Scoring Softball

LEVEL ONE
Basic Scoring for Beginning
Scorers

National Scoring Committee

Version 1.9
January 2021
Scoring Softball Level One Course Requirements

Scoring Softball Level One

Basic Scoring for Beginning Scorers

This manual accompanies the Level One Scorers Course. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Candidates are required to achieve a 75% pass mark on each of the two sections in the written exam.
Upon successful completion of the course, Level 1 Softball Scorers will be able to:
• Display professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in their role as an official.
• Operate within the Rules of Softball in addition to any local ground rules.
• Prepare for the requirements of officiating and review their own performance after a
competition.
• Record the activities of the players' action and umpires' rulings involved in the game.
• Record the results of the game.
• Report and confirm the results to the coach, opposition and competition organisers.

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Scoring Softball Level One Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................ ii
List of Amendments ................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Conventions ................................................................................................................................................................................... v
1 Duties of a Team Scorer ................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Equipment and Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 1
3 The Toss and the Innings................................................................................................................................................. 2
4 Explanation of the Scorebook ...................................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 Batting and fielding positions .................................................................................................................................. 3
4.2 Fielding numbers ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 Substitutes .................................................................................................................................................................. 4
4.4 The score box ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.5 Scoring runs ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.6 The box score ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
5 Scoring the Game............................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Balls, strikes and fouls ................................................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 Safe hits........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
5.3 Outs from batted balls .......................................................................................................................................... 7
5.4 Errors by fielders ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.5 Pitching and catching plays .................................................................................................................................. 8
5.6 Fielder's choice.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
6 Moving a Runner Around the Diamond .................................................................................................................. 10
7 Completion of an Inning .................................................................................................................................................11
7.1 Standard inning ..............................................................................................................................................................11
7.2 Nine or more batters in an inning..................................................................................................................... 12
8 Changes ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
8.1 Fielding ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
8.2 Batting ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
8.3 Re-entry ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
9 Protests ................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
10 Result ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
10.1 Timed games and incomplete innings ............................................................................................................ 14
10.2 Incomplete inning decision chart ..................................................................................................................... 15
10.3 Incomplete inning examples............................................................................................................................... 15
11 Summary of Scoring Symbols.......................................................................................................................................16

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Scoring Softball Level One Table of Contents

11.1 Ways to get on base ..............................................................................................................................................16

11.2 Ways to get out .......................................................................................................................................................16
11.3 Other symbols..........................................................................................................................................................16
12 Practice Game — Australia v South Africa .............................................................................................................. 17
13 Practice Game Answers ..................................................................................................................................................19
14 Basic Scoresheet .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

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Scoring Softball Level One List of Amendments

List of Amendments
• Removed the Table of Figures
• Sect. 3: Added definitions of an inning, standard game and the run ahead rule.
• Sect 5.5.4: Added comment explaining final strike is not recorded in the count box. (as per
5.5.1-3).
• Sect 5.5.4: Removed KWP example. (Not covered in level 1)
• Sect. 7: Amended Figures 7-1 and 7-2 to show sequence of events for clarity
• Sect 8: Updated text and Figure 8-1 to conform to current standards for recording changes. ie:
include both inning and batter number on all changes.
• Sect 10.1: Amended Rule Reference to 2018-21 Rule Book.
• Sect 11.1: Removed KWP from list of Symbols (Not Covered in Level 1)
• Sect 13: Updated Scoresheet to conform to current practices, re arcs on extra base hits and
recording changes with inning and batter number.
• Removed Contacts page from the end of the manual. Softball Australia Website details have
been included at the end of Section 11.

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Scoring Softball Level One Conventions

Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this manual:
• Various softball terms are shown in bold, for example, strikeout, top half, fielder's choice.
• Scoring symbols also appear in bold; 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*).

