Equipment Information

Softball Equipment

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to playing any sports. In a sport like softball, severe injuries and concussions can happen. This is why we require all players to wear appropriate protective equipment by following the chart below.  

If you have any questions about the size, fit, safety standards of the equipment or where to purchase, please talk to you coach or a MHMSA representative. 

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

SOFTBALL GLOVE

• Parents often make the mistake of purchasing their child a glove that they can "grow into".  A glove that is too big makes it difficult for the child to catch and control the ball with.  This can lead to injuries and errors.
• Softball and baseball gloves are different.  Softball uses a bigger size ball therefore the glove is a bit longer and has a deeper pocket than a baseball glove.
• Brands of gloves fit differently so it is important to try it on.
• Examples of glove sizes by age:
  • 9 & 10 Years Old- 11-11.5"
  • 7 & 8 Years Old- 10-10.5"
  • 6 Year Old- 9-9.5"
• Softball gloves should be snug.  Check for full wrist movement by opening and closing the glove firmly.  Look for a glove that stays firmly on and is easy to grip and release.  Gloves with wrist adjustment straps are easiest to fit on youth players.

SOFTBALL BATS

• Bats are provided in team bags, however players are encouraged to bring their own if they choose to.  Foam bats are supplied at U4.
• Bats must be Softball Canada approved. https://softball.ca/programs/umpires/approved-bats
• Softball bats are different than baseball bats.  Bats should be marked as either softball or baseball.
• Players should be able to swing their bat with a smooth level motion and be in control when swinging at full speed.
• For younger players, a lightweight bat is important for them to learn to swing properly.
• Have the player hold a bat for 20 seconds.  If their arm starts to shake, the bat is too heavy.
• A method commonly used for sizing bats is the "Wingspan" method- have your child stand up tall with their arms straight out (arms parallel to the ground).  Measure from the very centre of their chest to the tip of their fingers.  That measurement will give you the ideal bat length.
• You can also use the Standard Bat Sizing Chart:
  • Youth 9 Year Old- 28-29"
  • Youth 7-8 Year Old- 26-28"
  • Youth 4-6 Year Old- 24-26"

BATTING HELMETS

An essential piece of equipment for safety in softball is the batting helmet. Batters wear helmets when batting to protect their face/head. A helmet's job is to shield the head from the pitcher’s throws. A head-on collision with the ball without a helmet can result in a fatal blow.

Softball helmets are made from solid plastic and foam that spreads the force from any ball that hits the head of the batter. The main differences between softball and baseball helmets are wire-type face guards.

• For hygiene reasons, batting helmets are not supplied by MHMSA
• Helmets must be CSA approved with dual ear flaps, fastened chin strap.
• Attached face guard is mandatory for U11-U19

IN FIELD MASK

Softballs are tough and certainly not as soft as the name suggests. Therefore, the narrative that it will not cause as much harm is false.

A softball field is shorter than a baseball one, so players are likelier to be struck in the face by a ball hit by the batter. This is why all softball players U11 and up must wear protective face guards when fielding.

And nowadays, softball leagues require particular position fielders to wear masks, and young players are becoming compulsory to wear them when playing.

If hit in the head by a fast softball, a face guard can potentially save a softball player's life.

FOOTWEAR/CLEATS

• Cleats must be either softball or baseball cleats which assist the player in running, sliding, and leaping on the field. They keep the player from falling by using studs to create a solid grip between their feet and the ground.
• Crocs, sandals and slip on footwear are prohibited at all divisions.  Sneakers/runners are recommended if a player does not wish to purchase cleats. 

SOFTBALL PANTS

Softball is a physical game, so there’s no doubt your pants can take a beating over the course of a season.

For added protection, most softball pants have been outfitted with reinforced fabric at the knees and rear. This can help absorb some of the impact when sliding or diving while also preventing any wear and tear to the materials

Softball pants come in different styles and can be full or knee length.  Knee length will require ball socks. 

SLIDING SHORTS & SLIDERS

Sliders are leggings that protect your upper leg from being burnt or scraped while sliding. They fit tightly on your legs and are padded. Softball players wear them under their softball pants to be able to slide and dive in a game. So if you are more of a diver in the game, we recommend getting them.

Sliding shorts are padded upper thigh synthetic compression leggings that protect the athlete when sliding into a base.  Sliders resemble shin guards and protect the shin and calf from injury when sliding.

SHIRT/JERSEY

• U4 and U5 will be supplied with a team T-Shirt
• U7-U19 will be supplied with a team Jersey.

ADDTIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Please remember to dress for the weather, cool springs and hot summers are common here. It is  important to have personal water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray and extra layers.