CSL OG Kickball Rules

 

NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Games will be played with ten players on the field (6 male/4 female).

 

NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO START & FINISH A GAME
Teams are required to have one female present to avoid a forfeit. Teams must have a minimum of seven players on the field by the scheduled game time to start and finish the game to avoid a forfeit (max 6 males). Teams will take an out for each missing player. 

 

GRACE PERIOD
Game time is forfeit time. A team that is awarded a forfeit will receive 15 runs.

 

RUN RULE
In order to provide teams with the maximum amount of playing time, run rules will go into effect after the 4th inning is complete.
- 20 runs after 4 innings
- 15 runs after 5 innings

- 10 runs after 6 innings

*No more than 10 runs can be scored per inning 

HOME TEAM
The HOME team is always the team on the right of the schedule listings. The home team will take the field first and bat last. 

 

EQUIPMENT
ALL games will be played with a yellow Mikasa Official Kickball (8.5-inch ball). Nashville Sports Leagues will -provide a game ball. Teams are responsible for providing a warm-up/back up ball at all games. 
- Metal cleats are not allowed
- No knotted head gear

 

GAME LENGTH
Game length is 7 innings or 1 hour. A game will be considered regulation after 4 innings are complete. No inning will start at or after 55 minutes. 

 

TIE BREAKER 
When a game is tied at the end of regulation a new inning is started and a runner (last batted out) is placed on second base. At least one full inning is played for a tiebreaker, allowing each team the same chance to score. The inning will start with 0 outs for each team and resume where the kicking/batting order left off from the previous inning. If the score remains tied, we will play another full inning however, the Runner will be placed on 3rd base and the offense will begin with 1 out. The same process is used in each inning after until a victor emerges.

BATTING ORDER
Men and women must alternate in the batting order. The batting order must be filled out prior to the start of every game. Each team is required to complete and turn in the official line-up card before play. If you start the game short a player that player must be listed in the line by name. The short position in the line up is an out and is required to be taken when that position arrives for an at bat.

 

BASE COACHES
Members of the batting team must coach first and third base. The base coaches are responsible for retrieving foul balls and may switch with other team members to remain in the proper batting order. 

 

PITCHING
The ball must bounce a minimum of two times or roll prior to entering the batter area (front part of home plate). 

 

CATCHERS BOX
The catcher's box is defined as the area behind home plate and the area in between the extended foul lines, behind home plate. 

 

CATCHER
The catcher must remain behind the batter-runner until contact is made. The catcher must remain inside the catcher's box until contact is made.

 

STRIKE ZONE
The strike zone extends to 1 foot on either side of home plate, to the inside of the kickball, and 1 foot high to the bottom of the kickball the last time the ball bounces prior to crossing the home plate area.

 

STRIKES
Three strikes per out. A strike is a kickball pitched within the strike zone that is not kicked by the kicker, or, an attempted kick missed by the kicker; inside or outside of the strike zone. 

 

BALLS
Four balls will advance the kicker. You may not walk a male to get to a female. If this happens, the male will advance to second base. If there are 2 outs the female has the option of kicking or advancing to first base. With 0 or 1 out the Female will take her turn at the plate. 

 

INFIELDER
A defensive player positioned within the infield at the time the pitcher begins his wind up. 

 

OUTFIELDER
A defensive player positioned in the outfield (grass) at the time the pitcher begins his wind up.

 

DEFENSIVE POSITIONS
When playing with 10 players, a team must have a minimum of 4 outfielders. Additionally, when a team is playing with 9 players they must have a minimum of 3 outfielders. There must be a minimum of two females in the outfield at all times. Players positioned in the outfield may enter the infield to play a live ball once the batter-runner has made contact with the ball. 

 

OUTFIELD LINE
When a female batter is at bat all outfielders must be positioned behind the white line located 150 from home plate. If a female batter makes contact with the ball and an outfielder is within the 150 line the batter-runner will advance one extra base when the ball is declared dead. 

 

DIAGONAL BASE LINE
The diagonal base attack line is defined as the line stretching diagonally from first to third base. Female Batter - No player may cross the Attack Line prior to a female batter making contact with the ball. Male Batter - Players may cross the attack line once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.

