Basic Youth Kickball Rules

Basic Youth Kickball Rules Vail Kickball / Vail Youth Sports Kickball is a simple game consisting of two teams, 3 bases (plus home plate), and an official 10 kickball. Played like softball, one team tries to score by having its players return a ball from home base to the field and then circle the bases; while the other team tries to stop them by tagging them "out" with the ball before they can return to the home base. The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. In short, games are played with 9 fielders, 6 innings, 2 base coaches, and 1-2 umpires/officials. Kickball is a popular playground game and is typically played among young, school-age children. The lack of both specialized equipment and highly skill-based positions (like pitcher) makes the game an accessible introduction to team sports. Kickball is becoming just as popular among adults, who are more commonly known to play similar games like softball and baseball. The following rules are derived from the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) and adapted for youth play by Vail Youth Sports. These rules will govern all Vail Kickball games. For the enjoyment of all, proper respect and civility is required of all participants toward one another. Section 1: Learning the Rules 1. Understanding the field: The field is set up like a diamond. If you have ever watched baseball or softball, it is the same as a baseball diamond. Home base, where the kicker kicks the ball from, is the base of the diamond. First base is diagonally about fifteen yards away from home base up to the right. Second base is diagonally up to the left about fifteen yards away from first base, and third base is diagonally up to the left from home base. Foul territory is everything outside of the baseline from home base to first base, and home base to third base extending into the outfield. 2. Learning the positions: The defensive positions include a pitcher, a catcher, three players to cover each base, three out fielders, and one shortstop to cover the area between second and third base. When your team is on offense you take turns standing at home base and kicking the ball that the pitcher from the opposite team rolls at you. The pitcher rolls the ball to the kicking team across home plate. They stand at the pitcher s mound, which is about 10 yards away from home plate. The ball may not bounce across home plate. The catcher s job is to tag players out at home base and pass the ball back to the pitcher. The players covering each base try to get the ball after the kicker kicks it. Once they get the ball the goal is to tag the runner out before they get to the base safely. You tag a runner out by touching them with the ball or throwing the ball at them. The ball may not be thrown at the kicker s and/or runner s head and neck. The outfielders want to get the ball if the opposing team kicks it away from the players covering the bases and pass it to one of the bases so that their teammate can tag a runner out. The shortstop tries to stop the ball from bouncing into the outfield and also wants to tag runners out or pass it to the players covering the bases. page 1

3. How to score: A team scores a run when a player touches all four bases in order and touches home base without getting out. When it is your turn to be up at bat, the pitcher from the opposite team will roll the ball to you. You try to kick the ball in such a way that it stays in the field of play. Once you kick the ball, you immediately try to run to first base before the opposite team tags you with the ball or touches first base with the ball. If you make it to first base, you are safe. Whenever you are on a base you cannot be tagged out. If you have a really good kick, you might be able to run all the way to second or third base before the opposing team catches you. The team with the most runs at the end of a game wins. A kickball game lasts six innings. During an inning each team gets a chance to kick. Your team continues to kick until you have accumulated three outs. 4. How to get someone out: The defensive team needs to get three outs before they can switch to offense. There are four ways to get an out: A. The pitcher can strike the kicker out. If the pitcher rolls three good pitches at the kicker and the kicker fails to keep the ball outside of the foul zone or misses the pitch all together (whether leg kicked or not), that is called a strikeout. The next player on the offensive team will then come up to bat and so on until the offensive team receives three outs. B. A tag-out occurs when a defensive player touches an offensive player (runner) with the ball when the runner is not on a base. The defensive player may tag the runner with the ball or throw the ball at runner (excluding head and neck). If contact is made then the runner is out. C. The defensive team can cause a force out if the ball gets to a base before the offensive player arrives and the offensive player can t go back to their previous base. They can t go back to their previous base if it is occupied by a teammate or if it is home base. D. The defensive team can catch a fly ball. If the ball is kicked into the air by the offense and the opposing team catches it before it hits the ground that is considered an out. 5. Playing Area: The kickball field is laid out similar to a softball diamond with 4 bases, a pitching rubber, an infield and an outfield. The dimensions of the field can vary depending on the age of the players. Here are some field recommendations: 6-8 yrs 50' base paths and 35' to the pitching rubber 9-14 yrs 60' base paths and 42' to the pitching rubber Section 1: Learning the Rules (continued) page 2

