Tournament Rules

1. One pitch per batter (ball or strike).
2. Each game will be 2 innings with each half inning 6 minutes in length. There are stopwatches provided in each court.
3. Defence should consist of 8 players with a minimum of 3 women on the field at all times.
4. EXTRA PLAYERS are allowed in the batting order as long as the ratio is kept to Male:Female - 5:3, 6:4, 7:5 extra players may be used during batting. 3 males should not bat in a row. Equal numbers of M:F is also permitted and they should bat M:F:M:F etc.
5. There are 2 playing courts - DO NOT do batting practice on the game pitches.
6. Slowpitch rules apply except that bunting is allowed.
7. Running through 1B is permitted though runners should run straight through or turn to the RHS. Any player who appears to advance can be tagged out.
8. We strongly suggest you do not use your good, expensive bats. Please lay the bat down gently and don’t throw it after your turn at bat.
9. Batting team should stand to the right of home plate leaving the LHS clear for the scorer.
10. 1 Point for each batter who safely reaches 1B - the batter gets 1 additional point for each base they reach on their turn at bat ,even if they stop at each base before advancing on an overthrow or mis-fielded ball etc. Base runners do not get points as they advance to the next base on another batter's turn at bat, except for the following circumstance: 1 Point is given for each base runner who safely crosses home.
11. 5 Points are scored for a Homerun AND an additional 1 Point for each runner on base when the Homerun was hit. (A point is subtracted if the batter is caught off the back wall).
12. - 1 Point for each out made by the defensive team.
13. Outs (-1pt) will be given for - any ball hit over the nets, any ball that is hit into the viewing gallery, a direct hit on the ceiling, metalwork & scoreboard.
14. HOMERUNS - A home run can be 'run out' or scored by hitting the Home Run target on the back wall (line below the basketball net). Where a direct home run is caught off the back wall target, ball is dead and runners on base return to their bases. When a direct home run is not caught, all runners on base come off the field immediately and re-join the batting line up - score 5 points for the batter, plus 1 point for each runner on base.
15. Ball stuck in the net, 1 base award will be given to the batter and any base runners.
16. If the ball hits the walls and then rolls into foul ball area it must be played as FAIR.
17. Format, Two rounds of 2 groups of 4, followed by semi final, final.
18. Umpiring & Scoring: Each team will be given games to umpire and score. There will be a chair, pen & paper and a stopwatch in each court. The result should be handed to Julie immediately after each game.
19. Slow Play: Any team deliberately slowing play will be warned for the 1st offence. ANY further warning(s) during the tournament will incur a 10 points penalty each time. Teams should change over quickly and not be throwing the ball around the court wasting time.
20. Only closed sports drinks containers are permitted on courts, No open cans or bottles please. Do not take any food into the court area.
21. No children under 16yrs of age will be permitted to play EXCEPT where the child is aged 15 and with the agreement of the organisers and a letter from the parent accepting full responsibility for their welfare.
22. "Borrowing Players" - If teams are short then they may borrow players from other teams. These players MAY NOT play Pitcher, 1st Base or Short-Stop.
Home Runs Area Are any balls that hit, hitting the back wall below the basketball nets. Above this area is an out. If the Ball hits the Basketball back board or ring , then the ball is live. Viewing Gallery On the courts if the ball is hit back into the gallery then the batter will be called out.
Indoor Playing Positions