SUNRISE KICKBALL LEAGUE — OFFICIAL RULEBOOK
This rulebook governs Sunrise Kickball League (SKL) regular season and playoffs. The Head Referee has final authority on all gameplay and safety decisions.
Key Definitions
Head Referee: The lead official for the field; final authority for rulings, safety, and enforcement.
Field Referee: An official assigned to base lines or field coverage.
Safety Base (Extra Base): The base placed in foul territory adjacent to First Base for runner safety.
Inning: One turn at kick for each team, ending after three outs or when the run cap is reached.
In Play: The ball is live and runners may advance subject to rules below.
1. Code of Conduct
1.01 All players, visitors, and spectators shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, as determined by the Head Referee.
1.02 Unsportsmanlike conduct includes (but is not limited to): fighting, taunting, verbal abuse, lewd or obscene behavior, threatening behavior, offensive language/comments, excessive delay, stalling tactics, and/or collusion.
1.03 Only a Team Captain may discuss calls with the Head Referee or Field Referees.
1.04 If a Referee determines conduct warrants immediate ejection, the participant may be ejected without warning.
1.05 Referees have complete authority to eject individuals from the field area.
1.06 Any ejection will be reviewed by league owners and may lead to suspension or a ban from Sunrise Kickball League events.
Malicious Contact
Intentional, excessive, or dangerous contact (including blocking, charging, or tackling) is prohibited.
Malicious contact results in immediate ejection. Additional discipline may be assessed by the league.
2. Player Eligibility
2.01 All participants must carry a photo ID during league and tournament play in case of a player protest.
2.02 All players must be eighteen (18) years of age or older by the start of the season.
2.03 All players must be listed on the team’s submitted roster to participate.
2.04 Teams must play with a minimum of four (4) female players unless the opposing captain agrees prior to the game to play with fewer.
Roster Integrity
If an illegal or unrostered player participates, the lineup position in which the player appeared and will be recorded as an out each time it comes to kick for the remainder of the game, The Head Referee may remove the illegal player immediately upon discovery.
3. The Playing Field
3.01 The field shall be established on safe terrain suitable for play and generally follows softball dimensions.
3.02 The kickball diamond is a square with equal sides of sixty (60) feet (approximately twenty (20) paces), with a base at each corner.
3.03 Distance from Home Plate to Second Base (and First to Third) is eighty-four (84) feet, ten and one-quarter (10¼) inches (approximately twenty-eight (28) paces). Measurements are from the back corner of each base.
3.04 The pitching strip is centered in the diamond and is forty-two (42) feet, five and one-eighth (5n) inches from Home Plate, aligned with the First/Third diagonal.
3.05 The pitching mound extends twelve (12) feet from the center of the pitching strip.
3.06 Out-of-play lines are twenty (20) feet outside and parallel to the foul lines (or the outfield fence, if present). The area between foul lines and out-of-play lines is the sideline area.
3.07 The kicking box is an eight (8) foot by fourteen (14) foot rectangle with the front aligned to the front of Home Plate. The kicker may start outside the box; however, contact must occur within the kicking box.
3.08 Foul lines are fair territory.
3.09 The strike zone will be outlined with two (2) soft bases on both sides parallel to the front of Home Plate.
These soft bases are a part of Home Plate and may be used for scoring. For safety.
Field Setup & Corrections
All participants must respect field rules and site regulations.
Upon notification of improper field setup, the Head Referee will correct the layout before the next play.
Protests based on field setup will not be considered.
Fair/Foul Territory Extension
Any player in fair territory is an extension of fair territory. A player jumping from fair territory is considered in fair territory while in the air.
A player in foul territory does not extend foul territory by reaching or jumping into fair territory.
3.10 Safety Base (Extra Base) at First Base
An additional base (Safety Base) will be set adjacent to First Base in foul territory to provide safety for the runner.
The Safety Base is only available for runners traveling from Home Plate to First.
Fielders making a force out at First Base must touch the fair First Base (in fair territory). If a fielder steps on the Safety Base to record a force out, the runner will be called safe.
If the runner touches the fair First Base (instead of the Safety Base) and overruns, the runner may be tagged out.