 

BUNTING
There is no minimum requirement of the height the ball must travel prior to a defensive player making a play on the ball and the batter when a player attempts to bunt and the ball is popped up. The runner has an opportunity to be put out with liability.

 

DELAY OF GAME
If you choose to switch a player from the outfield to catcher position the batter/runner will be awarded a ball for every switch.

 

KICKING
The ball must be kicked with the Foot or Leg at or below the knee. The ball must be kicked at or behind home plate. A strike will be charged if the ball is kicked in front of home plate and the batter/runner was not put out. The strike will not be called until the umpire declares the ball dead.

 

FAIR BATTED BALL
A fair batted ball making contact with an offensive player is still a live ball. The batter-runner or base runner will be called out and all runners will proceed at at their own risk. 

 

THE BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT
When a coach intentionally interferes with a kicked or thrown ball, or interferes with the defensive team's opportunity to make a play on another runner. A kicked or thrown ball that unintentionally hits a base coach is not considered interference. 

EFFECT: The ball is dead. The runner closest to home is out. Runners not out must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. 

 

RUNNING
Runner must stay within the base line. Fielders must stay out of the base line. If a fielder is making an attempt on a BATTED ball, they have the right to the baseline. They may NOT be in the baseline attempting to catch a THROWN ball. Fielders in the way of any runner in the baseline will cause the runner to be safe at the base they are running to (umpire's discretion).

 

SAFETY BAG
The safety bag is the double bag positioned at first base. The orange portion of the bag is referred to as the safety bag. All batter/runners must attempt to make contact with the safety bag if any play is being made at first base. If a batter/runner does not make an attempt at the orange safety bag he/she will be declared out. The batter/runner is allowed access to the white portion of the safety bag when the defensive payer has been drawn to make a play on the orange portion of the safety bag. 

 

RUNNER
Leading off is not permitted. A runner off the base when the ball is kicked is out (appeal only). No hitting above the shoulders. If the runner is hit above the shoulders they will be safe and advance one additional base at the end of the play. If the runner intentionally uses their head to block the ball (umpires judgement) the runner is out. The runner must tag up to advance on fly ball outs (once a fielder makes contact with the ball the runners may advance with normal liability to be put out). Runners may overrun first base. One base is allowed on an overthrow.

 

INFIELD FLY RULE
With less than two outs and runners on first and second or first, second and third a ball kicked in the air, that ends in fair territory, and the defender (infielder) is able to make a reasonable play on the ball an "Infield Fly Rule" call will be made. The batter will be deemed out, regardless of the ball being caught or not, and runners may advance at their own risk.

 

FOULS
On the 2nd foul ball after the 2nd strike, the batter will be ruled OUT. 

A foul ball is a kicked ball landing in foul territory or kicked ball that lands in fair territory and bounces out prior to reaching first or third base, a ball kicked above the knees, or a kicked ball contacting the batter/runner while in foul territory. 

 

OUTS
Three outs by a team will complete the team's half of the inning. An out is: Three strikes or 2nd foul ball after the 2nd strike. A kicked ball caught by a defender before touching the ground. Runner touched by the ball at any time while not on base. A ball tag on a base in which a runner is forced to run. A runner off the base when the ball is kicked. 

 

In force out situations, on the third out, no run counts.

 

Play may continue until all base runners are stationary on bases or the umpire calls ‘Time’.  After the umpire calls time, the next kicker is up, and the pitcher should make ready to pitch.

 

Intentional sliding or diving to reach a base is not allowed.  Any runner sliding or diving will be an automatic out.

 

Umpires are instructed to talk only with CSL staff and team captains.  Casual chatting with the ump is allowed, but any player yelling at the ump will be ejected from the game, and the player will be asked to leave the facility.  The umpire has wide latitude to handle unruly teams as he/she sees fit.

 

Intentional yelling at the opposing team’s players during an active play can result in an automatic call decided by the umpire.  The umpire has the option to award player being safe at base, or automatic run if warranted.

 

No metal or hard molded plastic spikes are allowed in kickball.  Only rubber spikes are allowed.

