Game Setup:
• Field: Kickball is usually played on a softball or baseball diamond with four bases arranged in a diamond shape, similar to a baseball field. The bases are positioned 60 feet apart.
• Ball: A regulation kickball is a rubber ball, about the size of a soccer ball (typically 10 inches in diameter).
• Teams: Each team consists of 8-11 players. The defensive team fields players in the traditional baseball positions, with the addition of a “pitcher” who rolls the ball toward home plate. Game Play and Rules 1. Pitching
• The pitcher must roll the ball towards home plate with a smooth, underhand motion.
• The ball must roll on the ground and cannot bounce excessively (no more than 12 inches off the ground).
• The pitcher’s team is not allowed to alter the path of the ball after it is pitched. 2. Kicking
• The kicking order is set at the beginning of the game and must be followed throughout.
• The kicker must kick the ball with their foot or leg, making contact below the knee.
• The ball must be kicked within the kicking box, and the kicker is not allowed to step over home plate until after making contact with the ball.
• A kicked ball that lands in foul territory (outside the first or third baseline) is considered a foul ball. Three fouls equal an out. 3. Running the Bases
• Runners must advance to the next base after a kick, following the same rules as in baseball (i.e., they must touch each base in order).
• Runners are allowed to overrun first base but must turn right to avoid being tagged out.
• No leading off or stealing bases is allowed; runners must remain on the base until the ball is kicked.
• A runner is out if they are tagged with the ball or if the ball is thrown and hits them while they are not on a base.
• Runners must tag up (return to their base and touch it) after a fly ball is caught before they can advance to the next base. 4. Fielding
• The defensive team tries to get the offensive players out by catching kicked balls, tagging runners, or throwing the ball at runners.
• A caught fly ball results in an out.
• A runner is out if they are hit with a thrown ball below the shoulders (headshots are not allowed unless the runner is sliding).
• Double plays are allowed, similar to baseball. 5. Outs
• An out occurs when:
• A kicked ball is caught before it touches the ground.
• A runner is hit by a thrown ball below the shoulders.
• The ball reaches the base before the runner (force out).
• The kicker accumulates three fouls. 6. Innings and Time Limits
• A regulation kickball game typically consists of 5-7 innings, depending on the league rules.
• Games are often played with a time limit, usually 45-60 minutes, with the inning being completed after time expires.
• The game can end early if one team is ahead by a specified number of runs after a certain number of innings (mercy rule). Scoring in Kickball
• A run is scored when a runner safely reaches home plate after touching all previous bases in order.
• If a kicker kicks a home run (the ball is kicked out of the play area and over a designated boundary), the kicker and any runners on base automatically score.
• Runs are accumulated throughout the game, and the team with the most runs at the end of the game is declared the winner.
• In case of a tie after the final inning or time expiration, some leagues may implement extra innings or a sudden-death format to determine the winner.
Additional Rules and Etiquette
• Sportsmanship: Players are expected to maintain a friendly and respectful atmosphere. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with referees or other players, may result in ejection from the game.
Substitutions: Substitutes are allowed, but must be declared before the start of the inning and must replace the same position in the kicking order.
Umpire Decisions: The umpire’s decision is final on all plays. Players and teams must respect the calls made by the umpire. League-Specific Rules
Each league may have specific rules regarding the number of players, substitutions, and variations in game play. Make sure to review the league’s rules before the season starts. Conclusion Kickball is a fun and engaging game that encourages teamwork, social interaction, and physical activity. Whether you’re in it for the competition or just for fun, following these rules will ensure that everyone has a great time on the field.