Section 2: Playing Kickball 1. Who takes the field and who bats first?: The home team takes the field first while the visiting team kicks first. One person on the defensive team must be the pitcher. 2. Choose an offensive lineup and umpires/official(s): Prior to game start, each team s head coach must create a written kicking lineup and provide it to the opposing team s head coach. The offensive team should line up in the kicking order created by the coach. Each team shall provide one parent volunteer as an umpire/official. One team will provide an official behind home plate and the other team will provide an official for the field. Half way through the game, or at the top of the fourth inning, the officials shall switch places. 3. Rolling (pitching) the ball: The pitcher rolls the kicking team the ball. The kicker stands at home base and the pitcher rolls the ball directly over home base toward the kicker. The pitcher should roll the ball in such a way that the ball stays flat to the ground. The ball shouldn t bounce wildly that is considered a bad pitch. the pitcher is allowed to roll it fast, but kickball is supposed to be a fun game. Generally you want the offensive team to be able to kick the ball and then it is up to the defensive team to play good defense. 4. Kicking the ball: The first person in line on the offensive team will try to kick the ball out towards the field as it rolls towards them. The kicker will start running to first as soon as they have kicked the ball, as long as it remains in the fair field of play. The kicker can kick the ball on the ground or in the air. The kicker will want to try to kick the ball so that it doesn t go right at a defender. After the kicker kicks the ball, they will try to run to first base, then second base, and so on around the bases so long as they are not called out. If the kicker gets back to home base again after touching all other bases, they score one run. The defensive players try to catch the ball in the air to earn an out. If the defensive players are unable to catch the ball, they run to get the ball and then run or pass the ball to the base ahead of the kicker. They want to get to the base in time to touch the base while holding the ball, or touch the kicker himself with the ball. 5. Switch sides after three outs: Once the team gets three outs, the two teams switch places. The offensive players take up defensive positions and the defensive players form their batting order. Players then continue to play the game in the same way. Once each side has batted once, the inning is over. There is a no slaughter rule which means there is a 3-run-per-inning limit for all innings. Teams play six innings in kickball before determining the winner of the game. 6. Determine the winner at the end, based on the number of runs: The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. One extra inning is played if the score after six innings is tied and time remains. A game can end in a tie if the score is still tied, but must not exceed 50 minutes. After the game, the two teams should line up side by side and give high fives and say "good game" to show good sportsmanship. page 3

Kickball Terms (listed alphabetically) Backstop Assistant A head coach may choose to enlist a team member as a backstop assistant to retrieve balls no longer in play. This assistant does not count as a catcher or fielder, must be behind the kicking box and sufficiently back from the catcher, and may not be involved in any play. Balls A kicker gets a free trip to first base after 3 balls. A ball is called when: - a pitch is outside the strike zone and the kicker doesn't try to kick it. - a pitch bounces across home plate. - any fielder, including the pitcher, advances toward home plate before the ball is kicked. - catcher crosses home plate before the kicker or failing to field behind the kicker. A fair ball is: - a kicked ball landing and remaining in fair territory. - a kicked ball landing in fair territory then traveling into foul territory beyond the 1st - 3rd base diagonal. A foul ball is: A foul counts as a strike. If a player gets 3 fouls, they are out. If a player has 2 strikes and then kicks a foul ball, they are out. A foul is a kick that: - lands in foul territory. - goes out of bounds before passing 1st or 3rd base that isn't touched by any player. - a kick made on or above the knee. Base Coaches Two base coaches, usually parents, of the team at kick must coach first and third base. The base coaches must assist in retrieving foul balls. Base coaches may not physically assist runners while the ball is in play. Cone Area - optional Cones are placed: at the outside corner of first, second, and third base, and not touching the base; on the foul lines 30 feet or about 10 paces behind first and third base; and on the sidelines 10' from home plate. page 4

