Scoring Softball 2

Scoring Softball
LEVEL TWO
Complete Scoring for Club and
Association Scorers
National Scoring Committee

Version 2.11.1
July 2021
Scoring Softball Level Two Course Requirements
Scoring Softball Level Two

Complete Scoring for Club and Association Scorers
This manual accompanies the Level Two Scorers Course. The total duration is approximately 6 hours.
Assessment: Candidates are required to score one regulation game with sufficient elements to
demonstrate the ability of the candidate.
Upon successful completion of the course, Level 2 Softball Scorers will be able to:
 Show broader knowledge of the scoresheet.
 Use colours to record plays.
 Apply their knowledge of the rules when officiating.
 Record special plays such as fielder’s choice, sacrifices and tie-break runners correctly.
 Record all changes consistently.
 Demonstrate consistent and impartial judgement in recording all actions of the game.
 Correctly record the time and situation of the game when a protest arises.
 Abide by relevant State Child Protection Legislation and/or relevant Sport Child Protection
Policies.
Additional scoring resources, including information on scoring courses and accreditation, can be
found on the Softball Australia web site (www.softball.org.au).
.
Version 2.11.1 July 2021 Page i

Scoring Softball Level Two Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................................................. ii
List of Amendments............................................................................................................................................................................. iv
Conventions .............................................................................................................................................................................................. v
1 Duties of a Club or Association Scorer ............................................................................................................................. 1
2 Use of Colours ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Green ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
2.2 Red ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
2.3 Blue .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 Black ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2.5 Combinations ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3 Symbols ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
3.1 Symbols showing how batters get on base ..........................................................................................................3
3.2 Symbols showing how batters and runners are out ........................................................................................3
4 Scoring Outs................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Line drive ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Infield fly ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 Leaving base early ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.4 Missed base ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.5 Illegal batting ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.6 Interference ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.7 Hit by the batted ball ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.8 Two symbols at one base ............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.9 Rundown plays................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5 Advancing Runners ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Stolen bases ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Wild pitch and passed ball .......................................................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Illegal pitch .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.4 Advancing on errors ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
5.5 Runners advancing on the batter............................................................................................................................ 10
5.6 Advance of a runner on a fly ball .............................................................................................................................11
6 Scoring Runs ...................................................................................................................................................................................11
6.1 Run scores .............................................................................................................................................................................11
6.2 Run does not score ..........................................................................................................................................................11
6.3 Number of bases credited to the batter after the winning run ............................................................... 12
Version 2.11.1 July 2021 Page ii

Scoring Softball Level Two Table of Contents
7 Symbols when Bases are Occupied................................................................................................................................... 12

7.1 Fielder's choice .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
7.2 Strikeout fielder's choice ............................................................................................................................................. 13
7.3 Double and triple plays ................................................................................................................................................ 13
8 Bunting and Slapping ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
9 Sacrifices .........................................................................................................................................................................................14
9.1 Sacrifice bunt......................................................................................................................................................................14
9.2 Sacrifice fly .........................................................................................................................................................................16
10 Line-up Irregularities .................................................................................................................................................................16
10.1 Batting out of order .......................................................................................................................................................16
11 Judgement ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
11.1 Ordinary effort..................................................................................................................................................................18
12 Changes ...........................................................................................................................................................................................18
12.1 Fielding changes ...............................................................................................................................................................18
12.2 Batting changes.................................................................................................................................................................19
12.3 Base running changes .....................................................................................................................................................19
12.4 Pitching changes ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
12.5 Re-entry ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
12.6 Replacement player rule (blood bin) ..................................................................................................................... 21
13 Designated Player ...................................................................................................................................................................... 22
13.1 Rules related to the Designated Player ............................................................................................................... 22
14 Tie-Breaker .................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
15 Protests ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
16 Timed Games and Incomplete Innings ........................................................................................................................... 25
16.1 Incomplete inning decision chart ........................................................................................................................... 26
16.2 Incomplete inning examples ..................................................................................................................................... 26
17 Practice Game ............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Version 2.11.1 July 2021 Page iii

Scoring Softball Level Two List of Amendments
List of Amendments
 Remove Table of Figures
 Removed all references to the calculation of statistics (Sect: 2.2, 9, 12.4 and 12.6)
 Updated all Rule references to 2018-21 Rule Book.
 Changed all page references to Section references.
 Updated Section references as required.
 Update figures as required to include hats ‘^’ above pitches where a play occurs from a
pitched (rather than a batted) ball. e.g: $, AS, PB, WP,2-6 etc
 Update figures to include lines linking connected plays. e.g: $ - WT2
 Section 2.1: Removed reference to earned runs.
 Section 2.2: Added comment to colour runners who reach on an error RED if they score.
 Section 3: Added comments regarding writing in the bottom of the box and how to score
over the fence and inside the park home runs.
 Section 3.2; Added ‘and the 8ft circle rule’ to LB* description in table of symbols.
 Section 3.2: Added comment ‘including running the bases in reverse’ to INT* description in
table of symbols.
 Section 5.1; & 5.3: Added Notes re; use of ‘^’ above the pitch when recording $, AS etc.
 Section 5.4; Additional example on advancing runners on errors.
 Section 5.5: Add comment regarding pitch counts and fielding stats on Figure 5-12.
 Removed Section 7.1 Unattached Fielder’s Choice
 Section 9: Included additional examples of Bunt plays.
 Added a new section (Sect. 10: Batting Irregularities) to include Batting Out of Order in Level
2. Removed from Level 3.
 Section 11; Added 2 additional bullet points.
 Section 12.3: Added examples for scoring the Temporary Runner (TR) and Designated Runner
(DR).
 Section 12.6; Rewrote entire section.
 Section 14; Added comment to colour the run RED if the Tie breaker runner scores.
 Included a new practice game with lineups, written play-by-play and completed scoresheets.
 Removed List of Contacts
Version 2.11.1 July 2021 Page iv

Scoring Softball Level Two Conventions
Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this manual:
 Various softball terms are shown in bold; for example, strikeout, wild pitch, fielder's choice.
 Scoring symbols also appear in bold, and possibly an appropriate colour; for example, 6–3, PO3,
K2, MF8.
 When used with a scoring symbol, an asterisk indicates the inclusion of a fielder’s position
number (F*, E*).
 A subscripted B indicates the inclusion of a batting position number (WPB).
Version 2.11.1 July 2021 Page v

Scoring Softball Level Two Duties of a Club or Association Scorer
1 Duties of a Club or Association Scorer

1) Is appointed by the governing body of that team, club or association.
2) The team scorer is concerned only with the requirements of their own team.
3) Should be familiar with the official rules of softball and umpiring signals (ball, strike, safe and
out).
4) Should be aware of local ground rules; for example, who picks up the match cards, and who
returns them. The local ground rules may also include: the length of game time for your grade;
catcher-runner rules; ability to play with fewer than nine players; and whether innings are
completed at time. These rules may change from competition to competition.
5) Before the scheduled starting time of the game (approximately 30 minutes), write up the team as
provided by the coach on the bench list and in the scorebook.
6) Exchange bench lists with the opposition team scorer and provide a copy to the Chief Umpire
and Official Scorer, within the time frame required by the competition rules.
7) When requested during the game, provide information to the team coach and/or the umpire;
"What is the count?", "How many out?", "Where did this batter hit last time?".
8) Advise the team coach of any irregularities which may benefit your team and will assist in
achieving an out, saving or gaining a base, or scoring a run (e.g. batting out of order). Do so in a
manner that enables your team to receive an advantage before the opposition detects such
action.
9) You are a part of the team and governed by the official rules of softball; e.g. no smoking and
fully enclosed shoes must be worn. You are also governed by the appropriate Child Protection
Legislation relevant to each State.
10) At the conclusion of the game, ensure you have the correct result and it is recorded on the
match card. This must be signed by the umpire(s).
11) The team scorebook is not normally made available to any person but the team coach. You
should check the wishes of the coach in this regard and abide by his/her decision.
12) The team scorer is on the bench with the team and cannot leave during the game unless
permission is obtained from the plate umpire.
13) If a game is suspended because of rain etc., record the time and the game situation (that is, the
count on the batter, who is on bases, the number of outs, etc.). Time means, in this case, the
amount of time the game has been in progress, not the actual time on your watch.
2 Use of Colours
When the scorer is familiar with and proficient in recording all normal plays, the use of colours can
assist in reading the scorebook and in the preparation of information for the coach.
2.1 Green
Green is used to record all safe hits including safe bunts, slap hits, and runs. (exception see Sect. 2.2)
Green is also used for the name and position of the Designated Player (DP). If the FLEX player enters
the batting line-up (for the DP), this is recorded in black.
2.2 Red
Red is used for all errors, runs scored by tie-break runners, batter-runners who reach 1st base on an
error, as well as notations made under the Replacement Player ("blood bin") rule. Errors include wild
Version 2.11.1, July 2021 Page 1

