Amended Rules:

1a.Challenge Rule

Any captain can challenge a call made by the umpire if he or she disagrees with a call. A Challenge Committee will be declared prior to the game, consisting of an odd number, no more than 5 players not playing the current game, agreed to by both teams. The Committee does not need to unanimously agree, but decide on a majority rule. Each team gets 1 challenge. If the captain loses their challenge, they can no longer challenge for the remainder of the game. If the captain wins their challenge, they will win the call and gain another challenge. A win of the second challenge does not restore a third.

Challenges overturned on preplay events resulting in a play not happening will result in a free base for the team. An in-play challenge determined as a redo will not award the challenging team another challenge.

The Challenge Committee cannot suggest that a team make a challenge call nor can they suggest umpires review a play. Their purpose is to support the umpires on difficult calls. An umpire can declare “interference” on the committee removing a teams ability to challenge. This is to prevent partnerships between the committee and teams.

1b. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Any player that has shown behavior deemed as Unsportsmanlike conduct by game officials will cause their team an out in the next or current inning. These actions can be, but are not limited to :physical action or gesture towards the opposite team, behavior or obscenities directed at game officials. Excessive Behavior could result in a player being asked to leave the game or further action that will be discussed after the game.

1c.  First Base "Live Runner" Rule.

After a player has kicked the ball and made their way towards first base they must run through the "runner's bag". The runner is allowed to run through first base and continue their movement into foul territory. If the player makes a movement towards 2nd base and enters the "field of play"*, they become a "live runner". Entering the field of play will require the runner to then either retreat to first base or advance to 2nd or 3rd base. If the player is tagged at any point before safely reaching a base, they will be called out.

*Field of Play - This area is designated within the foul lines. The foul lines extend from home plate thru first base to the back wall and home plate thru 3rd base to the back wall.

1d. Injured Player Rule

In cases of injury or illness, a time-out may be requested by the Team Captain for a player removal and replacement with a proper substitute of the same sex. All injuries must be reported to the opposing Team Captain and noted on the Game Head Referee scoresheet. If an injured player does not resume kicking in the designated spot in the Kicking Lineup, the player may not return to that game. There is no re-entry rule. If a Player is injured and cannot continue, the Team’s Kicking Lineup may continue in the same order but must replace the injured player with a person of the same sex that was next in the lineup. After this substitution the lineup will continue as originally listed but the substitution must stay in place.

1e. Lead-Off Rule

It is illegal for a runner to leadoff the base prior to a player kicking the ball. First infraction in a game will result a warning to the team with the leadoff runner. The second infraction within the same game will result in the runner being called out.

If the infraction is called prior to a player kicking the ball, the play will be called "dead ball" by the game official. If the infraction is noted before the kick but is called during/after the kick, the play will either result in an out if the defensive team caught it, or as a dead ball if the kick is kicked fair and within the field of play.

1f. Playoff Warnings

During playoffs all teams start with a warning. Any infraction that occurs will result in the penalty associated will the infraction.

1g. Outfielder in the Infield area prior to a kick

If an outfielder is caught in the infield prior to a player kicking the ball, the kicker will be awarded a base. The first infraction will be given a team warning, the second will result in the associated penalty.

Section 1.0 Team Rosters:

1. Unless otherwise indicated in the gameplay rules for a sport, there is no maximum number of players allowed on a team’s roster provided all players have signed the Team Roster and Waiver Form. It is the responsibility of all team captains to ensure players are in compliance with this policy. Roster changes that require additional T-Shirts will be subject to availability. All roster changes must be communicated to and approved by the league office.
2. A minimum of 12 players are needed for a team to be registered.

Section 1.1 Waivers:

1. To be eligible to participate in any Underdogs league, tournament, or social event, each player must agree to the waiver. Team captains are responsible for ensuring that all members of their team have read and accepted the terms of the waiver policy.  The waiver is included in the online registration process, including for those players invited to a team by a captain. The waiver can also be found by visiting your dashboard.

Section 1.2 Player Restrictions:

1. All Underdogs participants must be 18 years of age or older prior to their first scheduled game.
2. Players may only be on one roster for any given sport on a given night, regardless of if multiple divisions are offered. Violation of this rule may result in game forfeiture by both teams.
3. Underdogs reserves the right to request a photo ID from any player at any time for any reason.
4. Teams that wish to challenge the eligibility of a player on their opponent’s roster must make that request with an Underdogs Official as early as possible. Only individual players may be challenged. Entire teams may not be challenged. 