 

A team that does not have enough players to start after 10 minutes from the scheduled start time will forfeit 5 runs and 2 innings.  After 20 minutes the game is considered a forfeit loss and the present team will be given a 10-0 win.  If a team shows up 20 minutes after scheduled start time, the two teams may play for the remaining time; however the forfeit will have already taken place.

 

A game may be called complete after 5 full innings have been played.

 

Mercy rule:  if a team is losing by 20 or more runs at the bottom of the 4^th inning, 15 or more runs at the bottom of the 5^th inning, or 10 or more runs at the bottom of the 6^th inning, the game will be ruled officially over at that score.  The umpire will consult the captain of the losing team, if willing to play, play will continue but no additional runs will count, provided play doesn’t extend past the one-hour time limit. 

 

The referee decision is final.

 

CSL Recreational/Social Kickball Rules

 

CSL reserves the right to make rule changes.  In the event of a rule change they will be communicated by e-mail to all registered players.

 

CSL kickball is played with an 8.5 regulation size kickball.

 

Overview

 

Team Composition

 

There is no maximum number of players on a team roster or kicking lineup. Each team will have a minimum of 4 female and no more than 7 male players in the field of play for a total of 11 players in the field. All rostered players playing in the game must kick. Teams may play with fewer women (but must have a minimum of 6 field players to start the game 5 males and one female. Should teams play with fewer than 4 female field players, they must leave the missing player’s position unfilled (a team with a missing female cannot fill that position with a male). There is no required number of males/females in the infield or outfield.  Teams may rotate their rosterered players freely between each inning on who plays and sits.

 

Kicking Order

 

The kicking order will be a minimum ratio of 1 female to 2 male (i.e. m, m, f, m, m, f), taking into account the end of the kicking order.  No other variations of the kicking order (of a less frequent female ratio) will be allowed.  Female players may rotate through the line up, only if there are too few females to satisfy the male/female ratio requirement above. Female players must rotate in order when filling-in empty female positions in the kicking lineup. All female players must kick before a male player (or another female player) can kick a second time (i.e. a 7 female and 4 male roster would proceed as follows: m, m, f, m, m, f, f, f, f, f, f). In the event there are too few females on the roster to kick and run the bases (e.g. 7 males and 2 females in the kicking order). With all female players on base and a female due up to kick the kicking team may elect to remove a player from the base closest to scoring (who will then come in to kick) or surrender an out for the female space in the kicking order.

 

Pinch Runner/Kicker

 

In the event of injury and/or emergency, which renders a player unable to kick/run or forces them to leave the game, the last player (of the same gender) making an at-bat out will fill in as the pinch runner or kicker for the injured/absent player.

 

Kickball Field

 

CSL Kickball will be played on a typical softball sized field.  The strike zone will be 12 inches on either side, and above home plate.  The ‘catcher’s box’ is located behind a line co-linear with home plate, and outside of the strike zone.

 

Please note that catchers must remain stationary on the third base side of home plate until the kicker has made contact with the ball. All other field players must not advance toward home any closer to home than an imaginary line drawn from first base to third base until the kicker has made contact with the ball. The pitcher will not be allowed to advance toward home any further than the completion of their standard pitching motion until the kicker has made contact with the ball. If it is determined that the illegal advancement of a defensive player results in a strike or out the pitch or play will be redone.

 

Safety Bases

 

A ‘safety base’ will be placed beside and outside first base.  The runner must run to the safety base.  If the runner runs toward the inner base, that runner will automatically be out.  Conversely, if the fielder encroaches on the safety base, the runner is automatically safe.

 

Game Play

 

Games are scheduled for 7 innings, or one full hour.  Game play may extend past 7 innings, but teams may not play past the starting time of the next game.  Games may end in a tie during the regular season.

 

A ten run rule exists per inning.  A team’s at bat will end upon scoring ten runs in a single inning.

 

Extra Innings: In the interest of time, playoff games (or regular season games at both captains discretion) ending in a tie after 45 minutes of play or 7 innings will go into extra innings in the following format. The last batter for either kicking team will begin the inning as a runner on second base. After 2 innings of this format if the game is still tied each kicking team will begin with the last batter to make an out as a runner on third base.

