ATX SPORTSFEST

THE GAME

Co-Ed Adult Kickball is a friendly game similar to Slow Pitch Softball. The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. It is played with 10 fielders (4 infielders, 4 outfielders, 1 pitcher, and 1 catcher), and as a co-ed tournament the intended format is 6 male players and 4 female players on the field at a time.  No more than 6 male players may be on the field at any one time. All games will consist of 45 minutes or 7 innings, whichever comes first.  No new innings will begin after 40 minutes into the game (excepting the Championship Game). Captains must present their line ups to the umpire before the official game time.  Clock starts at game time and will begin once both teams are ready for play.  A forfeit is called at 10 minutes after the game start time if a team or teams do not have enough players to start. Teams can have an unlimited number of players on the official roster with a minimum of 4 females.  All team members must be in a SPORTSKIND tournament shirt.  If a player on the team is not wearing their shirt, the team will be assessed an out before the first kick by that player.  This is a one-time out but it could be costly so be sure to wear your tournament shirt! A team can start and/or play an official game with only 8 players, but the team must take an out at the end of the batting order for each missing female player, each time through the batting order.  All team members must be on the roster/have signed the waiver in order to be eligible to participate in the tournament. All team members must play in at least one of the pool play games to be eligible for the single elimination part of the tournament. Any team found to have a player on the field that did not sign the waiver or play in a pool play game will forfeit that game. This responsibility is up to the team captain to make sure all players have signed the waiver and been added to the roster.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

1. The first two randomly matched games will be used to determine placement in a single elimination tournament.  Ties are a possible outcome during these first two games, and “Home” and “Visitor” status will be determined by rock-paper-scissors prior to each game.
2. After every team plays their first two games they will be placed in the single elimination tournament based on the following factors:

• Overall Record (Ties are a possible outcome in the first two games)
• Run differential
• If any teams are still tied, seeding will be decided by coin flip

3. Depending on the number of tournament teams some of the higher seeds may receive a bye.  Home and Visitor status throughout the tournament will be determined by the higher seed electing to be either home or away. There WILL NOT be a shift in the bracket to align up the remaining lower seed with the remaining higher seed in the tournament.
4. The Championship game will crown the champion team of the tournament.  This game will NOT be time capped and will be a 7 inning game by design.  However, if the difference in runs scored is 15 or more at the end of the fifth inning or any complete inning after the fifth, the game will be considered finished.

 

OFFENSE

1. There is no limit to the number of players on a team and in the kicking order as long as no more than 2 males kick in a row. 3 males in a row will result in an out before the third male would kick.  Each team will kick around the entire batting order regardless of the players playing in the field.
2. Substitutes are allowed during the game on the field.  Changes to the kicking order are not permitted once they have been submitted to the umpire.  Pinch hitters are not allowed.
3. All kickers come to the plate with a one ball and one strike count. Once a kicker reaches a two strike count, they will be allowed one foul kick.  A second foul kick will result in an automatic out.
4. If a male, who is followed by a female kicker, is walked then he automatically goes to second base. The female kicking behind him will have the option to advance to first or kick.  A female who is walked will automatically advance to first base and the only case where base runners would advance is if there is a runner on first.
5. The strike zone is roughly 48” across. Balls pitched with excessive speed or bounce will be called an automatic “ball’ by the umpire. In order for a pitch to be called a strike:

• Any part of the ball must pass over any part of the plate, AND
• The ball must have bounced a minimum of two time prior to crossing the plate, AND
• The ball must not be bouncing higher than 6″ off of the ground by the time the ball crosses the plate.