Scoring Softball Level Two Symbols
throws (WT*), muffed fly balls (MF*), muffed line drives (MLD*) and other fielding errors (E*). Some
battery misplays (KE2) are also errors.
If the catcher obstructs the batter who is then awarded first base, it is an error against the catcher and
is recorded as OBS2. Note that if the batter still hits safely, and no runners are put out before
advancing one base, then a safe hit is recorded and the catcher's obstruction call is cancelled. OBS2
is not counted as a time at bat.
Muffed foul flys are recorded in the pitch count with the fielder number in red (e.g. 9).
Figure 2—1 Figure 2—2

Batter reaches Batter is put out
first base after a after a muffed 1
8 8
muffed foul fly. 8 foul fly 4-3
9 9
..
2.3 Blue
Blue is used to record all plays relating to the pitched ball. These are base on balls (BB), hit by
pitched ball (HPB), intentional base on balls (IBB), wild pitch (WP), illegal pitch (IP), passed ball
(PB), and the various types of strikeout (K).
2.4 Black
Black is used for everything else, including recording balls, strikes and fouls, error free assisted and
unassisted plays, caught fly balls and foul fly balls, fielder’s choices, the routine advance of runners,
stolen bases and offensive interference. Other examples of using the colour black are the mitred
corners for double and triple plays (Sect. 7.3) and the large S to record a sacrifice (Sect. 9).
2.5 Combinations
Colours may be used in combination. Examples include an assist to an error (6–E3), a strikeout
dropped by the catcher (KE2), a dropped third strike played to the first baseman who errors (K2–E3),
and a bunt assist to an error (B1–E4).
3 Symbols
Each individual play has its own symbol and although there are many plays, practice will make them
quite familiar. In the main, the symbol is an abbreviation of the play. The following list of symbols are
those used by most scorers, and you are encouraged to adopt these. Some scorers may use different
symbols. However because it is the purpose of this course to encourage uniformity of practice,
alternates are not shown.
In all cases where a fielder is concerned in a play, the position number is placed immediately
following the symbol. Thus an error by the shortstop is E6, a wild throw by the second baseman is
WT4, a double to the centre fielder is =8, and so on. If the play has no fielder involved (examples are
LB or LFP) you use the position number of the fielder closest to the play.
Get into the habit of always writing in the bottom of the boxes. This will allow room to insert
additional symbols in the event of a pick off or left base early, etc (refer Sect. 4.3).

Scoring Softball Level Two Symbols
When recording home runs show the advance of the runner with a square for an over the fence
home run (see for example Figure 6—2). Use a circle for an inside the park home run.
In the symbol descriptions which follow, an asterisk (*) indicates the fielder's position.
3.1 Symbols showing how batters get on base

Symbol Play
* 1 base hit (single)
* 2 base hit (double)
* 3 base hit (triple)
* 4 base hit (home run)
B* a bunt base hit (a bunt that is not safe is recorded in black)
SL* a slap hit (a slap which is not safe is recorded in black)
E* an error (other than a dropped catch or a wild throw)
MF* a muffed fly (dropped catch)
MLD* a muffed line drive
WT* a wild throw
*–E* an error by the receiving player following an assist (for example, 6-E3)
KE2 reaches base on a dropped third strike (due to catcher error)
K2–E3 a dropped third strike thrown to the first baseman, who errors
OBS* awarded base on a fielder's obstruction
OBS2 awarded base on a catcher's obstruction
FC* reaches base because a fielder elects to play a preceding runner
KFC2 reaches base on a dropped third strike because the catcher elects to play a preceding
runner (often at third base)
BB awarded first base after four balls (a base on balls, or walk)
IBB awarded first base because of an intentional base on balls
HPB awarded first base when hit by the pitched ball
KWP reaches first base on a wild pitch swung at and missed for strike three
The symbol (C) for a called third strike should be used in conjunction with KE2, K2–3 and K2–E3
where necessary; that is, KCE2, KC2–3 and KC2–E3.
3.2 Symbols showing how batters and runners are out

Symbol Play
*–* an assisted putout (for example, 5-3 for a throw by the third baseman to the first
baseman)
B*–* an assisted putout following a bunt (for example, B5-4 for a throw by the third
baseman to the second baseman)
PO* an unassisted putout
F* a caught fly ball
FF* a caught fly ball in foul territory
LD* a caught line drive (a ball that is batted sharply and directly into the playing field)
IF* an out due to application of the infield fly rule
K2 a strikeout where the third strike is swung at (and held by the catcher)
KC a strikeout where the third strike is not swung at
K2–3 strike three dropped by the catcher who throws to the first baseman for the out
MB* missing a base

Scoring Softball Level Two Scoring Outs
Symbol Play
LB* leaving base early (before the pitch) and the 8ft circle rule
RXL* running more than 3 feet (0.91 metres) off the base path to avoid a tag
B3S bunting foul on strike three (award the out to the catcher)
HBB* being hit by the batted ball
BOO batting out of order (award the out to the catcher)
BOB batting out of the batting box (award the out to the catcher)
BB2 batting the ball twice (award the out to the catcher)
BXB changing batting boxes illegally (award the out to the catcher)
INT* interference by a member of the offence, including running the bases in reverse
LH* losing a helmet which interferes with a live ball play
PPR* passing a preceding runner
LFP* leaving the field of play
4 Scoring Outs
This section contains additional out situations following on from those already covered in the Level
One Scoring Course.
4.1 Line drive

A line drive is a ball that is batted sharply and directly into the Figure 4—1
Line drives.
playing field. 1
1
LD6
If a line drive is caught the batter is out and the play is recorded as
LD* to distinguish it from other types of catch. If the ball is
dropped (and should have been caught with ordinary effort), then
this becomes a muffed line drive, recorded as MLD*. 2
MLD6
X.
4.2 Infield fly

With less than two out and runners on first and second (including Figure 4—2
Recording an 2
loaded bases), if the batter hits a fair fly ball which can be caught by
infield fly.
an infielder with ordinary effort, then the batter is called out 1
8
whether the ball is caught or dropped. This is called an infield fly,
symbol IF* (Figure 4—2).
The out is awarded to the fielder taking the catch, or to the closest 2
6
fielder if the ball is not caught.
1
3
IF4

4.3 Leaving base early

A runner (for example, who is attempting to steal) leaving base before Figure 4—3
Leaving base
the pitch is released should be called out. The putout is credited to early. 1
1 LB3
the nearest fielder, e.g. LB3. The ball is dead, and there is no pitch. No 7
count is recorded on the batter.
This symbol should also be used if a base runner is called out on the 8ft (2.4m) circle rule.
4.4 Missed base

A runner who fails to touch a base may be given out on appeal. The out Figure 4—4
MB5
is recorded using the symbol MB and credited to the fielder closest to Missing a base. 1
1
the missed base. (If the appeal is made by throwing to the missed base, 9
give the out to the fielder receiving the ball.) No assist is given. In the 9
example, we have the successful appeal on a batter-runner who has
failed to touch third base after hitting what would have been a home
run and therefore is only credited with bases legally made.
4.5 Illegal batting

For each of the following types of out, credit the catcher with the putout.
1) Batting out of the box — This occurs when the batter hits the ball (fair or foul) with one or
both feet entirely on the ground outside the batting box, or touching home plate. Record the
out using the symbol BOB.
2) Bunting foul with two strikes — If a batter bunts foul with a count of two strikes on them, they
are given out. Record the out using the symbol B3S.
3) Batting out of order — this occurs when a team fails to bat in the order indicated on the
official lineup. On a successful appeal for batting out of order, the player who should have
batted will be given out, shown as BOO. Batting out of order is discussed in more detail in
Section 10.
4.6 Interference
If an offensive player interferes with a fielder who is in the act of making a play then that player may
be given out, with the putout credited to the fielder who was interfered with. Here are some
common examples of interference.
Figure 4—5
1) The batter deliberately interferes with the catcher's Interference by a
batter or batter- 1
attempt to prevent a runner from stealing and is given out runner. 7
(INT2), with the ball called dead and the runner returning to
the base previously occupied (Figure 4—5, batter 2).
2) In running to first, the batter-runner runs inside the 1
2
diamond, rather than within the lane provided, and INT2
interferes with the catcher's throw to the first baseman. The
batter-runner will be called out, with an assist credited to
the catcher (INT2-3) (Figure 4—5, batter 3). 2
3 INT
3) The batter-runner is also out if they step back towards 2-3
home plate to avoid a tag. Assuming that it was the first
baseman who was attempting to tag them, this would be
recorded as INT3 (Figure 4—5, batter 4). 3
4
INT3