Section 1.3 Uniforms:

1. Underdogs T-Shirts are your team’s uniforms. All players must wear the appropriate color uniform with the current Underdogs front logo to participate. Any player not wearing the appropriate uniform is only acceptable during a substitution. Any additional player must pay $10 per game.
2. The Underdogs T-Shirt must be worn on the outside of any clothing worn during play with all logos and designs intact and clearly visible.
3. Players are permitted to modify their uniforms in any way provided they do not cover up any of the logos printed on the shirts and the uniform is not considered a danger to the players.

Section 1.4 Division Preference:

1. Whenever possible, the Underdogs will separate programs into divisions based on the needs of the league. In the event multiple divisions are not possible, all players will be placed into a single division.
2. Division placement for all teams will be at the sole discretion of the Underdogs.
3. Any player, or team based on the majority of their players, that is determined to be in the incorrect division may, at any point during the season, be switched to the appropriate division at the discretion of the Underdogs. 

Section 1. 5 Drones:

1. Drones, model planes, and any other unmanned aircraft are not permitted at any Underdogs activity unless given permission. Underdogs will not be responsible for damaged aircraft in any case.

Section 2.0 Playoffs

1. In the final week of league play, the top teams will compete in a single-elimination playoff to determine the league champion. The playoff may be held on a day or at a venue other than the normal day and venue used for regular season games.
2. All other eligible teams in good standing with the league will be scheduled for a final game against a team similarly ranked in the final standings.

Section 2.1 INCLEMENT WEATHER:

1. Prior to the start of the game, players and spectators should regularly check the Underdogs website for venue status updates. Details are available on the Underdogs website.
2. Once the game has started, gameday coordinators will work with facilities coordinators and Underdogs Operations personnel to monitor weather and playing conditions in order to determine if play will need to be suspended and/or games postponed.

Section 2.2 GAME RESCHEDULING:

1. In the event of inclement weather or any other event that causes games to be postponed, the Underdogs will make every effort to reschedule. In the event of multiple cancellations, the Underdogs reserves the option to shorten the regular season and/or the playoff schedule. Makeup games may be scheduled on weekdays other than those regularly scheduled.  Makeup games may be scheduled at venues other than those regularly scheduled. Neither refunds nor pro-rated refunds will be given if the season is shortened due to inclement weather or due to actions taken by the venue.

Section 2.3 FORFEITS:

1. If a team is short the minimum number of players to play a regulation game, the game will be ruled a forfeit.
2. In the case of an injured player, at the sole discretion of an Underdogs Official, a game may be continued if a team does not have the minimum number of players for a regulation game provided the team has a chance to win.

Section 2.4 FORFEIT FINES:

1. If the forfeiting team is short the minimum number of players to play an exhibition game, a $50 forfeit fine will be assessed. This fine is transferred in full in the form of a gift card or voucher to the offended team who showed up with no game to play.
2. The offended team, provided they are in good standing and do not owe any outstanding dues or fines to the league, can collect the forfeit fine gift card from an UNDERDOGS Coordinator during the final week of the season. If the fineable forfeit occurs in the last week of the season, the offended team will receive a credit for participation in a future Underdogs program.
3. Teams must participate in the final week of the season in order to collect any forfeit fine gift cards they are owed. If a team does not participate in the final week, any forfeit fine gift cards owed are forfeited.
4. Forfeit fines must be paid online within 72 hours. Unpaid forfeit fines may result in additional forfeits and/or suspension from the league. Teams with outstanding fines from past seasons will be barred from future registration in any Underdogs sport or event until they are paid in full.
5. Game forfeiture notice must be submitted via the Underdogs website by 5:00 PM on the preceding day (Friday for weekend games) in order to avoid the forfeit fine. 
6. The minimum number of players required to play an officiated exhibition game is noted in the “Roster” section of each sport’s respective rules document.

Section 2.5 SPORTSMANSHIP:

1. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification. At the request of an Underdogs Official, disqualified players or spectators must leave the playing area. 
2. Repeated or egregious unsportsmanlike behavior, including refusal to leave the playing area, will result in an extended suspension term.
3. Suspended players are not permitted to attend any current or future Underdogs leagues, tournaments, races, and social events until after having received written approval from Underdogs Player Services. Violation of this policy may result in a team forfeit and additional suspension.

KICKBALL RULES

SECTION 3.0 Official Kickball Rules

1. All rules are subject to change based on the safety, needs, and skill set of the players to create a competitive and entertaining league.

