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 v2.9
Welcome to KICKS™ ...
we've taken kickball back to the 'Ol School' and you'll find
the KICKS™ version of the game below. Pssst...it's gonna
flow pretty much like softball/baseball ... nothing to
weighty ... with a few tweaks here and there ... it's simply
kick and run baby!!!
Legal and Coach's
Responsibility
1.
You must be at least 16
years of age or older to play. Participants who are younger
than 18 must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian
and the Parent or You are playing at your OWN RISK!
YOU WILL ENCOUNTER PHYSICAL CONTACT WHILE PLAYING
THIS GAME. It will be the
intent of the Officials assigned to your game, to provide a
safe level of competition, however injuries may and will
occur. Legal Guardian will be required to complete and sign
an Under 18 Exemption Form (MSU-18E)prior to
participation. All others will be required to complete and
sign an Adult Sports Waiver and a Player Code of Conduct
(PW-1) form prior to participating.
2. It is the team Coach's responsibility to make sure their
players fully understands these rules. Discussion of rules
or calls made by Game Officials during a game by non-Coaches
to Game Officials is strictly prohibited. If a player or
players has/have a dispute concerning a Game Official's
call/ruling during a game, it must be relayed through the
team Coach ONLY. Any attempt by a player, who is not
a team Coach, to "argue" a call/ruling with a Game Official
will result in a penalty and possible ejection from the
game. NO WARNINGS!!! Please NOTE:
Teams must designate only one offensive and one defensive on
the field Coach per game. These will be the only players
allowed any discussion of rules, interpretations, etc. with
game Officials.
Playing Field &
Equipment
KICKS™ will not abide by
any specific field dimensions and dimensions may vary based
on specific venue location. All games will be played on
authentic softball fields and distances, such as base paths,
pitching mounds, and foul territory will be observed with
respect to the actual field as marked.
1. The kicking box and
strike zone will be marked and exists and operates in the
same way as in the games of softball/baseball, with the
strike zone extending one (1) foot to either side of the
plate and the back edges of the zone being one (1) foot from
the back sides of the plate.
2. The baseline in which
a base runner must stay within during any advance is 5 ft.
Runners who go outside of this distance on any attempt to
advance or avoid being tagged or thrown out will be called
out.
3. A ball that is
touched by a player or Official in fair territory is a fair
and playable ball. A player jumping from fair territory is
considered in fair territory while in the air and a player
jumping from foul territory is considered in foul territory
while in the air.
4. Safety/Extra bases
(when available) will be considered in play (only at first
base). A player does not have to choose whether they touch
the safety base or the first base when advancing from home.
After being called safe at first base, the safety base
'vanishes' and all plays, runner returning or defender
defending must occur on the actual first base. Runners must
start the next play on the first base or will be called
out. A runner is allowed to use the first base if avoiding
contact (i.e. collision) with a fielder in foul territory.
This will be the instance in which a fielder may touch the
safety base.
5. A fielder trying to
make an out at first base much touch base in fair territory.
6. Athletic shoes are
required. Cleats are recommended, yet not required. METAL
CLEATS/SPIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED!
7. Performance
enhancing equipment is not permitted.
8. Player's
uniforms are considered a part of and extension of the
player.
General Rules of
the Game
1. The catcher must
stay behind the kicker before the ball is kicked.
2. Once the pitcher
has control of the ball and back within the pitcher circle
all play ceases.
3. Games are
5-innings or 50 minutes in length. In the event of a
tie at the end of regulation the game will enter the BIG
BOOT SUDDEN DEATH Overtime Inning.
BIG BOOT SUDDEN DEATH
The object of the Big Boot
Sudden Death is to break a tie score at the end of a
regulation game in order to determine a winner, by touching
more bases during your turn than your opponent. The rules
are as follows.