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Scoring Softball Level One Duties of a Team Scorer

1 Duties of a Team Scorer

1) To score for your appointed team.
2) To form part of the team and be governed by the official rules of softball (eg: no smoking during
the game), and also by the appropriate child protection legislation relevant to each state.
3) To be concerned only with the requirements of your own team while scoring the whole game
for both sides.
4) Should be familiar with umpiring signals (strikes, balls and outs).
5) Should be aware of local ground rules; for example, who picks up the match cards.
6) Before the scheduled starting time (approximately 30 minutes) of the game, write up the team as
provided by the team coach.
7) Exchange line ups with the opposition team scorer.
8) When requested during the game, provide information to the team coach; "What is the count?",
"How many out?", "Where did this batter hit last time?".
9) At the conclusion of the game, check with the opposition scorer that you agree on the result
and it is recorded on the match card. This may need to be signed by the umpire.
10) The team scorebook is not normally made available to any person but the team coach.
11) The team scorer is on the bench with the team and cannot leave during the game unless
permission is obtained from the plate umpire.

2 Equipment and Requirements

• Scorebook
• Pens, pencils and sharpener
• White-out (liquid and/or tape), eraser
• Board and clips
• Plastic cover
• Chair
• Wet weather gear, including umbrella
• Hot weather gear, such as a hat and sunscreen
• Water

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Scoring Softball Level One The Toss and the Innings

3 The Toss and the Innings

Prior to the game, enter the home team at the top of the double spread of pages and the visiting
team at the bottom, together with other details such as the playing field, scheduled start time.
After the toss to determine which team bats first; note at the top of both pages the outcome by
writing TOP for the team that will bat first, and BOTTOM for the team that will bat second. If the
scoresheets have TOP and BOTTOM pre-printed, then circle or cross out as appropriate. Some
competitions designate the first-named team to be TOP; that is, to bat first and occupy the first base
bench.
The team batting first forms the top half of an inning, and the second batting team forms the bottom
half of the inning and completes it, making it even innings whenever both teams have batted the same
number of times.
An inning is that portion of a game which the teams alternate on offence and defence and in which
there are 3 outs for each team. A new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous
inning.
A standard game consists of 7 innings. Local rules may have a time limit. There are also run ahead rules
that can end the game after a set number of innings. Normally, 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4
innings and 7 runs after 5 innings.
As the first batter steps into the batting box for a turn at bat, make sure you are ready to record the
play on the page where the batter's name is written and where the top of the first inning is indicated.

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Scoring Softball Level One Explanation of the Scorebook

4 Explanation of the Scorebook

4.1 Batting and fielding positions
The example scorebook page (Figure 4.-1) demonstrates how starting players, and their batting and
fielding positions are entered for each team.

Figure 4—1 Example Scorebook Page

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Scoring Softball Level One Explanation of the Scorebook

The batting positions are numbered 1 to 9 reading downwards in the BAT column. Get into the habit
of writing names neatly and legibly at the top of the box to allow enough space for substitutes to be
written below. Record the first substitute directly below the starting player and any other substitutes
directly below these names.
As your scorebook may be read by others (coaches, umpires, tournament officials, etc.), you should
write as legibly as possible. A good practice is to use capitals for player SURNAMES and capitalise the
first letter of Given Names as in the example. Enter the uniform number of each player in the UNI
column.
A team will use 9 fielding positions (refer section 4.2) which are entered in the POS column. They may
also use a Designated Player (DP); that is, a player who bats for one of the fielders and who can also
come into the game defensively. In this case, the DP is listed in the appropriate position in the batting
line up, and the tenth player, called the FLEX (who fields for the DP), is placed at the bottom of the
list in position 10.
In the example (Figure 4-1), the lead-off batter is Clare CURRIE who will field at position 4, and wear
uniform number 14. The second batter is Ashleigh DEEN fielding at position 9, and wearing uniform
number 35, and so on.
Batting at position 5 is Toni DANCE, the Designated Player — DP is entered as the fielding position in
the position column. At the bottom of the column — in the 10 or FLEX position — Chloe FAGAN, for
whom DANCE bats, is listed with the fielding position number 5.

