What is Blast Ball?
BLASTBALL is an excellent introductory game for future T-ball players (ages 3-4). It allows for more action to keep a young child's short attention span. More kids get to be involved which helps them retain interest in the T-Ball / Softball concept. The game is safe and uses a foam bat and ball with no gloves required. BLASTBALL teaches the basic T-Ball and softball fundamentals of hitting, throwing, and fielding while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Rules of IGSA BLASTBALL:
BLASTBALL will run for 6 weeks with one game per week. Each game will last 45 minutes, games are "drop dead" when the timer goes off.
No offensive player will be allowed on the field unless he/she is wearing a batting helmet.
Each team will bat its entire roster in each innning one complete time, which will constitute a half inning of play. If the batter reaches the base (the only base used) before a defensive player either catches the BLASTBALL in the air (an automatic out) or fields it and yells "BLAST", she scores a run. If the ball is caught or fielded and "BLAST" is yelled before the runner get to the BLAST Base, then the runner is out. It's just that simple! Player returns to the dugout after running to 1st base. After a fielder catches/stops the ball and yells "BLAST", they are then to finish the play by throwing the ball to the umpire at home plate.
Each batter will receive a maximum of 5 swings in which to hit a fair ball. A fair ball is any ball between the foul lines and past the 10 foot fair ball arc in front of home plate.
Playing Field:
Playing field will consist of 1st base (loaded with a horn), home plate where batter will hit from a "tee" and all defensive players will line up at softball positions. Any ball hit 10 feet from home plate or past the fair ball marker will be considered a fair ball and the batter shall advance to 1st base.
Equipment:
All players must wear a team t-shirt, supplied by IGSA, and black shorts/pants (with no piping, decals or logos). Softball gloves are optional. The game ball is foam rubber and will be safe for kids to play without gloves.