Similar to other sports, kickball is a game of inches. Often amazing kickball plays are too close too call. Kickball umpires are constantly called on to make split-second decisions on very close calls. However they are human, as are the players, and mistakes can sometimes be made. There is nothing that infuriates a coach more than a bad call; and understandably so. In effort to relive tensions on both coaches and umpires, Sun City Kickball has developed the "Dispute Rule". The "Dispute Rule" states:
Captains will be allowed two (2) “disputes” during a regular season game. A game of Paper, Rock, Scissors, best two-out-of-three, will be used to settle the dispute. The umpire will ultimately have discretion on allowing a call to be disputed. Balls, fouls, and strikes cannot be disputed.
Hopefully this will act as a relief valve to ease tensions on missed calls. However this rule is put on hold during the post-season.
For more info. on this rule and other rules go to www.suncitykickball.com.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Gentleman's Pitch
Kickball seems to be an extremely simplistic game, requiring very little skill. Kickball spectators often say to themselves,"that looks easy, too easy"; however looks can be deceiving. For most rookie kickballers its been a long time since they have played this grade school recess game. It takes awhile to reboot the timing and coordination that is required to kick that sneaky little red rubber ball. In order to help some of our players with the "kickball learning curve", Sun City Kickball has developed The Gentleman's Pitch. The GP or " Number 4" which it has been nicknamed, states that:
Female players have the option of requesting the opposing team’s pitcher to pitch the ball in a fashion that is “kickable”. The umpire will use his discretion to determine if the pitch is “kickable”. This pitch is only an option and NOT required, female players MUST request the Gentleman’s pitch. It will not be automatic. This rule will be suspended during the playoffs.
Some have accused this rule of being a tad bit sexist but it truly isn't. The rule is to only be used as a form of kickball training wheels. It is the ladies' choice whether or now to apply this rule. If a lady kickballer decides she wants a Number 4, all she needs to do is hold up 4 fingers to the pitcher. This indicates to the pitcher and umpire that the pitches must be "kickable". However this rule is only applicable during the regular season. Once the playoffs starts this rule is no longer applies.
For more info. on this rule and other rules go to www.suncitykickball.com
Female players have the option of requesting the opposing team’s pitcher to pitch the ball in a fashion that is “kickable”. The umpire will use his discretion to determine if the pitch is “kickable”. This pitch is only an option and NOT required, female players MUST request the Gentleman’s pitch. It will not be automatic. This rule will be suspended during the playoffs.
Some have accused this rule of being a tad bit sexist but it truly isn't. The rule is to only be used as a form of kickball training wheels. It is the ladies' choice whether or now to apply this rule. If a lady kickballer decides she wants a Number 4, all she needs to do is hold up 4 fingers to the pitcher. This indicates to the pitcher and umpire that the pitches must be "kickable". However this rule is only applicable during the regular season. Once the playoffs starts this rule is no longer applies.
For more info. on this rule and other rules go to www.suncitykickball.com
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Is It Just Kickball ?
Its just kickball... Now I have said this phrase numerous times. I have often told myself these words in reassurance after a hard defeat. I have exchanged these words with teammates, in attempt to calm them down. Sometimes I have even spitefully muttered these words in front of a boasting opponent. However I got to thinking, is it just kickball?
After really thinking about it, it is more than just kickball. However I'm not delusional enough to think there is some lasting glory to be won in kickball. Its not about winning a King of Kickball Championship or skunking a team 23-0. Although those things are nice and a lot of fun. I honestly feel the greatest thing to win is friendships. Now wait! I can already hear your sighs and see the eyes rolling. Yes...I know, cheesy, super cheesy actually. But really think about it. There is something to be said about the people who play kickball.
Many of the kickball naysayers often criticize lovable child-like kickballers. "Kickball is for little kids," I can hear their taunts in my head. However in a modern busy grown up world, full of bills, work, deadlines, paperwork, bosses, traffic, meetings, kids, shopping, etc, whats wrong with taking an hour out of the week to feel like a kid again. Kickball allows you to surround yourself with other people of like minds. People who are truly kids at heart, just like you. You are able to build lasting life long relationships. Idealistic ? Maybe. Cheese ball? Very! True? You tell me.
