You will use the left side to circle how the batter reached base.

The top of the box is used to record balls and strikes.  (You will make extra marks for foul balls after 2 strikes.) 

The  top right corner of the box is used to record the location of the hit.  Use the numbers of the position/s for the fielders.  For example, a fly ball between the center fielder and the right fielder would be written as 8/9 in the box.

The right side of the box is used to indicate possible changes for the inning.

The bottom of the box is used to keep track of outs and runs batted in by the batter.

The center of the box is used to tell the story of what happened to the batter.

The center of the score box is used to tell where the batter went and how they got there.

The diamond shows the base paths. 

When a batter successfully reaches a base, you will draw a line from the previous base to the new base.  (For example, the batter hits a ground ball single between 3rd base and shortstop.  You would circle 1B on the left side of the box, write 5/6 in the top right box, and draw a line from home plate to first base.)

You continue to draw lines from one base to the next as the player reaches them safely.  You will also indicate on the outside of the diamond how the player reached the next base. (To continue the example, the runner on first base stole second base.  You would draw a line from first base to second base and write “SB” along the line to indicate stolen base).

If the player goes all around the bases successfully, you should have a fully drawn diamond.  You will fill in the diamond to indicate a run has been scored.

If the player is put out at any time, you will draw half of a line from the previous base to the next base and make a slash to indicate that they didn’t make it.  You will write how the player was put out (using the defensive position numbers) above the slash mark and circle it.  You will then write the number of the out for the inning in the bottom right corner. 

(Referring back to our first example, the batter is on first base after hitting a single. There are no outs in the inning. The next batter hits a ground ball to second base.  The second baseman fields the ball and throws it to the shortstop for an out.  You would draw a line from first base halfway to second base and draw a slash. You would then write 4-6 above the slash mark to indicate how the out was recorded.  Then circle 4-6 to show that an out was recorded.  You would write a 1 in the bottom right box to indicate it was the first out of the inning.)

At the end of each inning you will total the number of hits and runs scored and write them at the bottom of the page.

This is the pitch counter:

You will write in the name and age of the opposing pitcher at the top of the box.  You will also write the number of the pitcher at the top of the column.

After each pitch you will mark a circle in the pitch counter.  You will start a new column after 50 pitches.  (For arm safety, pitchers are limited to a total number of pitches thrown based on their age.  These limits should be posted in the score booth for your reference.  Managers should be aware of this and make pitching changes when required).

After each inning you will verify the pitch count with the person in the booth doing the digital pitch count (Your count is the official count).

When there is a pitching change you will write the new pitcher’s name and age at the top of the box and write their number at the top of a new column.  You will also write the total pitches thrown by the previous pitcher next to their name at the top of the box.

At the end of the game you will fill out the pitching affidavits for both teams (This should be done in ink).  There should be instructions posted in the score booth to help you calculate days of rest required.  The completed affidavits should be signed by you and both managers.