PLAY BALL Rules

 Played by 60 school teams in 2008, easy to teach and officiate. The game anyone can play.

                                                            

PLAYBALL

Introduction

This is a modified version of softball that is easy to play and lots of fun. It will give the new and unfamiliar players the opportunity to be part of a team with emphasis on participation and enjoyment.

Equipment
    Set of bases and home plate, bat and flexi ball 11≈ or 12 ≥.
    Gloves are optional and no catcher equipment is required.

Dimensions
    Pitching Distance is 10m for boys and girls or whatever distance it takes to get the ball across the plate , ensuring that the pitchers are a safe distance from the hitting zone.

Players
    10 players per team in the following positions.
    Pitcher, Catcher, 1st, 2nd 3rd base, Short stop, 4 Outfielders
    Please note that the fielder in the pitching position is permitted to stand by the pitcher from the other team.

Rules
    There is no strike zone
    Each batter faces 3 underarm pitches from a member of there own team. The 3rd pitch does not need to be caught to count as a strike out.
    The batter must hit one of these pitches.
    The ball must go into the diamond in fair≠ territory, although if a Œfoul≠ ball is caught the batter is out.
    The batter is out if they have not put the ball into play by the 3rd pitch.
    The batter is out if the ball is caught on the full.
    The batter is out if the ball reaches 1st base before the batter.
    A runner is out if the ball reaches the base before the runner when they must run(force play) or when they are tagged by a defensive player with the ball.
    Unless running for home, all play ceases when the ball is in the hands of the catcher and the runner must go back to the last base touched.
    The runner cannot leave the base until the ball is hit( i.e. no stealing or leading off)
    Sliding into the bases is allowed.
    There is no bunting.
    The game goes for 7 complete innings or 45 minutes play.( whichever comes first)
    Each team is required to get 3 outs per Π inning.
    A team may use more than one pitcher. The pitcher bats like other team members and is replaced by another team member when batting and running.
    Runs are scored by the hitting team successfully crossing home plate before 3 outs are taken. Both teams have an equal number of turns at bat. A last turn at bat is not required by the hitting team if they are ahead at the completion of play.(i.e. at the bottom Π of an innings)

Safety Considerations
    The catcher should remain a suitable, safe distance ( approx 3-4m) behind the home palte and the batter.
    The safety base rules apply where applicable.
    Bats should be dropped away from the field of play, not flung.
    Batters should wait in the designated area until fielding action has ceased and the umpire indicates that they can step up to the plate and play ball.

Umpire
    Umpires are required to keep score and officiate the rules.




Have Fun and PLAY BALL!

                              Download this document here: PLAY BALL Rules.pdf