SLOWPITCH

 About

 Slow Pitch is fun, cool and most importantly, its a game for everyone. Whether you're young, old, male, female it dosen't matter. Slow Pitch is a Family/ Whanau sport and becoming   increasing more popular sport.

 Slow Pitch games are played during the same calendar year as Fast Pitch Softball, from October to March, MONDAY nights at 6pm. Carlton Reserve, Otumoetai.

 Slow Pitch Softball Rules are more modified compared to Fast Pitch Softball Rules. Teams Consist of up to 10 players. Teams must generally have even numbers of females and males.   Limited of 4 Senior Players (no more than 2 males) per team.

 This is a great competition for all who love playing softball and even for those whom thought they no longer could. If you have never played Softball before this is a great way to start   also. If you are intrested in entering a team or a player looking for a team please contact me [email protected]

 ABOUT SLOWPITCH

 Slowpitch softball protects that aspect of the game that everyone loves; hitting the ball. There is no uneven playing field; it is simply a team game with no one   position more important than another. A team does not gain an advantage by have a better, faster pitcher, and because the ball is pitched slowly to the batter,   there is more action, more hits, runs, throws and catches.

 At the entry level Slowpitch Softball is easier to play than Fastpitch Softball or Baseball, and is less intimidating for people of average athletic ability because anyone can hit the ball.   The result is that far more adults (and children) can be encouraged to take up Softball. Anybody can play.

 In addition, Slowpitch can be played longer than other formats: many successful players continue into their 50s and beyond. This can lead to a dramatic growth   in the overall number of people playing the sport, and can give entities that incorporate Slowpitch along with other formats a larger participation.

 The best and most athletic Slowpitch players (especially children) will often make the move to Fastpitch, thus enhancing the Fastpitch game as well.

 In short, slowpitch is an easy to learn, easy to play action sport for all ages and gender.

 For more information, resources contact Slowpitch NZ.

 WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL

 The rules of Slowpitch softball are essentially the same as Fastpitch softball, with some exceptions. The main differences are that the ball must be pitched slowly to the batter and   there is no bunting or stealing. There is one more player on each team and the playing field is larger. Click here if you would like more information. In detail, the differences are:

 Playing Field:

 Baselines: 19.8m (65ft)Pitching Distance: 15.2m (50ft)Outfield Fence 85m (275ft)

 The Ball

 30cms (12 inches) Leather - (same as for FP, COR of either .50 or .47 restricted flight)

 The Pitch

 The pitch must come in slowly with a perceptible arc of between 1.8 and 3.6 metres (6 and 12 feet) from the ground. The pitcher must start with and keep one foot on the plate until   the ball is released (refer Rule 6 SP for the full slowpitch pitching rules).

 Strike Zone

 Between the batter's back shoulder and knees, called at the plate, when the batter assumes their normal stance.

 Player numbers

 There are 10 players on defence (one additional outfielder).

 Stealing

 There is no base stealing or leading off. Runners must remain in contact with the base until the ball passes over home plate or is hit. A runner off a base when the ball is pitched is   "out" - no pitch is called.

 Bunting

 There is no bunting, or "chopping" down on the ball (batter is "out").

 Strike Three

 Third strike is always "out" and the ball is dead (eg a batter on a count of two strikes who then hits "foul" is out).

 Hit By Pitch

 A batter hit by a pitched ball may not take a walk to first base (ball is dead, "ball" is called).

 Intentional Walk

 Where a pitcher wishes to walk a batter, the pitches do not have to be thrown - batter goes directly to first base.

 Swing and Miss

 If the ball is not hit by the batter it automatically becomes dead.

 Illegal Pitch

 If a batter decides to swing at an illegal pitch (eg a pitch with excessive speed, or not enough arc), a "strike" is called, otherwise the call is a ball - no bases are awarded for an illegal   pitch.

 Look Back Rule

 There is no "look back" rule in slowpitch (returning the ball to the pitcher has no effect). Instead Umpire calls "time" when the ball is in the infield and no plays are apparent - ball is   dead.

 Additional Players

 Additional Players are allowed in the batting lineup and in some competitionssubstitutes may re-enter any number of times. Any 10 of the players in the lineup may play anywhere on   defence in each inning.

 Loose Pitch

 Unless swung at beforehand, any pitched ball hitting home plate, or hitting the ground before reaching home plate, is a "ball".

 Season

• Start Date: Coming soon
• Finals Date: Coming soon

 Registrations:

• Team Registrations (Coach/ Managers Only): via email to [email protected]
• Individual Player Registrations: Click here

 To register your team or for any general enquiries please contact Slow Pitch Co-Ordinator

 Fees:

• $300.00 per team

 Team fees instalment due -   2023/24 season dates coming soon.