6.19.1

KNOCKOUT COMPETITION - GIRLS
Refer Knockout Competitions Section 5.2

(a)

AGE
Open age. Refer Eligibility of Students Section 5.2.

(b)

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

(c)

DRAW

(i)

Refer The Draw Section 5.2.

(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 Region (10) A second team from each of the 6 highest placed Regions from the previous years final 16 KO.

(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.

(f)

DURATION OF THE MATCH
Each match shall consist of seven equal innings or one and one-half hours, which ever is reached first. No innings (eg. top of an innings) is to commence less than 5 minutes from the 1 1/2 hour 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. (A State Convener may vary this to suit local conditions, eg. one day tournaments).

(g)

DECLARATION OF AN INNINGS

(i)

The offensive team at bat may declare its innings at any stage of the game, when they are 7 or more runs in front of the defensive team.

(h)

STATE SECTION

(i)

The State Convener is responsible for the conducting of the State section of the knockout.

(ii)

Two rounds of the knockout 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 KO 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 fluro 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 base-runners must wear helmets.

(vi)

The Convener will provide all officials. Each school is given the option of bringing a qualified student umpire to the Final 16 Knockout Series.

(vii)

Disputes and protests shall be decided on the spot in consultation with the State Convener.

(viii)

Schools reaching the State section will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

(ix)

Each school competingin Final 16 Knockouts at a central venue be subject to a participation levy).

6.19.2

SOFTBALL STATECARNIVAL RULES - GIRLS
Refer State Carnivals - Section 5.3

(a)

DATE
The State Carnival shall be held annually in the first term of the school year.

(b)

AGE DIVISION
Open age.

(c)

ENTRIES
Each Region may enter one team (a maximum of fourteen players).

(d)

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

(e)

EQUIPMENT
Bases, home plates and pitchers plates shall be provided by the host Region. Equipment shall comply with the rules of the ASF. Each Region is to supply their own bats, gloves and catchers equipment including a catchers helmet and throat protector and at least (4) batting helmets. The host Region shall provide score sheets, backing boards and a timing device. The cost of the three balls required for each team at the State Carnival will be included in the Regional levy. The Convener / Carnival Manager will purchase three balls per team (all to be the same type) for the State Carnival.

The host Region shall provide a MVP trophy for each Region to be presented at the conclusion of the carnival.

(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)

(A)

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.

(B)

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 official who cannot be moved, if possible, the time will be added on.

(iii)

The run ahead rule will not apply.

(iv)

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

(v)

The pitching distance for the Girls’ Inter Regional will be 40 feet or 12.19m.

(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 he catcher may be substituted by the last batter out without penalty to the team.

(vii)
(viii)

The Intentional Walk Rule will not apply.
A team at bat may declare its innings.

(g)

POINT SCORE

(i)

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 2 Regions finish level on points for first place they will be declared joint winners.

(iii)

If three 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:-

(iv)

Where 2 or more teams finish level on points for 2nd place, placings will be determined on percentages.

(v)

Where teams, apart from 1st and 2nd 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 Region. The total number of competition points will be divided by the total number of games played. In the event of Areas finishing level on points, then Rules g (ii), (iii), (iv) (v) will then apply.

(h)

UMPIRES, SCORERS
The host Region 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 Carnival Organiser may start and stop the games at a uniform time with a bell or siren if required.

(i)

PROTESTS

(i)

UMPIRING
Any disputes are to be dealt with immediately as they occur. If the Convener is unavailable the most Senior Umpire available at the time will be sole judge of the dispute.

(ii)

CARNIVAL ORGANISATION
The Carnival shall be organised in accordance with established CHS guidelines and the Softball By - Laws.

(j)

CARNIVAL ITINERARY
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 discus carnival procedure and elect disputes and selection committees, plus nominees for the NSW All Schools Softball Officials positions (Coach, Assistant Coastand Manager).