4.2 Fielding numbers

The actual recording of the plays of a game is accomplished by means of numbers and symbols. For
this purpose, each player has two separate squares, one for fielding position, and one for batting
number. The fielding positions are always numbered shown
under POS, as in Figure 4-2.
8
1) Pitcher
2) Catcher Figure 4—2 7 9
Fielding positions
3) First baseman 6 4
4) Second baseman
5) Third baseman 1
6) Shortstop 5 3
7) Left fielder
8) Centre fielder
9) Right fielder 2

Fielding position numbers are always used in the small squares whenever a fielder is concerned in a
play, where a runner or batter is put out or advances on an error, or to indicate where a batter has hit
for a safe hit.

4.3 Substitutes
Write players at the bottom of the page who do not appear in the
BENCH LIST
starting line up. These players are on the bench and may be used
as substitutes during the game. Substitutes may be added to the CHEESMAN Carly 18

bench at any time during the game (for example, if they arrive WHALLEY Rebecca 23

late). Figure 4—3 Listing substitutes

Note: Players must NOT be listed on the official line up if they are not present.

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Scoring Softball Level One Explanation of the Scorebook

4.4 The score box

Alongside each player’s batting position, a score box is provided Figure 4—4
for each inning. It is divided into six sections, one of which is a The score box Third Second
base base
circle, and one a long rectangle called the count box (refer section
5.1).
First
Home
The four outer sections around the circle are used to record the base
player's progress around the diamond in each inning in which that
player takes part. They show by the use of symbols and numbers,
the manner in which the player reaches any base or is put out and by whom.
These small sections are used in a specific order and represent each base in turn in an anti-clockwise
direction. The lower right corner represents first base, the upper right corner is second base, the
upper left corner is third base and the lower left corner is home.
The circle is used to indicate the scoring of a run, or to show the order in which a batter is retired.
Thus, the first player out in an inning has 1 placed in the circle, the second 2 and the third 3.

4.5 Scoring runs

One run is scored each time a runner legally touches the bases and home
Figure 4—5
plate before the third out of an inning. If the runner reaches home safely, Scoring runs
fill in the centre circle to signify a run scored.
7
A run will not score if the third out of an inning is a force out. For example,
if the last out of an inning is a putout at first base on the batter-runner, a
run will not score.
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.

4.6 The box score

At the bottom of the scoresheet, under each inning column, is a square bisected by a diagonal line.
The number of runs scored in that inning is placed in the upper left half, and the cumulative total for
that inning is placed in the lower right half.
B
A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
T

F
L 0 0 0 2 0 1 2
E
X 0 0 0 2 2 3 5

Figure 4—6 Keeping the score

For example, if no runs are scored up to the third inning, the first three squares would show 0 in each
half. A score of two runs in the fourth inning would be indicated by 2 in each half, but if there was no
score in the fifth, the square would show 0 in the upper left half and 2 in the lower right half, and so
on.

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Scoring Softball Level One Scoring the Game

5 Scoring the Game

5.1 Balls, strikes and fouls
You must record every pitch by the pitcher (this includes all foul balls), so write small but legibly.
• Balls are recorded with a (.).
• Pitches swung at by a batter and missed are called swinging strikes and are recorded with an (x).
• Pitches not swung at but judged by the umpire to be in the strike zone are variously termed
called, looking or standing strikes and are recorded with a (c).
• Any strikes which are called foul balls are shown by the number of the fielder who was closest
to the ball when it went foul; for example, 2, 3, 5, 7 or 9.

All pitches must be recorded, however the count (see the examples below) cannot progress beyond
strike two no matter how many foul balls are hit.
Starting at the bottom left of the player's score box record balls, strikes and fouls in the order in
which they occur. (Example 6 shows what to do if you run out of space.)
A foul tip — signalled by the umpire brushing their hands together over their head and then signalling
strike — is counted and recorded as a swinging strike, since the ball is live, and runners may advance.

