I HAVE NEVER PLAYED THIS SPORT; WILL I STILL BE OK TO REGISTER AND PLAY?
Most of our leagues are recreational level, meaning beginners are welcome, as well as people that haven’t played in a long time. On the first week of the season, we assume no one knows the rules yet. Our Event Hosts will teach you everything you need to know, and even help coach you throughout the season.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE FIELD/COURT AND HOW MANY DO YOU SUGGEST WE PUT ON OUR ROSTER?
This sport requires 9 people on the field, minimum 3 females and 3 males. Ultimately you decide how many players are on your roster, but we would recommend about 12 to account for subs, and weeks when people can’t make it.
I AM HOPING TO REGISTER AS A TEAM, BUT I AM JUST GETTING IT ALL ORGANISED, WILL I MISS OUT?
Some leagues will sell out quickly, so you will need to be prepared ahead of time. If you like, you can soft reserve your team space for free by emailing us at [email protected] and we will notify you when the league is close to being sold out.
I DON’T HAVE A TEAM, I WANT TO REGISTER ON MY OWN, IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Yes, we offer individual registration as well. Click here to see the FAQ’s and more info about signing up to an individually formed team.
I DON’T HAVE A TEAM, I WANT TO REGISTER WITH A FRIEND(S), IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Yes, with our individual registration, you and your friends can join special teams that we open online for individual players to join. You can find out more here.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING, OR WEAR WHEN PLAYING THIS SPORT?
On the first night, teams will be asked to wear a black or white t-shirt. Teams can them opt to choose a team colour. Individual teams are given pre-allocated team colours. You can wear normal activewear.
You can wear normal runners or studded boots. Urban Rec will supply everything else you need including balls, bats, bases and helmets.
HOW LONG DO THE GAMES LAST FOR?
In Softball we play for 1.5 hours. If you or your team show up late those times might be shortened so lace up and be ready! You can view the sport rules for more detailed information on subbing players, and half time breaks etc.
DO THE TEAMS TRAIN OR PRACTICE?
Generally, no. Because it’s a recreational league, most teams show up on the night of play and maybe warm up together. If you and your team want to practice that’s completely a team decision, and not something we facilitate.
DO PLAYERS HAVE SET POSTITIONS IN THE GAME?
Generally, no. This is of course a team decision, but mostly players change and alternate their positions. It makes it more fun within a recreational league to mix things up. We do not recruit or organise teams according to their preferred positions. You can organise that among yourselves.
This video will help you understand everything you need to know about starting and playing with Urban Rec.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS
Shoot us an email, [email protected]
RULES FAQ’S
HOW DO YOU MAKE AN OUT?
Outs can be made a few different ways, depending on the scenario!
- CATCH -> An out can be made by catching the ball after it is hit, but BEFORE it touches the ground
- FORCED OUT -> An out can be made by catching the ball (thrown by a teammate or fielding a ground ball) and stepping on the base that the runner is running to if the player must be running to that base (i.e. a forced out).
- TAGGING A RUNNER -> If it is not a forced our (i.e. the runner does not have to run to the next base), you must touch the runner with the ball prior to them landing on the base.
DOES THE PITCHER BAT?
The pitcher is also in the batting order, so when the pitcher’s turn is up in the batting order, the team must swap pitchers. There is not necessarily a designated pitcher.
IF YOU HIT A FOUL BALL ON THE 3rd PITCH, ARE YOU OUT?
Yes. You only get 3 pitches – whether you swing, don’t swing, hit it in or out, or whether the pitch was good or bad. Only 3 pitches. So make sure you get on your pitcher’s good side so he/she throws you good pitches!
ARE YOU ALLOWED TO TAG A RUNNER TO GET THEM OUT?
Yes…you are allowed to tag (gently) a runner if you are closer to them in order to get them out.
CAN I SLIDE INTO A BASE?
NO! There is NO SLIDING in Urban Rec Softball. If you slide, you are out, and it counts as an out for that inning. We understand people slip by accident because fielders are standing on the base (WHICH THEY SHOULD NOT BE!), or because runners are sprinting and it is hard to stop to avoid collision, or because the grass is slippery. As such, it is very important to make a fair judgement call! If it is deemed an intentional slide, the runner is out.
I DIDN’T HIT THE BALL PAST THE PITCHER…OOPS! WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
If your hit doesn’t make it past the pitcher, the hit counts as 1 pitch, and you get (x-1) pitches left to try and hit the ball further and make a run.