(k)

STATE TEAM SELECTIONS
Two (2) teams of twelve (12) players will be selected at this carnival to trial for NSW All Schools Secondary Softball Team. The four (4) selectors will be elected at the Sub-Committee meeting prior to the commencement of the carnival, and will include the nominees for the coach/ assistant coach and managers for the NSW All Schools Secondary Team (two positions), two team managers (two positions) and the Convener of Softball. When determining the the selection of players for the CHS Blue and CHS Red teams, selectors are to consider CHS Blue - number 1 team and CHS Red - number 2 team.

All players who participate in the final selection process are to be notified by mail twenty four (24) hours after the conclusion of the Inter Regiional Carnival whether they are successful / unsuccessful in gaining selection in the State Team.  The selected players must be given all relevant forms to be completed and returned to the New South W Combined High Schools office within two (2) weeks of the carnival.

The Convener must send to the NSW Combined High Schools Office within one (1) week of the State Carnival a fully completed team list and measurement sheet.

(l)

HEAT POLICY
In the event of extreme heat then the following guidelines shall be followed:

(i)

Dugout shelters to be provided by all Regions as required.

(ii)

Eskies to be provided by all Regions. Ice to be provided by host Carnival Manager for use by all Regions as required.

(iii)

Water bottles to be provided by all Regions.

(iv)

Water to be available at all playing areas.

(v)

Hats and blockout to be worn at all times.

(vi)

Drinks Break During Playing Time:

The Convener will inform the Umpiring Chief is a period of the carnival is to be played during "Extreme Heat Conditions". During this time a Team Manager, whose team is playing defensively continually for a period in excess of 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 carnival, then the Convener and Area Organiser will attempt to re-schedule the playing times of future rounds so that a maximum number of rounds are completed.

6.19.3

SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIACHAMPIONSHIPS

(a)

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

(b)

VENUE
The venue shall rotate between the competing states.

(c)

AGE
Refer School Sport AustraliaSoftball By - Laws.

(d)

UNIFORM

(i)

Team members shall wear the official New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association uniform (dress uniform) on all occasions unless the Manager/ess gives specific permission to vary this.

(ii)

Players shall wear the State playing uniform for all matches.

(e)

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

(f)

BILLETS
All billeting information must be obtained at selection trials. Parents of the teams must be supplied with full details one week prior to the date of the commencement of the Championships.

No arrangements regarding billets may be altered except through injury or illness.

(g)

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

(h)

RESULTS
The Team Manager/ess and Coach must forward full results and written report together with recommendations and nominations for 'Blues' and other awards to the Administrative Officer within two weeks of the conclusion of the Championships.

6.19.4

SOFTBALL KNOCKOUT COMPETITION - BOYS
Refer Knockout Competitions Section 5.2.

(a)

AGE
Open Age. Refer Eligibility of Students, section 5.2.3 (b).

(b)

ENTRY
Each school may enter one team of no more than fourteen players per match.

Any pupil may play in one or all of the matches.

(c)

DRAW
Refer The Draw Section 5.2.

(i)

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

(ii)

The final 16 teams will be made up of one team from each Region (10)

A second team from each of the 6 highest placed Regions from the previous years final 16 KO.

(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.

(f)

DURATION OF THE MATCH
Each match shall consist of seven equal innings or one and one-half hours, which ever is reached first. No innings (eg. top of an innings) is to commence less than 5 minutes from the 1 1/2 hour 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. (A State Convener may vary this to suit local conditions, eg. one day tournaments).

(g)

DECLARATION OF INNINGS

(i)

The offensive team at bat may declare its innings at any stage of the game, when they are 7 or more runs in front of the defensive.

(h)

STATE SECTION

(i)

The State Convener is responsible for the conducting of the State section of the knockout.

(ii)

Two rounds of the knockout 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 years result at the final 16 KO 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 fluro yellow softball of a competition standard. Each team shall 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 Convener will provide all officials. Each school is given the option of bringing a qualified student umpire to the Final 16 Knockout Series.

(vii)

Disputes and protests shall be decided on the spot in consultation with the State Convener.