6. The kicker’s plant-foot must not be completely beyond home plate at the time the ball is contacted; this will be called an illegal kick and an out will be called.
7. The ball can be thrown at the runner to be put out. The ball must hit the runner at the shoulders or below. A runner hit in the head will NOT be ruled out, UNLESS the runner slides, ducks, or jumps to avoid the throw.
8. All balls must pass the bunt line or it is considered a foul ball.
9. There is no ‘Run Rule’.
10. Base runners may not steal, lead off, or advance until the ball has been kicked. Violation of this rule will result in the base runner moving back to the proper base. If the kicker makes a fair kick while a base runner is leading off then the runner will be out.
11. Base runners struck with a live ball shall be ruled out.  Base runners may not interfere with a defensive player trying to field a ball. If a base runner is standing on the base and is struck by a kicked ball they ARE NOT out, however the ball is live and playable. An umpire being struck by a kicked ball is part of the field and the ball will remain in play if in bounds.
12. Courtesy runners for injuries are allowed.  The courtesy runner shall be the player of the same sex as the injured player who most immediately precedes the injured player in the kicking lineup and is not on base.  If the courtesy runner is still on base when he/she is up to bat, he/she may stay on base but cannot kick, and the team will be assessed an out.
13. If an ELIMINATION GAME is tied after the standard game time is expired, extra innings will be played until the tie is broken.  The last player in the lineup will start on 2nd base and teams will begin extra innings at the top of the kicking lineup.  Each kicker will start with a full count and one foul and will receive one pitch. If the pitch is ruled a ball by the umpire, the kicker will advance per regulation rules. If the pitch is ruled a strike or a kick is ruled a foul by the umpire, the kicker will be out. Full overtime one-pitch innings will be played until the tie is broken.

DEFENSE

1. There is no requirement regarding male/female ratios in the infield or outfield but there must be at least 4 females in the field unless the team is playing with only 8 or 9 players and are missing female players.
2. Outfielders must start in the outfield grass before the ball is kicked.  The umpire will warn outfielders to move back if deemed too close, the second offense will result in an automatic single for the kicker.
3. All defensive players must wait until the ball is kicked to move forward. The pitcher and all defensive players cannot charge the kicker until the ball has been kicked.  The Umpire will give one warning and a second offense will result in an automatic single for the kicker.
4. Infielders may position themselves anywhere in the infield, including in front of the bunt line, provided they do not move forward until the ball is kicked.
5. Defensive substitutes are allowed from inning to inning, but no defensive substitutions may be made during any given in progress half inning, with the exception of injury or late arriving players to shorthanded teams.
6. Defensive players must give the runners room to run to the next base not blocking the baseline or the base itself. If the defensive player doesn’t give the runner sufficient space in the baseline, or on the base, obstruction will be called and the umpire will rule in favor of the runner by default, awarding the runner the base in question.  On plays at first base, if a defensive player impedes a runner in foul territory, the runner shall be ruled safe.
7. The defensive player can throw the ball at the runner to gain an out. The runner will be called out if the thrown ball hits them in the air or is bounced and hits him/her.  The thrown ball must hit the runner at the shoulders or below.  The runner is not out if hit in the head area UNLESS the runner slides, ducks, or jumps.
8. On an overthrown ball that results in the ball going outside of the playing field all runners will advance a maximum of one base.
9. There is NO infield fly rule in kickball.

CONCLUSION

We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated.  Umpires and tournament staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward the umpire will not be tolerated. An ejection carries a two game suspension (including the current game). In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the premises without refund. The severity of the punishment will be based on the discretion of the umpire and tournament staff. Only CAPTAINS of respective teams are allowed to approach the umpire with questions or concerns in a respective manner. Teams charging the field of play to question or complain a call will be subject to automatic forfeit for that game. Alcohol and smoking is not allowed on playing fields. Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the Tournament Director. Kickball is played in the rain if at all possible unless the Umpire or Facility Representative decides it is necessary to postpone due to dangerous field conditions or lightning. If lightning occurs, all attempts will be made to resume play 30 minutes after the last lightning flash is viewed and the umpire deems it safe to resume play. The games will resume as scheduled if at all possible, or shortened if necessary. FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  ANY INSTANCES OF FIGHTING MAY RESULT IN A TEAM FORFEIT OF THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUND AND POSSIBLE EXPULSIONS FROM FUTURE TOURNAMENTS. ALL DECISIONS OF THE TOURNAMENT STAFF ARE FINAL.  THE TOURNAMENT STAFF SHALL ALSO HAVE THE FINAL AUTHORITY TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO GAME SCHEDULES, GAME DURATION. AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE RULES OR OF THE TOURNAMENT.

