Grade rules

Official Wellington Softball Association rules for each junior grade. Pick your grade.

Rules & Guidelines

Under 11 Softball and Modified

Same Game. Bigger Goals.

Focus: Fun and Participation in an inclusive and supportive environment with Equal Opportunities.

Game: Keep the game simple and allow for children aged 9 - 10 years to enjoy and love all aspects of the game.

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Base path: 14 metres
Pitching distance: 10 metres (for Coaches and Pitchers). (UPMs removed from this grade)
Bases: Safety base at first base
Home plate: Wider home plate used
11" Flexiball
Helmets
Catching equipment

A team can consist of 8 players and a maximum of 12 players.
- If only playing 8 players – the 9th batter is not automatically out.
Every player present shall be placed on the field for a minimum of one batting and fielding inning each during the game.

Bat through the order each innings.
- Equal number of batters for each team. If Team A has 11 batters and Team B has 9 – Team B can bat 2 extra players to equal Team A.
Catcher in first 5 batters to help with changeovers.
Batters may be struck out.
Batters may also be walked.
Runs count until the third out is taken.
Dropped third strike rule does not apply.
Infield Fly and Fly Ball rules do apply.

Lead offs are allowed and encouraged once the ball has been released by the pitcher.
No stealing.
- Runners can advance on a pass ball.
- Runners can not advance on a pass ball from 3rd base – they must be hit home.

Max 6 infielders (including pitcher and catcher).
- Extra players in the outfield. Max 10 on the diamond.

Each team must retire from batting after they have batted through the order (regardless of outs). Runs scored after the 3rd out do not count.
Change promptly between batting and fielding to ensure each team gets maximum turns at bat.

Coaches to discuss before the game (coach or player pitch).
Pitchers pitch from the 10m mark.
Pitchers will pitch one innings each (can alternate).
When bases are full and a walk (4 balls) or batter hit by pitch:
- Coach pitches 2 balls from inside circle (1 foot on plate).
- If 3rd pitch is fouled – batter continues.
- If hit by coach pitch – not counted as a ball or one of the 3.
No walks – 4 balls = coach in (min 2 pitches).
Alternate pitches where possible (different standards are OK).

If a player can pitch – discuss at the start and get both teams to agree.

Catchers catch one innings each (can alternate).
No stealing during the game.
Focus on good catching mechanics and blocking.
Runners can advance on pass balls but can not advance to home on a pass ball – they must be hit home.
Dropped third strike rule does not apply.

Respect • Teamwork • Have Fun

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Only values printed on the sheets. '—' means the sheet doesn't say.
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