How long is a game, and when does the run-ahead rule end it?
Rule- USA
- USA Softball
- Adult slow pitch
- Men's, women's and coed
- Championship play
- 2026 rules
- Players
Regulation game (Rule 5, Section 3): seven innings. A game called early (rain, darkness and so on) counts once five innings are complete, or once the home team leads after four or more innings against the visitors' five. A tie after seven goes to extra innings.
Run-ahead rule (Rule 5, Section 9):
| Division | Ends when a team leads by |
|---|---|
| Most adult slow pitch (including coed and Men's/Women's C, D, E) | 20 after 3 innings, 15 after 4, or 10 after 5 |
| Men's Class A and B, and Women's Open | 20 after 4 innings, or 15 after 5 |
Women's Open moved to the 20/15 rule in 2026. Complete innings are played: if the visitors reach the margin in the top half, the home team still bats.
USA Softball requires the run-ahead rule at all National Championships. Local leagues using USA Softball rules can set their own run rules and time limits.
Added 21 Oct 2026