Batter up:

The Softball Batter Up Program was developed by Softball Australia to introduce young players to the fundamental skills of softball and ensure maximum participation and enjoyment. 

At HDSA, we run a modified Batter Up Program that prepares beginner softballs for non-competitive, fun tee-ball games. This program is aimed at boys and girls aged 4-6 years old with limited to no experience with tee-ball.

The program consists of 4 weeks of skill development where the players develop and strengthen their basic skills and understanding of tee-ball including throwing, catching and base-running. During these weeks, all club batter up teams are combined to promote camaraderie.

Modified tee-ball games, which are 1 hour in duration, begin in round 5 where the skills developed in the first 4 weeks are incorporated. 

Tee-Ball:

Tee-ball is a fun introduction to softball for girls and boys aged 6-10. The ball (softer and smaller than a normal softball) is hit off a waist high tee instead of being pitched. The diamond is smaller than a normal softball diamond.

The Hornsby Tee-ball competition is a non-competitive division with no points and no finals. It is designed for fun, participation and skill development. Players are to be under 11 as at 31 December in the year the competition commences.

A regulation Tee-ball game is one hour and will be played until the scheduled completion time of the match is reached. The batting team completes an innings when 3 outs are made or 5 runs have been scored, whichever occurs first. The Team shall consist of a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12 players to play in any week. All players shall play on offence/batting and defense/fielding (equally) in every game, however, only nine players are permitted on the field at any one time. It is the policy of the HDSA that ALL players that are available to play in the game are given even playing time each week on the diamond. We ask that you support this initiative and maintain happy players.

The ball is not pitched in tee-ball instead it is batted from a tee. 

Double safety bases (rectangular bases half-white and half-orange) will be used on all diamonds at first base. Safety bases are used to minimise the risk of interference or injury arising from a collision at first base. The fielder MUST always use the white base; the batter/runner MUST use the orange on the first attempt through first base if there is any likelihood of a play at first and then return to the white base.

Modball:

Players in the modball division must be under 13 at 31st December.

Why is it called modball? It is modified softball, how is it modified?

  • Game is only 1hr 15 min (softball 1hr 30min)
  • Diamond is shorter at 55ft (60ft)
  • Pitching distance is 30ft (40ft)
  • Innings changes after 5 runs scored or 3 out
  • In modball B innings change after 10 minutes of play each side
  • In modball B - tee hit after 3 balls pitched (walk to first on 4 balls)
  • Batter-runner and runners can only run 2 bases on tee hit
  • Infield fly rule does not apply (does apply)
  • Player can either catch and/or pitch only 2 consecutive innings at a time
  • Maximum pitching/catching is 2 innings in game 

Softball:

Players in softball play full softball rules.