Grade rules
Official Wellington Softball Association rules for each junior grade. Pick your grade.
Pick your grade
Under 9 Tee Ball and Minipitch
Small Steps... Big Futures!
Under 11 Softball and Modified
Same Game. Bigger Goals.
Under 13 Softball Rules
Under 15 Softball Rules
Key differences at a glance
Swipe sideways to see every grade
| Rule | U9 | U11 | U13 | U15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game length | 1 hour | 1 hour and 15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Base path / distance | 12 metres | 14 metres | 18 metres | 18 metres |
| Ball | 11" Flexiball | 11" Flexiball | D12 Diamond | D12 Diamond |
| Pitching | Tee Ball: hitting tee (adult pitcher option from January). Minipitch: coach or designated adult lobs | Coach or player pitch, from 10 metres | Girls 11 metres · Boys 12 metres | Girls 11.5 metres · Boys 13.11 metres |
| Players | 7 to 11 | 8 to 12 | 9 fielders (may start and finish with eight) | 9 fielders (may start and finish with eight) |
| Max infielders | 6 (incl. pitcher and catcher) | 6 (incl. pitcher and catcher) | 6 | 6 |
| Innings ends | Last batter has had their turn | Batted through the order (runs after 3rd out don't count) | Three outs, or 8 runs | — |
| Stealing / leadoffs | No stealing | Lead offs once ball released; no stealing | Running leadoffs once pitcher's pivot foot lands | Running leadoffs once pitcher's pivot foot lands |
| Dropped third strike | — | Does not apply | In effect | Applies |
| Infield fly | — | Infield Fly and Fly Ball rules do apply | Will NOT apply | WILL apply |
| Overthrows | One base, outside the diamond | — | One base | One base |
| Umpiring | — | Umpires/Coaches umpire the opposition's turn at bat | Each coach or team umpire; home team supplies if needed | Each coach or team umpire, or home team supplies |
Source
Wellington Softball Association – Rules & Guidelines sheets. As at 2026/27 season. If a rule isn't listed, WSA by-laws/rule book apply, then Softball NZ rules.
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