Sport City Kickball Rules

First and foremost, all Sport City leagues are designed to make sure everyone has fun.  We expect individuals to respect the league’s culture of fair and fun play. Foul language and rough play will not be tolerated and individuals who cannot adhere to our standards of fair play and sportsmanship may be asked to leave the league. Sport City wants everyone to have a fun and be social while enjoying a great sport. Sport City will do whatever they can to make sure all players are having fun.

1. GAME TIME – Games are scheduled one minutes apart.  Games will be played for 7 innings or 55 min whichever one comes first.  There will be no new innings started after 50 minutes of playing time.   A 5 minute grace period is allowed if not enough players are present at the scheduled game time (five players are required to avoid a forfeit).  After that, the game will be a forfeit.

2. THE FIELD – Field of play will equal the dimensions of a standard softball field (i.e., with the bases being 60 feet apart.

3. RAIN OUTS - The decision to delay game times, or to reschedule games to other dates, will be made on game day.  An appropriate message will be posted on the league page and emails and text will be sent out as early as possible.  Do not ask about cancellations.  Sport City will do everything in its power to play the games in a safe and competitive environment.  If games must be rescheduled, a revised schedule will be made the within 48 hours of the cancelled game and emailed to the team captains. Cancelled games will be moved to the end of the schedule. 

 4. TOURNAMENT ELIGIBILITY - There will be a single elimination tournament at the end of the season. Players must play in at least 2 regular season games to be eligible to play in the tournament and they must be on the roster. 

5. TIES FOR TOURNAMENT 'SEEDING' - Ties for seeding and divisional winners are broken in the following order:       

      A.  Forfeited games        B.  Scores against each other

      C.  Total points scored  D.  Least points allowed     E.  Coin toss

6. STANDINGS - Weekly standings and any changes to the following week’s schedule due to rainouts, forfeits, etc. are posted on the website within 48 hours of completed games.  

7. DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFICIALS - ONLY the team captain may leave the bench for discussions with either official.  Said discussions are to be conducted calmly and in a respectful manner.   Captains are responsible for the conduct of their players.  See Code of Conduct.

8. PERSONAL CONDUCT - The throwing of equipment by a "disgruntled" player is not allowed and may result in the player being ejected from the game.  An official can call any game ended at any time, regardless of the score, if unsafe play is exhibited by any team member during the course of the game.  Any player guilty of moral misbehavior, bad sportsmanship or interference in any way adversely affecting the benefits the program offers for others, shall be disciplined either by restricting his playing privilege or expulsion from the team and league.  EJECTION FROM A GAME WILL CARRY THROUGH THE NEXT SCHEDULED GAME.    Repeated offenses will result in ejection from the league.  See Code of Conduct.

9. FORFEITS – If a team forfeits a game, a $25 penalty is due before the next game.  Upon the second forfeit (regular season or tournament) the team will be immediately kicked OUT OF THE LEAGUE and will not be allowed to participate the following season.  Game will be recorded as 10-0 loss for any forfeits.

10. PROTESTS - The official's decision on judgment calls is FINAL.  The only legal protest is one involving a misinterpretation of the rules, or the use of an ineligible player.  To file a protest, the captain must immediately notify the official.  The official will announce that the game is being played under protest.  To be considered, the protest must be made in writing via email and must be de within 48 hours of the game in question (with a $10 deposit to be returned if the protest is upheld).

 11. MERCY RULE - If a team is up by 15 or more runs in the 5^th inning, the mercy rule will be called and the game will be over.

12. PLAYER EQUIPMENT –

·         All players must wear their Sports City uniform. (Tshirt)

·         Shoes- All players must wear shoes. 

 

 

 

Sport City Indoor Kickball Rules-Cheat Sheet

 Any rule or situation not expressly defined here will default to Sport City Kickball or MLB rules. At the end of the day, these calls will be made by the head ref. whatever their call is, it stands.

