The Rules of Batdown
- Batdown is played on just about any old bit of grass. For maximum challenge and enjoyment the purpose built game pitches (like Football fields) should be avoided
- A Bowler takes a ball and bowls it underarm to a batter
- The Batter stands at the crease and attempts to hit the ball safely away. So far Batdown is pretty similar to a game of Softball
- The fielders can get the batter out by:
a) A clean catch
b) A one hand one bounce catch
c) A successful Batdown Throw - When a batter hits a ball and is not given out by a catch the fielders should shout out "Batdown"
- Now the batter presents the bat depending on where the throw comes from
a) More than 4m: Bat is placed flat on the ground perpendicular to the fielder taking the throw
b) Between 2 and 4m: The bat is held vertically, touching the ground
c) Less than 2m: The bat can be lifted a few inches off the ground and swung steadily - A fielder then throws or rolls the ball at the bat in an attempt to hit it. Any connection and the batter is out to be replaced by the throwing fielder
- A Throw happens only when a ball is collected within the bounds of the playing field
- Any ball retrieved outside the playing area can be Telephoned or thrown to another fielder who must catch the ball cleanly. Here a Batdown happens following rules 6 and 7. The ball can only be Telephoned once
- There is no referee in Batdown. All fielders act as a democratic committee to make decisions such as
a) Giving a batter out
b) The introduction of new rules, retroactive if required
c) Changing of bowlers - An action or decision can be challenged as being either for or against the spirit of the game. This is the highest court of appeal, but again the fielders decide by a majority vote
- The consumption of alcohol is strictly encouraged. Drinks should be consumed anywhere on the pitch. Extra appreciation is given to a catch where a drink is not spilled
- There is no time limit to games, sessions of play are advised to reduce fatigue
