FAQs

Sydney Outfielders is Sydney's LGBTQIA+ inclusive slow-pitch softball association. Since 2001, we have brought people together through softball, friendship and community. We are community before competition: we enjoy a good game, but inclusion, participation, safety and connection come first. About

No. The Association is centred on LGBTQIA+ people and our history and identity remain important to us, but allies are welcome. Everyone involved must respect our inclusive purpose, Codes of Conduct and published policies. Membership

Membership and playing registration are for people aged 18 or over. Under-18s may attend as spectators or guests where permitted, but Sydney Outfielders does not currently offer junior membership or child-focused participation programs. Membership

The 2026/27 Tuesday competition runs from 13 October 2026 to the premiership Grand Final on 2 March 2027, including the summer break shown in the draw. The semi-finals are on 2, 9 and 16 February, followed by Grand Finals Week 1 on 23 February and the Grand Final on 2 March. Training, social events, volunteering and other community activities also happen throughout the season. Season Calendar

The 2026/27 competition is played on Tuesday evenings at the Robertson Road fields in Centennial Park and Upper Kippax. Field allocations can change, so check the current draw and venue map before every game. Fixtures and Results

Yes. Spectators are welcome and must follow the Spectator and Guest Code of Conduct and any venue or safety directions. Check the fixtures and field map before travelling. Fixtures and Results

Our competition is based in Sydney, but visitors are welcome at public games and ticketed community events. If you are interested in growing inclusive softball elsewhere, contact us and we can share what we have learned. Contact

Playing Membership is for people registered to take part in Tuesday competition. Social Membership is for people who want to join the community, attend activities and volunteer without playing in the Tuesday competition. Umpiring and volunteering opportunities are also available. Membership

Full Playing Membership fees through Round 6 are $140 standard, $75 concession and $100 First Nations / Mob. New-player fees reduce proportionately from Round 7 to $50 at Round 13. Social Membership is $50 and Umpire Membership is free. Existing Social Members pay the applicable playing fee less their Social Membership fee already paid for the same membership year. Joining remains subject to a suitable vacancy and written confirmation. See the Registration & Refunds Policy (PDF) for the full round-by-round fees and upgrade amounts.

Current members receive 25% off food and drinks at Watson's EQ, our post-game venue; discounted tickets to selected Sydney Outfielders events; and free training provided by Softball NSW during Saturday Softball. Check the Membership and Events pages for current dates, booking requirements and any conditions that apply. Membership

Use the authorised registration link on the Membership page. Registration arrangements may vary each season. A playing place is confirmed only when the Association accepts the application, the fee is paid or an approved payment arrangement is in place, and written confirmation is issued. Membership

No. Submitting a form, making a payment, naming a preferred team or speaking with a captain does not by itself guarantee membership, a playing place or a particular team. The Association will confirm your registration in writing. Membership

The league is full for 2026/27. Join the player waitlist or become a Social Member. Social members receive priority consideration for a suitable vacancy, but membership does not guarantee a playing place. Membership options

Playing Membership includes registration for the Tuesday competition, access to shared league equipment, member communications, voting rights where provided by the Constitution, Saturday Softball and the current member benefits listed on the Membership page. Membership

Social Members are part of the Association and can attend member activities, use current member benefits, volunteer, join Saturday Softball and take part in eligible training or pick-up sessions where advertised. Social Membership does not permit participation in Tuesday competition games or finals, including as a fill-in. Membership

Contact the Association privately before registration closes. Payment arrangements or other support may be considered under the published registration process. Captains cannot approve a fee waiver, payment plan or refund. How Can We Help

Before Round 1, a voluntary refund may be available under the conditions in the Registration & Refunds Policy (PDF). During the first six scheduled competition weeks, a voluntary playing refund depends on a replacement player registering and paying; the amount depends on when your written request is received. After Week 6, no voluntary playing refund is available. Missing games does not itself create a refund entitlement. Accepted Social Membership is generally non-refundable. Legal entitlements and Association cancellation provisions still apply. Send your request to the Treasurer at info@sydneyoutfielders.org.au. Stopping playing or requesting a refund does not itself resign your Association membership; written resignation notice must also go to the Secretary.

