Kickball Rules

Section 1: Before the Game
Section 2: Basic Game Information
Section 3: Outs & Fairs/Fouls
Section 4: Game Play
Section 5: Overtime (Playoffs Only)
Section 6: Other

Section 1: Before the Game

Teams:

Each team must field at least seven (7) and no more than ten (10) players at time
Team captains must ensure that:

all players participating in the game must kick in the written scorebook kicking order
any eligible player arriving after the start of the game must be added to the end of the team's written scorebook kicking order

It is expected that all players will be allocated equal playing time per day of play

Captains are responsible for creating fair and even lineups for all regular season games and regular season tournaments.
Upon request, captains must provide a copy of the team’s lineup with fielding positions and innings each player will be sitting out

All players must be slotted to field as even a number of innings as possible per game. No player may sit out a second time before another player has sat out their first time. A player may sit out a second time the same inning another player sits out their first time. Etc. (No 3rd out for player A before player B sits out twice).
Captains may only substitute players off/on the field in case of injury or illness. The replacement fielder must be a player who has the least slotted starting time of the available benched players.

Forfeits:

If a team does not have at least seven (7) players 10 minutes after a game is supposed to start, that team must forfeit
The team that does not forfeit will get 7 runs and the team that does forfeit will get 0 runs

Home/Away Teams:

Home team will be determined by rock-paper-scissors during the regular season
Playoffs: high seed has the option to choose home or away

Section 2: Basic Game Information

Game Length:

For Seasons with 45 minute games: games will last at most 7 innings or approximately 45 minutes
At 35 minute mark:

If at the top of the current inning, that inning will be the last
If at the bottom of the inning, the next full inning will be the last

Mercy Rule: If a team scores 7 runs in an inning that half inning will immediately come to an end; no more than 7 runs can be scored in one half inning

Slaughter Rule: If a team is winning by 15 or more runs at the end of the 3rd inning or later, the game will be called.

Field Size:

Bases will be spaced 60 feet apart
The pitcher's mound will be in the center of the infield, equidistant from the 3 bases and home plate
Foul Territory is any part of the field not between the first base and third base baselines.

Kicking Box/Strike zone:

Footwear: Only non-metal cleats or athletic shoes are permitted on the field during game play (if not in violation of park rules).

Canceled Games:

A game that is called off by the Referee after three (3) full innings of play shall be considered a regulation game. The game score at the end of the last full inning shall determine the winner.
A game that is called off by the referee for any reason before three (3) full innings of play shall not be considered a regulation game and a new game may be rescheduled

Player Locations:

10 players on the field at a time; 6 infield/4 outfield
If you have less than 10 players, you may place players in any position so long as there is a minimum of 3 outfield players

Contesting Calls/Challenges

Only captains may challenge a call

If a non-captain protests calls to the ref, a yellow/red card may be issued upon the refs discretion

Each game, the captain of each team is allowed one challenge to contest one call, stopping the game clock
Once the refs converse, the call is final
If the call is reversed in the captain’s favor, the captain reserves the right to make an additional challenge
If any captain attempted to consistently challenge calls, thereby causing a delay of game or obstructing game from continuing, captain may be yellow/red carded
A “challenge” is considered a contest of a call and includes any query of any ref's decision that interrupts or slows the process of the game for the purposes of revising a ref’s decision.
Clarification of a rule is not a challenge. However, if a captain chooses to argue the specific call, thereby halting play, this will be considered a challenge
A claim of improper kicking order must be made to the Head Referee who will make the final determination:

The claim must be made on the field no sooner than the first pitch thrown to the accused "wrong" kicker, and no later than the first pitch thrown to the subsequent kicker. The burden of proof rests with the accused team. Any resulting play is nullified by a finding of improper kicking order, with an out recorded for the "wrong" kicker.

Referee: Referees have jurisdiction over play and may

Call a timeout
Call off a game due to darkness, rain or other cause at the referee’s discretion
Penalize a player or spectator, including game ejection, for any reason after 1 warning. This includes but is not limited to unsportsmanlike conduct, fighting, delay of game and excessive verbal abuse. Ejected participants must leave the field area and may not return to the game(s) for the rest of the night.

