How long is a game, and when do the run-ahead, time limit and tie-breaker apply?

Regulation game (Rule 5, Section 3): seven innings. A game called early counts once five innings are complete, or once the home team leads after four or more innings against the visitors' five.

Run-ahead rule (Rule 5, Section 9), JO fastpitch:

If the visitors reach the lead in the top half, the home team still bats.

Time limit (Rule 5, Section 10): in JO fastpitch Class A and B pool and elimination play, the limit is 1 hour 30 minutes or 1 hour 40 minutes (set before the event), and you finish the inning. Time starts with the first warm-up pitch. Championship and "if" games have a 1 hour 40 minute limit.

Tie-breaker (Rule 5, Section 11): from the 8th inning, or the next inning after time expires, each half-inning starts with the player due to bat last in that half-inning placed on second base. You may put a substitute in for that runner.

These rules govern USA Softball championship play. Other tournaments and leagues can set their own limits.