Duration Games end after six (6) full innings or 50 minutes. One extra inning is played if the score after six innings is tied and time remains. A game can end in a tie if the score is still tied, but must not exceed 50 minutes. Each inning is divided into a top and bottom half with each team having a turn to kick. The visiting team kicks the first half (or top) of each inning, and the home team kicks the second half (or bottom) of the inning. A half inning is completed when the kicking team gets 3 outs. A team failing to field the minimum amount of players within five minutes after scheduled game time will not forfeit. The teams have two options: each team may play less players on the field so that both teams have an equal amount of players or the team that does not have enough players may borrow players from the other team. All players must be registered with the league and play within their assigned age division. There is a no slaughter rule which means there is a 3-run-per-inning limit for all innings. Equipment Official 10 Kickball, 4 bases + pitching mound, uniform shirt, cones are optional, cleats are recommended, but not required (no metal spikes). Fielders Fielders must stay out of the baseline. Fielders trying to make an out on base may have their foot on base, but must lean out of the baseline. Runners hindered by any fielder within the baseline, not making an active play for the ball, shall be safe at the base to which they were running. Runners may choose to advance beyond this base while the ball is still in play. Game Play Ends Play ends when: - the pitcher has the ball in control and on the mound. - a runner intentionally touches or stops the ball (the runner is out). - interference is when any non-fielder, runner, or non-permanent object not related to the game touches the ball. Any time there is interference, play automatically ends and runners proceed to the base to which they were headed. Head Coach The head coach, usually a parent, is the leader of the team and has ultimate accountability for all team operations. Primary duties of the head coach include coaching all games, running 1 optional practice per week (at team s discretion), player position rotation, responsible for team equipment, and creating and reporting the kicking line-up to the game official and other team s head coach. Jewelry/Accessories Jewelry is not allowed. Players must not wear jewelry such as, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, nor any hard cosmetic/decorative hair items. Eye glasses and sunglasses are permitted. page 5

Kicking The ball must be kicked with the foot or leg, below the knee. All kicks must be made behind home plate. It's okay to step on home plate while kicking. No bunting is allowed (contacting the ball without fully extending the leg). Umpire determines a bunt call. A bunt will be called as an out. All kickers must kick in the proper kicking line-up provided by coach prior to game start. Kicking Line-Up Head coaches must complete kicking line-up and submit to opposing team prior to start of game. Any player arriving after the start of the game must be added to the end of the team s written kicking order. Object The object of the game is to try to score more runs than the opponent by rounding the bases and crossing home plate as many times as possible. Outs Three (3) outs by a team complete the team s half of the inning. A kicker is out if: - they kick the ball, and it's caught in the air (even if it's in foul territory). - they get 3 strikes; 3 fouls (all fouls count as strikes); 2 strikes + 1 foul; 1 strike + 2 fouls. - they bunt the ball (doesn't take a full swing of the leg in an attempt to kick the ball a short distance). - they intentionally hit the ball with their hand or arm. A runner is out if: - they are touched by the ball while not on base & the ball is in play. - they are hit by a kicked ball while off base. - a fielder tags the runner with the ball while the runner is not on a base. - they run out of the baseline. - a fielder throws the ball and hits the runner below the shoulders while the runner is off the base. (Runners hit in the head or neck are not out unless they were ducking to dodge the ball.) - they are tagged by a fielder before reaching the base they re forced to run to or if a fielder with a ball touches the base before the runner gets there. - they leave the base before the ball is kicked. - they fail to tag up on a fly ball and the ball beats the runner back to the base they were on. - they run past (overtake) a runner in front of them. - they run into a fielder who is trying to make a play on the ball. - they are physically assisted by a base coach during play. page 6

Overthrows An overthrow is a ball thrown, kicked, or deflected into foul territory while making a defensive play toward a player or base. A runner may advance only one base beyond the base the runner is on or running toward when the ball travels into foul territory from an overthrow. One base on an overthrow is to restrict the runner it is 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, runners may commence base running. Pitching / Catching A pitch must roll on the ground when passing over the plate. Bouncing is not allowed while pitching. A bounced pitch is considered a bad pitch and must be re-pitched. The strike zone is 1 foot inside and outside of home plate. No player may field in front of the pitcher other than the catcher, and no fielder may advance past the 1st - 3rd base diagonal until the ball is kicked. Failure to abide by this rule results in a ball. The catcher must field directly behind the kicking box, and may not cross home plate nor be positioned forward of the kicker before the ball is kicked. The catcher may not make contact with the kicker, nor position so closely to the kicker as to restrict the kicking motion. Failure to abide by these rules results in a ball. A pitch outside the strike zone is a ball. Kickballs must be pitched by hand. The pitcher and the catcher positions may only be replaced once per inning unless injury forces another substitution. The pitcher must start the act of pitching within the pitching mound and 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 until the ball is kicked by the kicker. Failure to do this results in a "ball." Player eligibility All participants must be registered with the league and on a team roster. Players must play within their age division. All players must wear their team game shirt and closed toe athletic shoes (cleats are preferred, but not required). Playing Area The kickball field is laid out similar to a softball diamond with 4 bases, a pitching rubber, an infield and an outfield. The dimensions of the field can vary depending on the age of the players. Here are some recommendations: 6-8 yrs 50' base paths and 35' to the pitching rubber 9-14 yrs 60' base paths and 42' to the pitching rubber page 7

