Brevard Kickball

Official Rules of Brevard Kickball

1.00 Objectives of the Game

1.01

Kickball is a game between two teams of at least 8 players each, played on a field in accordance

with these rules, under the jurisdiction of one or more umpires.

1.02

The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent.

1.03

The winner of the game shall be that team which shall have scored, in accordance with these

rules, the greater number of runs at the conclusion of a regulation game.

1.04

The ball shall be a Baden, 10-inch, red playground ball. Brevard Kickball is

responsible for providing bases, balls, pitching strips and cones.

1.05

A maximum of 10 players from one team may be on the field at any given point.

1.06

Teams that have at least 9 players must field a catcher.

1.07

Players may not wear shoes with any metal on or in them whatsoever. This includes steel toe

boots. If a player is unclear as to whether his footwear is legal he/she is encouraged to consult

with the umpire before the game.

2.00 Definition of Terms

A BALL is a pitch that does not bounce on the ground at least twice before passing completely

through the strike zone, or does not also pass through the strike zone, and is not kicked at by the

kicker.

A BASE is one of four points which must be touched by a runner in order to score a run; more

usually applied to the bags or rubber plates which mark the base points.

A BUNT is a kicked ball not fully swung at, but intentionally tapped slowly within the infield. See

CAMERON LEVINE and MUNT.

A CALLED GAME is one in which, for any reason, the head umpire terminates play.

A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand of a ball in flight and

firmly holding it. A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled,

touched or held by another fielder before it touches the ground (See OOP). Runners may leave

their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball.

A DO-OVER may be called once per game per team, but only if the umpire making the call

agrees that there is sufficient uncertainty in the call to warrant a do-over. A do-over resets the

entire play back to the pitch, and the count remains what it was before the play in question.

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A FAIR BALL is a kicked ball that settles on fair ground, or that first falls on fair territory on or

beyond first or third base, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight

(home run). If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and third base,

and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or umpire and before passing first or

third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul

territory, it is a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and then bounces to foul territory, it is a fair ball.

FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and including the first base and third

base lines, from home base to the cones or natural barrier determining the back limit of the

outfield and perpendicularly upwards. All foul lines are in fair territory.

A FLY BALL is a kicked ball that goes high in the air in flight.

A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of

the kicker becoming a runner.

A FORCE TAG is when the runner is tagged with the ball before reaching the base to which s/he

is forced to run. It is considered a force out.

A FORFEITED GAME is a game declared ended by the umpire in chief in favor of the offended

team by the score of 5 to 0.

A FOUL BALL is a kicked ball that settles on foul territory before reaching first or third base, or

that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over foul territory,

touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground, or a ball

kicked above the knee, or a kick in which the kicker’s plant foot crosses the front of the plate, or a ball kicked twice in foul territory.

FOUL TERRITORY is that part of the playing field outside the first and third base lines extended

to the cones or natural barrier determining the back limit of the outfield and perpendicularly

upwards.

A GROUND RULE DOUBLE is a play in which each runner including the kicker runner may,

without liability to be put out, advance two bases, if a fair ball becomes entangled in a predetermined obstruction in the playing field.

The HOME TEAM fields first. The home team shall be designated by mutual agreement (coin flip,

Rochambeaux AKA "Rock, Paper, Scissors") before the start of the game by the head umpire and one representative from each team.

An INNING is that portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense and

in which there are three outs for each team. Each team's time kicking is a half inning.

INTERFERENCE is an act by the kicking team which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, or

hinders any fielder attempting to make a play, either during a live play or after the kicker/runner

has been declared out. If the umpire declares interference, all other runners shall return to the

last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference.

A MUNT is a bunt by a male kicker. See Sofa King.

OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of

fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball

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and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his

position to receive the ball he may be considered "in the act of fielding a ball." It is entirely up to

the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball.

An OOP is a legal catch where the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, touched

or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. See CATCH.

An OUT is one of the three required retirements of an offensive team during its time kicking. An

out may be any caught ball except a foul ball that has first touched an inanimate object; a runner

not touching a base who is touched with the ball, unless hit in the head with a ball while standing

upright; a fielder who is in possession of the ball touching a base to which a runner is forced to

run; a double-kicked ball where the second touch occurs in fair territory; a runner who passes

another runner before the preceding runner is out; a runner who intentionally interferes with a

defensive play; a runner who leaves the baseline in order to avoid being touched with the ball.

An OVERTHROW is a ball thrown or kicked out of the infield into foul territory. A runner may only

advance one base on an overthrow.

The PERSON of a player or an umpire is any part of his or her body, clothing or equipment.

A PINCH RUNNER can only be used for a runner that is already on base, and must be the last

available player of the same gender in the lineup.

The PITCHING MOUND – A ten-foot radius extending from the pitching strip.

A RED CARD is an immediate ejection of a player from a game by an umpire for crude actions

not befitting the noble sport of kickball, or for wanton disregard of the rules. A player who has

received a red card will not be allowed to play in the game following the one s/he received his/her red card, or longer, pending review of his/her actions with the Referee Board. The Referee Board will determine if further censure is needed (e.g., suspension, community service, public humiliation).Two yellow cards in one game are equivalent to one red card. See YELLOW CARD.

