What protective equipment and helmets are required?

Under the WBSC Official Rules of Softball 2026-2029, which Softball Australia uses:

• Batters, on-deck batters, batter-runners and runners: the helmet must have two ear flaps (one on each side) and safety features equal to or greater than a full plastic cap with padding inside. A liner covering only the ears does not qualify. A cracked, broken, dented or altered helmet is illegal and is removed from the game.
• Catchers: a mask, throat protector and helmet, plus a body protector and shin guards that protect the kneecap. A catcher's helmet may be the skull type without ear flaps. The same mask, throat protector and helmet are required when catching warm-up pitches.
• Any player: may wear an approved plastic face mask/guard, which must be removed if cracked, deformed or if the padding is missing or has deteriorated. A defensive player wearing one may choose whether to wear a cap. A catcher may not use it instead of the regular mask with a throat protector.
• Batters and batter-runners: may wear protective leg and arm guards.

At the national championships, umpires may check all bats and helmets before every game for certification labels, dents and cracks.