Section 5: Rules of Play
Game Structure
- Innings: A standard game consists of 5 to 7 innings (adjustable by agreement)
- Each inning has two halves: the top (visiting team kicks) and the bottom (home team kicks)
- Each half-inning ends when the fielding team records 3 outs
- If the score is tied after the final inning, extra innings may be played or the game may end in a tie (by agreement)
Pitching
- The pitcher rolls the ball along the ground toward home plate
- The ball must be rolled smoothly — it may bounce but must not be excessively bounced or lofted through the air
- The pitch must cross over or near home plate to be considered a strike
- Pitches that are too far outside, too fast, or bounce excessively may be called as balls
Balls and Strikes
- Strike: A pitch that crosses over home plate at or below knee height and is not kicked, or a foul ball
- Ball: A pitch that does not cross over home plate or is rolled improperly
- 3 strikes: The kicker is out (strikeout)
- 4 balls: The kicker is awarded first base (walk)
- Foul balls: Count as strikes for the first two strikes; a foul ball on the third strike does not result in a strikeout (the at-kick continues)
Kicking
- The kicker must kick the ball with their foot or leg below the knee
- The kick must occur at or behind home plate
- The ball must travel into fair territory to be in play
- Bunting is not allowed: The kicker must take a full kick; deliberately tapping or bunting the ball short is prohibited
- A kicked ball that lands in foul territory is a foul ball
Baserunning
- After kicking the ball into fair territory, the kicker becomes a runner and must advance to first base
- Runners advance by touching each base in order: first, second, third, and home
- No leading off: Runners may not leave their base until the ball is kicked
- No stealing: Runners may not advance on a pitch that is not kicked
- Runners may tag up and advance after a caught fly ball, provided they re-touch their base after the catch
- Runners may overrun first base without being tagged out, but must not turn toward second base
- Only one runner may occupy a base at a time; the trailing runner must advance or return
Recording Outs
A runner or kicker is out when:
- Strikeout: The kicker accumulates 3 strikes
- Fly out: A fielder catches a kicked ball in the air before it touches the ground (in fair or foul territory)
- Tag out: A fielder touches a runner with the ball (or with the ball in hand) while the runner is off base
- Throw out (pegging): A fielder throws the ball and hits the runner below the shoulders while the runner is off base
- Force out: A fielder holding the ball touches a base before a runner who is forced to advance reaches it
- Interference: A runner intentionally interferes with a fielder attempting to make a play
Infield Fly Rule (Optional)
- With fewer than 2 outs and runners on first and second (or bases loaded), a high infield fly is automatically an out
- This prevents fielders from intentionally dropping the ball to turn a double play
- This rule is optional and should be agreed upon before the game
Mercy Rule (Optional)
- If a team leads by 10 or more runs after 4 complete innings, the game may be called
- A run limit per inning (e.g., 5 runs maximum) may be imposed to prevent lopsided scores