 

Players begin with a 1 ball, 1 strike count.

 

If any part of the ball hits the strike zone, it will be ruled a strike.

 

All pitches must be UNDERHAND at a reasonable speed– no overhand or sidearm. When pitching, the ball must not be spun or bounced.  Any pitch not meeting these requirements will be ruled a ball.  This will be at the umpire's discretion.

 

*RULE UPDATE* Females may bunt.  Kicks by male players that are fielded by the catcher only, prior to the ball reaching the first to third base line, will be a strike.  If any other fielder makes a play on the ball, prior to it crossing this line, the ball will be a live ball.

 

Kicking the ball in front of home plate is an automatic strike.

 

If the ball strikes the runner any time after the initial kick, the runner is out (unless they are in a safety zone).

 

Safety zones are bases, or the over run area on first base

 

A foul ball occurs when:

 

A) An untouched ball passes either first or third base and is foul.  If the ball is in foul territory after it passes beyond first or third base, it      is foul.  If the ball touches either first or third base, it is fair regardless of where it ends up.  Balls may start fair then go foul, but only        if no player has touched it first. 

B) When a ball comes to a complete stop in foul territory, without a player touching it.

C) If a player touches a ball in foul territory, it’s foul.  If a player is in fair territory, and reaches into foul territory, the ball is foul.  A ball          that is on the line is fair.

D) If the ball bounces off the catcher (in foul territory), the ball is foul.

 

A walk is awarded after three balls have been pitched (you start with 1 ball, 1 strike).  If a male player is walked and a female player immediately follows, she has the option to take the walk or kick, regardless of the number of players being on base.

 

Any ball that is kicked in fair territory and results in the ball going over fence, into dugout/stands, etc or out of play will results in a ground rule double.  Any player already on base made advance two bases from where they were positioned at the time the ball has gone out of play.

 

When over-running first (safety) base, the runner must not appear to try and advance to second base otherwise they are eligible to be tagged out.  First base is the only base that may be over run.

 

On an over throw of any base, the runner may take up to one base.  However, the runner is still eligible to be thrown or tagged out.  On an overthrow of a player (in an attempt to hit a runner), if the runner is missed, the runner may take as many bases as possible.

 

Leading and stealing bases are not permitted.

 

The fielder must control the ball to complete an out.

 

A base runner may tag up as soon as a ball is touched by a fielder, even if the ball is eventually caught after being bobbled (must start on base at point of first contact)

 

An out occurs when:

 

A) The ball beats the runner to a base, and is controlled by the baseman.

B) A ball touches the runner when the runner is out of the safe zone, or off base.

C) A completed catch by the fielder before the ball touches the ground.

D) Kicker kicks a foul ball with 2 strikes.

E) Kicker incurs a 3^rd strike.

 

If a ball is thrown at a runner, and makes primary contact with his or her head, the runner is automatically safe (however if a runner alters his pattern i.e. dives, ducks head, or jumps and is thus hit in the head the runner will be ruled out).

 

In force out situations, on the third out, no run counts.

 

Play may continue until all base runners are stationary on bases or the umpire calls ‘Time’.  After the umpire calls time, the next kicker is up, and the pitcher should make ready to pitch.

 

CSL does not adhere to the infield fly rule.

 

Intentional sliding or diving to reach a base is not allowed.  Any runner sliding or diving will be an automatic out.

 

Umpires are instructed to talk only with CSL staff and team captains.  Casual chatting with the ump is allowed, but any player yelling at the ump will be ejected from the game, and the player will be asked to leave the facility.  The umpire has wide latitude to handle unruly teams as he/she sees fit.

 

Intentional yelling at the opposing team’s players during an active play can result in an automatic call decided by the umpire.  The umpire has the option to award player being safe at base, or automatic run if warranted.

 

No metal or hard molded plastic spikes are allowed in kickball.  Only rubber spikes are allowed.

 

A team that does not have enough players to start after 10 minutes from the scheduled start time will forfeit 5 runs and 2 innings.  After 20 minutes the game is considered a forfeit loss and the present team will be given a 10-0 win.  If a team shows up 20 minutes after scheduled start time, the two teams may play for the remaining time; however the forfeit will have already taken place.