Positions Players line up in the following positions: 1 Pitcher on the pitching rubber 2 Catcher behind home plate 3 1st Baseman a few feet away from 1st base 4 2nd Baseman a few feet away from 2nd base toward 1st 5 3rd Baseman a few feet away from 3rd base 6 Shortstop between 2nd and 3rd base 7 Left-fielder outfield behind 2nd and 3rd base 8 Centerfielder outfield behind 2nd base 9 Right-fielder outfield behind 1st and 2nd base Runner Runners have to stay within the baselines. Sliding into the base or running into fielders is not allowed. There is a no sliding rule. The runner is out if he/she runs into the fielder. The runner is safe if the fielder initiated the contact. Fielders must stay out of the baseline. If the fielder interferes with a runner, the runner is safe at the base they are running toward. (Unless the fielder is making an active play for the ball). No runners may lead off or steal. They can only run after the ball is kicked. A runner who is off the base before the ball is kicked is out. Runners have to tag-up after a fly ball is caught before they can advance to the next base. All ties will go to the runner. Runners may overrun 1st base, but they must turn toward foul territory once they pass the base. If they overrun any other base, they may be tagged out by a defender with the ball. If the ball is overthrown, the runner may advance only one base. If a runner overtakes and passes a runner on the bases ahead of him, they are out. When the pitcher has control of the ball and is standing on the mound, all of the runners must stop advancing. Hitting a runner s neck or head with the ball is not allowed. Any runner hit in the neck or head is safe, and advances to the base they were running toward when the ball hits the runner. If the runner intentionally uses the head or neck to block the ball, and is so called by the Official, the runner is out. Scoring A team scores a point every time a player rounds all of the bases and crosses home plate. Sideline Area Prior to the kick, no participants (or spectators) may be in the sideline area except for the kicker, the catcher, Referees/officials and designated base coaches. After the kick, fielders and base runners in the process of playing the game may also occupy the sideline area. page 8

Starting Play The visiting team kicks first while the home team starts out in the field. The fielders line up the nine field positions. The first kicker steps up to the plate to kick. Stealing/Leading Off Base Neither leading off base nor stealing a base is allowed. A runner may advance once the ball is kicked. A runner off base before or as the ball is kicked is out. Strikes If a kicker gets 3 strikes, they are out. A strike is called when: - a pitch inside the strike zone is not kicked. (The strike zone is 1 foot inside and outside of home plate.) - an attempted kick that's missed. It doesn't matter whether it was inside or outside the strike zone. - kicker kicks a foul ball. Substitutions and/or players arriving late Only runners who are injured while traveling to a base, and who successfully make it to a base, may be substituted. All runner substitutions must be of the same gender. There are no other allowable runner substitutions. A runner may be substituted no more than twice during the game. Upon the second substitution, the player will be removed from the game and no longer be allowed to participate. Any player arriving after the start of the game must be added to the end of the team s written kicking order. Tag-up A tag-up is a requirement for a baserunner to re-touch or remain on their base until after the ball either lands in fair territory or is first touched by a fielder. By rule, baserunners must tag-up when a fly ball is caught in flight by a fielder. A runner failing to tag-up as required is out. Umpire/Official Officials have jurisdiction over all play and may: - call a time out. - call off a game due to darkness, rain, or other cause at the official s discretion. - penalize a player, including game ejection, for any reason. This includes but is not limited to un-sportsmanlike conduct, fighting, delay of game and excessive verbal abuse. Ejected participants must leave the field area and may not return to the game. - Cancel the game if lightning is seen. - Call off any game still in play after 50 minutes. - Officials must ensure that both team s head coaches exchange their written kicking orders. Only coaches can dispute a call. Players, coaches, and fans are expected to show good sportsmanship. No yelling at officials, players, or other teams. Ejected participants must leave the field area and may not return to the game. The league officials may choose to have ejected players, coaches, or fans sit out the next game, season, or permanently. page 9