U13 - U15 Softball

The aim is to have no drawn games this season, so all coaches are being asked to apply some common sense especially where there are games schedule on the same diamond following yours.

If the game is tied at the bottom of the innings and there is less than 10 minutes left (especially in the U13 and U15 grades), please go straight to tie breaker.

At the U13 grade it has been suggested that coaches be given the option of batting all their players in the roster. There will still only be 9 players fielding, and three outs signals side away. Batting order is established at the beginning of the game and does not change regardless of players coming off the bench to field.

It has been agreed that this option will only apply if both coaches agree at the start of the game. If either coach prefers to use the standard batting line up (as per Softball NZ rules), then both teams must apply these.

Player Dispensations

Teams may have up to 3 dispensated players approved for Saturday morning competition.

Please note:

• A dispensated player may not play pitcher or catcher
• A dispensated player may play all other positions including 1st base.

On rare occasions more than 3 dispensated players may be approved by the JMC (only solution a club may have to make up numbers etc). Teams in this position are not eligible for competition points.

Note: Players that qualify and are registered in U18 teams can not be dispensated down.

Mercy Rule

To aid enjoyment for all players the mercy rule should be applied as follows:

• 15 runs ahead at the “completion” of the 2nd or subsequent innings (if leading team are batting in the top of the innings)
• 15 run's ahead at the start of the bottom of the 3rd or subsequent bottom innings. (if leading team are batting in the bottom of the innings)

Please note:

• The opposing team must be given the opportunity to bat once a team is 15 runs or more ahead
• A team bats through their line up twice with 1 or less batter’s out and are 20 or more runs ahead.

Please do not simply finish the game, call the result, if time allows continue on as a friendly (Swap pitchers and catchers for example and have some fun).

Number of players to constitute a game

Teams can play and compete with 8 players, with no penalty - ie. bat through with 8 and no automatic out for the 9th player. Teams do not need to have 9 players on the field at the end of the game. This is supported by the WSA.

Teams in lower grades may start with eight players and add the ninth on arrival or the game may be completed with eight players. In either case there is no penalty.

Obsolete Rule Clarification