Slow-pitch is a social form of softball in which the ball is pitched underarm in an arc. It is designed to be easy to learn and works well for mixed experience levels. Up to ten players field at one time, while every eligible player listed in the continuous batting order gets a turn to bat. Playing Rules

That is completely fine. Many Outfielders start as beginners. Open Days, induction, training and pick-up sessions introduce hitting, catching, throwing, base running and the flow of a game. Your captains and teammates should support fair opportunities to learn and try positions you can safely play. Events

We play to win, but we are community before competition. The league expects fair participation, respect, good sportspersonship and support for people with different abilities and experience. Results matter, but they do not come before safety, inclusion or dignity. Player Resources

Sydney Outfielders uses the 2026-2029 WBSC Official Rules of Softball - Slow Pitch, modified by our published Competition Rules. If they conflict, the Sydney Outfielders Competition Rules apply. The Key Playing Rules Guide gives a shorter beginner-friendly summary. Playing Rules

A game ends at the first of seven completed innings, 90 minutes of playing time, the published mandatory end time or an earlier authorised ending. Each half-inning ends after three outs or seven runs. Light, weather and field safety can require an earlier finish. Playing Rules

The Association provides shared bats, balls, bases, helmets and other team equipment. Personal gloves are not guaranteed, so players are encouraged to buy or bring their own glove when they can. Report damaged or unsafe equipment and stop using it if necessary. Player Resources

Wear comfortable sports clothing that lets you move safely. Official team uniforms are encouraged but are not compulsory; if you do not have one, make your best effort to wear suitable clothing in similar team colours. You cannot be excluded solely because you did not buy or wear the official uniform. Player Resources

Sports shoes and plastic or moulded cleats may be used unless venue or ground conditions say otherwise. Metal studs, screw-in studs, spikes and metal cleats are prohibited at games and training. Player Resources

No. Training and pick-up sessions are optional, although they are a good way to build confidence and meet people. Check the Season Calendar and Events page for confirmed dates, venue, eligibility and what to bring. Season Calendar

Members should make reasonable efforts to attend scheduled games and keep their co-captains updated. Tell them your availability when asked and notify them as soon as possible if it changes. Finals eligibility is governed by the published Competition Rules. Playing Rules

If no rostered Association Umpire is present, the batting team supplies a fallback umpire while it bats. The co-captains and fallback umpire follow the published game-day guidance. Serious disputes or protests are handled through the official rules pathway after the game. Playing Rules

No. Social Members cannot play in round-robin games, semi-finals or the Grand Final and cannot fill in for a Playing Member. They may take part in eligible training and pick-up activities where the event information allows it. Membership

No. Everyone plays together in mixed-gender teams. Any fielding position may be played by a player of any gender, subject to safety and fair-participation requirements. Membership

It is a team-balance model, not a quota for gender-diverse people. A team must first meet the published minimum representation for players registered in the women's and men's categories. Remaining roster places are open to players of any gender. For example, a 16-player roster would ordinarily include at least six women, six men and four players of any gender. Governance

Separate registration streams help the Association manage the women's and men's minimums required by the 40:40:20 model while leaving the remaining places open to any gender. Players select the category that reflects their identity; nobody should be pressured to change category to affect a team's composition. Governance

The Committee allocates players to maintain viable and appropriately balanced teams. You may state a preference, but no team placement is guaranteed. The Committee may consider available places, team needs, experience, accessibility, player welfare and the overall balance of the competition. Membership

You can include a preference during registration and we will consider it where practical, but it cannot be guaranteed. Team capacity, balance and the needs of the whole competition come first. League-wide events and post-game activities make it easy to stay connected even when friends are placed on different teams. Membership

Yes. We will consider reasonable requests relating to disability, health, hearing, communication, neurodivergence, injury or another access need. Adjustments may involve communications, captions, instructions, equipment, scheduling, support people or participation. Contact us early so we can discuss the activity, safety, venue and practical options with you. How Can We Help

No. You should not have to disclose more medical information than is reasonably necessary. We will focus on the barrier, the adjustment you need, safety and practical options, and we will handle health information through restricted channels. Governance

A batter who needs an adjustment because of disability, injury, a health condition or another access need may elect to use the designated-runner process in the Competition Rules. You do not need to disclose a diagnosis or provide medical evidence, and the opposing team cannot veto the adjustment. Tell your co-captain or the game umpire before first use so it can be recorded correctly. Playing Rules

No. Social activities are optional. They are an important part of league life, but nobody should be pressured to attend, drink alcohol or disclose personal information. Check the Events page for accessibility, cost and ticket information. Events

Community Points recognise teams that help run and strengthen the Association. They are added to a team's competition points during the round robin and can affect final standings. Points are awarded to the team, not the individual volunteer, and only for activities and requirements listed in the current Community Points Scheme. Community Points Scheme