SPORTSKIND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS are played under the American Softball Association of America (ASA) rules with amendments as described below. If there is no specific exception below, then ASA rules of the game shall prevail. In the event of a conflict between these rule exceptions and ASA rules, the SPORTSKIND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT rule modifications shall prevail.

THE GAME:

Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball is a friendly game similar to baseball. The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. It is played with 10 fielders with a maximum of 6 males in the field. (Please note that for SPORTSKIND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS there doesn’t have to be an equal number of male to female team members).  No new innings will begin after 45 minutes into the game (excepting the Championship Game). Captains must present their line ups to the umpire before the official game time.  Clock starts at game time and will begin once both teams are ready for play.  A forfeit is called 5 minutes after the game start time if a team or teams do not have enough players to start. The minimum amount needed to start a game is 9 players with at least one catcher. A team can start with less than the minimum but only if the opposing team is ok with that scenario.  All team members must be on the signed roster/waiver in order to be eligible to participate in the tournament.  All team members must play in at least one of the pool play games to be eligible for the single elimination part of the tournament. Any team found to have a player on the field that did not sign the waiver or play in a pool play game may be forced to forfeit that game. This responsibility is up to the team captain to make sure all players have signed to the roster. Waivers and rosters will be closed after the start of the second game of pool play so be sure your players get there on time!

TOURNAMENT FORMAT:

1. The first two randomly matched games will be used to determine placement in a single elimination tournament.  Ties are a possible outcome during these first two games, and “Home” and “Visitor” status will be determined by a coin flip prior to each game.
2. After every team plays their first two games they will be placed in the single elimination tournament based on the following factors:
   1. 1. Overall Record (Ties are a possible outcome in the first two games)
      2. Run differential
      3. If any teams are still tied, seeding will be decided by a coin flip
3. Depending on the number of tournament teams some of the higher seeds may receive a bye.  Home and Visitor status throughout the tournament will be determined by the lower seed always being the home team. (ie. If the 2 seed and 6 seed play, the 2 seed team will be “Home” and the 6 seed will be “Visitors”). There WILL NOT be a shift in the bracket to align up the remaining lower seed with the remaining higher seed in the tournament.
4. The Championship game will consist of either 7 complete innings or a time limit of 55 min. No new innings will begin after 55 minutes. Run Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings

OFFENSE:

1. A team can start with 9 but if the player missing is a female then that team must take an out when it is her turn to bat.
2. There may be an unlimited number of players in the batting order as long as no more than 2 males bat in a row. A consistent 1 to 1 rotation between a male and female batter is NOT required. 3 males in a row will result in an out before the third male would bat.  Each team will bat around the entire batting order regardless of the players playing in the field.
3. Substitutes are allowed during the game on the field.  Changes to the batting order are not permitted once the rosters have been submitted to the umpire before the game.
4. Pinch hitters are not allowed.
5. Each player in the batting order must play the field at least one inning during the game.
6. All batters come to the plate with a one ball and one strike count and are allowed two foul balls.  On the third foul ball the batter will be ruled out.
7. If a male, who is followed by a female batter is walked then he automatically goes to second base. The female batting behind him will have the option to advance to first or bat.  A female who is walked will automatically advance to first base and the only case where base runners would advance is if there is a runner on first.
8. There is no BUNTING ALLOWED. Any bunts will be called an automatic out by the umpire.
9. The mercy rule will be put into effect if, after completing five innings, one team is ahead by 15 runs or more.
10. All bats must be ASA Approved
11. All balls must be ASA Approved and fit the following requirements:
    1. Female Ball - 11″ .52 Core/300 Compression
    2. Male Ball - 12″ .52 Core/300 Compression
12. If a game in the single elimination round of the tournament is tied after the standard game time is expired, extra innings will be played until the tie is broken.  Both teams must start at the top of the order on offense.  The last player in the line-up will start on 2nd base.  Each batter will start with a full count and one foul and will receive one pitch. If the pitch is ruled a ball by the umpire, the batter will advance per regulation rules. The ball must be fair or it will result in an out. Full overtime one-pitch innings will be played until the tie is broken.  Reminder: Extra innings is only possible in the single elimination tournament.
13. Base runners may not steal, lead off, or advance until the ball is hit. Violation of this rule will result in the base runner being called out.
14. Courtesy runners: Any eligible player on the official line-up including available substitutes may be used as a courtesy runner. A courtesy runner may be used once per inning.