Pitching and Kicking
a. Each team will have an
opportunity to play offense and defense.
b. Each team must select one
kicker and three defenders (the defense must include at
least one (1) female). Kickers may play defense.
c. A coin toss will determine
who chooses to kick or defend first.
d. The defense has no
restrictions on alignment or strategy.
e. In the Big Boot Sudden
Death, although pitching style is not restricted, pitchers
will have only one (1) ball to give and a second ball will
result in the kicker being awarded three (3) bases.
e. The kicker will have only
one (1) foul kick to give and a subsequent foul kick will
result in an out and no bases awarded.
f. The kicker has only
one (1) pitch to allow without a kick attempt and must
attempt a kick on the next pitch. In the event the next
pitch is called a ball and no kick is attempted, the count
will go full. The object of the Sudden Death is to
result in kicks, therefore the pitcher and kicker should do
their best to put the ball in play.
g. All kicks must adhere to
the legal kicking rules played during regulation as written
above.
Ball In Play
In the event of a successful pitch and kick, the runner must
attempt to secure as many bases as possible by running as
they normally would after a kick in regulation.
They're Big Boot score will be the number of bases they
secured safely.
a. To secure a base, a player
must reach base without being called out due to a tag, ball
hit, or force out (only at first).
b. Once the ball is kicked the
runner must decide on his/her course of action and must keep
running (attempting to advance) for any subsequent bases
after first to be awarded. A runner cannot bait
a throw after stopping at a base and can only play 'cat and
mouse' after committing to the next base. Once a
runner stops at a base, the play is over.
c. To stop the play, the
defense must put the runner out by being hit with the ball,
tagged with the ball, or forced out (only at
first). The defense can
also secure a base by reaching the next base in the order
the runner would be advancing to and touching it before the
runner, in the event of an obvious non-advancement.
PLEASE NOTE: If the runner is attempting to advance and has
chosen that course after rounding any base, then the defense
MUST attempt to get that runner out by tag or throwing the
ball.
d.
The one base limit on an overthrow is eliminated in Big Boot
Sudden Death.
4. Referees
have jurisdiction over all play and rulings are final.
Rulings by Referees may be made that are not specifically
written in the rules, during that particular occurrence, yet
these rulings may not be reasoned as precedent for future
rulings.
5. Each team must
field at least eight (8) and no more than ten (10) players
at a time. A team must field at least four (4) females
and a team can never field more than five male players.
A team can field as many female players as they choose after
the minimum four (4). There are no restrictions on
defensive line-up as it relates to gender.
6. Kicking order
must alternate sex (unless a team is fielding more females
than males, at which point they are required to alternate
sex until they cannot. Males cannot not kick
back-to-back.). Teams will be allowed to kick up to 12
players as long as the alternating sex rule still applies or
males are not kicking back-to-back. (Teams can kick 11
or 12 with females kicking back-to-back or
back-to-back-back). Extra kickers must play defense in
at least one inning.
7. Base coaches may
not assist runners physically while the ball is in play.
8. NO BUNTING ALLOWED!
PLEASE NOTE: The Referees will have full discretionary
judgment as to whether any ball that is kicked off the side
of the foot is considered a bunt, regardless of if the
player was not 'attempting' to bunt. Referees will be
looking for full extension and forward follow through on all
kicks using as much of the front of the foot and toes as
possible. However, any kick that is 'accidentally'
kicked-off the side of the foot will be given legal kick
consideration if it travels (while in the air) past the
pitcher's mound, or first and third bases. Defenders have
opportunities to make outs on pop flies that are called bunt
kicks. There are no penalties for not catching a fly
ball on a called bunt kick. On-field rulings are final.
Any player whose kick is deemed a bunt will be called out.
9. Any game called
off by Referees after three (3) full innings of play will be
considered a regulation game played, won/lost/tied.
Games called for any reason by Referees before three (3)
full innings may or may not be rescheduled. In the event
games are rescheduled, games will restart as new games.