Ex 1 Ex 2 Ex 3 Ex 4 Ex 5 Ex 6

92
.X5.. C27.79 XC.. .X92 ... .XC2.539.7
3 balls 1 ball 2 balls 1 ball 3 balls 3 balls
2 strikes 2 strikes 2 strikes 2 strikes 2 strikes

Figure 5—1 Recording pitches

5.2 Safe hits

The batter is said to hit safely when the ball is struck in such a way that error-free fielding does not
get the batter out before reaching first base, and does not put out any team member who is a base
runner at the time.
1) A safe hit that enables a batter to reach first base only Figure 5—2
is scored as a horizontal line followed by the fielding Recording singles

number of the player who fields the ball. 7 B5

If the safe hit is a bunt, use a B rather than the

horizontal line, followed by the fielding number.
2) If the hit goes far enough for the batter to reach Figure 5—3
Recording doubles
second base, use two strokes to indicate two bases and
and triples
add an arc extending into the second base section. 7 7

For a three base hit, extend the arc into the third base,
and add another horizontal line.

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Scoring Softball Level One Scoring the Game

3) For a home run, use four horizontal lines. For an in the Figure 5—4
Recording home
park home run (where the ball remains in play), use an
runs
arc extending all the way into the home section. 7 7

For a ball hit over the fence, use straight lines passing
through all sections of the score box.

5.3 Outs from batted balls

In all cases, * indicates a fielding position number written to show which fielders are involved in the
out.
1) Unassisted putout (PO*) Figure 5—5
Unassisted putout
This symbol is used when a fielder makes an out; for example, first 1
PO3
base fields the ball and either tags the runner or touches the base
(PO3).
2) Assisted putout (*–*) Figure 5—6
Assisted putout
This is used when one player assists by fielding the ball and then 2
6-3
throws it to another player who retires the runner; for example,
shortstop fields the ball and throws it to first base (6–3).
3) Multiple assists (*–*–*) Figure 5—7
Multiple assists
Occasionally two fielders earn an assist; for example, the pitcher 3
1-5-3
touches the ball, deflecting it to third base who throws it to first
base for the out (1–5–3).
4) Bunt putout (B*–*) Figure 5—8
Bunt putout
1
This is used for an assisted putout following a bunt; for example, B5-4
the third baseman fields the bunted ball and throws to the
second baseman (covering first base) for the out (B5-4). Similarly,
use a B to indicate an unassisted putout following a bunt (for
example, BPO3).
5) Fly ball (F*) Figure 5—9
Fly ball
If a ball goes in the air and is caught by a fielder before it 1
F8
touches the ground, the batter is out; for example, a fly ball is
caught by the centre fielder (F8).
6) Foul fly (FF*) Figure 5—10
Foul fly 2
If a ball goes in the air and is caught by a fielder in foul territory
FF2
before it touches the ground, the batter is out; for example, a foul
fly ball caught by the catcher (FF2).

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Scoring Softball Level One Scoring the Game

