Equipment for Rounders
Table of Contents
Your game should follow the Rounders England rules and regulations when playing competitive fixtures. So, you may need to find a reputable equipment supplier to buy professional kit.
We would not consider the game as being a physical contact sport. Even so, there are some basic rules to follow to be compliant with health and safety in Rounders.
For example:
All equipment in Rounders should be manufactured for player safety and for the general purpose of the game.
Rounders Equipment Regulations
Childhood memories remind us of times when we had fun playing with a ragged tennis ball, a wooden stick, and four shirt tops used as bases.
The modern game is still played and enjoyed by families, using any basic Rounders set they can find.
Beyond a simple Rounders kit format, this is the complete Rounders equipment list you need to play the game at higher levels. Particularly during competitive school games and tournaments around the United Kingdom.
Rounders Field Regulations
Rounders pitches should have a 2.5 meter bowler’s square positioned 7.5 meters from the batter’s square. The two (2) meter batting square is smaller than the bowling square.
When you are setting up Rounders pitch markings the Backstop line should be clearly marked out one (1) meter behind the batting square. Four (4) upright posts should be correctly positioned around the bowling square.
Rounders Bat and Ball
The truncheon shaped Rounder bat should have a secure grip. Any binding should be appropriate for safe gripping.
As a rule, the best modern Rounders bats are usually made from wood or plastic. A metal Rounders bat is usually made of aluminium which means it is not too heavy to handle for most batters.
According to official Rounders bat regulations it should measure no longer than 46 centimetres in length (18 inches). A Rounder bat must not be more than 17 centimetres (6 inches round) in diameter.
Besides checking the bat dimensions, you should also make sure:
- Wooden Rounders Bats: Be sure the surface is smooth, clean, and kept free from wood splinters.
- Plastic Rounders Bats: Check the bat surface is smooth and free from dirt.
- Aluminium Rounders Bats: Ensure the caps and grips are well fitted and not loose.
Rounders Balls
The bowling rules in Rounders allow you to play the game with a white ball, like in softball rules, or with a coloured ball. So, a traditional hard white ball will be more practical if you will be playing in a grassy green garden.
Rounders balls should clean and have no raised seams. The outer stitching should be uniform – not frayed or torn. Ball stitching should be flush to the leather material covering the surface of the round ball.
The circumference of a Rounders ball should be 18 to 20 centimetres (7 to 8 inches). Balls should weigh between 65 and 85 grammes (2.2 to 3 ounces).
They often become heavier when they are wet. So schools will usually use a softer version. Competitive Rounders rules and regulations do not allow the use of heavy wet balls.
Rounders Posts and Bases
Four Rounders posts should be set out in a diamond shape and fitted with safety caps. Even though they are not fixed into the ground, they usually have a base for extra support.
Rounders bases are often made from wood, plastic, or metal. Using Rounders bases also helps to keep the poles in a vertical position. Ideally, a soft plastic sheath should be covering wooden posts to reduce player injuries.
As you can see there are only a few simple rules in the equipment needed for Rounders regulations. Thus, there is little to go wrong when you use a simple set of Rounders bats and balls.
Note: Rounders safety regulations suggest a minimum post swing around fifty (50) centimetres from its upright position to be safe and acceptable.
Rounders Kits
Even though it can be a simple garden game, it makes sense to use kit which is suitable for the purpose. Traditional sports kits are appropriate and acceptable for both teams to wear.
In competitive and regulated games, and in English schools, player shirt numbers must be visible to the umpires. Wearing astro shoes, or certain types of football boots, are better in wet weather conditions.
Important: The regulations prohibit playing in spiked footwear such as track running spikes.
Rounders Players Health and Safety Rules
The governance of Rounders England health and safety rules takes place from Sheffield. They are the non-profit sport’s governing body (NGB) in the United Kingdom.
Rounders England is totally committed to safeguarding children and young players who participate in the game.
What Do Umpires Wear in Rounders?
Rounders umpire uniform consists of a few basic items. A Rounders official would usually wear bright white shoes (e.g. court footwear) and a white polo shirt.
In fact, most umpires dress in white shorts and a baseball type cap to portray a professional appearance.
The primary role of Rounders umpires is officiating the match. So, one essential piece of Rounders umpire equipment and clothing outfit would be a trendy whistle strung around their necks.
Note: The main section has a short video [2:58 seconds] that explains the common match rules used in primary schools in England, United Kingdom.
RELATED GUIDES
10 Rounders Rules: A simple list of the most important regulations in bat and ball games.
Rounders FAQs: Find the answers to the most asked questions about playing the game.
Rounders Playing Surface: Layout and mark the correct square size for batters and bowlers.
Rounders Terminology: Keyword titles and definitions used by players and officials in competitions.
England Rounders Regulations Official Rulebook: [PDF Download Option]