at the 50 ft mark, painted white. This extension may be used by the base runner
only as an extended tag area for 1st base.
Player is considered touching the base when one or more of the wheels are in the circle
Pitching Rubber—should extended perpendicularly 1ft on either side of the diagonal from
home to 2nd base and shall be located 28ft from home base
Offense
The base runner must be seated in their wheelchair and my tag or make contact with the
base with either one or more wheels, or may tag the base with their hand. If a runner is
knocked out of his/her chair, he/she may proceed
to the previous or next base by any means other
than hopping walking or running and make
contact with the base with any part of his/her
body. A base runner may not place lower
extremity (waist down) on the ground or someone
else’s chair to stop his/her chair. If he/she does,
the play is dead and will result in a delay dead
ball situation.
Sacramento Field Dedication—National Wheelchair Association
Major league wheelchair softball tournament Twins—National Wheelchair
Association
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Introduction To Wheelchair Softball
The hitter cannot have a lower extremity in contact with the ground when hitting. If he/she
does, the ball is dead and the batter is out, and all base runners return to the last base achieved
before the illegal at-bat.
ISF Rule 4 Section 6 Extra Player is not legal in wheelchair softball.
Defense
No fielder may advance toward
or play the ball with any lower
extremity in contact with the
ground. The fielder must return
to their chair and then advance to
the ball. A fielder cannot leave
their chair to gain any
competitive advantage.
Violations results in a minimum
of one base advancement,
normally two.
A restraining line should be
marked 12 feet from the bases and parallel to the baselines, which run from 1
st
to 2
nd
and from
2
nd
to 3
rd
. All four infields must have at least one wheel on or behind the line until the ball
leaves the pitcher’s hand. Violations result in the hitter being awarded a walk.
A semi-circle restraining line should be marked on the outfield 100 feet from home and
extend to each foul line. All outfielders other than the short fielder must remain behind the
line until the pitcher releases the ball during the pitch.
All teams are required to have a quadriplegic on their team in active play. This means that
when the team is on defense, they must have a quad playing one of those positions. Failure to
have a quad take the field will require the team to play a fielder short (i.e., 9 rather than 10
players). When the team is hitting there must be a quad in the batting lineup and bat in the
same position throughout the game. Failure to have a quad hit in that position will be an
automatic out.
American Divas —National Wheelchair Association
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Introduction To Wheelchair Softball
A team must have the required 10 players, including one or more quads, to start the game.
The teams are balanced by the following point system: Quad (any) = 1 point
Class I = 1 point Class II = 2 points Class III = 3 points
A. At no time in a game shall a team have players participating with a total value of points
greater than 22.
B. The coach, in placing his/her team's roster in the official score book before each game,
shall place a roman numeral prominently and in a common line between the player’s
disability classification.
C. The official scorer shall be responsible for seeing that personnel on the field for either
team at any given time, does not exceed the above balance rule. This will only have to be
checked at the beginning of the game and at the time of substitutions. No checking of the
total value point will be necessary if I substitutes for a I, II, or II: or if a II subsidies for a
II or III. It will only be necessary if a III substitutes for a II or a I, or if a II substitutes for
a I.
The player classified as a quad may alter their bat to improve the grip. The altered bat must
be approved by the head umpire for safety concerns (no sharp or pointed edges, etc.).
The player classified as a quad may wear a glove on either or both hands regardless of
position (including pitcher).
The “Chop hit” is allowed.
Quads can bunt, but must inform
he umpire before first at bat of quad
status during any given game.
California Park, Chicago Illinois —National Wheelchair Association
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Introduction To Wheelchair Softball
Resources
National Wheelchair Softball Association - http://www.wheelchairsoftball.org
United Spinal Association - http://www.unitedspinal.org/
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1672991089067093038
www.newdisablity.com