 

A game may be called complete after 5 full innings have been played.

 

Mercy rule:  if a team is losing by 20 or more runs at the bottom of the 4^th inning, 15 or more runs at the bottom of the 5^th inning, or 10 or more runs at the bottom of the 6^th inning, the game will be ruled officially over at that score.  The umpire will consult the captain of the losing team, if willing to play, play will continue but no additional runs will count, provided play doesn’t extend past the one-hour time limit. 

 

The referee decision is final.

 

LEAGUE POLICIES        

 

FORFEITS:

 

CSL will provide a staff member on-site to assist players with any problems or questions they may have.

 

If your team forfeits a match during the season, the following rules apply:

 

First Offense: Loss of game.

 

Second Offense: Loss of game and staff reserves the right to remove team from playoffs.

 

Third Offense: Removal from the league.

 

Any team that forfeits more than once also forfeits any guarantee or right to a certain number of guaranteed games.

If you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game, we encourage you to email the league manager so as to help us schedule your opponent a game.

 

Teams may play more than one match per day, and/or play matches on days/nights other than your regularly scheduled league day/night.  
CSL reserves the right to schedule playoff games on days other than your regularly scheduled league night.

 

Any questions regarding rules, policies, or eligibility must be addressed before the start of the game. 

    

STANDINGS:

 

The updated standings will be posted weekly, displaying each teams rank within its skill level.

 

PLAYOFFS:

 

Playoffs are single-elimination. Playoffs will take up to 2 weeks to complete and will best 2 out of 3 matches.

 

WAIVERS:

 

In order to participate in the league, each participant must sign the team waiver. Waivers are provided and must be completed and handed in no later than the first night of play. Players not present the first week of play will still be required to sign a waiver with our staff before participating. These waivers will also serve as your final roster.

 

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:

 

Any protest made during a game or after a game will NOT be considered a formal protest.  A formal protest may be filed before a game if an opposing player’s eligibility is in question. The player in question will be required to provide his/her player information (ID) in person to a CSL staff member prior to the start of the game. This qualifies as an official protest and only applies to the playoffs. The game will then be played in its entirety as scheduled. Teams will be notified of all rulings on the identified eligibility discrepancy by the following business day – decisions will not be made on site. If the protest is proven to be legitimate, it will result in the forfeiture of the game in question. Games subsequent to the protested game may be rescheduled.
The above procedure will also apply for any other “logged” protests. All protest need to happen prior to any match/game starting, otherwise the match/game will stand as a legal match. All rulings by CSL staff are considered final. Substitutes are allowed during the regular season, but only paid rostered players are allowed for the playoffs.  Any player(s) who has a season ending medical condition, moves away, or has another circumstance deem able for a substitute player must be approved by sending a formal email to sports@playcsl.com.

 

SPORTSMANSHIP:

 

The idea of CSL is to have fun. We hope that all participants keep that in mind when becoming involved. Although the games may become intense, you still can be competitive while maintaining good sportsmanship. With this said, any behavior deemed unacceptable by staff may result in suspension and/or ejection from a game or the league.

 

To coordinate and run the league, our refs and/or staff will be available at all times to help the league run as smoothly as possible. If you have questions regarding schedules, policies, rule interpretations, directions to the bar, etc. please ask or call our office.

 

LEAGUE CANCELLATION/RAINOUT:

 

Leagues may be cancelled due to existing weather conditions, dangerous or unplayable field conditions, facility constraints, scheduling conflicts, etc. CSL staff makes every effort to play all scheduled games, thus we will not cancel games unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, if you are calling concerning a decision on a cancellation, remember we will not have an answer until close to the start of the league.

 

If the league is cancelled, CSL staff will post all notices on social media sites (Facebook/Twitter).  CSL will then email/text all of the captains if possible. If a league is cancelled on site, CSL staff will attempt to contact those teams still scheduled to play the remainder of the league day/night. Depending on the time of cancellation, some teams will have to be notified on site. In extreme circumstances, CSL reserves the right to run a shortened season without a refund or schedule matches on days and/or locations other than our regularly scheduled league day/night/location.