 You’ll notice they’re “mostly” the same as baseball, with the main differences being:

–          Games are 9 innings or 55 minutes long.  No new inning will start after 50 min mark.

–          Home and Visitor will be determined by doing best of three Paper,Rock,Scissors

–          There are 10 players max in the field (minimum of 6 – 3 guys, 3 girls)

–          Kicking order must have a female every 3 kickers.

–          All teams must have a female in the outfield, infield, and either pitcher or catcher(In the event of only having two girls then they would have to play in two of the three spots)

–           All pitches MUST be thrown underhand

–          Strike zone is four feet on either side of the plate designated by the orange cones

–          2 strikes are an out

–          2 fouls are an out.  Fouls are counted as strikes

–          If a kicked ball is caught on the fly, runners must tag their originating base (on or after the moment the ball is first touched by a fielder) before running to the next base.

--          There is no leading off bases or stealing

–          You can throw the ball at base runners, but no head shots! Ball can hit the ground before it hits the runner.

–          Running to 1^st base, the runner must use the outside safety bag if not going to second base

–          Once Foul, it’s always Foul

–          Don’t block the base paths

–          Can’t block Home Plate

–          In the event of an injured player; the player can be removed without penalty but cannot come back in the game. If it occurs while on the bases, the runner can have a pinch runner that is the female with was last to get out.   

–          Games ending in a tie- if the score is tied at the end of 55 minutes and the last inning has been completed then each team will chose a male and female kicker for a one pitch kickoff.  Each team will then get two kicks.  Visitor Team’s 1^st kicker Kicks and then Home Teams 1st kicker will kick and then Team A’s 2^nd kicker will kick and then Team B’s Kicker.  The umpire will be standing 15 feet behind second base where there will be a cone.  The team that kicks the ball the closest to the cone in the air will win.

–          Texting your lineup/kicking order with your team name 30 mins prior to your game time to 910-617-6665.  We do not need field position.  This will insure that games start on time and more importantly that we all are respectful of everyone’s time.

-9 players on the field, at least 3 females, or an auto out is recorded each time missing female is to bat in the lineup.  Teams must have at least 1 female in the infield & 1 in the outfield. 

-Pitcher catcher are not required positions, unless team has all 9 players on the field. But one infielder must be “designated” as pitcher to end the play in the circle. 

-Only 1 player, designated pitcher, may end the play unless time is given by the umpire due to runners abandoning effort. Play is ended when the pitcher has possession of the ball, as well as having at least one foot inside of the pitcher’s circle. 

-When setting the batting order, 3 males may not be placed together unless they are at the bottom of the order and all 3 females have been utilized. Batting order should start with a female in between every two males in the lineup, unless there are more females than males, whereas you can place back to back females wherever you decide within the order. 

-Games are 9 innings or 55 minutes long. No new inning will begin after the 50minute mark. 

-Teams must have at least 6 players to play, unless the other team allows them to play with less. 

-Forfeit will be rendered after a 15 minute wait and that time counts towards the length of game. 

-Mercy Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings. 

-2 foul balls or 2 strikes, or any combination of the 2, results in an out. 

-kicker’s plant foot must not cross designated kicking line. Plant foot that crosses the line will be called a foul and will affect the count accordingly (if it’s the 2^nd strike or foul, it’s an out) 

-The strike zone is made up of 2 plastic circles. Any pitched ball that rolls between the circles or touches any part of the circle is considered a strike. 

-A pitched ball that crosses outside of the strike zone will be called a ball and will be a dead ball that cannot be kicked into live play. 

-Offensive pitcher must release the ball from within the pitching circle. 

-Defensive players must stay equal to or behind the offensive pitcher until pitch is thrown. The catcher must stay behind the batter. 

-A ball thrown at a runners head (when they are standing in a primarily upright position) will be ruled a dead ball with the runner being deemed safe and given the base. Other runners may advance only if forced to by “hit runner”. If the runner attempts to duck, or dodge out of the way, and gets hit in the head, the runners will be ruled out and the ball will still be considered live and still in play. 