Section 3: Outs and Fair/Fouls

What is considered an out:

Strike out: An opponent receives 3 strikes
Tagging a runner: An opponent is tagged with a ball while not actively on a base

If a base runner is tagged with the ball, they may not touch the ball. If they do, play is considered obstruction, and play stops.
If a base runner is in contact with the ball at any time (whether intentional or not), and is not on a base, the runner is out.

Foul out: A kicker receives 3 fouls

If the kicker receives two fouls and the third foul is obstructed by a stationary foreign object in fair territory (i.e. tree branch, overhead fencing), the kicker will get one additional foul.
If the object is in foul territory, the ball would be considered a foul, as normal, and result in an out.

Fly out: An opponent catches the ball in fair or foul territory.

If the ball is caught in foul territory, the ball is considered dead and base runners may not advance

Forced play: A base runner is out if they do not reach the base before the opposing team player touches the base, while holding the ball, when the runner is forced to advance to that base (i.e. all of the bases behind the runner are occupied).
Throwing a ball: An opponent throws the ball at a runner and hits them shoulders or below

If the thrown ball strikes the base runner in the head first, the base runner will be called safe.
The head is considered to be neck and above. Shoulders are not considered a head.
If a runner is sliding, the ball may hit the player anywhere, including the head, to be considered out.
If the player attempts to deflect the ball after they are out, this will be considered obstruction of play, and play will end. Player is subject to a yellow card.

Other types of outs:

Kicking out of order: An opponent kicks out of order. Any runner in the line-up who is not present for their turn to kick will be considered an out. (see Section 1 for how to handle late players)
Base coach: An opponent’s base coach touches a player during active play.

See interference section below

Safety base (see Runners rules in Section 3 for more information)

The safety base is only available for runners traveling from home plate to first base, and must be used if not advancing to second base
The runner may use first base if attempting to advance to second base, or if there is no fielder on first base. A runner using or touching first base in any other circumstance is out.
Fielders trying to make an out on first base must touch the base in fair territory (the first base). Runners hindered by a fielder touching the base in foul territory (the safety base), will be safe;
When a play is attempted at first base, a runner who touches the first base prior to being called safe at the safety base shall be called out;
Once a runner has reached first base safely the runner must start the next play on the first base. Any runner standing on or touching the safety base at the beginning of the next play will be out;
The runner is permitted to use the first base if avoiding collision with a fielder in foul territory. In this event, the fielder in foul territory is permitted to tag the safety base;

Sliding: A player illegally slides with cleats up, accidentally, or otherwise.

Sliding into first base or sliding hands first will be considered an out

Running out of the baseline: If a runner deviates from the baseline, they will be considered out (per ump’s discretion)
Leading off: If a player leads off the base before the ball is kicked, the player would be called out.
Tagging up: If a player leaves their base, after the ball is kicked, and the ball is caught, the runner must return to their previous base and tag it, before advancing.

If a runner stays on their base, they may advance once the ball is first touched in the air by a fielder

This would be considered tagging up, as a caught ball serves as allowance to advance. In order to properly tag up, player must remain on their base until the ball is securely caught

Tagging up is not permitted when a ball is caught in foul territory
Runners may advance as many bases as they desire

Colliding with another base runner: If a base runner touches or passes another runner, the leading runner will be considered out.

Fair and Foul:

Fair Balls:

Any ball that passes 1st or 3rd base while in fair territory. This includes over the 1st or 3rd base and touching a fraction of the base.
A ball will be considered fair if deflected off a player in fair territory into foul territory.

Foul Balls:

Any ball entering foul territory before passing 1st or 3rd base without being touched by a player.
If a ball enters foul territory from a direct kick, the ball is considered foul.
If the ball rolls foul and then fair, it is still considered foul.
If the ball is kicked from the batter's box, starts in foul territory but then enters fair, it is still foul.
If a ball is deflected from foul territory into fair territory, the ball is still considered foul.
If a ball is kicked by a player outside of the designated kicker’s box, the ball is considered foul. (see Kicking in Section 4 for batter’s box information)

Dead Ball: is a ball that is unplayable and will result in a foul but cannot be caught by the opposing team.