5.4 Errors by fielders

An error is a misplay by a fielder which prolongs the life of a batter or runner.
It is the scorer's responsibility to decide whether the batter reaches first base on an error or a safe hit.
The scorer has the authority to make all decisions involving judgment. However, the scorer cannot
make a decision which conflicts with the official rules of Softball, or the umpire's decision.
If there is any doubt about a safe hit, the batter should be given the benefit (that is, score a safe hit,
rather than an error). If this is followed consistently, fewer complaints will follow.
1) Fielding error (E*) Figure 5—11
Fielding error
On a hit to the second baseman, the batter should be put out at E4
first. If the batter reaches first because the second baseman
fumbles the ball, we use the symbol E followed by the fielding
position (E4).
2) Throwing error (WT*) Figure 5—12
Throwing error
If the batter reaches first base because shortstop throws badly, WT6
such that the first baseman could not take the throw with
ordinary effort, or takes the first baseman off the base, it is
recorded as a wild throw (WT6).
3) Receiving error (*–E*) Figure 5—13
Receiving error
If the second baseman fields the ball cleanly and throws 4-E3
accurately to the first baseman in time to get the out, but the first
baseman fumbles the ball to allow the batter to reach base, the
error is recorded against the first baseman with an assist to the
second baseman (4–E3).
4) Catching error (MF*) Figure 5—14
Catching error
If the fielder gets a hand or glove to a fly ball after making ordinary MF4
effort, but muffs (drops) it, we enter MF followed by the fielding
position (MF4).
Note: No error is recorded in cases (1) or (4) if the fielder managed to touch the ball as a result of
making an extraordinary effort. Record a safe hit.

5.5 Pitching and catching plays

1) Base on balls (BB) Figure 5—15
Base on balls
When four pitches are judged by the umpire to be balls, a base
BB
on balls is awarded to the batter, who is then entitled to
...
advance to first base without liability to be put out. This is also
called a walk.
Note: The final ball is NOT recorded in the count box.

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Scoring Softball Level One Scoring the Game

2) Hit by pitched ball (HPB) Figure 5—16

Hit by pitched ball
When a batter is hit by a pitched ball, they are entitled to HPB
advance to first base without liability to be put out. .2X..
Note: The pitch that hits the batter is NOT recorded in the count
box.
3) Strikeout (K2 or KC) Figure 5—17
Strikeouts 1
When three pitches are judged by the umpire to be strikes, and K2
the third strike is caught by the catcher, the batter is out. The .2X
example shows a strikeout where the batter has swung at the
third strike, followed by a strikeout where the batter has not 2
swung but the umpire has judged the pitch to be a strike. KC
Note: The final strike is NOT recorded in the count box. 29

4) Dropped third strike

If the third strike is not taken by the catcher before it touches Figure 5—18
the ground or another object this can be recorded as: Dropped third
strike
i) KE2 — the catcher drops the third strike and does not throw KE2
the ball to first base in time for the out; 2X
ii) K2–3 — the catcher drops the third strike but has time to
throw the ball to first base for the out; 1
iii) K2–E3 — as in (ii) but the first baseman makes an error K2-3
resulting in the batter-runner being called safe; 2.X

Note: The final strike is NOT recorded in the count box.

Dropped third strike rule — If the third strike is dropped with K2-E3
first base occupied and less than two out, the batter is 2X..
automatically out. It is recorded as a K2 or KC.

5.6 Fielder's choice

This symbol (FC) should not be used too freely. It should be used when a fielder justifiably chooses to
play a base runner rather than making a play on the batter-runner at first base; that is, in your
judgment the fielder had an opportunity to make the out on the base runner. If the fielder did not
have a reasonable chance to get the out, it is an error, as the fielder has made the wrong play.
1) With a runner on first base via a safe hit to left field, the batter Figure 5—19
6-4
hits to shortstop, thus setting up a force play. Shortstop throws Fielder's choice
1
to the second baseman who retires the runner (either by playing 7
the base or tagging the runner). This out is recorded in the normal
manner in the second base box (6–4).

The fielder chose to play the advance runner and therefore FC

FC6
followed by the fielding position is placed in the first base box to
show how the batter reached first (FC6).

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Scoring Softball Level One Moving a Runner Around the Diamond

2) If an out is not made due to an error, the error Figure 5—20

6-E4 WT6
must still be recorded. FC6 is placed in the Fielder's choice errors
batter's first base box, and the play — for 7 7
example, 6–E4 (error by the second baseman
receiving the ball), or WT6 (wild throw by the
shortstop) — is entered in the runner’s box as
shown. FC6 FC6

6 Moving a Runner Around the Diamond

If a runner advances to second base draw a diagonal line through the Figure 6—1
second base box as shown. As the runner progresses around the Moving a runner
around the
diamond, mark off the other bases in the same way. diamond 7
If the runner reaches home safely, fill in the central section to signify a
run scored.
If there are runners on base, it is best practice to do the batter first, 7
and then advance the other runners.

