School Sport Unit

NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Handbook

 

Amended 2021

4.19 Softball

4.19.1 Softball state-wide competition – boys and girls

Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook state-wide competitions -

(a) Age

Open age. Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Eligibility of Students" - .

(b) Entry

Each school may enter one team of no more than fourteen players per match. Any pupil may play in one or all the matches.

(c) Draw

(i) Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Draw" - .

(ii) The competition will be completed, at a central venue, over a period of two days.

(iii) The final 16 teams will be made up of one team from each association  (10) A second team from each of the 6 highest placed associations from the previous year’s final 16 state-wide competition.

(d) Conditions of play

Each match is to be played according to the ASF rule book unless otherwise stated.

(e) Uniform

All members of the one team shall be uniformly dressed.

(i) Metal cleats are not to be worn by any player.

(ii) Softball NSW branded batting helmets are not to be worn by any player.

(f) Duration of the match

Each match shall consist of seven equal innings or ninety (90) minutes, whichever is reached first. No innings (eg. top of an innings) is to commence less than 5 minutes from the ninety (90) minute mark. If time is completed and the team batting is the first side, then the game is over immediately. If the second batting side is batting and is equal or behind, the innings shall be completed. If the score is drawn, an equal number of extra innings shall be played until a result is reached. If application of the normal rules would result in a tie, then a tie breaker system will commence immediately, or if an incomplete innings is in progress (and the score would otherwise have reverted to the end of the last complete innings) the incomplete innings should be completed. The tie-breaker system of a runner placed on 2nd base will commence at the top of the 8th inning or at the commencement of equal innings in extra time. (The state convener may vary this to suit local conditions, eg. one day tournaments).

(g) Declaration of an innings

(i) The offensive team may declare its innings at any stage of the game.

(h) State section (Final 16 state-wide competition)

(i) The state or assistant convener is responsible for the conducting of the state section of the state-wide (Final 16 state-wide competition).

(ii) Two rounds of the state-wide competition shall be played on the first day. Round 1 in the morning. Round 2 in the afternoon.

(iii) The semi-finals shall be played on the morning of the second day, the final in the afternoon of the second day.

(iv) The draw

The final 16 draw shall be seeded according to the previous year's result at the final 16 state-wide competition ie. 1 v 16, 8 v 12, 5 v 9, 4 v 13, 3 v 14, 6 v 10, 7 v 11, 2 v 15.

(v) Each team shall provide their own kit of equipment, including a clean fluoro yellow softball of a competition standard. Each team shall also provide a facemask with attached helmet and throat protector, a body protector/(breastplate) and at least 4 batting helmets. The batters and baserunners must wear helmets.

(vi) The state or assistant convener will provide all officials. Each school is given the option of bringing a qualified student umpire to the final 16 state-wide competition.

(vii) Disputes and protests shall be decided on the spot in consultation with the state or assistant convener.

(viii) Schools reaching the final 16 state-wide competition are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

(ix) Each school competing in the final 16 state-wide competition, will be subjected to a participation levy.

4.19.2 Softball State Championships -boys and girls

Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "State Championships" –

(a) Date

The girls state championship shall be held annually in the first term of the school year.
The boys state championship preferably should be held in third term of the school year or at an appropriate time to allow adequate preparation and organisation prior to the SSA Championships.

(b) Age division

Open age as per Section 2.3.3.

(c) Entries

Each association may enter one team (a maximum of fourteen players). Team lists showing names, ages and form (year) of players must be forwarded to the host sports coordination officer four weeks prior to the commencement of the championships.

(d) Uniform

Players must wear the correct association uniform as registered on the entry form.

(i) Metal cleats are not to be worn by any player.

(ii) Softball NSW branded batting helmets are not to be worn by any player.

(e) Equipment

Bases, home plates and pitchers’ plates shall be provided by the host association. Equipment shall comply with the rules of the ASF. Each association is to supply their own bats, gloves and catchers’ equipment including a catchers’ helmet and throat protector and at least four (4) batting helmets. The host association shall provide score books. The cost of the three balls required for each team at the state championships will be included in the association levy. The host sports coordination officer/championship manager will purchase three balls per team (all to be the same type) for the state championships.

