NFHS Softball Exam 2026 | 85 Questions &
Answers
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question based on the current NFHS Softball Rules Book
and Umpires Manual.
Section 1: General Rules & Field Equipment (Questions 1-15)
1. The primary purpose of NFHS softball rules is to:
A. Promote entertainment and increase offensive statistics.
B. Provide uniform standards that emphasize safety and fair play.
C. Give coaches more control over the flow of the game.
D. Standardize rules with professional softball leagues.
Answer: B. NFHS rules are written specifically for the high school student-athlete, prioritizing safety,
fairness, and educational athletics .
2. A regulation NFHS softball game consists of:
A. 6 innings
B. 7 innings
C. 9 innings
D. 10 innings
Answer: B. A regulation game is 7 innings. It may be shortened (e.g., mercy rule) or extended (extra
innings) .
3. All lines on the field, including the batter's boxes and foul lines, shall be:
A. Yellow optic
B. White
C. Chalk gray
D. Any color contrasting with the playing surface
Answer: B. NFHS rules require all marking lines to be white .
4. A coach notices the distance from home plate to the pitcher's plate is incorrect after the game has
started. What is the ruling?
,A. The game continues, and the distance is corrected after the inning.
B. The game is forfeited by the home team.
C. The dimensions must be corrected immediately.
D. The game continues only if both coaches agree to ignore the error.
Answer: C. Errors in critical field dimensions (batter's boxes, base distances, pitching distance) must be
fixed immediately upon discovery .
5. The required distance from the apex of home plate to the front edge of the pitcher's plate in NFHS
fastpitch softball is:
A. 40 feet
B. 43 feet
C. 46 feet
D. 60 feet 6 inches
Answer: B. The official pitching distance for high school fastpitch is 43 feet .
6. A double first base is being used. What are the color requirements?
A. Both bases must be white.
B. Both bases must be a color other than white.
C. The base in fair territory must be white, and the base in foul territory must be a contrasting color (not
white).
D. The base in foul territory must be white, and the base in fair territory can be any color.
Answer: C. If a double base is used, the portion in fair territory must be white, and the portion in foul
territory must be a contrasting color (typically orange) .
7. A fielder's glove or mitt may be any color EXCEPT:
A. Brown
B. Black
C. White or gray
D. Tan
Answer: C. White or gray gloves are prohibited as they can distract the batter .
8. A pitcher’s glove has a small optic yellow marking that resembles a softball. Is this legal?
A. Yes, as long as it is not on the pocket.
B. No, the glove must be replaced or the marking must be modified.
C. Yes, any color marking is permitted.
D. No, this results in an immediate ejection of the pitcher.
Answer: B. Gloves with optic markings that resemble a ball and could distract the batter are illegal and
must be replaced or modified .
9. A player brings a bat to the umpire before the game that has an audible rattle. What is the
procedure?
A. The bat is removed without penalty.
B. The player is ejected from the game.
, C. The player is restricted to the bench.
D. The head coach is restricted to the bench.
Answer: A. A damaged bat is simply removed the first time it is discovered. If that same bat is brought
back into the game later, the batter is out and the batter and head coach are restricted to the bench .
10. Which of the following is a legal way for a player to wear a wristband with a playbook?
A. Attached to the belt loop of the pants.
B. Worn on the wrist of the non-pitching arm.
C. Worn on the wrist of the pitching arm.
D. Attached to the catcher's mask.
Answer: B. A playbook wristband must be worn on the wrist as intended. For pitchers, it must be on the
non-pitching arm .
11. A pitcher may wear a face mask:
A. Never, it is considered dangerous equipment.
B. Only if it is made of clear plastic.
C. Only with permission from the opposing coach.
D. If it meets NFHS standards and is worn properly.
Answer: D. Protective equipment like face masks is allowed for any player, including pitchers, as long as it
meets NFHS standards and is not modified .
12. Which of the following uniform items must be the same solid color for all teammates?
A. Jerseys and pants only
B. Undershirts only
C. Headbands, wristbands, arm/leg sleeves, compression shorts, and tights
D. Socks and shoes
Answer: C. Items like sleeves, headbands, and compression wear must be a solid color and the same for
all teammates .
13. A player is discovered to be wearing a smartwatch on the field during the game. What is the
ruling?
A. The player is ejected immediately.
B. The umpire will issue a team warning.
C. It is allowed as long as it is not used for communication.
D. It is allowed if it is covered by a wristband.
Answer: B. The NFHS prohibits electronic devices on the field. The first offense results in a team warning .
14. For the 2026 season, what is the NFHS point of emphasis regarding umpire positioning?
A. Staying in the primary position at all times to maintain consistency.
B. Moving to maintain an unobstructed view of key interactions on a play (tag, ball, base).
C. Positioning must be at least 20 feet from any play.
D. Umpires must call all plays from behind the plate.
Answers
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question based on the current NFHS Softball Rules Book
and Umpires Manual.
