INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (July 12, 2021) — New softball specifications will go into effect in 2025 and a number of other rule changes affecting equipment and apparel go into effect in the 2022 season in high school softball. The revisions were recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its June 14-16 virtual meeting and were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The new ball specifications for 12-inch fast pitch softball will have a compression of 325 pounds with a plus-minus of 50 (range of 275-375 pounds). The minimum weight will increase from 6¼ to 6½ ounces with a maximum of 7 ounces and the circumference will be 11⅞ to 12¼ inches.

The new ball specifications are permissible currently and will be required for use in high school competition starting January 1, 2025. Balls manufactured with the current specifications will be permitted for use through the 2024 season. The changes do not represent a difference in ball performance but allow for better control over the manufacturing process, according to the release from NFHS.

via National Sporting Goods Association