IS THE PITCHER ALLOWED TO COME CLOSER IN FOR CERTAIN PLAYERS?
I know you all want to hug the batter (hehehe…) so we allow the pitcher to step ½ to ¾ of the way closer to home plate to pitch. However, please bear in mind that as you get closer to your batter, it is much easier for the pitcher to get hit in the face. As such, for safety purposes, we recommend the pitcher stays at the pitchers line.
WHAT IS A SAFETY BASE AND HOW DO I USE IT?
The safety base (at home plate and 1st base) is used to avoid collision with the catcher and 1st base-person. When running to home base or 1st base, the runner will run through the safety base (touch it or run past it…you do not need to stop on it)
- HOME – At the home safety base, the catcher will step on the home plate and the runner run through the safety base.
- 1st BASE – At 1st base, the runner will run through the safety (orange) base and the 1st base-person will be on the 1st base.
WHY DO WE PITCH TO OUR OWN TEAM?
Pitching is a very precise action and in professional sports, there is an umpire to decide what is a fair pitch versus not. Urban Rec is a recreational league with self-officiating, so it is only fair to have our own team try and give you the best pitch possible!
DO I HAVE TO WEAR THE HELMET WHEN BATTING?
No. However, for safety, it is strongly recommended to wear the helmet when batting! Batting without a helmet will be at your own risk!
WE ONLY HAD TWO FEMALES SHOW UP, DO WE HAVE TO FORFEIT? If only 2 females show up on your team, your team can still compete. You must however field with one less players. This means you may only play 8-aside for the game, or until an additional female player arrives. Having only 2 females, will effect your batting order too. (See below question).
IF WE ONLY HAVE 2 FEMALES, HOW DO WE ORGANIZE THE BATTING ORDER?
- The batting order must be arranged as follows (male, male, female – male, male, female etc).
- If Female Player 1 is on base by the time her turn comes around again, then Female Player 2, can take her place in the batting order.
- If you only have 2 female players, and both Female Player 1, and Female Player 2 are on base, and there is no other Female to take the batting slot, it counted as an out.
HOW DO WE SCORE THE RUNS ON THE SCORESHEETS?
You get to draw lines on the little diamonds on the scoresheet!
- Home = bottom of the diamond
- 1st base = right point of the diamond
- 2nd base = top of the diamond
- 3rd base = left point of the diamond
Count up the number of players who have made it home at the end of the inning and put that number in the box. You will do this for each inning, then count up all the runs for the total runs for the game.
HOW DO WE DECIDE A CALL IF BOTH TEAMS CAN’T AGREE?
Remember your sportsmanship and fun points! Fairness and having fun are most important in this league. Ties will always go to the runner. The back catcher will make calls associated with foul balls. Whoever has the best point of view to the play should be the one to make the call. If it is a rule you can’t agree on, ask the Event Host!
WHEN IS A BALL A FOUL BALL?
A ball is foul if it lands outside of the base line. If it falls inside the base line then rolls out, IT IS FAIR. A fielder can catch a ball if it is foul to catch the batter out. The back catcher can also catch a ball that the batter hits behind or just in front of themselves (even if it doesn’t pass the pitcher).
AM I ALLOWED TO GO BACK TO 3RD BASE WHEN RUNNING FOR HOME?
Only if you have not passed the cones which signify the point-of-no-return.
IF YOU HIT A FOUL BALL ON THE 3RD PITCH, ARE YOU OUT?
Yes. 3 pitches and you are out.
IF I MISS A PITCH COMPLETELY ON THE 3RD PITCH, AM I OUT?
Yes. 3 pitches and you are out.
WHAT IF A PLAYER GETS INJURED DURING A GAME, AND WOULD LIKE TO SIT OUT? Depending on the injury, talk to your opposition. You have the option to add a base runner, or play a man down on the field. Do what is fair, and right; and if you cannot decide approach your Event Host to make a non-biased decision.
WHAT’S THE FORCE OUT RULE?
A situation when a baserunner is compelled (or forced) to vacate his time-of-pitch base—and thus try to advance to the next base—because the batter became a runner. A runner at first base is always forced to attempt to advance to second base when the batter becomes a runner. Runners at second or third base are forced only when all bases preceding their time-of-pitch base are occupied by other baserunners and the batter becomes a runner.
WHEN DO I TAG SOMEONE OUT?
You can tag a runner out when it's forced before they reach the base or when a force is removed during the play. E.g. If there is a runner on 1st base and the batter hits a ground ball. The batter then becomes a runner to 1st base & the team mate is forced to run to 2nd. If the batter gets run out before 1st, it removes the force for the team mate as they have an option to return to 1st. This runner must be tagged to be out.