4) In running to second, the base runner interferes with the Figure 4—6 INT4
second baseman's attempt to field the ball and is given out. Interference by
1
Enter INT4 on the base runner, and FC4 on the batter (Figure a base runner. 1
BB
4—6). .C..
Note: Use INT where a runner is called out for running the bases in reverse.
2
FC4
XX
4.7 Hit by the batted ball

Being hit by the batted ball is a form of interference committed by an offensive player, since it
interferes with the fielder’s ability to make a play. If a batter is hit by their own fair batted ball after
leaving the batting box and is called out, record this as HBB*, with the putout credited to the nearest
fielder (for example, HBB2).
When another base runner is called out for being hit by the batted ball, record the out as shown
above under interference; that is, use INT* for the base runner and FC* for the batter, and use the
number of the fielder closest to the point where the runner was hit.
4.8 Two symbols at one base

An offensive player, having reached base safely, may be put out at Figure 4—7
that base on a subsequent play. The symbols used to record this Two symbols at
one base. 1
1 2-3
need to be placed in the same section of the score box to indicate
7
the correct base where the out took place.
In the example shown, the batter reached first base on a safe hit, and was subsequently picked off by
the catcher throwing to the first baseman.
4.9 Rundown plays

A rundown play occurs when an unforced base runner begins to advance, sees a tag ahead and turns
back, and is eventually tagged out by the fielders throwing the ball back and forth. Several players
may handle the ball, and some more than once during the same play. The fielder who eventually
makes the tag is credited with the putout. All other fielders who handle the ball are given a single
assist, even if they handle the ball more than once.
 A typical rundown play on a base runner caught between third and home might be 1–2–5–3.
 While a player can only have one assist, they may be credited with both an assist and a putout
— for example, 1–2–5–1.
 If the ball is dropped or thrown wildly, then the final putout will be replaced with an error — for
example, 1–2–5–E3, or 1–2–WT5.
 If the base runner manages to slide under the tag and reaches base safely without the aid of an
error, no assists are recorded — the rundown play is only recorded if it should have or does
result in an out. Any advance would be recorded as a steal or an advance on the throw.

Scoring Softball Level Two Advancing Runners
5 Advancing Runners
5.1 Stolen bases
A stolen base is credited to a runner who advances one base unaided by a hit, a putout, an error, a
fielder's choice, a passed ball, a wild pitch, or an illegal pitch. Stolen bases are recorded using $B. The
subscript (B) should be replaced with the number of the current batter.
The following examples cover the various factors to be considered when scoring and recording stolen
bases.
1) Figure 5—1: The runner leaves first base on the pitch, reaches Figure 5—1
Recording a $2
second base safely, with the fielding team attempting to make stolen base. 1
the out. The runner is credited with a stolen base ($2). 8
2) Figure 5—2: The runner advances to second Figure 5—2 .XC
Recording an AS3
with the defence making no attempt to prevent
allowed steal. 2
the advance. No stolen base is credited in this 8
2
case, and the advance is recorded as an .XC
allowed steal (AS3). This situation often arises ^
.X
when there are runners occupying first and

3
third bases.
Note: Indicate the pitch the stolen base or allowed steal ^
.2.
occurred by inserting a’^’ above the pitch in count box.
3) Figure 5—3: A base runner is put out attempting to advance to Figure 5—3 2-6
the next base. The base runner is out caught stealing. with Recording a
1
runner caught 1
assists and putouts credited to the fielders involved (2–6). stealing. 8
Note: Indicate the pitch the out occurred by inserting a ‘^’ .XC
above the pitch in the count box.
4) Figure 5—4: If the throw from the catcher arrives in time to Figure 5—4
2-E6
make the out, but the receiving fielder drops the ball or Error committed on
a runner stealing. 1
misses the tag that should have been made, do not credit 8
the base runner with a stolen base, but record an assist and .XC
error (2–E6).
Note: Indicate the pitch the play occurred by inserting a ‘^’
5) Figure 5—5: If the catcher's throw is inaccurate or wild, credit Figure 5—5
Stolen base plus WT2 $2
the base runner with a stolen base. Only charge the catcher throwing error. 1
with an error if the runner advances an additional base due 8
to the wild throw. (Figure 5-5) .XC
Note: Indicate the pitch the play occurred by inserting a ‘^’
If a runner attempting to steal a base, slides in, loses contact with the base and is subsequently tagged
out, the runner is not considered to have made the base.
Whenever good base running or a good slide results in the tag being missed and no other error is
made, the runner should be credited with a stolen base.

5.2 Wild pitch and passed ball

A wild pitch is any legally pitched ball which is so high, so low, or so wide of home plate that the
catcher cannot, or does not, control the ball with ordinary effort, thus allowing a runner to advance.
A passed ball is a legally pitched ball that should have been held or controlled by the catcher with
ordinary effort. When the catcher fails to control such a pitch and one or more base runners advance
as a result, a passed ball is recorded.
Note: Indicate the pitch the WP or PB occurred by inserting a ‘^’ above the pitch in the count box.
 Figure 5—6: If a batter attempts to hit a wild pitch, a strike will Figure 5—6
be called. If this occurs and it is the third strike, the batter is Wild pitch on
strike three. 5
entitled to advance to first base (or further) with liability to be KWP
put out. A successful advance to first base is recorded as KWP, XC
not KE2, as the latter would penalise the catcher who was not
responsible.
 Figure 5—7: Base runners advancing on wild Figure 5—7 WP7 6 PB3 2
pitches and passed balls do so with the Base runners
batter's number, shown as a subscript to the advancing on wild 5
9
1
MF6
pitches and
symbol. The WP or PB should always be passed balls.
credited to the lead runner. Show the
WP7 PB3
advance of any other runners with the same
6 2
symbol in black, as shown. (In the case of a 8 7
KWP, the advance of any other runners will
also be shown black.)
7 3
^ ^
. .X.
5.3 Illegal pitch

If an illegal pitch is called, any base runners advance one base and a Figure 5—8
Base runners IP3 WT6
ball is credited to the batter. However, if the illegal pitch is hit, and the
advancing on 1
batter and all base runners advance at least one base safely, the illegal an illegal pitch. 7
pitch is nullified and the play stands.
Unless it occurs on ball four, the illegal pitch is shown in the pitch IP3
count as (I) in blue, so that it is easy to count in the pitcher's statistics. 2
WT6
Use the IP symbol to show the advance of base runners.
As with WPB and PBB, score IPB on the lead runner, and show the
advance of any other runners in black, with the batter number in
3
subscript. This identification assists when reconstructing the play to
determine earned and unearned runs (introduced in level 3). ^
CI
Note: Indicate the pitch the play occurred by inserting a’^’ above the pitch in the count box.

5.4 Advancing on errors

A error occurs when a batter reaches base safely, or runners are advanced, because a fielder was
unable to successfully complete a play using ordinary effort (see Section 11.1).
For example, if a fielder throws the ball wildly such that the receiving player cannot reach or control
it with ordinary effort, and the batter-runner reaches base, or one or more runners advance as a result,
an error is recorded against that fielder.
 Figure 5—9: In the case of a fielding error, (i.e: a fumble) where no play Figure 5—9 E4 5
Fielding Error
is made, score E* on the batter-runner, and use a black E* for the base made on the 4
8
runners who advance because of the error. batter and
runners
advance.
E4
5
7
6
E4
 Figure 5—10: In the case of a throwing error where a play is made on Figure 5—10
6 5
Throwing Error
the batter-runner, score WT* on the batter-runner. Advance the base made on the 4
runners on the batter number, unless there are 2 out, then use a black batter with less 8
than two out.
WT* for the base runners who advance because of the error.
6
5
7
6
WT4
 Figure 5-11: If the throwing error is on a lead runner, score WT* on Figure 5—11
Throwing Error WT4
the base runner where the play is made, and score a fielder's choice made on a base 4
FC* (see: Section. 7.1) for the batter. If there are additional runners runner. 6
on base, and they advance because of the error, show the advance
as WT* in black.
5
FC4

5.5 Runners advancing on the batter TOP

BOTTOM
AUSTRALIA V CANADA AT OKLAHOMA
In this example, batter 1 Stacey Porter is put out at A 5 6 6 6

BATTING LINEUP PO 3 5 3 3 2 3
first base, batter 2 Leigh Godfrey flies out to third E
P U B
base and batter 3 Brenda de Blaes is also put out at O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2
S I T
first.
5 PORTER Stacey 16
1
In the second inning, the lead-off is batter 4 Jodie 1
5-3
Stevenson who doubles to left field. Batter 5 Jodie .X.
Bowering is put out at first with Jodie Stevenson 9 GODFREY Leigh 17

2
2
advancing to third. This is shown with the batter F5
number (5) in the third base scoring box. C.C
4 DE BLAES Brenda 15
3
Batter 6 Verity Long-Droppert doubles to right field, 3
6-3
scoring Jodie Stevenson. This is shown with the CC2.
batter number (6) in the home plate scoring box. 2 STEVENSON Jodie 34 5
4
6 7
Batter 7 Clare Warwick strikes out swinging, leaving
Verity Long-Droppert at second. Batter 8 Belinda 3 BOWERING Jodie 27
White singles to left field, scoring Verity Long- 5

1
6-3
Droppert, shown with an (8) in the third base scoring 9
box and extended with an arc into the home plate 8 LONG-DROPPERT Verity 29 8
box. 6
9
..2
Should a batter reach first base on an obvious single 6 WARWICK Clare 2
and then advance to second (or further) whilst the 7
2
K2
fielder is throwing to another base, use a black line .CX
to move the batter around. Refer to Batter 8 Belinda DP WHITE Belinda 22
White in the example. This is scored as a single & 8

7
advance to 2nd base on the throw.

