Rules for Rounders.

This Page containes the Instructions and rules along with the setting up guidelines for playing the game of Rounders.

Setting up the pitch
Although these measurements are not critical and may be reduced slightly for younger players.  Ideally, the total playing area should be about 40 yards square, but a smaller area is often quite satisfactory if that is all that is available.  The rounders bat or stick is normally one standard size for all players and ideally each batsman should have his own stick.  However, when only one stick is available the batsman leaves it for the next batsman after hitting the ball.

The History of Rounders
As a sport, rounders must be considered modern since it has only recently gained “official” status with written rules and a National Association.  However, the origins of the game go back many years with historical associations and many similarities to such games as cricket, stoolball and, of course, baseball and softball.  Today it is becoming increasingly popular with schools, clubs and families as an ideal team sport for a variable number of mixed ability participants.

Rules for The Game
The official game of rounders is played between two teams of nine players each, but in casual games numbers can be easily adjusted to suit the number of players available.  However, it is advisable to have 3 or 4 outfielders and therefore, teams of 5 or 6 players are a suggested minimum.  Each team completes an innings in turn, a game consisting of an agreed number of innings.  Captains toss a coin up to decide which team bats first.  The fielding team consists of a bowler, backstop and 7 outfielders.  The objective of the batting team is for each batsman in turn to strike the ball to a part of the field where he will have time to run round the outside of the four posts in turn and so complete a “Rounder” and have another turn.  The team getting the greatest number of Rounders wins.  Each batsman receives only one “good” ball to attempt to strike and he must run even if he misses it.  A “good” ball must be bowled underarm and must reach the batsman below head level, above knee level, and within reach of the outstretched rounders stick.  A “no ball” may, however, be hit by the batsman if desired, this is advantageous since he cannot be caught out from a “no ball”.  Alternatively, he may, of course, ignore the “no ball” and wait for the bowler to bowl a “good” ball.  If the ball is hit into the area behind the batting line, he may only run to first post.  If a “Rounder” is completed by a batsman after actually missing the ball, only a “half-rounder” is counted.  A batsman is out (a) if a fielder catches the ball, or (b) if the fielder touches the post the batsman is running to with the ball before the batsman reaches it.  He is also out if he leaves a post before the subsequent batsman has started his run, as he must remain in contact with the post at all times when not actually running and cannot return to a post once he has left it.  If the batsman does not have time to complete a  “Rounder” before the ball is returned from the outfield, he may stop at posts 1, 2 or 3,  and then run on to complete the circuit when the next or subsequent batsman has started running.  In this event he waits in line to have another turn for his team, but does not count a “Rounder”.  When a batsman is out he does not, of course, have another turn and the innings, therefore, continues until all batsmen are out, with some players usually having several turns in an innings.  When the last batsman in a side is left, he will, of course, have to run complete “Rounders” in order to have another turn.

Playing Rounders
Whether you play Rounders seriously or as an enjoyable club or pastime, we hope your participation in the fast growing sport of rounders will be a successful and enjoyable one.