Rules of Play

The bowler bowls the ball with an underarm pendulum action to the batsman. It is a good ball if it passes within reach on the striking side between the batsman's knees and top of the head, and in this case, the batsman must try to hit it. Regardless of whether they hit the ball, they must run to first post. If the ball is hit into the backward area the batsman may not pass first post until the ball is returned to the forward area.

If the ball is not within reach on the striking side or between the batsman's knees and top of the head the batsman may try to hit it and may run, but is not required to. Each batsman (except the last in each inning) is entitled to receive one good ball; the last batsman is entitled to receive three unless caught out. Two innings constitute a game. Each batting team's inning continues until nine outs are made. Two umpires officiate.

A rounder is scored if:

• fourth post is reached and touched before next ball is bowled following a hit
• fourth post is reached on no ball

A half-rounder is scored if:

• fouth post is reached and touched before next ball is bowled without hitting the ball
• second post is reached and touched before next ball is bowled after hitting the ball
• obstruction by a fielder
• two consecutive no balls to the same batter

A batsman is out if:

• they put a foot outside the front or back of the batting square before swinging at a good ball
• a ball they hit is caught

A runner is out if:

• they run inside the posts
• the post they are running to is stumped (touched with the ball by a fielder)
• they are not in contact with a post (using their hand or stick) while the bowler is preparing to bowl
• they are not in contact with a post and the next post is stumped
• they overtake another runner
• he obstructs a fielder