How Long Does a Softball Game Last?

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Softball games are scheduled for seven innings, with extra innings and tiebreaker rules used when a game is tied after regulation. This rule is consistent with the International Softball Federation, the American Softball Association and the United States Specialty Sports Association.

Tiebreaker rules for extra innings include putting a runner on second base to start each half-inning. Rules for teams too far ahead may shorten the length of games after the middle of the third inning and later. In league play, some games may be shortened by time limits, such as 50 minutes or an hour, though these league rules are not in force for official tournaments.