(viii)

Schools reaching the State section will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

(ix)

Each school competing in Final 16 Knockouts at a central venue be subject to a participation levy.

6.19.5

STATE CARNIVAL - BOYS
Refer State Carnivals Section 5.3.

(a)

DATE
A boys State Carnival shall be held.

(b)

AGE DIVISION
Open Age. Refer Eligibility of Students , section 5.2.3 (b).

(c)

ENTRIES
Each Region may enter one team (a maximum of fourteen players). Team lists showing names, ages and form (year) of players must be forwarded to the Carnival Organiser not less than four weeks prior to the commencement of the Carnival.

(d)

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

(e)

EQUIPMENT
Bases, home plates and pitchers plates shall be provided by the host Region. Equipment shall comply with the rules of the A.S.F. Each Area is to supply their own bats, gloves and catchers equipment including a catcher's helmet and throat protector and at least (4) batting helmets. The host Area shall provide score sheets, backing boards and a timing device. The cost of the three balls required for each team at the State Carnival will be included in the Area levy. The Convener/Carnival Manager will purchase three balls per team (all to be the same type) for the State Carnival.

(f)

FIRST AID
The host Region shall provide an adequate first-aid kit.

(g)

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 hour and ten minutes or seven innings, whichever occurs first. If a draw occurs at the end of the seventh innings and there is sufficient time available within one hour and ten minutes limit, the game shall be continued with a tie-breaker commencing immediately.

(iii)

The run ahead rule will not apply.

(iv)

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

(v)

The pitching distance for the Boys’ Inter Regional Carnival 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 he catcher may be substituted by the last batter out without penalty to the team.

(vii)
(viii)

The Intentional Walk Rule will not apply.
A team at bat may declare its innings.

(h)

POINTS SCORE

(i)

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

(ii)

Where 2 Regions finish level on points for first place, they will be declared joint winners.

(iii)

If three 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:-

(iv)

Where 2 or more teams finish level on points for 2nd place, placings will be determined on percentages.

(v)

Where teams, apart from 1st and 2nd place, finish level on points, they shall be given equal placings.

(i)

UMPIRES, SCORERS AND TIMEKEEPERS
The host region shall attempt to appoint qualified umpires. Managers may be required to assist where necessary. Managers are required to see their matches are scored correctly.

(j)

PROTESTS

(i)

UMPIRING
Any disputes are to be dealt with immediately they occur. If the Convener is unavailable, the most Senior Umpire available at the time will be sole judge of the dispute.

Individual Regions are given the option of bringing a qualified student umpire as part of the Regional team to the State Carnival. This students participation is part of the CAPS Scheme.

(ii)

CARNIVAL ORGANISATION
The Carnival shall be organised in accordance with established CHS guidelines and the Softball By-Laws. Any departure from such guidelines shall be discussed by a full committee of Team Managers and the Carnival Organiser.

(k)

CARNIVAL ITINERARY
This shall be arranged to allow not less than two hours for selection of the state team if possible. Play shall not exceed 3 playing days. A managers meeting is to be held on the night prior to the first days play to discuss carnival procedure and elect disputes and selection committees.

(l)

PROGRAM
At least six weeks prior to the carnival, the host Region shall notify each Regional Sports Organiser and Combined High Schools Office of the following:

(i)

Venue, itinerary and draw.

(ii)

Billeters names, addresses and telephone numbers

(iii)

Managerial/coaches accommodation.

(iv)

Recommendation sheet for Managers to fill in and return at the conclusion of the carnival.

(v)

Any other relevant information.

(m)

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

(n)

STATE TEAM SELECTIONS
A State Team of fourteen players may to be selected at this carnival. The selectors will be elected at the pre-Carnival meeting (comprising the State Coach plus two Region team officials) and are to observe all teams playing.

At the conclusion of this trial, the selected players must be given all relevant forms to be completed and returned to Combined High Schools Office within two weeks of the carnival.

The convener must send to Combined High Schools Office within one week of the carnival, a fully completed team list and measurement forward sheet.