Softball

Secondary Competition Rules

• Competition Format

  Expand Competition Format

  Matches are conducted under Softball Australia Official Playing Rules using a fast-pitch format.

  • Match Duration: 7 innings or 75 minutes.
  • State Format: Split Round Robin and Final.
  • Dimensions: 18.3m square diamond with a 10.668m pitching distance.
  • Mercy Rule: 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, or 7 runs after 5 innings.

  Year 7 and 8 "Fully Loaded" Format

  Special rules apply to Year 7 and 8 competitions to increase game speed:

  • Starting Bases: Each inning begins with the last three batters from the lineup on base (last batter on first, second-to-last on second, and third-to-last on third).
  • 7-Run Rule: An inning ends when three outs are recorded or 7 runs score.
  • Special Provisions: The "Dropped 3rd strike" and "Infield Fly" rules do not apply.

• Scoring and Determining Winners

  Expand Scoring and Determining Winners

  Teams earn 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. If teams are tied on matches won:

  1. Winner of the head-to-head match.
  2. Highest total percentage from all games.
  3. If more than two teams are tied, percentage is calculated only from matches involving those teams.

  • Finals: If tied at the end of time or 7 innings, extra innings are played until a winner is determined.

• Team Specifications and Dress Code

  Expand Team Specifications and Dress Code
  • Team Size: Maximum of 12 players. 9 field at once with up to 3 substitutes. Substituted players may return to the field.
  • Uniforms: Matching tops and same-colour pants are required. Approved helmets are mandatory for all batters, base runners, and base coaches.
  • Safety Equipment: * Catchers: Must wear a helmet, mask, throat protector, chest protector, and shin pads.
  • Footwear: Only Senior players may wear metal cleats.
  • Jewellery: No jewellery permitted; navel rings must be taped.

• Match Day Procedures

  Expand Match Day Procedures
  • Lateness: Teams more than 10 minutes late without notice face a penalty of one run for every 10 minutes late.
  • Officials: Umpires are provided for State Finals only. Coaches and Umpires must sign score sheets after every match.
  • Documentation: A completed line-up sheet must be given to the umpire before play, and an up-to-date team sheet provided to the convener.

• Equipment to Bring

  Expand Equipment to Bring
  • Balls: * Senior and Intermediate: Two new 12-inch solid core leather balls.
  • Year 7 and 8: New 11-inch synthetic leather softcore ball.
  • General: Official softball bats, scorebook, competent scorer, and first aid kit with sports tape.