CAN I BUNT?
A Bunt is when the batter loosely holds the bat in front of home plate and intentionally taps the ball into play. In Urban Rec Softball, bunting purposely is not recommended as you are pitching to your own team and can be a dangerous play if a field is to stay that close. However, If a shot is accidently hit and the ball rolls forward, it can be allowed as long as it surpasses before the Foul square which will be lined out on all our Diamonds.
WHY IS THE BASE AT 1ST WHITE & ORANGE?
That's our beloved Safety Base at 1st. Safety Base & Home are the only bases you can run through. It's there for your safety, so please run through the orange half to avoid any injuries. Please keep in mind that you must always stay on the 2nd or 3rd bases, you cannot run through this.
DO YOU PLAY THE MERCY RULE?
Simple answer - No. This completely goes against what Urban Rec is all about. Playing to win is fine, however playing to expand your points difference is not unacceptable and against our Fun First Policy. If you or your team have recognised that the score is getting away from your opposition, you should be focusing on how to enhance your Fun Points. Ways of doing this is by engaging with your opposition, offering tips or tricks on the game, coaching the opposition, helping your less experienced players throughout the game or just ensuring everyone is having a fun time. Where it's 1-0 or 100-0 your positions on the standings does not change. In the case of a Tie in the standings, the team with the highest Fun Points will come out on top.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I REGISTER?
OTHER INFO:
WHAT IF I HAVEN’T PLAYED BEFORE?
This league is recreational level, meaning beginners are welcome, and people that haven’t played in a long time. Don’t be afraid if you or your team re new to the sport. Our event hosts will teach you everything you need to know, and even help coach you for the first few weeks.
I AM HOPING TO SIGN UP AS AN INDIVIDUAL, WHAT NEXT?
We have a bunch of dedicated FAQ’s for Individual players, click here to see them.
I AM HOPING TO REGISTER AS A TEAM, BUT I AM JUST GETTING EVERYONE ORGANISED – WILL I MISS OUT?
Some of our leagues do sell out quickly, so you will need to be prepared ahead of time. We will always let you know via email when sports will be open for registration so you have the chance to get your team fee’s organised ahead of time.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED SUBS ONE WEEK?
Substitute players are allowed to fill in on your team during the season. Any new players will need to sign up as an Urban Rec Member, and acknowledge the waiver, and Code of Conduct online before the game. If you have signed up as a team, subs can play free of charge. If you are in an individual’s team, (signed up as individuals) that player will need to pay a $10 casual fee. You cannot borrow players from other teams in your league, if you don't have enough players to take the field you will be forced to forfeit, and play a friendly match. If you are looking to sub players from other locations or sports leagues, you might find the Urban Rec SUB ME IN Facebook Group handy.
WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENT DO I NEED TO MAKE, AND WHAT IF WE DON’T SHOW UP?
By signing up to a team sport, you are committing to not only your team, but other teams in the league. If your team cannot play for any reason please contact us with 24 hours’ notice. There is nothing worse than letting people down, and we want to make sure every team is getting their value for money. We will work hard to get a friendly going or reschedule the game where possible. Remember, if you FORFIET a game you lose the game automatically with no points scored, and you get '0' Rec Points. The stakes are high. If you DEFAULT a game (I.e. don’t show up, or give us any notice), you will be forced to pay a $60 fine to your opposition *gasp*. A $60 invoice will be issued to your team Captain. It's tough, but only fair right?
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING AND WEAR?
You can choose to organise a team shirt. If you are doing this make sure you let you League Manager know the colour you are choosing as it's a first in best dressed policy. (literally). Urban Rec provides a team uniform shop for all our members. If your team are not planning on wearing uniforms, simply bring a black, and a white t-shit. Normal sports/active wear is perfectly fine. You can choose to wear normal runners or studs, but plastic only please. You will need a glove for yourself. All Urban Rec will supply any other equipment needed including bases, bats, and helmets. Don't forget water, a smile, and a good fun attitude.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS?
The fields are outdoors, and subject to Centennial Parklands policies for closure. Usually we can notify if games are going ahead by 4pm. We will send an email to the Team Captains, who need to notify team mates. You can also call us on 02 8052 4187 after 4pm to find out. We also generally update our Facebook, and Twitter feeds. In the event of a rain out, we will tack another week onto the end of the season to make up for it.