Georgia High School Association - Softball

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) administers Georgia high school softball, including fast-pitch state championships and a separate spring slow-pitch championship. Its fast-pitch programme is organised on a Region basis across six classifications and provides forms, bat guidance, official-ball information, rules and procedures, umpire assignments, rankings, schedules, playoff brackets and past champions. For 2026–27, fast-pitch practice may begin on 27 July, competition on 1 August and the final play date is 8 October. The state tournament progresses through rounds in October to the Elite Eight double-elimination championship at South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus from 28–31 October, presented by Mizuno. Fast-pitch competition follows National Federation rules together with GHSA adoptions, including run rules, a courtesy-runner rule, weather and suspended-game procedures, and use of a double first base as a recommendation. Teams may play up to 30 varsity games outside the state tournament; officials must be registered through the GHSA plan, and schools maintain schedules, rosters and results through MaxPreps. The association mandates wet-bulb globe temperature safety measures for fast-pitch contests, including ice-immersion and hydration-break provisions at published thresholds. GHSA also stages a slow-pitch state championship, with sectional qualification leading to an Elite Eight event; in 2026 it was held at Twin Creeks Softball Complex in Woodstock on 22–23 April.