10. Games may be
called if a team trails by 15 or more runs after the second
(2nd) inning. Please Note: Any team deemed
'altering' a game in order for a lopsided game to continue
longer run the risk of forfeiting the game regardless of
score.
11. No Ghost Men Allowed.
Pitching
1. All balls must
be pitched by hand. There are no restrictions on
pitching style. A pitcher is allowed three (3) strikes
or four (4) balls per kicker.
2. The act of pitching by the
pitcher must start within the pitching circle and the
pitcher must have at least one foot on or directly behind
the pitching strip when releasing the ball.
3. The catcher must field
behind the kicker, and may not cross home plate or maintain
a position forward of the kicker before the ball is kicked.
The catcher cannot make any contact with the kicker or
position himself/herself in any way that restricts the
kicking motion.
Strikes
a. A count of three (3) strikes is an out
b. A striker is a pitch that is not kicked and is not called
a ball, that enters any part of the strike zone.
c. An attempted kick missed by the kicker inside or outside
of the strike zone.
d. Foul balls are
considered strikes.
Balls
a. A
count of four (4) balls advances the kicker to first base.
b. A
pitched ball outside of the strike zone as judged by the
Referee where a kick is not attempted.
c. A
pitched ball that does not touch the ground at least twice
or roll before reaching the kicking box.
c. A
pitched ball that exceeds one foot in height from the bottom
of the ball as it enters the kicking box.
d. A
pitched ball that exceeds one foot in height from the bottom
of the ball at any time while passing through the kicking
box, prior to reaching the kicker.
e. A
pitched ball that is higher than one foot at the plate.
Fouls
a. A
kicked ball landing in foul territory.
b. A
kicked ball touched in foul territory.
c. A
kicked ball landing in fair territory, but touching foul
territory on its own at any time before reaching first or
third base.
d. A
kicked ball whose direction is altered by contact with any
object other than the ground in foul territory, and called
as such.
e. A
kick made on or above the knee.
f. A
kicked ball touched more than once or stopped in the kicking
box by the kicker.
g. A
kicked ball kicked outside of the kicking box.
h. A player will be considered
out if they kick a foul ball with two strikes.
Outs
A count of three (3) outs by a
team completes the team's half of the inning.
a. A count of three (3) strikes.
b. Any kicked ball (fair or foul) that is caught by a
fielder.
c. A ball tag on a base to which a runner is forced to run,
before the runner arrives at the base.
d. A runner tagged by the ball
while on a base they are forced to vacate by the kicker
becoming a runner.
e. A runner touched by the ball or who touches the ball at
any time while not on base while the ball is in play.
f. A kicker that intentionally hits the ball with their hand
or arm.
g. A ball tag of a runner on base, in which the runner does
not tag-up as required when a ball is caught.
h. A runner off base when the ball is kicked.
i. Any kicker that does not kick in the proper kicking line
up.
j. A runner that passes another runner.
k. A runner outside of the baseline.
l. A runner who misses a base, as called by a Referee upon
the conclusion of the play.
m. A runner who fails to properly tag up on a caught ball,
as called by a Referee upon the conclusion of the play.
n. A runner physically assisted by a team member during
play.
Kicking
All
kicks should be attempted with the front of the foot or leg
and below the knee. Any
ball touched by the foot or leg (that is not deemed a bunt
as described above) and below the knee will be
considered a legitimate kick.
a.
Kicks must occur at or behind home plate. The kicker may
step on home plate to kick, however no part of the planted
foot may be in front of or cross the front edge of the home
plate.
b.
Kicks must occur within the kicking box. The kicker must
have at least a portion of the plant foot within the
kicking box during the kick. The kicker may line up outside
of the kicking box.
c.
Kicks that occur outside the kicking box will be called
strikes and two kicks outside the box in one plate
appearance will result in an automatic out, regardless of
count. Defenders have opportunities to make outs on pop
flies that are called illegal kicks. There are no
penalties for not catching a fly ball on a illegal kick.
d.
