Softball

Last Updated: Fri 12-Aug-2022

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SOFTBALL REGULATIONS - NORTHERN SATIS
NSATIS Firsts Softball Rules and Regulations
Softball
Last Modified: 7/12/2014
 
1. The game of Softball shall be conducted under the rules of the Australian Softball Federation except as stated herein.
2.  Match Format
The seven run rule will apply for each innings.  Interpretation:  After the 6th run is scored if the next batter hits a home run with players on base, these runs are scored.  A maximum of 10 runs can be scored per innings ie:  the batter hits a home run with a player on each base.
 
3. Match Times
 
3.1 The game shall consist of a maximum of 5 even innings OR 1.25 hours whichever comes first and to the completion of an innings begun in accordance with regulation 3, whichever comes first.
3.2 The team at bat shall have the option to declare their innings close at any time.
4. A new innings shall not begin within 5 minutes of the scheduled finishing time.
 
5. The 10 Run Mercy Rule to apply after 4 innings.  Interpretation:  If a team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 4 complete even innings then that team is declared the winning team and the match is called.
 
6. Determination of a match
6.1 At the end of time (reg. 3) the team that has scored the most runs shall be declared the winner. (See also reg. 5).
 
6.2 If in the final innings the side first at bat fails, in their turn at bat to pass the score of the team second at bat from the last complete innings, the game shall be called and the team second at bat
declared the winner.
 
6.3 If during the final innings the side second at bat, during their turn at bat, passes the score of the side first at bat, the game shall be called from the time the winning run crosses home plate and no succeeding run shall score.
 
7. All games are to be played on good standard grounds with a minimum of two qualified umpires. All players must wear the approved school softball uniform. Catchers must wear the correct protective gear as set out by A.S.F. during diamond warm-ups and actual game play.
 
8. Safety & Equipment
8.1 Should any reason arise that: (a) the Plate Umpire; or (b) one coach and the Plate Umpire; or (c) both coaches, independent of the Plate Umpire: deem to be dangerous to the safety of the players or officials, or would interfere with the conduct of a game of reasonable standard, the Plate Umpire shall call the game. If 3 or more innings have been completed at the time the umpire calls the game the score shall be taken as that at the last complete innings. If less than 3 innings have been completed the game shall be a draw.
8.2 A safety base must be used in all games.
8.3 Bases must not be pegged and the 'sliding base' rule shall apply.
8.4 A standard green optic 12 inch ball is to be used.
8.5 A pitching distance of 43' is to apply.
8.6 It is recommended that a mouth guard and shin pads be worn by all infield players.
 
 
 
NSATIS Development League Softball Rules and Regulations
Softball
Last Modified: 7/12/2014
 
1. The game of Softball shall be conducted under the rules of the Australian Softball Federation except as stated herein.
2.  Match Format
The seven run rule will apply for each innings.  Interpretation:  After the 6th run is scored if the next batter hits a home run with players on base, these runs are scored.  A maximum of 10 runs can be scored per innings ie:  the batter hits a home run with a player on each base.
 
3. Match Times
 
3.1 The game shall consist of a maximum of 5 even innings OR 1 hour whichever comes first and to the completion of an innings begun in accordance with regulation 3, whichever comes first.
3.2 The team at bat shall have the option to declare their innings close at any time.
4. A new innings shall not begin within 5 minutes of the scheduled finishing time.
 
5. The 10 Run Mercy Rule to apply after 4 innings.  Interpretation:  If a team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 4 complete even innings then that team is declared the winning team and the match is called.
 
6. Determination of a match
6.1 At the end of time (reg. 3) the team that has scored the most runs shall be declared the winner. (See also reg. 5).
 
6.2 If in the final innings the side first at bat fails, in their turn at bat to pass the score of the team second at bat from the last complete innings, the game shall be called and the team second at bat
declared the winner.
 
6.3 If during the final innings the side second at bat, during their turn at bat, passes the score of the side first at bat, the game shall be called from the time the winning run crosses home plate and no succeeding run shall score.
 
7. All games are to be played on good standard grounds with a minimum of two qualified umpires. All players must wear the approved school softball uniform. Catchers must wear the correct protective gear as set out by A.S.F. during diamond warm-ups and actual game play.
 
8. Safety & Equipment
8.1 Should any reason arise that: (a) the Plate Umpire; or (b) one coach and the Plate Umpire; or (c) both coaches, independent of the Plate Umpire: deem to be dangerous to the safety of the players or officials, or would interfere with the conduct of a game of reasonable standard, the Plate Umpire shall call the game. If 3 or more innings have been completed at the time the umpire calls the game the score shall be taken as that at the last complete innings. If less than 3 innings have been completed the game shall be a draw.
8.2 A safety base must be used in all games.
8.3 Bases must not be pegged and the 'sliding base' rule shall apply.
8.4 A low impact green optic 12 inch ball is to be used.
8.5 A pitching distance of 40' is to apply.
8.6 It is recommended that a mouth guard and shin pads be worn by all infield players.
 