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Scoring Softball Level One Completion of an Inning

7 Completion of an Inning
7.1 Standard inning

B
A After the third player is A 1 2 3 4
T
retired, a diagonal line
is ruled from bottom C
left to top right of the 1 2 3
1
F8 1-3 4-3 When an inning
square below the last
proceeds through
player to bat to
indicate the end of an batter 9 to batter 1,
2-6
inning (refer inning 1, continue to score that
2 3
batter 4). The end of
2
6-3 9 inning at the top of the
inning line should not same column. Do not
be drawn through the move across to the
count box. next column (refer
3 innings 3 and 4).
3
K2 9
CX ..

1
4
PO3 7

D Any ball and strike

count is recorded for
5
BB 8 their turn at bat, but is
...
cancelled when they
bat again in the next
inning.
B Commence the next 2 1
6
inning in the square FF2 F6
alongside that rule out
in the previous inning,
so batter 4 will be the E
3
first batting in the next 7
F5 MF7 If a player does not
inning (refer inning 2, complete their turn at
batter 4). bat (for example, the
third out is made on a
1
8
5-3 E6 base runner attempting
to steal), they become
the first batter in the
next inning (refer inning
2 3, batter 3).
9
7 KC
CX

F
L 0 0 0 3
E
X
0 0 0 3

Figure 7—1 Completing a standard inning

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Scoring Softball Level One Completion of an Inning

7.2 Nine or more batters in an inning

B
A 1 2 3 4
T 3
C1 If all nine batters have
1 batted before three
BB BB 9 outs are mode, move
C..2. ... into the column meant
for the next inning,
cross out the number
2
8 WT1 KE2 of the inning and insert
... 9X the number for the
A If there are nine batters
continued inning.
in an inning, the
completion of the 1 2
3
6-3 6-3 9 Subsequently change
inning is noted by a
the numbers of the
diagonal line through
following innings as
the completed turn at
you come to them.
bat of the first batter’s 2
4
score box (refer inning K2 4 WT5
2, batter 6). XX C2 An arrow can be used
to note the continued
3 3
inning.
5
F8 F5 7

1 2 C3 Cancel the score box of

6
F6 9 K2 the completely filled
97
inning with a diagonal
line drawn from top
B Batter 6 is the first left to bottom right.
1 3
7
batter in both innings 2 7 KC F8
and 3. CX

8
8 WT3
D Record the inning score
and total in the column
where the inning ends.
9
9 8

F
L 2 4 5
E
X 2 6 11

Figure 7—2 Completing a long inning

Note: A player may bat more than once in the same inning. They may also be put out more than once
in a long inning.

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Scoring Softball Level One Changes

8 Changes
During the game, changes may occur to both the fielding and batting lineups.

8.1 Fielding
When a fielding change is made put a line through the player's fielding position, and enter the new
position number together with the innings and batter number the change is made, near the player's
name. (Refer to ALBEE in the Figure 8-1) T3/4 refers to top of the 3rd inning, batter number 4.

8.2 Batting
When a player is taken out of the game, enter the name of the substitute player and the innings this
occurred in the same batting section as the original player (Refer to STAFFORD in the Figure 8-1). Also
include the substitute player’s fielding position in the position column, even if they only enter the
game as a batter or runner.
Do not cross out the name of the original player yes as they can be re-entered (see below).
As you bring new players into the game, cross their names and uniform numbers off the list of
substitutes (refer to STAFFORD in the BENCH example). As with fielding changes, the inning the
substitution is made is noted. B5 refers to the substitution happening in the bottom of the fifth inning.