Teams will be given one illegal kick warning and all
subsequent illegal kicks will result in outs.
e.
No bunting is allowed.
f.
Kicking must alternate between sexes and guys are never
allowed to kick back-to-back. An automatic out will be
given to a team that has to kick males back-to-back. Teams
will be allowed to kick up to 12 players as long as the
alternating sex rule still applies. (Teams can kick 11
or 12 with females kicking back-to-back or
back-to-back-back). Extra kickers must play defense in
at least one inning.
Running and Scoring
Runners must stay within the
baseline. Any runner outside the baseline by more than five
(5) is out.
a.
Runners are free to change course to avoid interference with
a fielder making a play;
b.
When attempting to avoid a ball tag, runners may move no
more than five (5) feet out of their established path.
Obstruction. 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.
c.
Steals are not allowed. Leading off base is not
allowed. A runner may only advance once the ball is kicked.
A runner off base when the ball is kicked is out.
d.
Hitting a runner’s neck or head with the ball is not
allowed, except when the runner is sliding. 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 Referee, the runner is out.
e. A
tag-up is a requirement to retouch or stay on a base until a
kicked then caught ball is first touched by a
fielder. After a tag-up a runner may advance. A runner
failing to tag-up as required is out.
f.
Runners traveling from home plate may overrun first base,
and may only be tagged out if actively attempting to advance
to second base.
Base Running on Overthrows
a.
An overthrow is a ball thrown, kicked, or deflected into
foul territory while making a defensive play toward a player
or base.
b. A
runner may advance only one base beyond the base the runner
is on or running toward when the ball travels into foul
territory.
c.
One base on an overthrow is a restriction on the runner –
not an automatic right for the runner to advance.
d.
If any fielder attempts to make an out prior to returning
the ball to the pitcher, runners may commence base running.
e.
Running past another runner is not allowed. The passing
runner is out.
f. A
run scores when a runner touches home plate before the third
out is made, EXCEPT that no run can score when the third out
is made during a force play situation, or when the kicker is
put out before touching first base. At the end of a game the
team with the most runs wins.
g.
When a base is displaced during play, any runner is safe
while in contact with the base's original and correct
location. All displaced bases should be restored at the end
of each play.
Ball in Play
a.
Once the pitcher has the ball in control and retains
possession on the mound, 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. NOTE: A pitcher may still attempt to make a play on
a runner even if they have regained possession in the
pitcher's circle, yet time has not been signaled or a runner
is still attempting to advance.
Interference is:
a.
When any non fielder or non permanent object except a
Referee or a runner, touches or is touched by a ball in play
in fair territory. This interference causes the play to end,
and runners shall proceed to the base to which they were
headed.
b.
When any runner on or off base intentionally touches a ball.
This interference causes the play to end, the runner to be
out, and any other runners shall return to the base from
which they came, unless forced to advance.
c.
when any kicker intentionally hits the ball with their hand
or arm. This interference causes the play to end, the
kicker to be out, and any other runners shall return to the
base from which they came (see Rule 14.02e).
d.
During any play where a ball is popped or deflates
significantly, that play shall be replayed with a properly
inflated ball.
Injury and Substitutions
In
the event of an injury, a time-out may be issued for the
removal and replacement with a substitute of the same sex.
If the participant later returns to play, the participant
must be inserted in the same written scorebook kicking order
position previously held.
a.
If a player is ejected, injured, or becomes ill and cannot
continue, the written scorebook kicking order will continue
in the same formation, less the removed player.
b.
Injured players who do not kick shall not play in the game.
c.
Notification of any player removed from the game for injury
or illness must be made to both the scorekeeper and the Head
Referee.
d.
The pitcher and the catcher positions may only be replaced
once per inning unless injury forces another substitution.
e.
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 sex. 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.
THIS IS KICKS™
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