7 WEAVER Melinda 20
Batter 9 Melinda Weaver is put out at first base for 9
3
6-3
the third out of the innings, leaving Belinda White CC2.
on second. 1 SMETHURST Justine 11 F

L 0 2
E
Fielding numbers are accompanied by a play symbol. X
0 2
So, when a box has a number only it must therefore 8 4 1 10 4 3
18 8 4
be a batting number. Hence reading the boxes with
only a number we can see that a runner was S B F S B F
advanced by a subsequent batter and which batter Figure 5-12 Runners advancing on the batter.
that was.
Note: The recording of the PO, A and E as shown at the top, and the pitch counts at the bottom of
Figure 5-12 are not required/assessed at Level 2.

Scoring Softball Level Two Scoring Runs
5.6 Advance of a runner on a fly ball

With less than two out, a runner will usually hold their base when a Figure 5—13 MF9
fly ball is hit and can then advance as soon as the ball is touched. Advancing on
caught and 1
3 7
muffed fly balls.
 If the catch is taken and the runner advances, credit the batter
.2
with an advance, and a sacrifice if the runner scores (batter 2
3
advancing on batter 4).
 If the ball is dropped, score the error MF*. If the runner 2
4 MF9
advances and in your opinion would have advanced if the 9
catch had been taken, then credit the advance to the batter. (If 4
the runner scores, this will typically be a sacrifice fly, see page
3
16). Otherwise, put black MF* in the runner's box (batter 1 MF6 7
S
advancing on muffed fly on batter 2, and batter 3 advancing on
muffed fly on batter 5).
Note: Batter 2 is not recorded as a two base error as the 4
1
F9
fielder was preventing batter 1 from scoring.
 If there are two down when the fly ball is hit, runners should 9
be running before the ball is touched. If caught, nothing is

scored on the runners (end of inning), but if dropped, score as 5
MF6
MF* to batter and black MF* to the runners.
6 Scoring Runs
6.1 Run scores
One run is scored each time a runner legally touches all bases and home plate before the third out of
an inning.
6.2 Run does not score

A run is not scored if the third out of an inning is:
1) the batter-runner being put out before legally touching first base;
2) a runner being forced out (including on an appeal play);
3) a runner leaving base before a pitch is released;
4) a preceding runner being declared out.
A run can score if the third out of an innings is not a force out, and the run scores before the non
force third out occurs; that is, depending on the timing of the run and the out. In such situations, the
plate umpire will normally confirm whether the run has scored or not. If you have any question as to
whether a run scores at the end of an inning, check with the umpire and they should advise you.

Scoring Softball Level Two Symbols when Bases are Occupied
6.3 Number of bases credited to the batter after the winning run
Once the winning run has been scored (including the game ending Figure 6—1
Winning run PB7
under the run ahead rule) the batter is only credited with the scores, batter 6
number of bases necessary to score the winning run. In the example credited with a 7 7
(Figure 6—1), even though the batter may have appeared to gain single.
extra bases, only a single is credited, because the winning run

started from third base.
7
7
Exception: On an over the fence home run (Figure 6—2), Figure 6—2
Winning run 9 .
the batter is credited with the home run, and all the runs
scored on a 8
count towards the final score. 8
E
home run.
M
A
G
8
9
9
7 Symbols when Bases are Occupied

7.1 Fielder's choice
The fielder's choice symbol (FC) should only be used when a fielder (including outfielders) justifiably
chooses to play a preceding runner rather than play the batter-runner at first base; that is, in your
judgement the fielder had a realistic opportunity to make the out on the runner.
A fielder's choice counts as a time on base for the batter except when the play results in the third out.
 Figure 7—1: With a runner on first, the batter hits to the Figure 7—1
6-4
Recording a
shortstop thus setting up a force play. Shortstop throws to the fielder's choice. 1
1
second baseman who retires the runner (either by playing the 7
base or with a tag). This out is recorded in the normal manner in
the second base box (6–4), and FC6 on the batter. Never score
a safe hit on the batter as the runner is put out. If there was no 2
runner on base, the defence would have been able to make a FC6
play on the batter instead.
 Figure 7—2: If an out is not made because of an

error in throwing or fielding the ball, it is Figure 7—2
6-E4 WT6
Fielder's choice
recorded as such; for example, WT6 or 6–E4 on with an error 1 1
made on the 7 9
the runner, and FC6 on the batter.
base runner.
The fielder chose to play the lead runner and

therefore FC followed by the fielder's number is 2 2
FC6 FC6
placed in the first base box. This shows how the
batter reached first. The actual play is recorded
on the lead runner to show how the runner was
put out or advanced.

Scoring Softball Level Two Bunting and Slapping
7.2 Strikeout fielder's choice

There are occasions when the catcher decides, on a dropped third Figure 7—3
2-5
Fielder's choice
strike, to make a play on a preceding base runner, allowing the 1
after a dropped 3
batter-runner to reach first base safely. This is scored as KFC2. third strike. 7
4 KFC
2
C..2
7.3 Double and triple plays

The normal symbols as appropriate are used to record both the outs that constitute
a double play.
Figure 7—4
6-4
Recording a
 Figure 7—4: With a runner on first, the ball is hit to shortstop, who double play. 1
1
throws to second for the force out. The second baseman then 7
relays the ball to the first baseman who touches the base before
the batter-runner to complete the second out. This is noted as a
double play on the scorebook with the use of mitres in the corner 2
2
of the two boxes concerned. 4-3
 Figure 7—5: The two players out do Figure 7—5

E4
Double play
not necessarily need to be with non- 3
2
consecutive in the batting lineup, as consecutive 3-2 8 Figure 7—6
batters. Recording a 3
shown. 3
triple play.
 Figure 7—6: Triple plays are 2
3-2 9
uncommon but can occur and are 3
1
scored in a similar manner. For FF7
example, with runners on first and 2

3 PO3
third, the batter hits a line drive to 7
the first baseman, who quickly tags 4
E4
the runner who had led off, then
throws to the catcher, who tags the 1
4
runner from third sliding into home. LD3
2
5
6-3
8 Bunting and Slapping

There are styles of hitting used during the game to advance a runner, or to attempt to get on base. A
bunt is defined as a batted ball not swung at but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly
within the playing field. (RULE 5.1.8) A slap hit is defined as a batted ball other than a bunt that has
been struck with a controlled short, chopping motion rather than a full swing. (RULE 5.1.38)
 Figure 8—1: If the batter bunts or slap hits fair and reaches first base Figure 8—1
safely, provided no error was made, it is recorded as a bunt or slap Bunt safe hit.
safe hit, B* and SL*. B1

Scoring Softball Level Two Sacrifices
 Figure 8—2: If the batter was put out, add B or SL before the normal Figure 8—2
Bunt ground
play symbol. e.g: B*, B*–*, BF*, SL*–*. out. 1
B3-4
Figure 8—3
 Figure 8—3: If an error is made, score as BE*, SLE*, B*–E*, or SL*–E*. Bunt safe due to
fielding error. B1-
E4
 Figure 8—4: If the fielder elects to take out the lead runner, record as Figure 8—4
3-6
Bunt
BFC* or SLFC* on the batter with the play on the runner. 1
fielder's
choice. BB
...
BFC
3
9 Sacrifices
There are two types of sacrifice, a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly.
A bunt safe hit as discussed in the previous section is not a sacrifice. To award a sacrifice, there must
be less than two out, a runner must be advanced, and it must be a bunt, not a miss hit or a slap.
No sacrifice is awarded if the bunt leads to a runner being put out, even if one or more runners
advance.
9.1 Sacrifice bunt

