Grade rules
Official Wellington Softball Association rules for each junior grade. Pick your grade.
- Programme
- Foundation
- Game Duration
- 1 hour
Focus: Engaging Fun and Participation in an inclusive and supportive environment with Equal Opportunities.
Game: Keep the game simple and allow for children aged 7 – 8 years to enjoy and love all aspects of the game.
The rules
Tap a topic to open it.
Playing and Safety Equipment
- Base path: 12 metres
- Bases: Safety base at first base
- Home Plate: Set up behind the hitting tee for safety (Tee Ball).
- Hitting Tee
- 11" Flexiball
Players
- A team can consist of 7 players and a maximum of 11 players.
- Any more than 11 creates boredom and a longer game where players become inactive.
- Every player present shall be placed on the field for a minimum of a batting and fielding innings each during the game.
- Players should rotate positions to learn the different positions.
- There is no specializing in this grade.
Batting
- Use fielding positions to determine your batting order. Reverse the order at the next bat.
- Bat through all the players.
- Drop the bat (don't fling it).
- Deliberate short hits are not allowed.
- Only swing and miss strikes – foul balls don't count as strikes.
- Ball is 'dead' if it doesn't roll more than 1 meter following a miss hit. Player gets another chance.
Base Running
- No stealing – stay on the base until the ball has been hit.
- All runners must stop at the base they are heading to once the ball has been controlled by the infield.
- This is to replicate infield play.
- Tagging up on a fly ball does not apply – batter is caught out, and runners return to their starting base.
- When running home, touch a home plate 1 metre from the Tee.
- For safety and to avoid collisions with the catcher.
- Runners can only advance one base on an overthrow outside the diamond.
Fielding
- Maximum of 6 infielders (including pitcher and catcher).
- Place extra players in the outfield.
- Have a coach/parent behind the catcher to help stop the ball.
- Last batter must be identified before their turn at bat.
- Encourage fielders to throw home and all runners stop once the ball is controlled by the catcher.
- If a fielder makes an out on the batter or runners first, all play will cease.
Outs
- Players are out when:
- A fly ball is caught.
- A ball is held securely by a fielder on a base that a runner is forced to. (Encourage catchers to hold the ball on home plate for a force or tag (not the Tee).)
- A base runner is tagged off the base.
Under 9 Tee Ball
Runner may still run the bases but will not be counted as runs.
Under 9 Minipitch
Runners that are called out will leave the diamond.
Innings
- Completed when the last batter has had their turn.
- This is for both Tee Ball and Minipitch.
Pitching
Under 9 Minipitch ONLY
- Coach or designated adult lobs the ball over the plate.
- If 3 strikes, player can use a Tee.
- Player stands beside adult pitcher and fields balls in this area.
Under 9 Tee Ball
- May play with an adult pitcher from January.
- Teams still have the option to hit off the Tee.
If a team prefers the Tee instead of coach pitch, this must be agreed at the start of the game.
Respect • Teamwork • Have Fun
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 |