SECTION 3.1 PLAYING AREA:

1. Some fields may have out of bounds areas. The umpire will declare these areas before the start of each game. If the ball enters one of these areas, the ball is dead and play will stop. Extra bases may be awarded depending on the particular field at the discretion of the umpire.

SECTION 3.2 OFFICIALS:

1. Arguing with Umpires will not be tolerated. Disputes will be handled between umpires,coaches, and captains. The umpire will be the official keeper of time and score in the game.
2. Home plate umpires will stand 10 behind home plate. This line also creates the catchers line which extends indefinitely. 

SECTION 3.3 EQUIPMENT:

1. Underdogs will provide all field equipment and kickballs.
2. Shoes are required for all players.  Shoes with metal or ceramic cleats are not permitted.

SECTION 3.4 PLAYING ROSTER:

1. The maximum number of players on the field is ten. The minimum number of players on the field is eight. The maximum number of males on the field is six.  The minimum number of females on the field is two.
2. If a team is short the minimum number of players by game time, the game will start as scheduled with that team automatically becoming the visitor and kicking first. If the minimum number of players does not show up upon completion of the first half of the first inning, the game will be considered a forfeit.
3. The minimum number of players to play an officiated exhibition game, and avoid the forfeit fine, is five. If a team has less than 5 players on a given night, a scrimmage game will be played including players of the forfeiting teams choosing.
4. Teams lose the ability to challenge a player’s eligibility after the third inning, except in the case of a late-arriving player.
5. There are no substitutions in the kicking line-up.
6. If a team plays with fewer than four females, they must play short in the field.
7. All late arriving players may be inserted at any time.

SECTION 3.5 LINE-UP CARDS:

1. Completed line-up cards must be handed to the umpire before the game begins. Cards must be filled out with each player’s first name and gender. The umpire’s card will be the official card. All changes to your line-up must be reported to the umpire.
2. There are no gender restrictions on the line-up cards

SECTION 3.6 FORMAT:

1. Each game consists of seven innings or as many as can be played in the time allotted, whichever is fewer.  No new inning shall begin after 46 minutes. The inning in play when the umpire declares time has expired shall be completed to determine a winner. Regular season games may end in a tie.
2. The game clock will start when the umpire concludes the team pregame meeting.
3. The home team will be determined with a reasonable game determined by Underdogs
4. Games will be considered complete after seven innings or time has expired, whichever occurs first.  In the case of inclement weather or lighting failure, games will be considered complete after 30 minutes or 4 ½ innings provided the home team is leading.  Games that have not reached this point will resume from the point of interruption at a later date.
5. No new innings will start after the umpire has declared time expired. After the game is completed, teams are required to quickly clear the dugout for the next game.

SECTION 3.7 SCORING:

1. The maximum number of runs allowed per inning is seven. After the seventh run crosses home plate, play will stop regardless of the number of outs.
2. The only exception to the seven-run rule shall be in the final inning as announced by the umpire.  The away team shall have the opportunity to score seven runs or as many runs needed in order to gain a maximum three run advantage, whichever is greater.  If multiple runs are scored on the final play that gives that team a three-run advantage, all runs shall count and that half inning will be over. The home team shall have the opportunity to score as many runs needed in order to gain a run advantage and win the game.
3. The run rule will be put into effect and the game called if one team is ahead by 12 runs or more upon completion of the fifth inning (top of the fifth if the home team is ahead), or ahead by 15 runs or more upon completion of the fourth inning (top of the fourth if the home team is ahead).

SECTION 3.8 FIELDING:

1. A runner can be put out by throwing the ball and hitting that runner in the area at or below the shoulders.  Throwing the ball at a base will not put out a runner.
2. Hitting a runner with the ball above shoulder level is not allowed and the runner is safe, except for the following situations:

– If the runner intentionally uses the head to block the ball (runner is out).

– If the runner is ducking, diving, or sliding (i.e. attempting to dodge the ball) and is hit in the head because of this (runner is out).

– If the runner intentionally hits or kicks the ball out of bounds after being tagged out, the ball is dead and all runners must return to their original bases.

3. The maximum number of infielders is 6 (including the Pitcher and Catcher). Outfielders must stay in the outfield grass (or at least 15 feet outside the basepaths) until the ball is kicked. If an outfielder comes into the infield area before the ball is kicked and is in any way involved in the play, all affected runners will be ruled safe.

4. Fielding positions can be changed between players on the field while on defense. However new players may not substitute in except for a pitching change, the team is short fielders, or due to an injury. The batting order must always stay the same despite any changes in field position.

5. Fielders may occupy any defensive position, regardless of gender, provided overall roster and field requirements have been satisfied.