A REGULATION GAME is one in which at least four innings have been played.

The RUN DIFFERENTIAL is the difference between the number of runs scored by opposing

teams in a game. The winning team is awarded the positive result, while the losing team is

awarded the negative result; however, no team may be awarded more than +/-10 points. The

RUN DIFFERENTIAL is computed for purposes of standings only.

"SAFE" is a declaration by the umpire that a runner is entitled to the base for which s/he was

trying.

Sofa King is a male who intentionally taps the ball slowly within the infield. See MUNT.

The STANDINGS are determined by win/loss record. During the regular season, in the case of a

tie, the teams the run differential will be used. To compute end-of-season standings, the win/loss record will be used. In the case of a tie, the result of the two teams’ regular season games will determine the higher ranking. If the teams remain tied, then the run differential will be used.

A STRIKE is a pitch that either is kicked at by the kicker and is missed; or is not kicked at, if any

part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone and it bounces at least twice before

exiting the strike zone.

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The STRIKE ZONE is two home plates wide and one foot above each plate. If any part of the

ball crosses through this area, and has bounced at least twice before exiting the strike zone, it is

a strike. The back of the strike zone is considered to be an imaginary line that connects the

farthest back tip of the plates, extending to the outer most edge on the side of each plate.

A TAG-UP is the act of a runner in returning to a base as legally required.

A TRAP is when a fielder stops a fly ball with a part of his/her body and the ground. A trap is not

a catch.

A WALK is an award of first base granted to a kicker who, during one time kicking, receives three

“balls.”

A YELLOW CARD is a warning given by an umpire to a player for actions not befitting the noble

sport of kickball, or for wanton disregard of these rules. Two yellow cards in one game are

equivalent to one red card. See RED CARD.

3.00 Game Preliminaries

3.01

Players are expected to be on time for their games. Field locations and schedule information is

available on the website, www.brevardkickball.com.

3.02

A team must field at least 4 men and 4 women. If a team is short players, they may borrow from

other league players in good standing, up to the minimum required to avoid forfeit. Short-handed

teams will incur an automatic out if they use two subs. Teams using three or more subs will incur

two automatic outs. There is no penalty for one sub. During one rotation through the lineup, a

team is required to take the automatic Penalty Out(s), but may elect to take said out(s) at any

time during each rotation through the lineup. If the last player in the lineup kicks before the out is taken for that rotation, the out is automatically enforced after the plate appearance of the last

kicker.

3.03

Once the game has begun, a team’s batting order cannot be changed. Late players maybe added

to the end of the line-up.

3.04

A player may not be registered on two teams.

3.05

Drinking and/or smoking are not allowed on park grounds.

4.00 Starting and Ending a Game

4.01

The players of the home team shall take the field, while the away team shall put up their first

kicker to kick.

4.02

The batting order shall be followed throughout the game.

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4.03

The offensive team may station two base coaches on the field during its turn kicking, one near

first base and one near third base. The coach cannot interfere with the play in any manner.

4.04

HOW A TEAM SCORES. (a) One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and

touches first, second, third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning.

EXCEPTION: A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the

third out is made (1) by the batter runner before s/he touches first base; (2) by any runner being

forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because s/he failed to touch one of

the bases.

4.05

A standard game consists of 7 innings of play, but may be shorter due to time, weather, or

environmental constraints. An inning shall not be started after 55 minutes of play.

4.06

Tie games may stand in regular season play. Play-off games must end in a clear winner.

4.07

The game may be called off earlier in the case of forfeit or the umpire’s discretion (lack of sun,

inclement weather, etc.).

4.08

In the case of a called game, 4 innings of play must have been completed to count in standings.

4.09

A game may be forfeited to the opposing team when a team fails to produce the required number

and gender of duly registered players by 5 minutes after scheduled start time or a team falls

below the required minimum number/gender requirements due to the issue of a red card.

4.10

In the interests of mercy, no team shall be awarded more than 10 point for any game for the

purposes of rankings, regardless of the final score, (e.g., a team that wins by 23 points will be

awarded a 10 point run differential).

4.11

Forfeited games will be counted as a 5-0 game, (+5/-5 points).

5.00 Putting the ball in play.

5.01

At the time set for beginning the game the umpire shall call "Play Ball" at which time the pitcher

shall pitch to the kicker.

5.02

The pitcher shall deliver the pitch to the kicker who may elect whether or not to attempt to kick the ball, as s/he chooses.

5.03

On fields without backstops, the kicker may not stand or kick behind the line of cones placed

behind home plate.

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5.04

No fielder may advance inside of the imaginary line between 1st base and 3rd base before the ball

is kicked. If a fielder encroaches beyond this line before the ball is kicked, the kicker will have the option of either taking a called “ball,” or the result of the play that takes place immediately

following the encroachment.

5.05

The catcher must remain at least three feet behind the kicker, so far as the backstop will allow,

until the moment the ball is kicked. Failure to do so will result in encroachment, with the same

options for the kicker as stated in 5.04. At no time may the catcher interfere with the kicker.