Double kick in kicker’s box.
Ball hitting a foreign object that is not part of play.

Section 4: Game Play

Inning: A count of three (3) outs by a team completes the team's half of the inning.
Kicking:

Kicker must kick the ball within the kicker’s box. Kickers must have at least a portion of the planted foot within the kicking box during the kick
If the ump calls a ball or a strike and the kicker then kicks the ball, the ump’s previous call stands and the kick is invalid.
Kickers should refrain from touching the ball if they are choosing not to kick and allow the catcher to return the ball to the pitcher

Strikes: 3 Strikes is an out

The strike zone is defined as home plate extending a base width to each side of home plate and no more than one foot off the ground.
Any pitch that crosses the strike zone that is not kicked by a kicker.

If the ball touches any part of the plate of the strike zone, it is a strike

Any pitch that a kicker attempts to kick, and misses.

This includes swinging for the ball, missing it, but the ball hits your back resting leg/inactive leg
If a player decides to hit a ball with any object but their leg, that will be considered a strike

Foul Kick:
a kicked ball kicked outside of the kicking box

Kickers must have at least a portion of the planted foot within the kicking box during the kick
Kicking the ball, knee or above.
Trapping the ball at home plate without forward momentum.
Any ball kicked into foul territory (see above in FOUL Section)
Kicking the ball into an obstruction or foreign object

Ball: Four Balls is a WALK; Four Consecutive Balls, outside of the kicker’s box, without strikes/fouls is TWO BASES

a pitch outside of the strike zone as judged by the Referee where a kick is not attempted;
a pitched ball that does not touch the ground at least twice or roll before reaching the kicking box;
a pitched ball that is higher than one foot at the plate.
If a player advances in front of the crash line before the pitcher releases the ball, that pitch will be considered a “ball” unless the player decides to kick the ball.

Pitchers Rules:

Pitchers must release balls at the pitcher’s mound. Ball cannot be released in front of, or to the side of, the plate.

Any pitch released away from the mound will result in a ball.

The pitcher must start the act of pitching with at least one foot within the pitching mound

The pitcher must have at least one foot on or directly behind the pitching strip when releasing the ball;
No part of the pitcher’s front foot may be in front of or across the front edge of the pitching strip.

Pitchers must release the ball in a timely fashion. If the pitcher is perceived by the ump to be stalling, they are subject to a yellow card.
Play does not stop until the pitcher has the ball and touches the pitcher’s plate. Ump will blow their whistle to indicate the play is over. Runners must go back to their previous base, unless they are more than halfway, in which case they will be awarded the base to which they were advancing.
Pitches must be smooth-rolling at a moderate speed (no fastballs), with minimal bouncing and little to no spin.

Catchers Rules:

The catcher must be positioned outside of the kicking box either directly behind, or to the side. Catcher may not be positioned in front of the kicker at any moment before kicker makes contact with the ball
The catcher may not make contact with the kicker, nor position so closely to the kicker as to restrict the kicking motion.
The kicker may not trigger a position violation through maneuvers judged by the ump to be deliberately tricky or unsportsmanlike.

Runners:

A base runner must use the safety base when running towards 1st base, or they will be out.

If the safety base is obstructed, the runner uses the 1st base to ensure safety.
The runner does not need to use the safety base if advancing to 2nd base.

A runner is allowed to run through the safety base at first base.

The player is expected to TURN RIGHT once passing through the base to ensure it is clear they are staying on their base.
If a runner desires to advance further after running through the safety base, player must come back to touch the white base before advancing further

If a runner overruns any other base, they may be tagged out. If a runner overruns a base, the opposing team must TAG them with the ball, not tag the base.
Base runners may not steal bases or lead off. Base runners may only leave the base once the kicker makes contact with the ball.
A tie always goes to the runner

Base Running Obstructions:

If a defending player is in the baserunner’s path and is not actively going to collect the ball and obstructs the runner, which affects them being called out, the player will advance to their base and be considered safe. If the previous base is unavailable, the player will return to their previous base. If the defending player is actively making a play, then whatever actions happen stand.
If a base player is blocking the plate, work to avoid injury or collision. Base players should always attempt to position themselves away from the runner.

