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Rounders is a (both the " New York Game " and the now-defunct " Massachusetts Game ") as well as Softball evolved from rounders (''see Origins Of Baseball ''); the earliest literary mention of rounders calls the game "base-ball". Rounders is now played on all levels from school level to international (in and around England) The chief differences between rounders and baseball or softball are:

  • the rounders bat is much shorter than a baseball or softball bat, and is usually swung one-handed. It is mainly made from wood or aluminium.

  • the foul territory lies just outside the posts, known as the running track; if a fielder obstructs a batter as they run around the pitch half a rounder is awarded to the batting team.

  • misses/strikes aren't called, so there are no walks or strike-outs, but each ball is called before the batter enters the batting square. Each batter receives only one ball and must run whether they hit or not, unless the ball is a "no-ball".

  • posts (which should be wooden, preferably encased in plastic sheaths) stand in rubber bases. Posts should be topped with safety caps. (in some schools' playing areas the bases may be painted on the asphalt surface, but this is not recommended)

  • the circuit of posts has a different shape to that used in baseball– the final post in the circuit is not in the same place as the spot where the batsman stands

  • Although it is generally considered a school game, it is played at International level. Currently, teams from England, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland, and Canada compete against each other. However, recent International developments include the establishment of a Pakistan Rounders Association. Early in 2006, they held their first national competition. There are plans to develop the game in other Asian countries and it is understood that Zimbabwe also has a national body responsible for rounders. Anyone with further information about rounders in other countries is invited to inform the National Rounders Association in the UK. One may visit the National Rounders Association web page at http://www.nra-rounders.co.uk/


Irish rounders is an Irish version of the game which is very similar to softball, the chief difference being that the distance between bases is 90 ft (27.4 m), as in baseball, rather than 60 ft (18.3 m).


OVERVIEW


Equipment: The ball is hard with a cork centre and covered in white leather, smaller than a tennis ball (although a standard tennis ball or 'soft' rounders ball is often substituted in school games). Its circumference is about 7.5 inches (19 cm). The ball is struck with a bat, which may be no more than 18 in (460 mm) long, 6.75 in (170 mm) around, and 13 ounces (370g) in weight. Bats can be made from wood or aluminium.

Players: The team bowling fields nine players. One must be a bowler but the others may play where they wish, although one (the ''backstop'') plays behind the batting square to receive the ball from the bowler; one usually fields at first post; five play in deep fielding positions, and one may or may not play inner, between 3rd and 4th post closer in than the deep fielders.


RULES OF PLAY


The bowler bowls the ball with an underarm pendulum action to the batsman. It is a good ball if it passes within reach on the striking side between the batsman's knees and top of the head. Otherwise, it is called a "no-ball". The batsman must try to hit it. Regardless of whether he/she hits the ball, the batter must run on a good ball. If the ball is hit into the backward area the batsman may not pass first post until the ball is returned to the forward area.

If the ball is not within reach on the striking side or between the batsman's knees and top of the head the batsman may try to hit it and may run but is not required to. If the batter hits a no ball they may not be caught out or stumped at 1st post. Each batsman except the last in each inning is entitled to receive one good ball; the last batsman is entitled to receive three unless caught out. Two innings constitute a game. Each batting team's ''inning'' (''sic'') continues until nine outs are made or the numbered innings is over. Two umpires officiate.

A rounder is scored if:

  • fourth post is reached and touched before next ball is bowled following a hit

  • fourth post is reached on no ball


A half-rounder is scored if:

  • fourth post is reached and touched before next ball is bowled without hitting the ball

  • second post is reached and touched before next ball is bowled after hitting the ball (note: if the player hits the ball and stops at third post, half a rounder is awarded)

  • obstruction by a fielder/batter

  • two consecutive no balls to the same batter


A batsman is out if:

  • he puts a foot outside the front or back of the batting square before swinging at a good ball

  • a ball he hit is caught


A runner is out if:

  • he runs inside the posts

  • the post he is running to is stumped (touched with the ball by a fielder)

  • he is not in contact with a post (using his hand or stick) while the bowler is preparing to bowl

  • he is not in contact with a post and the next post is stumped

  • he overtakes another runner

  • he obstructs a fielder



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