The rules and regulations of Rounders
Rounders is a team game usually played outdoors. Each Rounders team must have a minimum of six players and a maximum of 15 players. However, only nine players should be admitted on to the playing arena at any one time.
When a Rounders batter is out
A batter is considered out when:
- He is caught out by a fielder, for example, if the swing of his bat connects the incoming ball and sends it high in the open and a fielder who runs after it catches it.
- If he overtakes another player during a run from one post to another.
- If he obstructs a player and the obstruction is designed to thwart the player from doing his task.
- If his way is not obstructed by a fielder, but he still runs inside the post.
- Before reaching his target post if a fielder holding the ball touches the post.
- If he loses his balance and steps over either the front or back line in the batting square before hitting a good ball or missing a ball.
- If he is not in contact with the post when the feeder has possession of the ball, and is in his square.
How to score Rounders
- You get a score of 1 or one Rounder if you have reached and touched the fourth post before the next ball is bowled.
- You get a score of 1 or one Rounder if you reach the fourth post on a no ball.
- You get ½ a score or ½ rounder if you reach the 4th post but without hitting the ball.
- You get a ½ rounder or score if you hit the ball and were on first post and when the ball is on the back area reached the 2nd post.
- You get a score of 1 or one Rounder for a backward hit if the fourth post is reached.
- You get a penalty of ½ a rounder or score if a fielder obstructed you.
- You get a penalty of ½ a score or rounder for two successive no balls.
How a ‘No Ball’ is called:
- If the action is not considered a smooth under arm throw.
- If the ball is feeded below your knee.
- If the ball is bowled above your head.
- If there is a bounce of the ball enroute to you.
- If it is aimed at your body.
- It the feeder over balances and steps outside the bowling square while bowling.
You can run on a no ball but you cannot run past the first post.
How to run around the Rounders track
You can start running towards a previously stumped post and reach it. If it's the fourth post, the run will not result in a score.
- When at a post you should keep in physical contact with the post either through your bat or your hand. It you fail, the fielder can touch the succeeding post and you are out.
- You cannot run when the bowler has the ball in his hand and is in his square. However, if you are already between two posts, you can complete the run.
- You are not required to run for every ball fed to you if you are at a post.
- You must touch the fourth post before getting home.
- You can run immediately after the ball leaves the feeder’s hand, even if it is a 'no ball'.
- No two batters can wait at a single post. If this happens the umpire has the discretionary powers to ask the first batter to continue running immediately, when the second batter makes contact.