Crashing:

Once the ball is pitched, any defending player may advance towards home plate,
All fielders must start from on or behind the crash line until the pitcher releases the ball. The crash line is defined as an imaginary line that runs between 1st and 3rd base. If a player advances in front of the crash line before the pitcher releases the ball, that pitch will be considered a “ball” unless the player decides to kick the ball.

Overthrow:

An overthrow is a ball thrown, kicked, or deflected into foul territory while making a defensive play towards a player or base.
Runners are allowed to take one additional base on an overthrow (this is a restriction on the runner, not an automatic right for the runner to advance).
If any fielder attempts to make an out prior to returning the ball to the pitcher after the overthrow, runners may commence base running.

End of Inning: when 3 outs are reached

If there is a forced out for the last out of the inning, no runs scored will be counted.

Force out includes: tagging the base the runner is advancing to, or tagging the runner/base if they are forced to run.
If a runner is tagged out when they were not forced to run, if any runs have scored before the out occurs, these will be counted.

Section 5: Overtime in Playoffs

One pitch rule shall be applied

The last kicker of the previous inning shall be placed on 2nd base
Each kicker gets one pitch

Foul ball: = OUT | Strike: = OUT | Ball = WALK | Kicked Ball: Outcome of play.

The inning will play as normal with 3 outs
Obstruction foul does not count as an out

Section 6: Other

Base Coaches:

Two members of the team at kick may coach first and third base. The base coaches must assist in retrieving foul balls and may switch with other team members to remain in the proper written scorebook kicking order.
Base coaches may not interfere with the game
Interference by a base coach shall result in an out (see interference section below)

Substitutions:

In cases of injury or illness, a time-out may be requested for participant removal and replacement with a teammate as a substitute. If the participant later returns to play, the participant must be inserted in the same written kicking order position previously held.
If a player is ejected, injured, or becomes ill and cannot continue, the written kicking order will continue in the same formation, less the removed player.
There is no "automatic out" when the removed player's spot in the order is reached.
Only runners who are injured while traveling to a base, and who successfully make it to a base, may be substituted. There are no other allowable runner substitutions.
A runner may be substituted no more than twice during the game. After the second substitution, the injured player will be removed from the game and no longer be allowed to participate.
Unless otherwise stated at the beginning of a kickball season, substitute players from outside of the league are not permitted to play. If you are shorthanded you must play shorthanded.
In a season where substitute players from outside of the league are permitted to play, the following rules will apply:

A non-league substitute is permitted to play only if there are less than 11 registered players present.
A team may not have more than 3 substitutes for one game
A non-league substitute may play no more than two games per season.
A non-league substitute may not play during the final tournament.
All non-league substitutes must sign the online anti-harassment/non-discrimination and injury waivers prior to playing

Interference:

If any non-active player obstructs play for the opposing team (touching a ball, blocking players movements, etc.), that player will receive a yellow card and play stops. Base runners will return to their previous base. If it was a fair ball, play stops, and the kicker will be given a foul ball. If the play would have been an “out”, the ump would use their discretion and decide.
Base coaches are not allowed to touch their teammates during active play. If they do, the play stops, runners do not advance, and the play will result in an out. Active play is considered complete once the pitcher has the ball and touches the mound.
Base Players will do their best not to obstruct the path of the base runners while making active plays, however, a base player is not obstructing play by making a play for a ball.
Base players are recommended to stand outside of where plays are being made, to avoid collisions with players and injuries to themselves

Attendance:

In order to obtain veteran status for the next season, you cannot miss more than 2 games from that season
if you miss more than 50% of the seasons games you cannot register for the next season (tournament included)
if a team has a bye for tournament day they will not be penalized for an absence, but they can receive an additional attendance day by attending and watching other games

Appropriate Excused Absences: religious holiday, illness, injury or death in family/funeral

For injuries: the player can show up and not play to get attendance (not an excused absence) as long as it does not prohibit you from physically coming to the field

Updated June 29, 2024