Rounders

Game-play centres around innings where teams alternate at batting and fielding. A maximum of nine players are allowed to field at one time. Points ('rounders') are scored by the batting team by completing a circuit around the field through four bases or posts without being put 'out'.

While the GAA and NRA codes differ, they share much in common:

The rules of rounders (Irish: cluiche corr) are laid-down by the Gaelic Athletic Association in Ireland. GAA rules are the earliest nationally organised rules of play, being formalised in 1884. This version of the game is most like baseball. It is played on a larger pitch compared to the NRA game and consequently uses larger bats and slightly larger balls. A GAA rounders pitch is a 70 metres (77 yards) square field and bases are 25 m (27 yards) apart, compared to 12 m (13 yards) for the NRA game. Foul ground runs along two adjacent sides of the pitch with home base at the intersection of these sides.

Five to seven innings constitute a game, depending on the level of the match. Each batting team's inning continues until three outs are made.

The rules of rounders are regulated by the UK National Rounders Association. Games played under these rules use smaller bats, balls and are played on a smaller pitch (see diagram) compared to GAA games. The NRA rules also differ most from baseball or softball: bases are marked with long poles, which batters must keep in contact with and fielders must 'stump,' and only one 'good' ball need normally be thrown before a batter must run. 'Half-rounders' are also counted in scoring.

The GAA version of the game is very similar to softball. The main difference is that the game is played with baseball-sized bats, balls and field. However, baseball-style gloves are not allowed. The main differences between baseball and the NRA version of the game are that:

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