 Figure 9—1: A batter may be called upon to sacrifice a turn at bat Figure 9—1
Standard 2
for the sake of the team. If a batter bunts the ball to make the
sacrifice bunt. 1
fielders move into position where an out can be made but they 8
cannot prevent the advance of at least one runner, then the
S
batter is credited with a sacrifice. This is indicated using a large S
superimposed over the usual details as shown. If in the scorer’s 2
2
judgement the batter has successfully and fully completed the B1-4
task set by the coach then the sacrifice should be given.
 Figure 9—2: If a batter bunts as above, advances Figure 9—2 2 WT2 2

the runner but reaches first base safely because of Sacrifice bunt
with an error 1 1
a fielding error made while attempting to put the made on the
8 8
S S
batter out, the batter is still credited with a batter.
sacrifice. Note that the runners being advanced
may also reach additional bases because of the 2 B1- 2 BWT
error. E4 2

Scoring Softball Level Two Sacrifices
 Figure 9—3: Batter two bunts, the fielder chooses to play the Figure 9—3 2
lead runner who advances safely with skilful sliding, and Bunt fielder's
choice sacrifice. 1
without the benefit of any fielding error. The batter reaches 8
S
first base safely. The batter is credited with the sacrifice on the
fielder's choice.
2 BFC
3
 Figure 9—4: The batter bunts and makes first base safely without Figure 9—4
Bunt safe hit. 2
the benefit of any fielding error. Record this as a bunt safe hit in
green not a sacrifice. 1
8
2
B5
 Figure 9—5: With two runners on, the batter bunts. The fielder Figure 9—5 2 $2
holds the runner at third, and then throws to first in time for Sacrifice bunt with
one of two runners 1
the out, as the runner from first advances to second. Since a BB
advancing.
runner was advanced, credit the batter with a sacrifice. ...
3
2
8
S
^
.
1
3
B5-4
Figure 9—6
 Figure 9—6: The batter bunts, the fielding team elect to play a Bunt fielder's 3 2
base runner (not the batter runner) who is put out. As a base choice with 1
runner has been put out, it is not a sacrifice. This is despite the runner put out. BB
fact that another runner was able to advance. ...
5-4
 Figure 9—7: The batter bunts, the fielding team Figure 9—7 2
1
Bunt fielder's 3 2 8
elect to play a base runner (not the batter
choice with error. .
runner) but fail to make the out because of an 1
BB
error. As a base runner would have been put ...
out in normal play (excluding the error), it is 3
BFC5
WT5
not a sacrifice. Once again, this is despite the
2
fact that another runner was able to advance 8
(from second to third). .
3
BFC5

Scoring Softball Level Two Line-up Irregularities
9.2 Sacrifice fly

A sacrifice is also allowed for a fly ball that
scores a run but is not given if it only advances a
runner, say from second to third. As with a 1 1 1
2 8 2 8 4 8
sacrifice bunt, there must be less than two out.
If the fly is muffed it is still a sacrifice if, in your
opinion, the run would have scored had the fly
been taken.
2 S 1
F9
2 S MF9
2
4 3
BB
...
A sacrifice fly can’t be given on a muffed fly
4
where the base runner scores from 2nd base. Figure 9—8
Sacrifice fly 3
BB
examples.
S
...
1
4
F8
10 Line-up Irregularities
10.1 Batting out of order
Batting out of order occurs when a team fails to bat in the order shown on the official line-up. This
is an appeal play that can only be made by a member of the defensive team. The umpire can’t make a
decision until an appeal is made. On a successful appeal, the player who should have batted will be
given out. Record this using the symbol BOO and credit the catcher with the putout.
The scorer is in the best position to assist the coaching staff in making an appeal at the correct time,
to gain the maximum advantage for their team. Normally, this will be after the at bat is complete, and
before a pitch is thrown to the next batter.
1) If the appeal is made when the incorrect batter is at bat — The correct batter may take their
place in the box, assuming any balls and strikes which have already been recorded. Any runs
scored or bases advanced while the incorrect batter was at bat shall be legal. No-one is called
out.
2) If the appeal is made after the incorrect batter completes their turn at bat and before a
pitch (legal or illegal) is thrown to the next batter.
i) The player who should have batted is called out. Figure 10—1 $5
Batting out of 5
ii) Any advances or runs scored because of the incorrect batter's
order. 3
advance to first base are nullified. Any outs that have been made 7
stand. .X
iii) The next batter is the batter whose name follows that of the batter called out for
failing to bat. If the next batter was the incorrect batter, and they were given out, go 1
4
to the person after them in the line-up. BOO
In the example, Batter 3 hits safely to left field, then Batter 5 comes to bat and
hits the first pitch safely to centre, advancing Runner 3 to second base. A
successful appeal is now made, so Batter 4 is given out. Runner 3 must return to
5 BB
first base and Batter 5 comes to bat again. Runner 3 steals second on the next 8
^
..CX.

Scoring Softball Level Two Judgement
pitch, and Batter 5 eventually gets a base on balls. Note that the nullified plays remain in the
scorebook, but a line is drawn through them and the revised result written above.
iv) If the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third out, the correct batter in the
next innings is the batter who would have come to bat had the players been put out by ordinary play.
v) If the third out is made on a runner prior to the discovery of the infraction, an appeal may still be
made to re-instate the correct batting order. This appeal does not result in an additional out.
3) If the appeal is made after the first pitch (legal or illegal) to the Figure 10—2 5
next batter. Batting out of
order not 3
i) The turn at bat of the incorrect batter is now legal. 7
appealed in time.
ii) All runs scored and bases advanced are legal. .X
iii) The next batter shall be the batter who is listed in the order MISSED
following the incorrect batter. 4
iv) No player is called out for batting out of order or failing to bat. BAT
v) Batters who have not batted have lost their turn at bat until
reached again in the newly-established batting.
As an example, consider the above play, but with no appeal made until 5
8
after the first pitch to Batter 6. All plays stand, no-one is out, Batter 4
..CX.
misses their turn at bat and Batter 6 continues to bat.
X.
11 Judgement
Judgement is the opinion of the scorer as to the potential result of a play and the success or
otherwise of the players in making that play. Variations in judgement will occur between scorers
because of the angle of view on the play, but this variation will generally be minimal.
Scorer's judgement is used in all aspects of the game. However, the main areas of concern are in
determining whether:
 the batted ball was an error or safe hit.
 the thrown ball was accurate or wild.
 the pitched ball escaping the catcher was a wild pitch or passed ball.
 the difference between a steal and an allowed steal.
 sacrifice or no sacrifice.
 double v single + advance on the throw.
 double v single + error
Concern arises on those plays where there is no clear distinction, and it is not obvious how the play
should be recorded. It is not possible to provide hard and fast rules, only guidelines. Above all else,
the scorer should not make a decision which conflicts with the decision of the umpire, or the Official
Rules of Softball.

Scoring Softball Level Two Changes
11.1 Ordinary effort

In fielding a batted ball, a fielder is expected to display ordinary effort. This concept is discussed
further in this section. The level of play has a considerable impact in determining ordinary effort.
A hard hit line drive, which the fielder reaches for, touches, but fails to trap, would be scored as a safe
hit. Third base and the pitcher are most likely to be recipients of hits where the ball is gone before
any attempt is made to field the ball (often referred to as “too hot to handle”). The result is that
neither the batter nor the fielder is penalised by the power on the hit.
If a fielder makes an extraordinary effort to run for a pop-up fly ("Texas Leaguer"), the ball touches
the glove but then drops to the ground, this again would be scored as a safe hit.
When a high fly is hit, and three fielders converge, then stop, each thinking the other is taking it while
the ball drops to the ground, this could be either a hit or an error according to the situation, level of
play, weather conditions, glove side, etc.
There are occasions when ill-judged extraordinary effort will warrant a penalty; for example, if in
diving for a ball the third baseman deflects it away from the shortstop, who had a routine play on it,
an error would be scored against the fielder (the third baseman) who prevented the out. It is your
judgement that determines if the shortstop in fact had a play, or if it was extraordinary effort by the
third baseman to touch a ball destined for left field. Generally, however, mere poor judgement by a
fielder is not recorded as an error.
In some cases, even though the fielder touched the ball or fumbled it, an error is not recorded
because with perfect fielding the out would not have been made. A safe hit is recorded instead; for
example, on a slow roller surprise bunt where the batter-runner was always going to beat the throw
to first, irrespective of any fumble.
12 Changes
Changes can be made at any time during the game. Use top (T) or bottom (B) and the batter number
to record when they occurred in the game. For example, T5/2 means the change occurred at the top
of the fifth inning, batter 2. Also note the importance of change lines to allow you to correctly record
the player’s participation.
12.1 Fielding changes

First base player Sally McCreedy is replaced in the bottom of the fourth innings by Danica Howlett.
Show the number of the innings and the number of the opposition batter (in this case 2) when the
change was made. A horizontal black line on the opposition’s page is drawn to show where fielding
change commenced as shown in the example.
Note: The vertical change lines shown at the top of Figures 12-1 and 12-5 are not required/assessed as
part of Level 2.