The point is ( yes there is one) it is more than "just" kickball. A lot more.
After really thinking about it, it is more than just kickball. However I'm not delusional enough to think there is some lasting glory to be won in kickball. Its not about winning a King of Kickball Championship or skunking a team 23-0. Although those things are nice and a lot of fun. I honestly feel the greatest thing to win is friendships. Now wait! I can already hear your sighs and see the eyes rolling. Yes...I know, cheesy, super cheesy actually. But really think about it. There is something to be said about the people who play kickball.
Many of the kickball naysayers often criticize lovable child-like kickballers. "Kickball is for little kids," I can hear their taunts in my head. However in a modern busy grown up world, full of bills, work, deadlines, paperwork, bosses, traffic, meetings, kids, shopping, etc, whats wrong with taking an hour out of the week to feel like a kid again. Kickball allows you to surround yourself with other people of like minds. People who are truly kids at heart, just like you. You are able to build lasting life long relationships. Idealistic ? Maybe. Cheese ball? Very! True? You tell me.
The point is ( yes there is one) it is more than "just" kickball. A lot more.
Letter to the Sun City Kickballers
Attention Sun City Kickballers,
Let me start by thanking everyone for our great success last season. I feel our inaugural season was a memorable one and it as all thanks to you. However there is no time for rest. We are already preparing for the Fall 09 season.
As many of you know we have moved from Roger Brown Ball field to E.L. Williams Field. The fields are located on Lafayette right off of Yarbrough. Go south on Yarbrough until you get to Lafayette then make a left. The fields ARE NOT AT YUCA PARK. Some people got a little confused this past Wed. It is a little further journey for you westsiders but it is worth the drive. We will be using two fields that are well maintained and manicured. There is PLENTY of room for parking. Tons of room for hanging out and tailgating. RESTROOMS!
The season will start Sept. 2nd and is projected to finish mid-November. The plan is too wrap up before the holiday season starts. We should have about 8 teams this season. Games times will be 7pm and 8pm.
Remember regular registration ends Aug. 14th. We will have another in-person registration Wed. August 12th. If you cannot make that day please get with your coaches/captains. I will be willing to meet up with anyone to pick up player forms and fees. Best things to do is have someone round up all the forms and money, then turn them in. Remember cash only, I know its a little inconvenient but I'm sure we can all manage. Hopefully.
In the coming weeks we will send out the new rulebook. We are also currently working on a new website but of course you can always go to www.itsjustkickball.blogspot.com to get nearly daily updates. Thanks everyone and hope to see everyone on the K-Ball diamond!
Let me start by thanking everyone for our great success last season. I feel our inaugural season was a memorable one and it as all thanks to you. However there is no time for rest. We are already preparing for the Fall 09 season.
As many of you know we have moved from Roger Brown Ball field to E.L. Williams Field. The fields are located on Lafayette right off of Yarbrough. Go south on Yarbrough until you get to Lafayette then make a left. The fields ARE NOT AT YUCA PARK. Some people got a little confused this past Wed. It is a little further journey for you westsiders but it is worth the drive. We will be using two fields that are well maintained and manicured. There is PLENTY of room for parking. Tons of room for hanging out and tailgating. RESTROOMS!
The season will start Sept. 2nd and is projected to finish mid-November. The plan is too wrap up before the holiday season starts. We should have about 8 teams this season. Games times will be 7pm and 8pm.
Remember regular registration ends Aug. 14th. We will have another in-person registration Wed. August 12th. If you cannot make that day please get with your coaches/captains. I will be willing to meet up with anyone to pick up player forms and fees. Best things to do is have someone round up all the forms and money, then turn them in. Remember cash only, I know its a little inconvenient but I'm sure we can all manage. Hopefully.
In the coming weeks we will send out the new rulebook. We are also currently working on a new website but of course you can always go to www.itsjustkickball.blogspot.com to get nearly daily updates. Thanks everyone and hope to see everyone on the K-Ball diamond!
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