8.3 Re-entry
The starting players may re-enter the game once only and must return to their original batting
position in the lineup. When a re-entry occurs, insert RE with the innings and batter number next to
their name and put a line through the name of the retiring substitute, who can take no further part in
the game.
In the example, FAULKNER returns to the game as a pitcher in the top of the seventh inning at batter
three. Indicated thus: RE T7/3.
P U B BENCH #
O LAST NAME First Name N A
S I T BOCCARDO Aaron 17
T3/4
5 7 ALBEE Steven 12 STAFFORD Matt 22
1

1 1 FAULKNER Drew RE T7/3 15

1 STAFFORD Matt B5 22 2

Figure 8—1 Substitutions and re-entry

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Scoring Softball Level One Protests

9 Protests
Although protests are not generally the responsibility of Protest delay
the scorer and are often dealt with immediately at
Figure 9—1
Recording a
* 15 min

tournaments, it is still important that, if a team plays protest. B

under protest, the scorer ensures the book is correctly A 5 6
T
marked at the point of protest. Should the protest be
upheld and a replay ordered, the game must be
replayed from that exact point. 1
7
In the event of a protest, note the following in the C.3.
scorebook:
• the exact point of the protest, indicated with a *; 2
9
• the time of the protest (and the elapsed game
X..
time, if not started on schedule);
• the inning and outs;
1
• the name of the batter and the count (if any); 3
*
9-3
otherwise note new batter; C.X
• any base runners and bases held; and
• the play and/or interpretation which is being protested.

10 Result
At the end of a game the final result must be recorded — for example, "Won by Australia 2—0". You
should confirm the result with the opposition scorer. Other post-game duties may also need to be
performed, such as submitting the result, and the players taking part. Check your local tournament
rules and regulations.

10.1 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 (e.g. due to rain) with an inning incomplete.
RULE 1.2.7(B ) of the official softball rules deals with a "called regulation game". It states that the score
of such a game shall be the score at the end of the last complete inning, unless the team second at
bat has scored more runs than the first team at bat in the incomplete inning. In this latter case, the
score of the incomplete inning will stand.
In an incomplete inning, 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 back to that at the end of the last complete inning.

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Scoring Softball Level One Result

10.2 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

10.3 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

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Scoring Softball Level One Summary of Scoring Symbols

11 Summary of Scoring Symbols

11.1 Ways to 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 single (for example, B5)
BB a base on balls, or walk
HPB hit by pitched ball
FC* fielder's choice
MF* a muffed fly (dropped catch)
WT* a wild throw
E* an error (other than a dropped catch or a wild throw)
*–E* assist to an error (for example, 6–E3)
KE2 third strike dropped by the catcher and batter advances safely to first base
K2–E3 a dropped third strike thrown to the first baseman, who errors
Note: FC, MF, WT, E* and *-E* should all be prefixed with a ‘B’ if the ball was bunted.

11.2 Ways to get out

Symbol Play
PO* an unassisted putout
*–* an assisted putout (for example, shortstop to first baseman, 6–3)
BPO* an unassisted putout from a bunt
B*–* an assisted putout from a bunt (for example, third baseman to second baseman, B5–4)
F* a caught fly ball
FF* a caught fly ball in foul territory
K2 a swinging strikeout
KC a called or standing strikeout
K2–3 strike three dropped but the batter thrown out at first base

11.3 Other symbols

Symbol Play
RE re-entry of a starting player
DP the designated player

(*) — in all cases, indicates a fielder's position number, included to allow the fielding statistics to be
credited to the correct player.
Additional symbols exist. Use the words OUT or ON if unsure as to what symbol to use.
Additional scoring resources, including information on scoring courses and accreditation, can be
found on the Softball Australia web site (www.softball.org.au).