If the runner uses the Safety Base and turns inward (left) toward fair territory after reaching/overrunning, the runner may be tagged out.
If the play at First Base is a tie and the runner did not use the Safety Base, the runner will be called out.
After safely reaching First, the runner must begin the next play on the fair First Base. A runner standing on or touching the Safety Base at the beginning of the next play will be out.
Sideline Area
Prior to the kick, no participants or spectators may be in the sideline area except the kicker, referees, and designated base coaches.
After the kick, fielders and base runners may occupy the sideline area while actively playing the ball.
4. Regulation Games
4.01 Each game consists of two teams: the Away team (kicks first each inning) and the Home team (kicks last each inning).
4.02 Regulation games last seven (7) innings or fifty (50) minutes, whichever comes first.
4.03 Run Cap: No more than five (5) runs may be scored by a team in a single inning. When the fifth run scores, the inning ends immediately.
4.04 Time: No new inning may begin forty-five (45) minutes after the scheduled start time. Any inning that begins before 45:00 may be completed, provided the game does not exceed fifty (50) minutes. If time expires during an inning, the score reverts to the previous completed inning.
Mercy Rule
If a team leads by fifteen (15) runs at the end of the 3rd or 4th inning, the game is called and the leading team is awarded the win.
If the Home team takes a fifteen (15) run lead during the bottom of the 3rd or 4th inning, the game ends immediately.
If a team leads by ten (10) runs at the end of the 5th, 6th, or 7th inning, the game is called and the leading team is awarded the win.
If the Home team takes a ten (10) run lead during the bottom of the 5th, 6th, or 7th inning, the game ends immediately.
End of Game / 7th Inning
If the Home team leads at the start of the bottom of the 7th inning, the game is instantly over.
If the Home team takes the lead during the bottom of the 7th inning, the game ends immediately.
Called Games
A game called off after three (3) full innings is a regulation game. The score at the end of the last completed inning determines the result.
Regular-season games ending in a tie are recorded as ties.
5. Overtime / Tie Breaker
5.01 Overtime innings are played only during playoffs.
5.02 The kicking order continues where it left off at the end of the last completed inning.
5.03 Each half-inning begins with one (1) runner on Second Base and two (2) outs.
5.04 The runner placed on Second Base must be the last legal out who is eligible from the prior inning.
5.05 Each team will complete an at-bat inning until a winner is declared.
5.06 If overtime causes a game to exceed fifty (50) minutes, the following game’s 50-minute clock starts when the first pitch is thrown.
6. Equipment
6.01 Metal cleats are not allowed.
6.02 Players may wear protective equipment provided it does not offer an unfair performance advantage.
Equipment deemed a performance enhancement by the Head Referee must be removed or the player will be removed from play.
6.03 The kickball measures ten (10) inches in diameter and is provided by Sunrise Kickball League.
6.04 All player attire and hair is an extension of the player.
Alcohol Policy
No alcoholic beverages are allowed at Sunrise Kickball League games or events. Unless allowed or permitted by parks and recreation
7. Referees
7.01 Each Team Captain is responsible for nominating two (2) referees: a First Base Referee and a Third Base Referee. When not playing a match.
7.02 Nominated referees are responsible for understanding these rules.
7.03 The Head Referee governs gameplay, issues final rulings, and has final authority on equipment issues.
7.04 Referees may call timeouts and may penalize or eject participants for rules violations.
7.05 Referees must cancel or delay a game if lightning is observed, and keep record of the final score.
7.06 Only the Team Captain may discuss calls with the Head Referee. Any non-captain disputing a call is subject to ejection (see Protest Procedure).
7.07 Referees may rule on points not specifically covered; such rulings do not establish precedent.
8. Forfeit Policy
8.01 If a team expects to forfeit, captains must notify league owners as soon as possible to inform the opposing team and referees.
8.02 If a team has fewer than seven (7) rostered players present, the game is forfeited.
8.03 If a team does not have at least eight (8) players with a minimum of four (4) female players to start, a ten (10) minute grace period may be granted at the opposing captain’s discretion (the 50-minute game clock still runs).