 
 
NSATIS Mixed Competition
 
GAME FORMAT
Games are 7 innings or one hour 20 minutes. No new innings to be commenced with 5 minutes to go.
Batter in the box at one hour 20 minutes can complete their turn at bat if they have received one pitch.
3 outs or 7 runs across the plate (and play completed) concludes a team's turn at bat. That is a team can score a maximum of ten runs only per innings.
The run ahead rule does not apply.
Speed up catcher rule applies.
Pitching distance 40 feet. Modified ball (low impact) full size used. Females pitch to female batters and males to male batters. To save time batting line ups should group females and males together to avoid constant changing of pitcher.
Maximum of 4 players of the same gender in the infield at one time (includes pitcher/catcher) - this may be negotiated on game day depending on the number of each gender playing.
 
SOFTBALL REGULATIONS - SOUTHERN SATIS
GRADES/ROSTERS:
 
1. Grades played include 1st, 2nd, Year 10, Year 9, Year 8 and Year 7. There may also be divisions (1&2 or A&B) if there are too many teams for one roster.
2. Schools must have a team in the first division before being allowed a team in the second division.
3. If a school enters more than one team in the same division, there will be no interchange of players between the teams without the permission of the Chair of SSATIS
4. 1st and 2nd will be played in Term 1
5. Years 7 to 10 will be played in Term 4.
Whilst the sport to be seen in a rebuilding phase and there is no 1st grade roster as such then girls can compete in both rosters.
 
GAMES/MATCHES:
 
6. Softball shall be conducted under the rules of the Australian Softball Federation except as stated.
7. Match format:
i. 1st and 2nd Grade play five complete innings or 75 minutes and the next complete innings thereafter, whichever comes first. HOWEVER, if after three or more complete innings a team is ten or more runs ahead, time and game will be called.
ii. Grades 7- 10: A game shall consist of five (5) even innings or 60 minutes and to the completion of any innings begun.
iii. For Year 7 - 10 teams the "Nine Batter" rule will apply. i.e. a team shall only have a maximum of 9 batters in any one innings.
a.  Interpretation: Where a team has a full nine batters each play shall bat in their nominated position. All players are entitled to bat unless 3 outs have been made in the innings. At the beginning of the next turn at bat the order of batting should begin with the player whose turn it would have been had the previous innings continued. It does not go back to the top of the list.
b. Interpretation: Where a team has less than nine players it must choose where it will have an automatic out, or outs if there are less than eight players. If an automatic out occurs where the ninth batter would have batted it is important to remember that the second last batter is not treated as the ninth batter. i.e. she walks on Ball 4, fielders do not throw home to get her out. The ninth batter must take her place in the batter's box for the special condition to apply. i.e. When the ninth batter is batting on Ball 4, all base runners advance one base and the count reverts to strikes only.
iv. Year 7 batting tee ruling applies:
When a batter has 3 balls and less than 2 strikes the Tee is brought out. If a batter has a full count i.e. 3 balls and 2 strikes the Tee is not used (to allow the pitcher the opportunity to strike the batter out). This does not apply to the 9th batter. The home team provides the Tee.
v. The minimum number of players allowed on the field to start a game is seven. Absent players will be called out when called to bat.
vi. Pitching distances:
a. 1st and 2nd: 43 feet or 13.11m
b. Year 7-10: 40 feet or 12.91m
vii. Changeover between innings:
Teams must be ready to begin an innings or half innings within two minutes of the completion of the previous innings or half innings. If not, the following penalties will apply:
a. Batting: After the two minutes the umpire is to call up the batter. The batter must be in the batters' box within 10 seconds or a strike will be called.
b. Fielding: If the fielding team is not ready within thirty seconds of the scheduled start of play the batter will be awarded first base and this will continue, at thirty second intervals, for each subsequent batter.
viii. Umpires:
a. Each team must provide an umpire and a scorebook which must be filled out prior to the commencement of the match. If a school fails to provide an umpire able to umpire the plate they will forfeit the match.
b. For all grades umpires will be appointed where possible.
c. If in the final innings the side first at bat fails, in their turn at bat, to pass the score of the second team at bat from the last complete innings, then the game shall be called and the team second at bat will be declared the winner. If during the final innings the side second at bat, during their turn at bat, passes the score of the team first at bat, the game shall be called and the team second at bat declared the winner. The score shall be taken from the time the winning run crosses home plate. No succeeding run shall score.
ix. Match ball: Green optic softballs are to be used for matches in all grades. (12 inch)
x. Catchers must wear full protective gear during diamond warm-ups and match play. The correct protective gear is as follows:
a. Skull cap, Face Mask, Throat protector, Chest protector and Leg guards.
xi. All infield players should wear mouth guards and shin pads.
Safety:
a. Should any reason arise that coaches and or umpires deem conditions to be dangerous to the safety of the players or officials, or would interfere with the conduct of a game of a reasonable standard, the plate umpire shall call the game. If two or more innings have been completed at the time the umpire calls the game the score shall be taken at the last complete innings. If less than two innings have been completed the game shall be a draw.
b. A safety base must be used in all games.
c. Bases must not be pegged and when bases are not fixed the sliding base rule shall apply.
 