Opposition Page
TOP TOP
BOTTOM
AUSTRALIA V JAPAN AT FENGTAI PARK BOTTOM
A 5 6 6 6 6 5 5
BATTING LINEUP PO 3 5 3 3 2 3 2 9 8 3 6 4 3
E
P U B
O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2 3 4 5 4
S I T
3 McCREEDY Sally 16
1
3 HOWLETT Danica B4/2 2 1
5-3 7
.X.
DP WILKINS Brooke 29
2 1 1
2
F5 K2 5-3
C.C C.C.. C..C
2 TITCUME Natalie 15
3 2
3
6-3 F9
CC2. .
Figure 12—1 Recording a fielding change.
12.2 Batting changes

When a substitution is made it is to be recorded in the scorebook along with the point in the game
when it happened. For example, at the top of fifth inning, Danica Howlett replaces Sally McCreedy
(T5/1). You also draw (in black) a vertical line in the inning to show when the substitute enters the
batting line up.
In the example, Sally McCreedy re-enters in the bottom of the fifth, recorded as RE B5/4. Danica
Howlett is shown as a pinch hitter (PH), then crossed out and another vertical line shows where she
left the game and McCreedy re-entered.
TOP
BOTTOM
AUSTRALIA V JAPAN AT FENGTAI PARK
A 5 4
BATTING LINEUP PO 3 3
E
P U B
O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2 3 4 5 6
S I T
3 McCREEDY Sally RE B5/4 16

1 1
PH HOWLETT Danica T5/1 2 1
5-3 4-3 7
.X. X
Figure 12—2 Recording a batting change.
12.3 Base running changes

Pinch runner (PR) - can come on only once in the game to run for a player already on base; that is, a
normal substitution.
In Figure 11-3. a pinch runner, Danielle Stewart, comes in to run for Sally McCreedy in the third inning.
Use a hooked black line to show the pinch runner coming in at first base. Then Sally McCreedy is re-
entered in the bottom of the third (RE B3/5).
Note: Do NOT insert a vertical change line to indicate the re-entry point.

P U B
O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2 3 4
S I T
3 McCREEDY Sally RE B3/5 16

1
PR STEWART Danielle T3/2 2 1
5-3 7
.X. X
Figure 12—3 Recording a pinch runner.
Temporary runner (TR) — RULE 3.2.7 discusses the use of a temporary runner for the catcher with
two out, in order to speed up the changeover of innings. The TR is optional, but if used, should be the
player in the batting line-up due to bat last at the time of the change.
In addition, current Australian Championship Rules (APPENDIX 7 17.3) mandate the use of a TR, and
allow that to be any eligible player on the line-up card, including bench players. Check local
competition rules for any variations to these rules.
Use of the TR is indicated similarly to the PR, except that the name of the TR should not be included,
unless it is that player's only appearance in the game. Insert the TR's uniform number in the score box
to distinguish which player enters the game at which point.
P U B
O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2 3 4
S I T
85
2 LACK Rachel 31 2 3
TR T3/3 85 1
3 9 7
S
C.5..5 .2
4 MOORE Tahli 85
1 2
2
B2-4 LD6
X..C
Figure 12—4 Recording a temporary runner.
Designated runner (DR) — allowed in many competitions. Must be indicated on the original bench
list. May come on once an inning for any runner already on base. Cannot normally be used as a batter
or fielder. (Check the local competition rules for variations.) Indicate the designated runner in similar
fashion to a TR, but using DR in the position column.
12.4 Pitching changes

A pitching change is marked identically to a fielding change, except that the line is drawn in blue on
the opposing team's page. In the third inning (Figure 12—5), the change is indicated before the next
batter. Short blue lines (without the hook) are also drawn to indicate the bases occupied by any base
runners at the time of the change.
The scorer should take note of any runners on base at the time of change, as well as the ball and
strike count on the current batter. In the example, there is a runner on base when the new pitcher
takes to the plate (T3/2). If this base runner (Sally McCreedy) had scored, the run would have been
credited to the first pitcher, since she was pitching when McCreedy reached base.

TOP
BOTTOM
AUSTRALIA V JAPAN AT FENGTAI PARK
A 5 6 6 6 6 5 6
BATTING LINEUP PO 3 5 3 3 2 3 2 9 8 3 6 4 9 2 3
E
P U B
O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2 3 4 5
S I T
3 McCREEDY Sally 16 3
1 2
1 Note that slash
5-3 7 K2
(/) must be in
.X. .XX blue.
DP WILKINS Brooke 29
2 1 3
2
F5 K2 6-3
C.C C.C.. .. C
2 TITCUME Natalie 15
3 2
3
6-3 F9
CC2. .
Figure 12—5 Recording pitching changes.
Refer to the diagram note for an example (T5/2) of a pitching change during a batter’s turn at bat.
12.5 Re-entry
Any player in the starting lineup may re-enter the game once after being substituted. Show this using
the symbol RE, and use a vertical black line to show when the re-entry is made.
In Figure 12—6, Supple replaces Tutchener at the top of the fifth as a pinch hitter. She hits a double to
centre field and eventually scores. Tutchener then re-enters to field in the bottom of the fifth and
bats in the sixth inning (for a ground out).
3 TUTCHENER Sarah RE B5/3 24 WP9

3 3 2
PH SUPPLE Tayla T5/7 19 7
KC LD7 9 8 1-6-3
.5C.. .C.. C C3
Figure 12—6 Recording re-entry of a starting player.
Note that Tutchener, as a starting player, is not crossed out when Supple enters the game. Supple is
then crossed out when the re-entry takes place, as she can no longer take part in the game.
12.6 Replacement player rule (blood bin)

If any player (known as the withdrawn player) needs to leave the diamond because of blood, a
replacement player may be used. The replacement player may be anyone not in the current line-up,
including a starting player who has been removed from the game.
The withdrawn player has the remainder of the inning in progress, plus all the following inning to
return. If the withdrawn player cannot return to the game, they must be replaced by a legal substitute.

Scoring Softball Level Two Designated Player
TOP
VICTORIA V NSW AT BLACKTOWN
BOTTOM
*
P U B BENCH #
O LAST NAME First Name N A 1 2 3
S I T HOLLETT Jessica 30
*
6 WALKER Marina 37 2 2 SMETHURST Emily 22
6 HOLLETT Jessica T1/2 30 1 DAYKIN Lauren 4
3 9 3 B2
Figure 12—7 Recording use of a replacement player.
Enter the name of the replacement player in red. Show where they enter the game and where the
withdrawn player must return. This is indicated by placing a red * above the inning.
In the example above, the replacement player (Hollett) enters the game in the top of the 1st inning and
can continue in place of the withdrawn player (Walker) until the top of the 3rd inning.
If the replacement player becomes a substitute for the withdrawn player, outline the name in black.
Note: The replacement player may be used as a substitute later in the game as normal, if eligible.
13 Designated Player
A designated player, referred to as the DP, may be used to bat for any fielder, and is accordingly
named on the line-up sheet in one of the nine batting slots. As with other starting players, the DP may
be substituted for, and may re-enter one time, provided that the re-entry is into the same position in
the batting order. The DP’s name and position are to be written in green on the score sheet.
The name of the defensive player for whom the DP is batting — known as the FLEX — is entered in
the tenth position (non-batting) on the line-up sheet. The starting player listed as the DP must remain
in the same position in the batting order whenever they are in the game. The DP may be substituted
for at any time, either by a legal substitute from the bench, or the FLEX. Note that the DP and the
FLEX may never play offence at the same time.
If the DP plays defence for another player in the batting lineup, that player then becomes known as
the OPO (offensive player only). They do not become the designated player (since they do not
occupy the DP position in the lineup), even though they are only playing offence.
13.1 Rules related to the Designated Player

Use the diagrams following as reference to the points below:
1) If a coach is going to use a DP they must start the game with a DP; that is, with ten players
(Figure 13—1). A DP cannot be introduced part way through the game, although a team may finish
the game with nine players.
2) The DP (Mosley in Figure 13—1) bats for the FLEX (Roche), who is listed in the tenth place in the
line-up.
3) The DP may field for any player, at any position, at any time (Figure 13—2, Mosley fields for
Titcume T3). The player that the DP fields for must still bat and is known as the OPO (offensive
player only).
4) The DP fielding for any player — other than the FLEX — is not considered a substitution. That
player will continue to bat, but not play defence, and is not considered to have left the game.

