When may a runner leave a base on a pitch, and what changed in 2026?

Under the 2026-2029 WBSC rules a runner may advance with jeopardy to be put out once the pitcher's non-pivot foot touches the ground during their pitching movement (rule 5.10.1 a). A pitch is not a play, but a runner attempting to steal or advance on a batted ball, passed ball or wild pitch after that point is making a play (rule 5.1.36).

A run does not score if the third or last out of the inning results from a runner leaving a base before the pitcher's non-pivot foot touches the ground (rule 1.2.5 c iii).

Softball Australia's technical bulletin TB-2026-1.2 (17 May 2026) records that this wording replaced the earlier reference to the release of the pitch, and flags it as a change needing education for umpires.