8.04 If both teams are short, both teams have up to ten (10) minutes to field teams meeting minimums. After ten (10) minutes, one or both teams may forfeit (including a double forfeit).
8.05 A forfeit is recorded as a 6–0 win for the team present and ready to play (unless league standings policy specifies otherwise).
9. Teams
9.01 Team rosters require a minimum of eight (8) players and a maximum of fifteen (15).
9.02 Captains must submit a roster prior to the first game. Players may be added/dropped through Week 4 of the season (unless otherwise announced).
9.03 Players must participate in both kicking and fielding during a game. No player may participate exclusively as a kicker or exclusively as a fielder.
9.04 Playoff Eligibility: Rostered players must participate in at least one-quarter (1/4) of regular-season games to be eligible for playoffs.
9.05 Minimum to Play: Teams must field at least eight (8) players, including a minimum of four (4) female players, unless both captains agree prior to the game to play with fewer.
9.06 Defensive Lineup: A maximum of ten (10) players may field. This includes one (1) pitcher and one (1) catcher. Teams must field at least four (4) female players on defense unless both captains agree otherwise.
9.07 Kicking Order: The kicking order must alternate male and female; no more than two (2) males may kick consecutively.
10. Base Coaches
10.01 Two (2) members of the kicking team may coach First and Third Base. Coaches may switch as needed provided the written kicking order remains intact.
10.02 Base coaches may not physically assist runners while the ball is in play.
11. Pitching, Catching, and Fielding
Pitching
(11.01) Pitching style is determined by the league night and must be announced prior to the first pitch (e.g., Underhand or Side/Sling).
The pitched ball may never rise above the pitcher’s head height after leaving the pitcher’s hand. A pitch must touch the ground at least two (2) times or roll before reaching the kicking box.
A pitched ball exceeding the kickers knee height while crossing Home Plate is a ball.
Pitchers may not intentionally walk a kicker.
Encroachment
(11.02) All fielders must maintain proper field position while a pitch is in progress and until the pitched ball is kicked.
After one (1) encroachment warning is issued to the Team Captain, all subsequent encroachment violations by that team in that game result in awarding the kicker First Base automatically.
Proper Field Position
(11.03) Infielders (other than the catcher) must remain in fair territory behind the First/Third Base diagonal and within the marked infield area.
Outfielders must remain in fair territory behind the outfield cones (or behind the infield dirt on softball fields).
Pitcher Position
(11.04)The pitcher must have both feet on or directly behind the pitching strip when releasing the ball.
Catcher Position
(11.05) The catcher must be positioned behind the horizontal plane of the kicker, parallel to the front edge of Home Plate.
The catcher may not contact the kicker or position so closely as to restrict the kicking motion.
Kickers may not deliberately attempt to draw a position violation through unsportsmanlike maneuvers.
12. Backstop
12.01 The backstop is a player or non-playing coach positioned behind Home Plate to keep the ball on the playing field and speed up gameplay.
12.02 The backstop must remain behind the kicker, catcher, and Head Referee during all live balls.
12.03 The backstop shall not coach, heckle, or interfere with play.
12.04 Backstop interference (contacting a live ball or affecting play) results in 'Time' being called and bases awarded at the Head Referee’s discretion.
12.05 The Head Referee may remove the backstop if deemed necessary.
13. Kicking and Bunting
13.01 Only a female player may bunt unless a male is designated by a wrist band for bunting (e.g., identified with a VIP or colored bracelet) or an all-bunting game is announced prior to the game.
13.02 All kicks or bunts must be made by the foot or leg below the knee. Any ball touched below knee level is considered a kick or bunt.
13.03 A bunt has no minimum distance requirement outside the kicking box.
13.04 All kicks must occur at or behind Home Plate and within the kicking box.
Full Swing Requirement (Male Kickers and All Non-Bunts)
A “full swing” is defined as a full leg swing with clear forward kicking motion and follow-through, as determined by the Head Referee.
A kick by a male player that is not a full leg swing will be ruled a foul.