Under the current scheme, teams can earn points by completing their allocated weekly raffle duties, supplying an approved raffle prize valued at $100 or more, and providing the required volunteer for an allocated training or pick-up session. Check the scheme and team allocations for the exact requirements and deadline. Community Points Scheme

Yes. Playing and Social Members may volunteer on behalf of their team and count towards the required volunteer number, subject to the published scheme. Committee members may volunteer but do not count towards their team's required number. Community Points Scheme

It is a relaxed community session for people who are curious about softball, returning after a break or considering the league. Sessions usually cover basic skills and a friendly game so people can learn without pressure and meet the community. Events

No. Open Days are not try-outs and attendance does not create priority or guarantee a playing place. Registration and team allocation follow the published membership process. Membership

Opportunities may include events, raffles, training, game-day support, media, equipment, fundraising, Mardi Gras and committee projects. Not every activity attracts Community Points, but every contribution helps the Association. Use the Volunteering Calendar or contact us. Season Calendar

Call 000 first. Do not wait for the Association to respond. Stop the activity, make the area safe, provide first aid within your capability and follow emergency-service directions. Once the immediate risk is managed, submit the appropriate incident report. How Can We Help

Tell the game umpire, a co-captain or the duty Committee member so the immediate risk can be managed, but remember that a captain is not a mandatory gatekeeper. Material injuries, near misses and safety incidents should be reported through the official incident pathway as soon as practicable. Report an Incident

The person must be removed from play immediately and must not return the same day. Check for red flags and call 000 where indicated or where the situation is serious or uncertain. Arrange responsible supervision and medical assessment, and submit an incident report. Player Safety

The Association maintains insurance arrangements for its activities, but cover depends on the policy terms, the activity and the circumstances. Insurance does not guarantee that every injury, treatment or loss is covered. Report the incident promptly and follow the current insurance and claims information in Player Resources. Insurance Information

Before play, the Committee may cancel, relocate, delay or change an activity. For a 6:30 pm Tuesday game, it ordinarily aims to communicate a pre-game decision by 4:30 pm, but conditions can require a later decision. During a game, the Association Umpire has the authority set out in the Competition Rules; without one, the co-captains make major safety decisions jointly. Follow official field-status and announcement channels. Weather and Field Status

Yes. A participant may stop their own participation if they feel unsafe or unwell, and nobody should be pressured to continue. Tell the relevant captain, umpire or activity lead so they can manage the immediate risk and any game or event consequences. Player Safety

If there is immediate danger, call 000. For lower-level game behaviour, tell the game umpire or a co-captain so it can be managed promptly. You may also report conduct directly through the Association's concern or complaint pathway. You do not need to identify the correct rule, confront the person or obtain a captain's permission first. How Can We Help

Use general feedback for suggestions or service improvements. Use an incident report for an injury, hazard, near miss or game-day event that needs a factual record. Use the confidential concern or complaint pathway for conduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, privacy, safety or misuse of an Association role. The How Can We Help page will guide you. How Can We Help

Yes. You may ask for communication or accessibility adjustments and, where appropriate, a support person. Information will be shared only where reasonably necessary for safety, fairness, investigation, governance or law; absolute secrecy or anonymity cannot be promised. Complaints Guide

We aim to collect only information reasonably needed to operate the Association, restrict access to sensitive information and use approved systems and forms. Health, identity, complaint and emergency information should not be posted in general chats. You may ask to update inaccurate contact or personal information through the official privacy contact. Privacy

The website, Association email, approved registration and form systems, WhatsApp Announcements and approved team or captain groups are used for different purposes. Members should keep contact details current and monitor the published official channels. Confidential matters, health information and complaints should not be posted in general chats. Contact

Use the published photography preference or contact route and tell the event or media lead where practical. We will take reasonable steps to respect optional photo and marketing preferences. A photograph already used with valid permission may not always be removable from every prior publication, but prospective withdrawal will be respected where reasonably possible. Privacy

Use the Governance page for the Constitution, approved policies and Codes of Conduct. Use Player Resources for the Playing Rules, Key Rules Guide, handbooks, maps, safety information, forms and season tools. Check the version and effective date shown on controlled documents. Governance

Check the FAQs and Player Resources first. If you still need help, use the How Can We Help page so your question, feedback or request reaches the right Association contact and can be tracked. How Can We Help