The host association shall provide an MVP trophy for each association to be presented at the conclusion of the championships.

(f) Match rules

(i) The rules of play and the field measurements shall be those of the Australian Softball Federation except where otherwise stated.

(ii) The period of play shall be a minimum of one (1) hour and ten (10) minutes or seven (7) innings, whichever occurs first. If a draw occurs at the end of the seventh innings and there is sufficient time available within one (1) hour and ten (10) minutes limit, the game shall be continued with a tie-breaker commencing immediately.

(iii) In the event of dangerous conditions and/ or inclement weather, when any game in progress is "called off", it shall be considered a regulation game provided:- 50% of allocated time has elapsed or a minimum of three (3) innings has been played or 2.5 innings if the second team is at bat and ahead.

Any game "called off" before the minimum time or innings are completed, and which cannot be re-scheduled, shall be declared a draw.

If for any reason a game cannot be played, it shall be declared a draw.

Protests relating to the scoring of runs in a game, must be lodged within twenty (20) minutes of the completion of the game in question.

In the event of an injury to a player, or an official who cannot be moved, if possible, the time will be added on.

(iv) The run ahead rule will not apply.

(v) The competition shall be run on a round robin basis. All teams will play each other team once.

(vi) The pitching distance for the girls’ state championship will be 43 feet or 13.11m.
The pitching distance for the boys’ state championship will be 46 feet or 14.02m.

(vi) Speed Up Rule: In the event of two (2) players being out in an innings, and the catcher is on base as an offensive player, then the catcher may be substituted by a team member who is not in the next 4 batters in the batting line up without penalty to the team.

(vii) The Intentional Walk Rule will not apply.

(viii) A team at bat may declare its innings.

(g) Point score

(i) Points

3 points shall be awarded for a win
2 points shall be awarded for a draw
1 point shall be awarded for a loss
0 points shall be awarded for a forfeit

(ii) Where two (2) associations finish level on points for first place they will be declared joint winners.

(iii) If three (3) or more teams are equal on points, results will be used from the games involving only the teams that are equal. Construct a "points table" showing for and against for each team solely on these results. See example below:

Highest differential is awarded top placing
Highest percentage is awarded top placing
Percentage = runs for/runs against x 100

(iv) Where two (2) or more teams finish level on points for second place, placings will be determined on percentages.

(v) Where teams, apart from first and second place, finish level on points, they shall be given equal placings.

(vi) In the event of a round/ or rounds being cancelled the following shall be used to determine the final position of each association. The total number of competition points will be divided by the total number of games played. In the event of associations finishing level on points, then rules g (ii), (iii), (iv) (v) will then apply.

(h) Umpires, scorers

The host association shall attempt to appoint qualified umpires. Managers may be required to assist where necessary. Managers are required to see their matches are scored correctly. The championship organiser may start and stop the games at a uniform time with a bell or siren if required.

(i) Protests / Umpiring

Any disputes are to be dealt with immediately as they occur. If the state or assistant convener is unavailable the most senior umpire available at the time will be sole judge of the dispute.

(j) Championship organisation

The championship shall be organised in accordance with established NSWCHSSA guidelines and the Softball By – laws.

Individual associations are given the option of bringing a qualified student umpire as part of the association team to the state championships. Student umpires participate as part of the CAPS Scheme.

At least six (6) weeks prior to the championship, the host association shall notify each sports coordination officer and the NSWCHSSA office of the following:

• Venue, itinerary and draw.
• Managerial/coaches accommodation.
• Recommendation sheet for managers to fill in and return at the conclusion of the championship.
• Any other relevant information.

(k) Championship itinerary

Girls

This shall be arranged to allow not less than two (2) hours for selection of the state team if possible. Play shall not exceed three (3) playing days. A managers meeting is to be held on the night prior to the first days play to discuss championship procedure and elect disputes and selection committees, plus nominees for the NSW All Schools Softball officials’ positions (Coach, Assistant Coach and Manager).

