Training & Grading

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Training

We have several ways of supporting your training to increase your competency as a scorer.

Training resources available include:


Annual Theory Exams - Online

Please use this link for more information on the 2022 theory exams.

Grade List

The latest gradings for all current Softball NZ scorers is available here.


Grade Overview
New Zealand softball scorers start as Grade 1 and move up levels based upon written and practical exams. The theory exams are normally sat in May each year. The practical exams are sat at national tournaments.

Grade Level Criteria
The following details the criteria to gain and /or retain a grade:

Grade 1
An active scorer who has not passed the New Zealand Scorer’s Theory Examination. Most team scorers fit into this grade.

Grade 2
Passed NZ Theory Examination within the last 5 years.

Grade 3
Passed NZ Theory & Qualifying Practical Examination within the last 5 years.

Grade 4
Passed NZ Badge Practical Examination.

Grade 5
Promotion to and retainment of this level is based on assessment

These are active scorers who hold a NZ Badge, regularly attend tournaments in an official scoring capacity or as a team scorer. They must maintain at least the standard for a Badge Pass.

Guidelines:
  • Scorers will be assessed to attain this grade based on reports from Tournament Chief Scorers and local association activity reports.
  • Generally have held NZ Badge for about 3 years.
  • Passed a Refresher Theory exam within the past 3 years.

Grade 6
Promotion to and retainment of this level is based on assessment.

These are active scorers who hold an NZ Badge, regularly attend tournaments in an official scoring capacity or as a team scorer. 

They must maintain the standard of a Grade 5 plus:
  • Must have been a tournament or association Chief Scorer or statistician and be capable of performing both roles effectively.
  • Passed a Refresher Theory exam within the past 3 years.

Grade 7
Promotion and attainment to this level is assessed on ability, involvement and personal attributes.

These are active scorers who hold a NZ Badge, regularly attend tournaments in an official scoring capacity or as a team scorer.

They must maintain the standard of a Grade 6 plus be capable and prepared to perform any of the following:
  1. Team and Official Scorer
  2. Tournament Chief Scorer
  3. Tournament Statistician
  4. Examiner of scorers obtaining their badge.
Also they must:
  • Have passed a Refresher Theory exam within the past 3 years
  • Attain a pass in a NZ Umpires Theory Examination.
 
Badged Scorers Who No Longer Meet Grade Requirements
  1. NZ Badge Scorers who are no longer active will be designated as Grade 4. However, they can be reinstated to respective levels upon return when meeting the relevant criteria as stated above.
  2. If a Badged Scorer has been inactive for more than 5 years and wishes to be graded above Grade 4, they are required to sit both the Theory and Practical Exams.
  3. The 3 year period allowed to sit the Refresher Exam will be reviewed at a later date if required.
  4. Grade 7 Scorers who do not meet the guidelines i.e. attained a pass in the NZ Umpires Theory, will need to meet these requirements within 3 years to retain this level.