Grade rules

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

Focus on Engagement and Competition

Under 13 Softball Rules

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1 hour 30 minutes
If time is up during the top of the innings – game stops and the score at the previous completed innings stands.
If time is up during the bottom of the innings – game continues to complete the innings, and that score then stands.
If time is up and you are in the bottom of the innings and winning – game stops and that score stands.
If teams are tied with 10 minutes to go – go straight into a Tie Breaker innings.
Bottom of innings is declared as soon as the 3rd out is taken in the top of the innings.

Every player present shall be placed on the field for a minimum of 1 batting innings and 1 fielding innings each during the course of a game.
The batting innings ends when:
- Three outs have been taken, or
- The batting team has scored 8 runs.
A team has scored 8 runs.
The batting order is established at the beginning of the game and does not change, regardless of players coming off the bench to field or changes in fielding positions.
Make sure both team scorers know how subs will be recorded on the scorebook.
No Flex or DP players allowed in this grade.

Under 13 Girls: 11 metres
Under 13 Boys: 12 metres
If girls teams choose to play in the Boys grade, they will pitch from the Boys distance.
If girls are playing in a Boys grade (as no Girls grade available), they can pitch from the Girls distance.

A team may only consist of 9 fielders with a maximum of 6 in the infield positions.
All junior grades may start and finish with eight players.
Only 9 players in the field, not all players.

Running leadoffs are allowed, once the pivot foot (back foot) of the pitcher lands they can take a lead off the base.
Only one runner is allowed on each base.
When a runner passes another runner, the one who passes is out.

Base runners can only advance one base on an overthrow.
A ball is dead on an overthrow when it passes over the 2-metre line, or goes into the spectator area (Deadball line), or is touched by a spectator or opposing players.

Dropped third-strike rule will be in effect. Applies when first base is open, or if there are two outs. If the batter strikes out (swinging or looking) and the catcher does not catch the pitch before it hits the ground, the batter can run to first base. If the base is occupied and there are less than 2 outs, the hitter is automatically called out.
Infield Fly Rule – Will NOT apply in this grade (i.e. less than 2 down, runner on 1st, the batter is NOT automatically out).

Prior to the game, the two coaches must discuss rules. If one coach does not agree to any changes, they must play to the official rules according to the Softball New Zealand Rule Book (Black Book).
The score will be recorded and the team with the most runs wins.
The umpire will be in charge at all times and their decision will be final.
If the rules are not listed above, Wellington Softball Association rules apply (as per the by-laws/rule book). If the rule is not listed there, then Softball NZ rules apply.

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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