Boys

This shall be arranged to allow not less than two hours for the selection of the NSWCHSSA team, if possible. In the event of there being nine (9) or more playing teams, play will be three (3) playing days. In the case of eight (8) or less teams play may be less than three (3) playing days.  There is to be a minimum of two (2) scheduled playing days. A manager’s meeting is to be held on the night prior to the first days play to discuss championship procedure and elect the disputes and selection committees.

(l) NSWCHSSA team selections

Girls

Two (2) teams of twelve (12) players will be selected at this championship to trial for NSW All Schools Softball team. The four (4) selectors will be elected at the sub-committee meeting prior to the commencement of the championships, and will include the nominees for the coach/ assistant coach and managers for the NSW All Schools Team (two positions), two team managers (two positions) and the state convener. When determining the selection of players for the NSWCHSSA Blue and NSWCHSSA Red teams, selectors are to consider NSWCHSSA Blue – number 1 team and NSWCHSSA Red – number 2 team.

Boys

A team of twelve (12) players will be selected at this championship to trial for NSW All Schools Softball team. The four (4) selectors will be elected at the sub-committee meeting prior to the commencement of the championships, and will include the nominees for the coach/ assistant coach and manager for the NSW All Schools Team (two positions), two team managers (two positions) and the state convener.

(m) Lunches

The host association shall provide lunches, or canteen facilities, for all players and officials.

(n) Heat policy

In the event of extreme heat, the following guidelines shall be followed:

(i) Dugout shelters to be provided by all associations as required.

(ii) Ice containers "Eskies" to be provided by all associations. Ice to be provided by host championship manager for use by all associations as required.

(iii) Water bottles to be provided by all associations.

(iv) Water to be available at all playing areas.

(v) Hats and sunscreen cream to be worn.

(vi) Drinks Break During Playing Time:

The state or assistant convener will inform the umpiring chief if a period of the championship is to be played during "extreme heat conditions". During this time a team manager, whose team is playing defensively continually for a period more than fifteen (15) minutes can request a "drinks break" through the officials controlling their game. This will not be counted as a team conference unless the team manager makes an adjustment to the field or substitutes a player. If it is possible to delay or suspend a round(s) of the championship, then the state or assistant convener and the host sport coordination officer will attempt to re-schedule the playing times of future rounds so that a maximum number of rounds are completed.

(o) Peter Zegiel award

(i) At the conclusion of each game the coach/manager will nominate one opposing player for the Peter Zegiel Award.

(ii) The convener will keep a tally of nominees. The award will be presented to that, or those, player(s) with the most votes.

(p) Cup competition

A cup competition will be held for teams from Hunter, North Coast, North West, Riverina, South Coast, and Western associations. The girls’ cup to be called the ‘Jock Currie Shield’. The boys cup to be called the ‘Mick Boller Shield’. The winning country association will be declared the cup winners. Where two (2) associations finish level on points the shield will be awarded to the winner of the head to head game. In the case of a draw in the head to head game, overall runs against will determine the winner between the two.

(q) MVP award

Each association team shall forward to the convener the name of one team member as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP). The MVP award will be presented at a ceremony at the end of the championship.

4.19.3 School Sport Australia Softball Championships

(a) Team

A team of up to 15 players will be selected at the NSW All Schools trials to represent NSWCHSSA at School Sport Australia Under 18's Softball Championships

(b) Venue

The venue shall rotate between the competing states.

(c) Age

Refer School Sport Australia Softball By – Laws.

(d) Uniform

(i) Team members shall wear the official NSWCHSSA uniform (dress uniform) on all occasions unless the manager gives specific permission to vary this.

(ii) Players shall wear the NSWCHSSA playing uniform for all matches.

(e) Championship procedure

The rules shall be those of the Australian Softball Federation in conjunction with the School Sport Australia Softball By – Laws.

(f) Itinerary

The itinerary will be supplied by the host state prior to the championships.

(g) Results

The team manager and coach must forward full results and written report together with recommendations and nominations for 'Blues' and other awards to the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer within two weeks of the conclusion of the championships.

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