Scoring Softball Level Two Designated Player
5) If the DP fields for the FLEX, the FLEX has left the game (Figure 13—3, Titcume replaces Roche
T4), and may re-enter one time only. The game continues with nine players.
6) The starting FLEX may re-enter once, or a substitute may resume as the FLEX, and the game then
reverts to ten players (Figure 13—4, Harding enters T5, with Titcume and Mosley changing
positions). The FLEX goes back to playing defence only.
7) The DP and the FLEX may be substituted using bench players (Figure 13—5, Quigley runs for
Mosley B5).
8) The starting DP and FLEX may re-enter once (Figure 13—5, Mosley re-enters).
9) The FLEX may bat but only in the place of the DP (Figure 13—6, Harding bats for Mosley B6).
10) If the FLEX bats for the DP, the DP has left the game (Figure 13—6, Mosley is now out of the
game as she has been substituted twice). The game continues with nine players.
11) The DP and FLEX can never be on offence (i.e. batting) at the same time and only nine batters
may bat.
In the interests of simplicity, these diagrams omit the batter number when each change is made.
P U B P U B
O LAST NAME First Name N A O LAST NAME First Name N A
S I T S I T
OPO T3
2 TITCUME Natalie 21 2 TITCUME Natalie 21
4 4
2 T3
DP MOSLEY Tracey 9 DP MOSLEY Tracey 9
5 5
1 ROCHE Melanie 5 F
1 ROCHE Melanie 5 F
L L
E E
X X
Figure 13—1 DP and FLEX in the starting lineup (10 players). Figure 13—2 DP plays defence, not a substitution (10 players).
P U B P U B
S I T S I T
OPO T3 OPO T3
1 T4 1 T4
2 T5
4 4
2 T3 2 T3
DP MOSLEY Tracey 9 DP MOSLEY Tracey 9
DP T5
5 5
T4 T4
1 ROCHE Melanie 5 F
1 ROCHE Melanie 5 F
L L
E
1 HARDING Tanya T5 7 E
X X
Figure 13—3 DP/OPO both field, FLEX leaves the game, a Figure 13—4 The starting FLEX is substituted (10 players).
substitution (9 players)

Scoring Softball Level Two Tie-Breaker
P U B P U B
S I T S I T
OPO T3 OPO T3
1 T4 1 T4
2 T5 2 T5
4 4
2 T3 2 T3
DP MOSLEY Tracey RE B6 9 DP MOSLEY Tracey RE B6 9
DP T5 DP T5
PR QUIGLEY Kate B5 11 5 PR QUIGLEY Kate B5 11 5
HARDING Tanya B6 7
T4 T4
1 ROCHE Melanie 5 F
1 ROCHE Melanie 5 F
L L
X X
Figure 13—5 Runner for the DP, a substitution (10 players). Figure 13—6 FLEX bats for the DP, a substitution (9 players).
14 Tie-Breaker
Local rules may, and all Australian Championships do, stipulate Figure 14—1
the use of the tie-breaker if a game is tied after seven or more Placing the tie-
break runner
innings, or after the expiry of time. on base. B4
At the start of a tie-breaker inning, the batting team commences
the inning with the player scheduled to bat ninth in that inning, 8 TB
starting at second base. This is recorded using TB in the second 3 1
6-3 3-2
base box and a diagonal line through the first base box in red, as
shown in (Figure 14-1). If the Tie-breaker runner scores, colour C.
the run red. WP1 9
Note that the normal rules for substitution of players are 1 8

applicable. For example, a pinch runner may take the place of
the runner on second, and in turn be replaced in the following
defensive inning.

Scoring Softball Level Two Protests
15 Protests
Although protests are not generally the responsibility of Figure 15—1 Protest delay
the scorer and are often dealt with immediately at Recording a
protest.
* 15 min
2
tournaments, it is still important that, if a team plays under 4
protest, the scorer ensures the book is correctly marked at
the point of protest. Should the protest be upheld and a B
replay ordered, the game must be replayed from that A 5 6
T
exact point.
$3 2
In the event of a protest, note the following in the scorebook:
1
7
 the exact point of the protest, indicated with a *;
C.3.
 the time of the protest (and the elapsed game time, if not started on
2-4
schedule);
1
 the inning and outs; 2
9
 the name of the batter and the count (if any); otherwise note new X..
batter;
 any base runners and bases held; and 2
 the play and/or interpretation which is being protested.
3
*
9-3
 Ensure the recorded details match the official and/or opposing team C.X
statistician.
16 Timed Games and Incomplete Innings

These provisions apply where local ground rules specify that games should finish at a given time
rather than at even innings, or when play is called off (called regulation game) due to weather with
an inning incomplete.
In timed games where the team second at bat is in front, then the bottom of the inning does not
need to be played out. If the team second at bat draws level, or gets in front, then the score stands.
But in an incomplete inning, if the team first at bat draws level, or gets in front and time is then called,
then the score reverts to the score at the end of the last complete inning.
The score of a called regulation game is the score at the end of the last complete inning unless the
home team scores more runs than the visiting team in the bottom half of the incomplete inning. In
this case, the score is that of the incomplete inning. (RULE 1.2.7B)

Scoring Softball Level Two Timed Games and Incomplete Innings
16.1 Incomplete inning decision chart

If time is called
At last completed during the
In the incomplete inning Final score
inning current inning
when
TOP goes further ahead

TOP at bat Score reverts
(example 1)
BOTTOM does not draw level or go ahead

TOP winning Score reverts
(examples 2 and 3)
BOTTOM at bat
BOTTOM draws level or goes ahead Final score

(examples 4 and 5) stands
TOP does not draw level or go ahead Final score

(example 6) stands
TOP at bat
TOP draws level or goes ahead

Score reverts
(example 7)
BOTTOM BOTTOM does not draw level or go ahead

Score reverts
winning (example 8)
BOTTOM draws level Final score

BOTTOM at bat
(example 9) stands
BOTTOM goes ahead or stays ahead Final score

(examples 10 and 11) stands
Both teams
Either team Inning completed Final score
complete their
winning (example 12) stands
inning
16.2 Incomplete inning examples
# At the last completed In the final (incomplete) inning Result

inning
1 TOP leading 7—5 TOP scores more runs BOTTOM does not bat Score reverts to 7—5
2 TOP leading 7—5 TOP does not score BOTTOM scores less than 2 runs Score reverts to 7—5
3 TOP leading 7—5 TOP scores 3 runs BOTTOM scores less than 5 runs Score reverts to 7—5
4 TOP leading 7—5 TOP scores 3 runs BOTTOM scores 5 runs Score stands at 10—10
5 TOP leading 7—5 TOP scores 3 runs BOTTOM scores 6 runs Score stands at 10—11
6 BOTTOM leading 2—6 TOP scores 3 runs BOTTOM does not bat Score stands at 5—6
7 BOTTOM leading 2—6 TOP scores 4 runs BOTTOM does not bat Score reverts to 2—6
8 BOTTOM leading 2—6 TOP scores 6 runs BOTTOM scores less than 2 runs Score reverts to 2—6
9 BOTTOM leading 2—6 TOP scores 6 runs BOTTOM scores 2 runs Score stands at 8—8
10 BOTTOM leading 2—6 TOP scores 6 runs BOTTOM scores 3 runs Score stands at 8—9
11 BOTTOM leading 2—6 TOP scores 2 runs BOTTOM does not score Score stands at 4—6
12 BOTTOM leading 4—7 TOP scores 5 runs BOTTOM scores 1 run and Score stands at 9—8
completes the inning

Scoring Softball Level Two Practice Game
17 Practice Game
Use the following bench lists to score the practice game from the play-by-play description.
ACT South Australia

BAT LAST NAME First Name UNI POS BAT LAST NAME First Name UNI POS
1 WHITE Joshua 2 3 1 HARRIS James 16 7
2 McGOVERN Joshua 21 2 2 HARRISON Daniel 56 8
3 KIRKPATRICK Andrew 23 DP 3 FARRELL Jarryd 22 DP
4 NORTON Nick 16 5 4 KIPFER Dallas 66 6
5 BYRNE Evan 5 6 5 MAY Harry 45 3
6 BRADBURY Jarrod 10 9 6 LACH Jayden 52 2
7 JONES Matthew 73 4 7 PATURIS Sam 93 5
8 JOHNSON Kyle 47 7 8 PETERSON Daniel 29 4
9 BRADBURY Jeremy 39 8 9 BAUMBER Jordan 34 9
FLEX SELU Jerremayh 29 1 FLEX SANTALA Kirk 99 1
BENCH BENCH
A THOMAS William 75 A ZAKELJ Kaleb 40
B LYNCH Nathan 87 B JACKSON Blake 12
C NUSSBAUM Bolton 27 C POLLACK Mason 54
D WICKHAM Matt 55 D
E HARROW Matthew 34 E
F FOLKHARD Adam 13 F
Top 1st – ACT Batting

