Grade rules

• Game duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Both scorers must record the start time to avoid disputes.
  • If time is up during the top of the innings – game stops and the score as 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 at the bottom of the innings and winning, game stops and that score stands.
• If the teams are tied with 10 minutes to go, they must go straight into a Tie Breaker innings.
• Bottom of innings declared as soon as the 3rd out taken in the top of innings.

Umpiring

• Each coach or team umpire must umpire the opposition's turn at bat or the home team will supply an umpire for the duration of the game. This can be discussed by the teams before the start of the game. The option could be that the home team will do the plate umpiring and the away team could offer to base umpire, if this is applicable.

Equipment Required

• Set of bases
• Home Plate
• 12" Diamond
• Pitching strip
• Helmets
• Catching equipment

• Under 15 Base Distance: 18 metres
• Under 15 Ball Size: D12 Diamond

• Every player present shall be placed on the field for a minimum of 1 batting & 1 fielding innings each during the course of a game.
• No Flex or DP players allowed in this grade.

• Under 15 Girls: 11.5 metres
• Under 15 Boys: 13.11 metres
• Girls teams choosing to play in the Boys grade will pitch from the Boys distance.
• Girls playing in a Boys Grade as no Girls grade available 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.

• 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/Area), or is touched by a spectator or opposing players.

• Prior to the games commencing it is important that the two coaches discuss rules and it is imperative that if one coach does not agree to any changes of the rules (e.g playing with 10 players), 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.
• Dropped third-strike rule: This rule 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 is less than 2 outs, then the hitter is automatically called out.
• Infield Fly Rule – The SNZ infield fly rule WILL apply in this grade (i.e. less than 2 down, runner on 1st or 1st & 2nd or loaded bases, the batter IS automatically out).