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Scoring Softball Level One Practice Game — Australia v South Africa

12 Practice Game — Australia v South Africa

AUSTRALIA 1st Inning
Michael TANNER: Strike looking, Ball, Ball, TANNER doubled to left.
David NEWSOME: Foul, Ball, NEWSOME reached first on third baseman’s fielding error,
TANNER to third.
Jeff GOOLAGONG: Ball, TANNER scored on a wild pitch, NEWSOME to second. GOOLAGONG
singled to left, NEWSOME scored.
Kris KIEFEL: Ball, Foul, Strike looking, KIEFEL struck out looking.
Joel SOUTHAM: Ball, SOUTHAM singled to right, GOOLAGONG to third.
Michael HARROW: Ball, GOOLAGONG stole home, SOUTHAM stole second. Strike looking,
Foul, HARROW struck out swinging.
Paul MAISEY: Strike looking, Ball, Ball, MAISEY was hit by a pitch.
Nathan JONES: Foul, Ball, SOUTHAM stole third, MAISEY stole second. Ball, Strike looking,
Foul, JONES out shortstop to first.

AUSTRALIA 2nd Inning

Justin GOLDS: Strike looking, Strike swinging, Ball, GOLDS struck out looking.
Michael TANNER: Foul, Foul, TANNER doubled to left.
David NEWSOME: Ball, TANNER to third, NEWSOME flied out to left.
Jeff GOOLAGONG: Strike looking, Ball, TANNER scored on wild pitch. GOOLAGONG singled to
right.
Kris KIEFEL: Strike swinging, Foul, Ball, GOOLAGONG caught stealing catcher to
shortstop.

AUSTRALIA 3rd Inning

Kris KIEFEL: KIEFEL flied out to centre.
Joel SOUTHAM: SOUTHAM grounded out shortstop to first.
Michael HARROW: Ball, Ball, Strike looking, HARROW singled to left.
Paul MAISEY: MAISEY grounded into second base fielder’s choice, HARROW out at
second, second to shortstop.

AUSTRALIA 4th Inning

Nathan JONES: JONES grounded out second to first.
Justin GOLDS: Strike swinging, GOLDS flied out to shortstop.
Michael TANNER: Ball, Strike looking, TANNER flied out to centre.
Changes for Australia — Andrew KIRKPATRICK pitching, Kris KIEFEL to third.

AUSTRALIA 5th Inning

David NEWSOME: Foul, Strike swinging, Ball, NEWSOME doubled to left.
Jeff GOOLAGONG: Ball, Ball, Foul, Ball, Foul, GOOLAGONG struck out looking.
Kris KIEFEL: Ball, NEWSOME stole third, KIEFEL flied out to centre.
Joel SOUTHAM: Strike looking, Ball, Strike looking, Foul, Ball, SOUTHAM singled to right,
NEWSOME scored.
Michael HARROW: Foul, Ball, SOUTHAM to second on passed ball. Ball, HARROW flied out to
left.

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Scoring Softball Level One Practice Game — Australia v South Africa

AUSTRALIA 6th Inning

Paul MAISEY: Strike looking, Ball, MAISEY grounded out second to first.
Nathan JONES: JONES grounded out pitcher to first.
Changes for Australia — Aaron COCKMAN bats for Justin GOLDS.
Aaron COCKMAN: Strike looking, Strike looking, COCKMAN singled to centre.
Michael TANNER: Strike looking, Strike looking, TANNER struck out swinging.
Changes for Australia — Justin GOLDS re-entered.

AUSTRALIA 7th Inning

David NEWSOME: Foul, NEWSOME flied out to third.
Jeff GOOLAGONG: GOOLAGONG foul flied out to first.
Kris KIEFEL: Ball, Strike looking, KIEFEL grounded out third to first.
Australia wins 5 runs to 3

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Scoring Softball Level One Practice Game Answers

13 Practice Game Answers

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Scoring Softball Level One Basic Scoresheet

14 Basic Scoresheet

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