14. Strikes
14.01 A count of two (2) strikes is an out.
14.02 A strike is: (a) a pitch not kicked and not called a ball that enters any part of the strike zone; or (b) an attempted kick missed by the kicker inside or outside the strike zone.
15. Balls
15.01 A count of three (3) balls advances the kicker to First Base.
15.02 If a male kicker is walked on exactly three (3) pitches with no strikes or fouls in that plate appearance, the male kicker is awarded two (2) bases.
15.03 Base runners may advance only as far as forced by the walked kicker.
15.04 A ball is: (a) a pitch outside the strike zone when no kick is attempted; (b) a pitch that does not bounce/roll at least twice before the kicking box; or (c) a pitch that exceeds the knee height of kicker while crossing Home Plate.
16. Fouls
16.01 A count of three (3) fouls is an out.
16.02 A foul ball does not count as a strike.
16.03 A foul ball is: (a) first touches the ground in foul territory; (b) a foul ball caught before making contact with object or ground in foul territory by a fielder will ball called an OUT; (c) lands fair but touches foul territory before passing First/Third; (d) lands fair then is touched by a fielder in foul territory before passing First/Third; (e) put into play with any part of the body; (f) touched more than once or stopped in the kicking box by the kicker; (g) first kicked outside the kicking box; (h) first touches a permanent object; or (i) a male kick not meeting the full leg swing requirement.
17. Fair
17.01 A fair ball is: (a) lands and remains in fair territory; (b) lands directly in front of the kicking box then
travels into fair territory; (c) lands fair then travels foul at or beyond First or Third Base; or (d) lands fair and is touched by a fielder in fair territory before touching the ground in foul territory.
Infield Fly Rule
Intentionally dropping a ball will be considered unsportsmanlike and may be called and out to the kicker only. by main referees’ discretion
18. Running and Scoring
Baseline / Runner Path
(18.01) Runners must stay within the baseline. A runner outside the baseline may be called out.
Runners may choose a natural running arc and may change course to avoid a fielder making an active play.
When avoiding a tag, runners may move no more than four (4) feet out of their established path.
Obstruction
(18.02) Fielders may be within the baseline only when necessary to make an active play. Otherwise, they must stay out of the baseline. A runner hindered by a fielder not making an active play will be ruled safe at the base they were running to. Runners may attempt to advance beyond that base while the ball remains in play.
No Leading/Stealing
(18.03) Leading off and stealing are not allowed. A runner may advance only after the ball is kicked.
Below Neck / Above Shoulders Rule
(18.04) If the ball hits a runner below the neck (below the neckline), the runner is out.
If the ball hits a runner above the shoulders, the runner is safe and is awarded one (1) additional base. If the Head Referee determines a runner intentionally used their head/neck area to block the ball, the runner is out.
Tag-Up
(18.05-18.06) On a caught ball, runners must tag up (remain on or retouch their base) until the ball is first touched by a fielder.
If the fielder bobbles the catch, tag-up is not required (Head Referee discretion).
Ties / Overrunning First
(18.07) All ties go to the runner. In Recreational play. must earn the base in advanced play
Base Bobble / Force at Base
If a force play at a base is not completed cleanly (e.g., the ball is bobbled, touches ground, or not controlled while the fielder is attempting the force), the runner will be ruled safe.
Runners from Home may overrun First Base; they may only be tagged out if actively attempting to advance to Second Base, subject to Safety Base rules in Section 3.
Ball Returned to Pitcher
(18.08) If a fielder attempts to make an out before returning the ball to the pitcher, runners may advance at their own risk.
Passing
(18.09) Running past or making contact with another runner is not allowed. The passing runner is out.
Scoring
(18.11) A run scores when a runner touches Home Plate or safety bases extension of Home Plate before the third out is made, except no run scores when the third out is a force play or the kicker is put out before reaching First Base.
Displaced Base
(18.12) If a base is displaced during play, a runner is safe while in contact with the base’s original correct location. Bases should be restored at the end of each play.
Sliding
Sliding is not recommended and is performed at the player’s own risk. Unsafe or malicious sliding/contact may be penalized under the Malicious Contact rule.
