Double First Base Information Guide
As the move towards better player safety trends in sports, many youth baseball and softball leagues and adult softball associations have employed the use of the double first base, also referred to as a safety base, to reduce player injuries. The double first base is designed to significantly reduce collisions by providing separate bases for the fielder and the runner. The fielder uses the white base placed on the in-play side of the first base foul line, while the runner uses the orange base placed in foul territory.
High school and college associations have yet to make the double first base mandatory in baseball and softball play. However, calls to adopt the double first base in NCAA softball games have been gaining momentum recently. Below, we breakdown the current double first base rules in baseball and softball leagues and associations.
Current Double First Base League/Association Rules
- Youth Leagues & Adult Associations: Youth baseball and softball leagues and adult softball associations use the double first base at the league/association’s discretion.
- High School (NFHS): In NFHS baseball and softball play, the double first base is permitted at the discretion of each state association.
- College (NCAA): Both NCAA baseball and softball do not require the use of a double first base. However, the NCAA Softball Rules Committee has proposed the use of a double first base on an experimental basis for the 2022-23 academic year. Both teams would have to agree to use the double first base during regular-season spring games or fall competitions played in the nontraditional season.
- Olympic Softball: A double first base is mandatory in Olympic softball play. The double first base has been used in Olympic softball since the first games in 1996.
