Rounders

Rounders

            Rounders is a sport, which originated in Great Britain and Ireland. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland and the National Rounders Association (NRA) in Great Britain regulate the game. Both have different, although broadly similar game-play and culture. Competitions are held between teams from both traditions with games alternating between codes, often with one version being played in the morning and the other played in the afternoon.

            Game-play centres around innings where teams alternate at turns being batters and fielders. A maximum of 6 players are allowed to play in a fielding position at one point. Points (rounders) are scored by the batting team by completing a circuit around the field through four bases without being put out, for example by a ball they batted being caught or touching a tagged base.

            The equipment is simple; the ball must be 7.5 inches in circumference to a tennis ball. In school games a tennis ball or soft rounders ball is substituted. Bats are similar in shape to baseball bats and can be made from wood or aluminium and are shorter no more than18 inches in length and 6.76 inches in diameter with a weight limit of 370g. The four bases are marked with poles, which must be able to support themselves and stand at a minimum of 1m. The field of play is laid out in a diamond shape and a fifth marker is placed in line between home and second base indicating where the bowler stands.

            The fielding team must field a minimum of six players although the total number of players in a team is limited to fifteen. These need to include one bowler and one backstop. Other outfield players take positions at each of the bases or elsewhere on the field.

            Safe areas are where a better may not be sent out; only one batter at a time may occupy a base. A batter may run between bases when a batter receives a good ball to advance further around the circuit.

            A rounder is scored if a member of the batting team completes a circuit of the bases without being out. A fielder is out if a ball hit is caught and running to or touching a base has stumped a batter

            Simply Sports keep a regular supply of rounders balls and bats and also complete sets. These can be seen on our “Outdoor Games” pages. There is also a web site www.nra-rounders.co.uk