DEFENSE:

1. There is no requirement regarding male/female ratio in the infield or outfield but there must be at least 4 females in the field unless the team is playing with only 9 players and their 10th player missing is a female.
2. The pitcher and all defensive players cannot charge the batter until the ball has been hit. The Umpire will give one warning and a second offense will result in an automatic single for the batter.
3. Defensive players must give the runners room to run to the next base not blocking the baseline or the base itself. If the defensive player doesn’t give the runner sufficient space in the baseline, or on the base, the umpire will rule in favor of the runner by default and will award the runner the base in question.
4. On an overthrown ball that results in the ball going outside of the playing field all runners will advance a maximum of one base.
5. All players not base coaching or on deck to hit MUST BE INSIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE DUGOUTS. Teams will receive one warning by the umpire and on a second offense will begin their next at-bat with one out.

CONCLUSION:

1. We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated.  Umpires and tournament staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward the umpire will not be tolerated. An ejection carries a two game suspension (including the current game). In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the premises without refund. The severity of the punishment will be based on the discretion of the umpire and tournament staff. Only MANAGERS of respective teams are allowed to approach the umpire with questions or concerns in a respectful manner. Teams charging the field of play to question or complain a call will be subject to automatic forfeit for that game.
2. Alcohol and smoking is not allowed on playing fields or dugouts.
3. Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the Tournament Director.
4. There will be no refunds allowed for rain delays or cancellations.  If the tournament is postponed due to weather, we will reschedule the tournament to a later date.  There will be no refunds if you are not able to furnish a team on the make up date.
5. Slow Pitch Softball is played in the rain if at all possible unless the Tournament Director or Facility Representative decide it is necessary to postpone due to dangerous field conditions or lightning.  If lightning occurs, all attempts will be made to resume play 30 minutes after the last lightning flash is viewed and the Tournament Director deems it safe to resume play. The games will resume as scheduled if at all possible, or shortened if nightfall is imminent.
6. All decisions of the Tournament Director are final. The Tournament Director shall also have the final authority to make adjustments to match schedules, match duration, and other aspects of the tournament as may become necessary during the course of the tournament.

FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  ANY INSTANCES OF FIGHTING WILL RESULT IN A TEAM FORFEIT OF THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUND AND POSSIBLE EXPULSIONS FROM FUTURE TOURNAMENTS.

BRING YOUR OWN 4’s TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Volleyball teams of four will compete in a round robin format followed by playoffs. Teams must play with 2 females and 2 males on the court. Based on the results of the round robin games we’ll rank all teams based on the criteria listed below and the top teams will move onto the playoffs. The number of playoff teams will be determined and announced at the event. Based on the results of the round robin games all teams will be ranked based on the following criteria:

1. Overall record of your games played
2. Total point differential of all the matches
3. In the rare case where there is a tie after these two factors we will go to a coin flip

SCORING

All volleyball games are rally scoring in one set to 21, teams must win by 2 with a cap at 25. Teams will switch sides once one of the teams reaches 11 points. Rally scoring simply means that a point will be awarded each time the ball is served regardless of who served it.

SERVING

A team earns service possession for the start of the first game by winning Rock/Paper/Scissors.

• A legal serve is one that crosses the net and is either touched by an opposing player or lands within the opposing team’s area of the court within the boundary lines. A serve that makes contact with the net and carries over to the opponent’s side of the net is a live serve and must be returned.
• No jump serves are allowed.
• When the serving team wins the rally, the player who served before, serves again.
• When the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the right to serve and must rotate server but does not have to rotate position on the court.
• Players on the receiving team cannot block or attack a serve.