-Any ball that makes contact with a runner who is not on a base, whether kicked or thrown, will result in an out. 

-any runner that leaves the base path will be called out. 

-A kicked ball from the offensive kicker that hits the offensive pitcher is a dead ball & the batter is called out. 

-Kicker must take a full kick at the ball. (i.e. NO BUNTING) Umpire will determine intent. A bunt call is considered a foul ball & the count will reflect this) In general, if it takes more than 3 seconds to hit one of the walls then it will be considered a bunt. 

-A kicked ball by the offensive kicker that hits anything attached to the ceiling will be considered an out. The only exception is the wires hanging down from the ceiling independently. This is an out, even if the ball is in foul territory. 

-When the defensive pitcher has possession of the ball with at least one foot in the circle, the play is dead. At that time, any runner more than 1/2 way to the next base is awarded that base. If not ½ way, the runner must return to the previous base. 

-No dangly jewelry. 

-No head first sliding! You may dive back to a base you are returning to, but do so at your own risk. 

-A runner can “tag up” on a fly ball as soon as it is touched by a defensive player.  They do not have to wait until the ball is physically caught. 

 

 

 

Sport City Kickball Rules

 

1.  EQUIPMENT

Sport City will provide equipment. This will consist of a red 10-inch playground ball, bases and cones.

2.  PARTICIPANTS

All players must be 21 years of age or older. Players may only play on a team on which they are registered. Exception: You may function as a substitute player for another team if they are short a man or woman. This is ONLY valid during the regular season.

3.  TEAMS

Sport City is proud to relieve captains of the burden of paying for full teams. While captains and players are able to prepay for additional players and or full teams, it is not a requirement for participation in our leagues. We welcome individual player payments. We are also proud to welcome those who do not have a full team (small groups and free agents) to participate in our league. Only online payments made through www.SportCityrec.com or a team check for our corporate teams are acceptable forms of payment.

Our primary mission is to make it easier for people to have fun and get involved with social sports and these policies help accomplish that goal.

Because of these policies all registrations are on a first come first serve basis and any roster that does not reach our standard size (based on each sport) is eligible to receive free agents and or small group by the league. Rosters made up of primarily free agents and or a collection of small groups may field more players than the standard roster size. This policy is in place to help ensure free agent teams are able to consistently field teams each week.

 

4.  CAPTAINS

Each team shall have one Captain and one Co-Captain who are charged with:

?       Making sure that only players registered on their team are participating on their behalf in a game.

?       Texting your lineup/kicking order 30 mins prior to your game time to 910-617-6665.  Make sure you put your team name in the text.  We do not need field position.  This will insure that games start on time and respecting everyone’s time.

?       Insuring that their players kick in the same order throughout the game (if necessary, teams can exchange kicking lineups prior to the game).

?       Disputing a call on the field and remaining cool at all times.

?       Making sure everyone on their team understands the rules.

?       Turning in the game results to the appropriate person.

?       Staying in contact with Sport City and attending all required league meetings.

?       Communicating any changes in regards to scheduling or rules with his/her team.

?       Ensuring that everyone on his team is eligible to play.

?       Contacting the other team and the league in the event of a forfeit by 2:00 pm.

 

A team must have at least 6 players minimum – 3 women and 3 men – and no more than 10 players in the field each inning.

Every player present is required to be in the kicking line up. Every player present is required to play at least one (1) inning in the field. If a team does not have the required minimum number of players in the fielding lineup, then the team must forfeit.  During the regular season, a team can recruit players from other teams to play if they do not meet the minimum amount of players required.  During the playoffs, only actual team members can play for their teams.

If a team is playing with less than 10 players, they are not required to have a catcher. If a team cannot field at least 6 players, they automatically forfeit.