19. Dead Ball
19.01 A dead ball occurs when a ball thrown, kicked, or deflected by a fielder enters out-of-play territory during a defensive play toward a player or base.
19.02 When a dead ball is declared, the play ends.
19.03 Runners may advance one (1) base beyond the base they occupied when the ball entered out-of-play territory.
19.04 If a runner was in motion and more than halfway (1/2) to the next base when the ball entered out-of-play territory, the runner may advance to that next base (one additional base).
20. Ball In Play
Time / Pitcher Possession
(20.01–20.02) When the Head Referee calls 'Time,' play ends. Runners not in forward motion must return to the last legally touched base.
Once the pitcher has the ball in control and retains possession on the mound, play ends. Referee can call time
Interference
(20.03) Interference occurs when a non-fielder/non-permanent object touches or is touched by a live ball in fair territory; the play ends and runners advance to the base they were headed to (Head Referee discretion).
If a runner intentionally touches a ball or hinders a fielder, the runner is out and other runners return unless forced to advance.
If a kicker intentionally touches a pitched ball with hand/arm before it is called a ball/strike, or intentionally
touches a kicked ball to render it foul, the kick is called foul and runners return. If a kicker catches, their own pop-up it will be considered interference and called out
Deflated Ball
(20.04) If the ball pops or deflates significantly during play, the play is replayed with a properly inflated ball.
21. Outs
21.01 Three (3) outs by the kicking team completes the inning.
21.02 An out is: (a) two (2) strikes or three (3) fouls; (b) any kicked ball (fair or foul) caught by a fielder; (c) a force out at a required base before the runner arrives while the fielder has control; (d) a runner touched by the ball while not on base; (e) interference; (f) failing to tag-up when required; (g) missing a base; or (h) being hit by the ball while on a base that must be vacated on a force play.
22. Injuries / Substitutions
Playoffs
No voluntary substitutions are allowed during playoffs.
Injury substitutions are allowed (see below) to protect player safety.
Injury Substitutions
A runner who is injured while running and reaches the base safely may be replaced by a substitute runner.
If a kicker is injured prior to the kick and chooses to kick, the kicker must kick and reach First Base safely to receive a substitute runner.
Substitute runners must be the last legal out and must be same-gender (male-for-male, female-for-female).
Defensive Injury Replacement
An injured fielder may be replaced.
Substitute players may not pitch.
Gender Balance
Substitutions must maintain team gender minimums. Excess male players may not replace an injured female in the kicking order or defense if it reduces the required female minimum.
If a team cannot maintain required female minimums, the team plays short as directed by the Head Referee (including sitting an extra male player if needed).
Position Changes
Teams are allowed one (1) change in defensive positions per inning.
23. Kick Examples
23.01 Legal Kick: Ball contacted the knee or below within the kicking box; full leg swing (non-bunt).
23.02 Legal Bunt (female): Controlled tap below the knee this includes raising the leg to bunt downward within the kicking box; no minimum distance required.
23.03 Foul: Ball first touches foul territory; kick outside the box; male kick without full leg swing; ball contacted at/above hip.
23.04 Fair: Ball lands fair and stays fair; or passes First/Third then goes foul; or fair ball touched by fielder in fair territory.
24. Other
Protest Procedure (Captain-Only)
If there is a disputed call, ONLY the Team Captain may address it.
The captain must call time and then present the concern to the Referee.
Any player other than the captain disputing a call will automatically result in the call being placed in favor of the opposing team.
Assumption of Risk & Waiver
Kickball is a recreational sport with inherent risks including collision, falls, impact with the ball, and other injuries.
All participants must sign the Sunrise Kickball League waiver prior to participation.
Team Captains assume liability for any participant on their team who has not signed the Sunrise Kickball League waiver.
Spirit of the Game / League Authority
The spirit of these rules is to ensure a fun, safe environment for all participants.
Sunrise Kickball League may address inconsistencies, discrepancies, and misunderstandings in accordance with these rules.
Rules may be updated by the league as needed; updated rules will be communicated to captains.
SUNRISE KICKBALL LEAGUE — OFFICIAL RULEBOOK
Have Fun • Stay Safe • Keep It Fair
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.