When is the tiebreaker procedure allowed to begin in a game?

The tiebreaker procedure in NCAA softball is specifically designed to manage games that are tied at the end of regulation play. This procedure allows teams to efficiently decide a winner when the game remains scoreless after a certain point in time. According to NCAA rules, the tiebreaker begins in either the 8th inning or the 10th inning.

The implementation of the tiebreaker at this stage is strategic; it encourages offensive play and helps to conclude games more decisively in collegiate competitions. The rule specifies these innings to ensure that there are ample opportunities for the teams to showcase their skills while also maintaining the pace of play, avoiding exhaustion, and preventing excessively long games.