Table of Contents

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 an equitable 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.

• If a captain believes there is a violation of this rule by the opposing team, they must challenge this with the Head Ref who will further review the challenge for evaluation. If The Head Ref finds that the violation is true, they will report it to the league’s Kickball leadership and Kickball Commissioner for assessment of the associated penalty. 

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

• In the event that both teams do not have at least 7 players 10 minutes after a game is supposed to start, a loss shall be recorded with 0 runs for each team

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.

• If home team reaches a lead of 15 runs during the bottom of the inning (3rd inning or later), the game will end and they will not be allowed to score additional runs

• If away team reaches a lead of 15 runs or more during the top of the inning (3rd inning or later), the game will continue, through the end of the inning (and will continue further if the lead drops below 15 runs within the inning.

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, which run in a straight line from the back corner of home plate to the outside edge of the first and third bases.

Kicking Box/Strike zone:

Strike Zone/Home Plate:

Home plate, and the strike zone consists of all three (3) of the bases

• Therefore runners and fielders may touch any part of the three (3) bases in order to score a run of make an out 

• For pitchers, if the ball touches any part of either of the three (3) bases the pitch will be called a strike 

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, or a claim by a captain that a rule has been applied incorrectly, 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 intentionally touch the ball during the rest of the play. If they do, play is considered obstruction, and play stops.  

    • If a base runner or kicker is in contact with the ball at any time (whether intentional or not), and is not on a base or within the kicker’s box, the runner or kicker is out. 

   

• Foul out: A kicker receives 3 fouls 

  • • If the kicker receives two fouls and the third foul makes contact with 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. 

  • • Only if the ball is caught in foul territory, the ball is considered dead and base runners may not advance. Game play is still live if a ball is caught in fair territory.

   

• Forced play: A base runner is out if they do not reach the next 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)

• This rule does not apply to players who are injured during the course of a game and are removed from the game as a result.

• Base coach: A base coach touches a player during active play under any circumstance.

• 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, if there is no fielder on first base or to avoid a collision with a fielder. 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 fielder is in contact with first base, a runner who touches first base prior to being called safe at the safety base shall be called out; unless the runner is immediately attempting to advance to second base.

• 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;

• If the runner is avoiding collision with a fielder in foul territory by using first base, the fielder in foul territory is permitted to tag the safety base to attempt an out.

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

• Sliding into first base/safety base will be considered an out 

• Running out of the baseline: If a runner significantly deviates from the baseline for any purpose other than avoidance of injury by several feet, they will be considered out (per ump’s discretion) 

• Leading off: If a player leaves their base before the ball is kicked, either fair or foul, the player would be called out. This does not apply to a pitch that is called a ball or a strike (i.e. the ball is not kicked).

• 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 they are permitted to attempt to advance. 

• 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 ball touched by a fielder serves as allowance to advance.  

• Tagging up is not permitted when a ball is caught in foul territory 

• Runners may attempt to advance as many bases as they desire

• If a player fails to properly tag up and advances to the next base, at the end of the play, the runner shall be called out. 

• 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 (if the ball has already touched the ground in fair territory) and touching a fraction of the base.  

• A ball will be considered fair if deflected off a player while the ball is anywhere in fair territory

• Foul Balls:

• Any ball entering foul territory before passing 1st or 3rd base without being touched by a player. 

• The ball is deemed foul as soon as it enters foul territory, without needing to be touched by a fielder 

• 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)

• A kicked ball that makes contact with a cone marking the boundaries of the kicking box is considered foul.

• A kicked ball that comes to a stop without leaving the kicking box is considered foul.

• If a ball is in fair territory in the kicking box (i.e. not behind the plate) and still moving forward when contacted by a fielder, the ball is considered fair.

• 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, or seven (7) runs scored 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 home plate or guiding plates, it is a strike unless the pitch had not previously touched the ground.

• 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. 

• Kicking a ball that stops within the kicking box of its own accord.

• 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; 

• If the first four pitches are balls outside of the kicker’s box (including balls that are too high or bounce only once before reaching the plate), the kicker shall receive 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;

• If the second bounce of a pitch makes contact with any part of home plate or either guiding plate, the pitch is a strike.

• 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

• No part of the pitcher’s front foot may be in front of or across the front edge of the pitching strip when releasing the ball.

• 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 at a moderate speed (no fastballs).

• Catchers Rules:

• The catcher must be positioned outside of the kicking box either directly behind, or to the side of the kicker. 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 through 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, but is permitted to use the safety base if advancing to 2nd base. 

• As long as intent is made to advance to 2nd base, the runner does not have to come back and touch the white base before advancing further 

• 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 defending player is actively making a play, then whatever actions happen stand.  

• If a fielder is blocking the plate or a base, work to avoid injury or collision. 

• Base players should always attempt  to position themselves away from the runner. 

• Fielders not making a play or awaiting a throw should avoid standing on a base that a runner is approaching

• Fielders making a play at a base or awaiting a throw should endeavor to leave a portion of the base open for the runner

• Crashing:

• Once the ball is pitched, any defending player may advance towards home plate,

• All fielders, except the catcher, 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.

• This does not apply if the runner induces a fielder to attempt to make an out by advancing beyond one additional base

• 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 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.

• If you are an active player in a league, you may not substitute for another team within that same league

• Unless otherwise stated at the beginning of a kickball season, substitute players are not permitted to play. If you are shorthanded you must play shorthanded.

• In a season where substitute players are permitted to play, the following rules will apply:

• A non-league substitute is permitted to play only if there are 9 or less registered players present.

• If a team is utilizing substitutes, the roster may not exceed 10 players total

• A team may not  have more than 4 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 and not to stand on bases when not making active plays or awaiting a throw, to avoid collisions with players and injuries to themselves

• Attendance: 

• In order to obtain veteran status for the next season, players cannot miss more than 2 games from that season 

• if players miss more than 50% of the seasons games they 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 

• Yellow/Red Card Rule:

• If a player receives 2 yellow cards at any point during the season, they will miss the next scheduled game after receiving their 2nd yellow card

• If a player received a red card during play, they are unable to finish the current game, and will miss the next scheduled game

 

Kickball Rules v3 as of 3/18/25