5.06

When three offensive players are legally put out, that team takes the field and the opposing team

becomes the offensive team.

6.00 The Kicker

6.01

(a) Each player of the offensive team shall kick in the order that his/her name appears in his/her

team's batting order. (b) The first kicker in each inning after the first inning shall be the player

whose name follows that of the last player who legally completed his/her time kicking in the

preceding inning.

6.02

If a kicker is attempting to get out of the way of a pitch and is struck by ball at knee level or

higher, this shall be counted (as a ball or a strike) as if the ball never touched the kicker.

6.03

If a kicker is attempting to get out of the way of a pitch and is struck by the ball below knee level, the ball is in an active play.

6.04

A kicker has legally completed his/her time kicking when s/he is put out or becomes a runner.

6.05

A kicker is out when (a) his/her fair or foul fly ball is caught by a fielder, unless it is a foul ball that

first touches an inanimate object (such as a backstop or tree); (b) the pitcher pitches a second

strike (c) s/he kicks a third foul ball (d) s/he double-kicks the ball and the second touch occurs in

fair territory; (e) after s/he hits a fair ball, s/he or first base is tagged before s/he touches first

base.

6.06

After a kicker is issued three balls, s/he must advance to 1st base.

6.07

The kicker becomes a runner when s/he kicks a fair ball.

6.08

Substitutions in the kicking order are not allowed. A kicker must reach base on his/her own

power. A pinch runner may be used only after a kicker has reached base safely and the play has

ended.

7.00 The Runner

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7.01

A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when s/he touches it before s/he is out. S/he is then entitled to it until s/he is put out, or forced to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base.

7.02

A runner may not leave his/her base until the ball is kicked by the kicker.

7.03

Two runners may not occupy a base, but if two runners are touching a base, the following runner

shall be out when tagged. The preceding runner is entitled to the base.

7.04

A runner may not advance when the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitcher’s mound area

and is not actively making a play. When the pitcher so ends the play, the runner must return to

the previously touched base if s/he is not yet past the halfway mark to the base to which s/he is

advancing.

7.05

Each runner including the kicker runner may, without liability to be put out, advance to home

base, scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing field in flight and s/he touched all bases

legally

7.06

Fielders must not impede the progress of the runner, including blocking the plate. Fielders must

stay out of the baseline unless they are actively making a play on the ball. If the umpire rules that

a fielder obstructed the base, the runner shall be awarded the base to which they were running.

7.07

An offensive player cannot interfere with play after they are out. Doing so will result in the other

runners not being allowed to advance. It may also result in a yellow card at the umpire's

discretion.

7.08

Any runner is out when (a) s/he runs outside the baseline to avoid being tagged unless his/her

action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a kicked ball (b) s/he intentionally interferes

with a thrown ball; or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a kicked ball; (c) s/he is hit or tagged with the ball while off his base, unless hit in the head while standing upright (i.e. not

sliding). EXCEPTION: A kicker runner cannot be tagged out after overrunning or oversliding first

base if s/he returns immediately to the base and makes no overture to second base; (d) s/he fails to tag-up after a fair ball is caught before s/he, or his/her base, is tagged by a fielder. (e) s/he fails to reach the next base before a fielder tags him/her or the base to which s/he has been forced to advance. However, if a following runner is put out on a force play, the force is removed and the runner must be tagged to be put out. (f) s/he passes a preceding runner before such runner is out.

7.09

If ball is overthrown out of the infield into foul territory, the runner is allowed one additional base in addition to the base s/he is heading to. (If runner runs through first and stays on the foul line, s/he is allowed to attempt to advance to 2nd but not 3rd.) It is not an advance without liability; the runner may be put out during the play.

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7.10

On a caught ball runners who are tagging up may do so on first contact made with the ball by a

fielder.

7.11

A runner may not advance on a foul ball, caught or otherwise.

7.12

Runners may slide head-first or feet-first into a base or home plate, but must consider the safety

of others while sliding. Runners who engage in a dangerous slide, including but not limited to

attempting to “break-up” the play by means of the slide or sliding with raised cleats, shall be ruled out. In addition, as dangerous slides are considered unsportsmanlike conduct, the offending

runner may also be subject to a yellow or red card, at the discretion of the umpire.

8.00 The Pitcher

8.01

The pitcher must maintain at least one of his/her feet behind the front of the pitching strip until the moment the ball is kicked. Failure to do so will result in encroachment, with the same options for the kicker as stated in 5.04.

8.02

Pitchers may throw fast, slow, bouncy, underhand, overhand, sidearm, backwards, with spin, with no spin or upside down as long as the prescribed rules of pitching are followed.

9.00 The Umpire

9.01

Brevard Kickball will schedule at least one umpire to referee each game.

9.02

Only the captain of a team may question the umpire.

9.03

Players are encouraged to get rule clarification from the umpire when play is dead (preferably

between innings).

9.04

Umpires have the sole discretion of using yellow and red cards.

9.05

Umpires must agree that the use of a do-over is warranted.

10.00 The Official Scorer

10.01

Each team is responsible for keeping truthful and accurate scores for their game.

10.02

See Trip Collins if you want to know how to keep an immaculate score