AS PART of its response to the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation, Rounders England has developed a new family-friendly version of the game which can be played in small groups.
The release of the DCMS guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation is a significant early step in the return of community sports.
A Rounders England statement said: “We cannot, of course, trade serious health implications with our desire to feel the sun on our backs, as we play rounders with our friends. In line with DCMS advice, we can confirm the continued suspension of formal rounders activities until the end of June, covering league matches and team training. This position will be continually reviewed in light of Government advice.
“Building towards the future, we are establishing a medical advisory group to specifically assist the rounders community in safely returning to play. We will provide further updates on this when appropriate.
“However, the new guidance makes clear that people can, and should, go outside more than once a day for exercise as long as they’re following social distancing guidelines.
“To this end, we are launching a modified version of rounders so people can get as much from the sport, in our current situation. You will find guidance on how to play at https://www.roundersengland.co.uk/stayhome-activities/small-rounders-games.
“At Rounders England, we will continue to work with Government and other sporting bodies and keep you updated as and when changes are made.”
How to play: Can be played with a minimum of two players; A jumper can be placed at each of the X spots; Each player takes it in turn to be the batter, while others are fielders; The bowler bowls to the batter and the batter runs to the first jumper on their right; One point awarded for each jumper the batter reaches; The fielders have to get the ball back to the bowler’s jumper to get the batter out and stop them from scoring; Each batter gets five consecutive hits, then joins the fielders; The running track can be increased and decreased in size, dependent on the age and ability of each batter.