Softball

Primary Competition Rules

• Competition Format

  Expand Competition Format

  Matches are conducted as "Fully Loaded Slow Pitch Softball" under Junior School Playing Rules.

  • State Format: Split Round Robin and Final.
  • Match Duration: 3 innings or 60 minutes.
  • Regulation Game: A minimum of one complete innings must be finished. If three innings are not completed within 50 minutes, the result is determined by the score of the last equal innings.
  • Innings Completion: An innings is finished once every player in the batting lineup has batted. The umpire will announce "Last Batter" for the final player in the order.

• Scoring and Determining Winners

  Expand Scoring and Determining Winners

  Teams receive 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, and 0 for a loss. If teams are tied on match points:

  1. The winner is determined by the highest percentage.
  2. If percentages are equal, the head-to-head match result is used.
  3. If the head-to-head was a draw, or if the final is tied, a tie-breaker innings will be played according to the rules.

• Team Specifications and Officials

  Expand Team Specifications and Officials
  • Team Size: Maximum of 12 players per day.
  • Teams may bat through the entire 12-player lineup.
  • 9 players field at one time, with up to 3 substitutes.
  • Substituted players are permitted to return to the game.
  • Base Coaches: Batting teams may place student coaches near first and third base. Coaches must remain at least 3 metres from the diamond and must wear a helmet.
  • Umpires: Provided for State Finals.

• Playing Area and Equipment

  Expand Playing Area and Equipment
  • Baselines: 17 metres (55 feet).
  • Pitch Length: 10 metres, measured from the pitcher's plate to the back of the Strike Zone Mat.
  • Ball: 11-inch synthetic leather softball with a soft polycore centre.
  • Strike Zone Mat: Used in place of a home plate.

• Safety and Uniform

  Expand Safety and Uniform
  • Footwear: Metal cleats or spikes are strictly prohibited.
  • Mandatory Protective Gear: * Catchers: Must wear a mask with a helmet (or helmet mask) and throat protector.
  • Batters, Base Runners, and Base Coaches: Must wear helmets at all times.
  • Equipment Standards: Schools must use official softball bats and provide a safety base for first base.
  • First Aid: Schools must bring their own first aid kits and sports tape. Strapping for injury prevention is the responsibility of the school team.

• Match Day Logistics

  Expand Match Day Logistics
  • Lateness: Teams more than 10 minutes late without notice face a penalty of one run for every 10 minutes (or part thereof) they are late.
  • Documentation: An up-to-date team sheet including uniform numbers must be provided to the convener.
  • Scoring: Teams must provide a competent scorer; scorers should confer after every turn at bat.