27/10/2026
📣 IMPORTANT UPDATE | WBSC PITCHING RULE CHANGES 📣
Following the release of the WBSC 2026–2029 Official Rules of Fast Pitch, SNZ has confirmed changes and clarifications to pitching regulations that will apply across domestic and international competitions. The key changes include:
➡ Pivot Foot & Pitching Plate: Pitchers must maintain contact with the pitching plate prior to starting their delivery. Lifting and re-planting the pivot foot, or creating a rocking motion, is now explicitly identified as an illegal action.
➡ Pitching Lane: The stepping foot must move forward towards home plate, remaining within the permitted pitching lane.
➡ Foreign Substances: Clarification around the use of foreign substances, including the requirement for pitchers to dry their fingers before contacting the ball.
These updates aim to provide greater clarity, consistency and fairness in the application of pitching rules across all levels of the game.
NOT SURE WHAT'S LEGAL? We've got you covered!
Softball New Zealand Umpires released Technical Bulletin 2026/01, including video examples demonstrating legal and illegal pitching actions. We encourage all pitchers, coaches, umpires and associations to familiarise themselves with these changes ahead of competition.
Read the full bulletin and watch the examples on our website:
softball. org. nz ---> resources ---> pitching-rule-changes
Auckland Softball Canterbury Softball Association Inc Counties Manukau Softball Association Waikato Softball Association Franklin Softball Association South Canterbury Softball Association Inc. Nelson Softball Association North Harbour Softball NZ Western Bay of Plenty Softball Association Wellington Softball Association Hutt Valley Softball Association Whanganui Softball Association Inc Manawatū Softball Association Central Otago Softball Association Otago Softball Association Inc. Southland Softball Association Marlborough Softball Association Whanganui Softball Association Inc