Section 1: General Rules & Field Equipment (Questions 1-15)
1. The primary purpose of NFHS softball rules is to:
A. Promote entertainment and increase offensive statistics.
B. Provide uniform standards that emphasize safety and fair play.
C. Give coaches more control over the flow of the game.
D. Standardize rules with professional softball leagues.
Answer: B. NFHS rules are written specifically for the high school student-athlete, prioritizing safety,
fairness, and educational athletics .
2. A regulation NFHS softball game consists of:
A. 6 innings
B. 7 innings
C. 9 innings
D. 10 innings
Answer: B. A regulation game is 7 innings. It may be shortened (e.g., mercy rule) or extended (extra
innings) .
3. All lines on the field, including the batter's boxes and foul lines, shall be:
A. Yellow optic
B. White
C. Chalk gray
D. Any color contrasting with the playing surface
Answer: B. NFHS rules require all marking lines to be white .
4. A coach notices the distance from home plate to the pitcher's plate is incorrect after the game has
started. What is the ruling?
,A. The game continues, and the distance is corrected after the inning.
B. The game is forfeited by the home team.
C. The dimensions must be corrected immediately.
D. The game continues only if both coaches agree to ignore the error.
Answer: C. Errors in critical field dimensions (batter's boxes, base distances, pitching distance) must be
fixed immediately upon discovery .
5. The required distance from the apex of home plate to the front edge of the pitcher's plate in NFHS
fastpitch softball is:
A. 40 feet
B. 43 feet
C. 46 feet
D. 60 feet 6 inches
Answer: B. The official pitching distance for high school fastpitch is 43 feet .
6. A double first base is being used. What are the color requirements?
A. Both bases must be white.
B. Both bases must be a color other than white.
C. The base in fair territory must be white, and the base in foul territory must be a contrasting color (not
white).
D. The base in foul territory must be white, and the base in fair territory can be any color.
Answer: C. If a double base is used, the portion in fair territory must be white, and the portion in foul
territory must be a contrasting color (typically orange) .
7. A fielder's glove or mitt may be any color EXCEPT:
A. Brown
B. Black
C. White or gray
D. Tan
Answer: C. White or gray gloves are prohibited as they can distract the batter .
8. A pitcher’s glove has a small optic yellow marking that resembles a softball. Is this legal?
A. Yes, as long as it is not on the pocket.
B. No, the glove must be replaced or the marking must be modified.
C. Yes, any color marking is permitted.
D. No, this results in an immediate ejection of the pitcher.
Answer: B. Gloves with optic markings that resemble a ball and could distract the batter are illegal and
must be replaced or modified .
9. A player brings a bat to the umpire before the game that has an audible rattle. What is the
procedure?
A. The bat is removed without penalty.
B. The player is ejected from the game.
, C. The player is restricted to the bench.
D. The head coach is restricted to the bench.
Answer: A. A damaged bat is simply removed the first time it is discovered. If that same bat is brought
back into the game later, the batter is out and the batter and head coach are restricted to the bench .
10. Which of the following is a legal way for a player to wear a wristband with a playbook?
A. Attached to the belt loop of the pants.
B. Worn on the wrist of the non-pitching arm.
C. Worn on the wrist of the pitching arm.
D. Attached to the catcher's mask.
Answer: B. A playbook wristband must be worn on the wrist as intended. For pitchers, it must be on the
non-pitching arm .
11. A pitcher may wear a face mask:
A. Never, it is considered dangerous equipment.
B. Only if it is made of clear plastic.
C. Only with permission from the opposing coach.
D. If it meets NFHS standards and is worn properly.
Answer: D. Protective equipment like face masks is allowed for any player, including pitchers, as long as it
meets NFHS standards and is not modified .
12. Which of the following uniform items must be the same solid color for all teammates?
A. Jerseys and pants only
B. Undershirts only
C. Headbands, wristbands, arm/leg sleeves, compression shorts, and tights
D. Socks and shoes
Answer: C. Items like sleeves, headbands, and compression wear must be a solid color and the same for
all teammates .
13. A player is discovered to be wearing a smartwatch on the field during the game. What is the
ruling?
A. The player is ejected immediately.
B. The umpire will issue a team warning.
C. It is allowed as long as it is not used for communication.
D. It is allowed if it is covered by a wristband.
Answer: B. The NFHS prohibits electronic devices on the field. The first offense results in a team warning .
14. For the 2026 season, what is the NFHS point of emphasis regarding umpire positioning?
A. Staying in the primary position at all times to maintain consistency.
B. Moving to maintain an unobstructed view of key interactions on a play (tag, ball, base).
C. Positioning must be at least 20 feet from any play.
D. Umpires must call all plays from behind the plate.