 

Any team that forfeits two or more games will be removed from the remaining schedule and not be allowed to participate in any playoff situations. No refunds will be given and a team dropped by the league may, at Sport City discretion, not be allowed to rejoin the next season.

Sport City will provide team t-shirts to all teams. Players must wear their official t-shirt during all games. Teams are encouraged to be creative with names and t-shirts, without removing or obscuring the Sport City logo or the logo of the sponsor bar.

5.  PITCHING/CATCHING

The pitcher must plant their foot on the pitching strip as they wind-up to pitch. If the pitcher is hit by a kicked ball the kicker is out and the runners must return to their original base.

The pitcher must stay behind the pitching strip until the ball is kicked. Failure to do so results in a ball. All infielders must stay behind the imaginary line stretching from first to third base until the ball is kicked. Failure to do so results in a ball.

The catcher may field up to the plane of the home plate before the ball is kicked, however the catcher shall not interfere with the kicker in any way. Failure to abide by this rule results in a ball.

6.  KICKING

All kicks must be made by the foot. All contact BELOW the knee is considered a kick.  Anything hit at the knee or above is considered a foul.

All kicks must occur at or behind home plate. Both feet must be on or behind the kicking line at the time the ball is kicked. If one or more feet are in front of home plate at the time the ball is kicked, it is a strike and the kick is called back (if such a kick is caught on the fly, it is an out).

Any fair kicked ball that travels outside of a reasonable area of play will result in a ground rule double. This doesn’t pertain to the unlikely event of a home run kick; rather it pertains to fair balls that then bounce over a fence.

7.  RUNNER IS OUT

Neither leading off base, nor stealing a base is allowed. A runner may only move off after the ball has been kicked. And you can’t pass the runner in front of you. Nor can you pick up the runner in front of you and carry them.  These are outs.

Hitting a runner with the ball above shoulder level is not allowed. Any runner hit above the shoulders is safe and advances one base. Exceptions:

If the runner intentionally uses his head to block the ball then the runner is out. If the runner is ducking, diving or sliding (i.e. attempts to dodge the ball) and is hit in the head because of this, he/she is out.

If a kicked ball is caught on the fly, runners must tag their originating base (on or after the moment the ball is first touched by a fielder) before running to the next base.

Only one base on an overthrow is allowed to the runner. The one base is not automatic and the runner must take the risk of being made out. The one base is only available before the play ends.

The kicker-runner is out when:

1. he intentionally interferes with the catcher’s attempt to field the ball

b.      After kicking or bunting a ball, he intentionally contacts the ball a second time in fair or foul territory. The ball is dead and no runner(s) advance.

1.      In the case of a foul ball, it must have a chance to become fair in the umpire’s judgment.

c.      hits an infield fly and the infield-fly rule is in effect

Any runner is out when he:

1. runs out of the Base line- runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged or to hinder a fielder while the runner is advancing or returning to a base;
1. This is not an infraction if a fielder attempting to field a batted ball is in the runner’s proper path and if the runner runs behind the fielder to avoid interfering with him.
2. When a play is being made on a runner or batter-runner, he establishes his baseline as directly between his position and the base toward which he is moving.
2. does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play, does not slide in a direct line between the bases; or
1. A runner may slide in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.
2. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. Jumping, hurdling, and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. Diving over a fielder is illegal.

PENALTY:   The runner is out. Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. On a force-play slide with less than two outs, the runner is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. With two outs, the runner is declared out. The batter is credited with a fielder’s choice.

1. does not legally attempt to avoid a fielder in the immediate act of making a play on him; or dives over a fielder;
2.  
3. PENALTY:    The runner is out and the ball remains live unless interference occurs and is declared.
4. initiates malicious contact;
1. Malicious contact always supersedes obstruction. Runner(s) will be awarded appropriate base(s) per umpire's judgment.
5. Runner intentionally interferes with a throw or a thrown ball; or he hinders a fielder on his initial attempt to field the kicked ball. If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner including the batter-runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out (the runner who interfered and the other runner involved). If a retired runner interferes, and in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare that runner out. If the umpire is uncertain who would have been played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out.
6. is contacted by a fair batted ball before it touches an infielder
1. If a runner is touching his base when he is hit by an infield fly, he is not out, but the batter is out by the infield fly rule. The ball is dead, even in the exception.