PLAYING THE BALL

• Volleyball team members do not need to rotate positions on the court. They do have to rotate service though.
• Every player is eligible to attack the net.
• Each team is allowed a maximum of 3 successive contacts of the ball in order to return the ball to the opponent’s area.
• Open hand tips are illegal.
• Returning a serve with a set is illegal and must be "passed" with a bump (hands together below the wrist) or with your hands together (above the waist).
• When setting the ball over the net, the player's shoulders must be square to the direction of the set.
• Players are not permitted to scoop, hold or lift the ball. The ball must be clearly hit.
• There is no centerline. You may cross under the net providing that you do not contact a player from the other side or hinder their play of the ball.
• The ball must cross the plane of the net before contact may be made unless it is the 3rd hit by the offense and the contact is made to block the shot.
• Contact with the net is a violation. This includes contact made by hats, hair or clothing.
• Crossing or playing over any of the ball guards is a dead ball.
• Crossing into the other courts is a dead ball.
• A stray ball onto the court constitutes a replay if it comes in during play

BLOCKING

• Blocking is the action close to the net which intercepts the ball coming from the opponent's side by making contact with the ball before, during or after it crosses the net.
• A block contact is not counted as a team hit, and a team is entitled to 3 hits to return the ball.
• The first hit after the block may be executed by any player, including the one who blocked the ball.

OFFICIALS

• All games in the tournament will be officiated by a league official.

CONCLUSION

• We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, team managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated. Officials and volleyball league staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward the official will not be tolerated. An ejection carries a one game suspension (including the current game). In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the premises without refund. The severity of the punishment will be based on the discretion of the official and league staff. Only CAPTAINS of respective teams are allowed to approach the official with questions or concerns in a respective manner. Teams charging the field of play to question or complain a call will be subject to an automatic forfeit for that game.
• Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the Tournament Director.
• All decisions of the Tournament Director are final. The Tournament Director shall also have the final authority to make adjustments to match schedules, match duration, and other aspects of the tournament as may become necessary during the course of the tournament.

THE GAME

A game consists of frames. Each team rotates throwing their bags until all bags are thrown to the other side, at which point, the frame is complete. Each frame consists of calculating the difference of all the bags on the boards and in the hole at the end of the frame per team. The net points are kept track of from each frame. Example: Team A scores 8 points in frame 1 and Team B scores 2 points in frame 1. This would mean that Team A would receive 6 points for that frame and would also be the team to throw first in the next frame. The object is to be the first team to reach 21 points by either throwing the bag onto the board (1 point) or in the hole (3 points). Board will be placed approximately 27 feet (front to front) from each other. This distance is placed out by the league manager.

BEGINNING OF THE GAME

Begin the game with a coin flip or play rock, paper, scissors between the two captains. The winner determines either which side of the board to throw from or first throw. Players may not cross the foul line, which is located at the front of the board. All players must throw from behind this line.

TEAM SIZE

There are no gender requirement rules in cornhole, teams of two (2) will compete throughout the tournament.

ROUND ROBIN PLAY

All teams will get a minimum of 4 round robin games. Each game will be one match played to 21.  Games are played "straight up" to 21 points; a team does not need to win by 2 or more points.  A team does not need to score exactly 21 points and can go over 21.

PLAYOFFS

After the completion of the round robin games, SPORTSKIND will seed all teams for a single elimination tournament. Teams will be seeded first by overall record followed by points scored.  If there is still a tie then points scored differential will determine seeding. Each match in the single elimination tournament will also be one game to 21 points.

WAIVERS

In order to participate in the tournament, each participant must register online and sign the team waiver. Players must sign the waiver in order to be eligible for playoffs.

SPORTSMANSHIP

We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated. Referees and SPORTSKIND staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward a SPORTSKIND staff member will not be tolerated. In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the league without refund. Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the SPORTSKIND staff. FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ANY INSTANCES OF FIGHTING WILL RESULT IN A TEAM FORFEIT OF THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUND AND POSSIBLE EXPULSIONS FROM FUTURE SPORTSKIND EVENTS. ALL DECISIONS OF THE LEAGUE STAFF ARE FINAL.  THE LEAGUE STAFF SHALL ALSO HAVE THE FINAL AUTHORITY TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO MATCH SCHEDULES, MATCH DURATION, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE RULES OR OF THE LEAGUE.