FINALS PROCEDURE
 
8. A neutral plate umpire will officiate in each game.
9. Umpires for Grand Finals - minimum of 2 neutral umpires in 1st and 2nd grade and a neutral plate umpire should officiate in each game for Years 7-10.
10. 1st and 2nd Grade - The games will consist of seven complete innings or 90 minutes and the next complete innings thereafter, whichever comes first. The ten run rule will apply after 5 innings.
11. If at the completion of the final the result is a draw, the following TIEBREAKER will take place. Starting with the top of the 6th inning, and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat, with the player who is scheduled to bat ninth in that respective half inning being placed on second base. The player who is running can be substituted in accordance with the substitution rules.
12. Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 - The game is to be played for 60 minutes and to the end of the next innings.
General regulations
13. Once a girl has played half of the rostered games in a higher grade, she may not play down a grade during that season.  She may however re-join her age group for subsequent seasons.
 
RESULTS:
 
14. Results are to be sent to the SSATIS Admin Officer weekly so results can be entered and uploaded to the website.
15. Point score
Win/Forfeit = 5
Draw = 3
Loss = 1
Washout = 3
Forfeit against = 0
 
For general SSATIS regulations http://www.satis.com.au/regulations-ssatis/
SOFTBALL REGULATIONS - STATEWIDE
Softball         Last updated on 21/06/2016
 
The following regulations shall apply to the State final.
 
1. The game of Softball shall be conducted under the rules of the Australian Softball Federation except as stated herein.
2.  Match Format
The seven run rule will apply for each innings.  Interpretation:  After the 6th run is scored if the next batter hits a home run with players on base, these runs are scored.  A maximum of 10 runs can be scored per innings ie:  the batter hits a home run with a player on each base.
 
3. Match Times
 
3.1 The game shall consist of a maximum of 5 even innings OR 1.25 hours whichever comes first and to the completion of an innings begun in accordance with regulation 3, whichever comes first.
3.2 The team at bat shall have the option to declare their innings close at any time.
4. A new innings shall not begin within 5 minutes of the scheduled finishing time.
 
5. Should the game be drawn at the end of the specified time (reg. 3.2), a 2 innings tie-breaker shall be played. If at the end of the tie-breaker the scores are still level, the premiership will be shared.
 
6. The 10 Run Mercy Rule to apply after 4 innings.  Interpretation:  If a team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 4 complete even innings then that team is declared the winning team and the match is called.
 
7. Determination of a match
7.1 At the end of time (reg. 3) the team that has scored the most runs shall be declared the winner. (See also reg. 5).
 
7.2 If in the final innings the side first at bat fails, in their turn at bat to pass the score of the team second at bat from the last complete innings, the game shall be called and the team second at bat
declared the winner.
 
7.3 If during the final innings the side second at bat, during their turn at bat, passes the score of the side first at bat, the game shall be called from the time the winning run crosses home plate and no succeeding run shall score.
 
8. All games are to be played on good standard grounds with three neutral, qualified umpires. All players must wear the approved school softball uniform. Catchers must wear the correct protective gear as set out by A.S.F. during diamond warm-ups and actual game play.
8.1 All finals are to be played on an International Diamond.
 
9. The State Final shall be played on the day and at the venue as determined by SATIS and as determined on the availability of an International Diamond facility.
10. There shall be no restrictions placed on First Grade players other than those set down by SATIS in the Code of Ethics.
 
11. Safety & Equipment
11.1 Should any reason arise that: (a) the Plate Umpire; or (b) one coach and the Plate Umpire; or (c) both coaches, independent of the Plate Umpire: deem to be dangerous to the safety of the players or officials, or would interfere with the conduct of a game of reasonable standard, the Plate Umpire shall call the game. If 3 or more innings have been completed at the time the umpire calls the game the score shall be taken as that at the last complete innings. If less than 3 innings have been completed the game shall be a draw.
11.2 A safety base must be used in all games.
11.3 Bases should be pegged and securely fastened.
11.4 A standard green optic 12 inch ball is to be used.
11.5 A pitching distance of 43' is to apply.
11.6 It is recommended that a mouth guard and shin pads be worn by all infield players.

Note: The Home Team (displayed as the left-hand team in all fixtures) always carries the costs and responsibilities for hosting the game, regardless of venue.