2.      If a runner is hit by an infield fly when he is not touching his base, both he and the batter are out.

1. If two runners are on the same base, at the same time and both are tagged, the following runner is declared out. On a force play situation, the runner who is forced to advance shall be declared out when tagged on the base or the base to which he is forced is touched by a fielder while in possession of the ball.

 

 

 

8.  STRIKES & BALLS

The strike zone is 4 foot on either side of the plate and is one foot high. As long as any part of the ball passes through the strike zone, the ball is a strike.

There are no balls in kickball

9.  FOULS

A foul is:

?       A kick occurring in front of home plate is also a foul but will be live until it hits the ground (if such a kick is caught on the fly, it is an out). Play will stop and runners will be returned to their bag before the kick.  The batter will then have 1 strike left.

?       A kick landing out of bounds. The foul is determined by where the ball lands not how it travels to get there. Remember that if such a kick is caught on the fly it is an out

?       A kick landing in bounds, but traveling out of bounds on its own before reaching first or third base. (Any ball touched by an in-bounds fielder is automatically in play)

?       A ball that is tipped while being kicked but continues to travel behind the kicker; ; but if such a kick is caught on the fly it is an out

?       a kicker touching (or kicking) the ball twice while on or behind home plate (i.e., in foul territory); but if such a kick is caught on the fly it is an out

?       Any foul that hits a fence, dugout, or other outside object is a dead ball and not eligible to be caught for an out. The ball remains a foul.

?       Fouls count as strikes. Two Fouls count as an out.

10.     OUTS

An out is:

?       a count of two strikes

?       a runner touched by the ball at any time while not on base (unless a head shot)

?       any kicked ball (fair or foul) that is caught before it hits the ground

?       a ball tag on a base to which a runner is forced to run

?       kicking out of order

?       a runner leading off the base or stealing

?       a count of three outs completes the team’s half of the inning

11.   BALL IN PLAY- Once the pitcher has the ball in control and is within 10 feet of the pitching strip, the play ends.  Runners who are off base at this time and in forward motion may advance only one base. Runners who are off base at this time and not in forward motion must return to the base from which they were running. The designated pitcher still has the option to leave the circle and throw the ball at the runners advancing to the next base.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

ALL  PLAYERS AND CAPTAINS SHALL BE GUIDED BY THE FOLLOWING:

 1.  NO PLAYER OR CAPTAIN shall refuse to abide by an official's decision.

 2.  NO PLAYER OR CAPTAIN shall be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision by throwing the ball, or other equipment.

 3.  NO PLAYER, other than the captain, shall discuss with an official in any manner, the decision reached by the official.

 4.  NO PLAYER OR CAPTAIN shall be guilty of using unnecessary rough tactics in play of the game against the body and person of an opposing player.

 5.  NO PLAYER OR CAPTAIN shall at any time lay a hand on, push, shove, strike or threaten to strike an official.

 6.  NO PLAYER OR CAPTAIN shall be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, official, or spectator.

 7.  NO PLAYER OR CAPTAIN shall be guilty of personal verbal abuse upon any official for any real or imaginary wrong decision or judgment.

PENALTY:  Any player or captain ejected during a game will not be eligible to participate in the team's next game.  A player or captain who is ejected from two games will be automatically suspended for the remainder of the season. An official can call any game ended at any time, regardless of the score, if unsafe play is exhibited by any team member during the course of the game. 

NOTE:  JUSTIFICATION IS NOT A POINT OF ARGUMENT CONCERNING CODE OF CONDUCT.