Change SA – DP to 1
Joshua White; Ball, Strike looking, Ball. Grounds out short stop to first base.
Joshua McGovern: Strike looking. Grounds out third base to first base.
Andrew Kirkpatrick: Foul (2), Ball, Ball, Foul (5), Ball, Ball. Base on balls.
Nick Norton: Strike swinging, Foul (2), Ball, Foul (3), Ball Foul (2), Ball. Lines out to short stop.
Bottom 1st – SA Batting
James Harris: Ball, Strike looking. Lines out to short stop.
Daniel Harrison: Strike looking, Strike looking. Strikes out swinging.
Jarryd Farrell: Strike looking, Ball, Strike looking. Strike out swinging.
Top 2nd – ACT Batting
Evan Byrne: Strike Swinging, Foul (2), Foul (7), Ball, Foul (2), Ball. Strikes out swinging.
Jarrod Bradbury: Strike looking, Strike swinging. Reaches first base on a fielding error by short stop.
Matthew Jones: Ball, Foul (9), Strike swinging, Foul (2), Ball, Foul (2). Strikes out swinging.
Kyle Johnson: Ball, Foul(2), Strike swinging, Foul(5), Ball, Foul(2). Strikes out swinging.
Bottom 2nd – SA Batting
Dallas Kipfer: Hits a home run to right field.
Harry May: Ball, Strike swinging, Strike looking. Flies out to right field.
Jayden Lach: Ball, Strike swinging, Ball, Strike swinging. Lines out to third base.

Sam Paturis: Ball, Ball, Ball, Strike looking, Strike looking, Ball. Base on balls.
Daniel Peterson: Strike looking, Strike looking, Ball, Ball, Ball. Strikes out swinging.
Top 3rd – ACT Batting
Jeremy Bradbury: Strike looking, Ball, Strike looking. Strikes out swinging.
Joshua White: Doubles to centre field.
Joshua McGovern: Ball. Joshua White to third base on a wild pitch.
Grounds out pitcher to short stop to first base. Joshua White scores.
Andrew Kirkpatrick: Ball, Ball. Hits a home run to centre field.
Nick Norton: Foul (9), Ball, Ball, Foul (2), Foul (2). Singles to centre field.
Evan Byrne: Singles to centre field. Nick Norton advances to third base.
Jarrod Bradbury: Ball, Evan Byrne out at second base. Caught stealing catcher to second base.
Bottom 3rd – SA Batting
Jordan Baumber: Strike looking, Ball, Strike swinging. Strikes out swinging.
James Harris: Ball, Ball, Ball, Strike looking, Strike looking, Foul(2), Ball. Base on balls.
Daniel Harrison: Strike looking, Strike swinging. Flies out to short stop.
Jarryd Farrell: Strike swinging, Ball, Strike swinging. Strikes out swinging.
Top 4th – ACT Batting
Jarrod Bradbury: Strike swinging, Strike swinging, Foul (5), Ball, Ball. Flies out to left field.
Matthew Jones: Strike swinging, Strike swinging. Strikes out swinging,
Kyle Johnson: Grounds out short stop to first base.
Bottom 4th – SA Batting
Dallas Kipfer: Ball, Foul (3), Ball, Strike looking, Ball, Ball. Base on balls.
Harry May: Strike looking, Ball, Strike looking, Foul (7). Doubles to right field. Dallas Kipfer to third
base.
Jayden Lach: Strike looking, Ball. Strike swinging. out (swinging) on a dropped third strike catcher to
first base.
Sam Paturis: Ball, Strike looking, Ball, Ball, Ball. Base on balls.
Daniel Peterson: Hit by the Pitch. Dallas Kipfer scores, Harry May to third base, Sam Paturis to
second base.
Jordan Baumber: Ball, Strike looking, Ball, Harry May scores, Sam Paturis scores, Daniel Peterson, to
third base.
Change ACT – DP to 1
James Harris: Ball, Foul (3), Ball, Ball. Grounds out pitcher to first base.
Daniel Harrison: Strike looking, Ball, Ball, Strike looking, Foul (2), Ball. Strikes out swinging.
Jeremy Bradbury: Strike swinging, Ball, Foul (2). Strikes out swinging.
Joshua White: Ball, Foul (5), Foul (2). Strikes out looking.
Joshua McGovern: Homers to centre field.
Andrew Kirkpatrick: Homers to centre field.
Nick Norton: Foul (5), Ball, Ball, Ball. Singles to centre field.
Evan Byrne: Flies out to second base.

Jarryd Farrell: Singles to short stop.

Dallas Kipfer: Foul (2), Foul (3), Ball. Strikes out swinging.
Harry May: Strike looking, Strike looking, Ball. Strikes out swinging.
Jayden Lach: Strike looking. Grounds out pitcher to first base.
Jarrod Bradbury: Strike swinging. Grounds out pitcher to first base.
Change ACT - #73 Matthew Jones OUT, #34 Matthew Harrow IN
Matthew Harrow: Strike swinging, Strike looking. Strikes out looking.
Change ACT - #47 Kyle Johnson OUT, #55 Matt Wickham IN
Matt Wickham: Strike looking, Strike swinging. Strikes out looking.
Changes ACT - #73 Matthew Jones Re-entry, #47 Kyle Johnson Re-entry
Sam Paturis: Foul (9), Strike swinging, Ball. Strikes out looking.
Change SA - #29 Daniel Peterson OUT, #12 Blake Jackson IN
Blake Jackson: Strike looking. Reaches first base on a fielding error by third base.
Jordan Baumber: Strike looking. Grounds out short stop to first base. Blake Jackson to second base.
James Harris: Grounds out short stop to first base.
Change ACT - #39 Jeremy Bradbury OUT, #27 Bolton Nussbaum IN
Bolton Nussbaum: Ball, Strike looking, Strike swinging. Singles to centre field.
Change ACT - #39 Jeremy Bradbury Re-entry
Joshua White: Ball, Strike looking, Foul (7), Ball Foul (2), Foul (3), Ball, Ball, Walks. Jeremy Bradbury to
second base.
Joshua McGovern: Ball, Foul (2), Strike swinging, Ball. Strikes out looking.
Andrew Kirkpatrick: Strike looking, Strike looking. Doubles to centre field. Jeremy Bradbury scores.
Joshua White to third base.
Nick Norton: Strike looking. Grounds out third base to first base. Joshua White scores. Andrew
Kirkpatrick to third base.
Evan Byrne: Flies out to right field.
Daniel Harrison: Strike looking, Strike looking, Foul (2). Flies out to third base.
Jarryd Farrell: Strike looking, Ball, Strike swinging, Ball, Foul (2), Foul (5). Singles to left field.
Dallas Kipfer: Strike looking, Flies out to right field.
Harry May: Strike swinging. Grounds to short stop. Jarryd Farrell is forced out at second base by
short stop unassisted.
GAME. Final Score ACT 6, SA 4




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Scoring Softball

National Scoring Committee

Scoring Softball Level Two

Version 2.11.1 July 2021 Page i

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7 Symbols when Bases are Occupied................................................................................................................................... 12

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1 Duties of a Club or Association Scorer

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Figure 2—1 Figure 2—2

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3.1 Symbols showing how batters get on base

3.2 Symbols showing how batters and runners are out

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4.1 Line drive

4.2 Infield fly

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4.3 Leaving base early

4.4 Missed base

4.5 Illegal batting

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4.7 Hit by the batted ball

4.8 Two symbols at one base

4.9 Rundown plays

Version 2.11.1, July 2021 Page 6

when there are runners occupying first and

occurred by inserting a’^’ above the pitch in count box.

above the pitch in the count box.

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5.2 Wild pitch and passed ball

5.3 Illegal pitch

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5.4 Advancing on errors

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5.5 Runners advancing on the batter TOP

In this example, batter 1 Stacey Porter is put out at A 5 6 6 6

Bowering is put out at first with Jodie Stevenson 9 GODFREY Leigh 17

number (5) in the third base scoring box. C.C

White singles to left field, scoring Verity Long- 5

to move the batter around. Refer to Batter 8 Belinda DP WHITE Belinda 22

White in the example. This is scored as a single & 8

advance to 2nd base on the throw.

on second. 1 SMETHURST Justine 11 F

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5.6 Advance of a runner on a fly ball

be running before the ball is touched. If caught, nothing is

6.2 Run does not score

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extra bases, only a single is credited, because the winning run

7 Symbols when Bases are Occupied

play on the batter instead.

 Figure 7—2: If an out is not made because of an

The fielder chose to play the lead runner and

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7.2 Strikeout fielder's choice

7.3 Double and triple plays

 Figure 7—5: The two players out do Figure 7—5

example, with runners on first and 2

8 Bunting and Slapping

safe hit, B* and SL*. B1

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9.1 Sacrifice bunt