6. Once a pitcher is substituted he/she cannot return to the pitching position.

7. When a woman is kicking, except for the pitcher and catcher, no fielder may advance past the imaginary line running through first and third base until the ball has been kicked. The only exception is if the pitcher is a woman, then she may run up to the bunt line prior to the kicker making contact. If a fielder advances past the first and third line and is in any way involved in the play, all affected runners will be ruled safe.

8. When a man is kicking, except for the pitcher and catcher, no fielder may advance past the imaginary line running through first and third base until the ball has been kicked. If a fielder advances past the first and third line and is in any way involved in the play, all affected runners will be ruled safe.

9. The catcher must maintain a position well away from the kicker and parallel with the home umpire. The catcher is not permitted to advance until the kicker begins movement to kick.  If it is determined that a catcher’s actions or position interfered with the play, all affected runners will be ruled safe.

10. Fielders must stay out of the base path unless in the process of an immediate attempt at playing the ball.  Fielders attempting to put a runner out may have one foot on a base, but must lean out of the base path to avoid obstructing the runner.

11. Obstruction on the part of the fielder shall be at the sole discretion of the umpire with the runner being awarded a minimum of one base.

12. Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher and all action by runners has stopped, the umpire will call time to stop the play.

SECTION 3.9 INTENTIONAL DROP RULE:

1. If an infielder is deemed to have intentionally dropped a fly ball or line drive in fair territory in order to gain a defensive advantage, the umpire shall declare the play dead, rule the kicker out, and return runners to their original bases.

SECTION 3.10 PITCHING:

1. Kickers have three attempts to kick a fair ball. Pitchers may pitch no more than four balls before the kicker walks a base.
2. Pitches can be thrown underhand or overhand. A pitched ball must either roll or bounce at least twice before reaching the strike zone to be considered a strike. The kicker, however, still has the option to kick the ball. All action will stand if the kicker elects to attempt to kick the ball.
3. A pitched ball may not bounce higher than one foot (as measured from the bottom of the ball). If the ball is bouncing higher than one foot off the ground at any point before it reaches the strike zone, then it is a ball.  However, the kicker does have the option of kicking it if he/she wishes.
4. The strike zone extends to two feet on both sides and one foot in front of home plate.  There will be a box around home plate which marks the strike zone. If any part of the ball falls within the zone or hits the line (and meets the conditions above), then it is a strike.
5. All walks are one base awards.
6. The pitcher must have one foot behind the rubber on the release of the pitch. If a male is pitching to a female kicker, he must stab back behind the rubber before she kicks.

SECTION 3.11 KICKING:

1. All kicks must be made by the foot only and touched only once.  If a knee ball or double-kick occurs, the ball will be ruled foul.
2. The plant foot must be on or behind the line in front of home plate. If the line is crossed and the ball is put in play on the ground, it will be ruled foul.
3. If any foul kicked ball is caught on the fly by the fielding team, the kicker will be called out.
4. Kickers may not stop the ball with their foot and then kick it.
5. All players must kick the ball past a line that is 15 feet from home plate. Any kick that does not reach the respective line will be considered foul once it comes to a complete stop.  Note: A kick only needs to reach the line. It does not need to remain on or beyond it in order to satisfy the bunt requirement. If the ball is fielded before it reaches this line, it is in play and considered fair. 
6. A kicked ball that is contacted by a fielder before it contacts the ground will be ruled fair or foul depending on its position when contacted by the fielder. 

SECTION 3.12 BUNTING:

1. Bunting is allowed. However, when a male is kicking, the pitcher shall be allowed to advance as far forward as the bunt line prior to the ball being kicked.  When a female is kicking, the pitcher must remain within the pitching area until the ball is kicked.

SECTION 3.13 KICKING OUT OF ORDER:

1. If the error is discovered while the incorrect kicker is hitting, then the correct kicker will assume the ball/strike count of the incorrect kicker. If the error is discovered after the incorrect kicker has safely reached base, the incorrect kicker will be called out, and all runners will return to their original base. The opposing team must make the umpire aware of “kicking out of order” before a pitch is thrown to the next kicker. If it is not, then the incorrect kicker will stay on base with the kicking order continuing thereafter in the proper order.

SECTION 3.14 BASERUNNERS:

1. Runners must stay within established base paths.
2. There is no leading off or stealing of bases. Doing so will result in the runner being called out.
3. Every field has an extra first base bag, known as the “safety” base, located outside the baseline. This is the bag that the runners must touch when running through first base. The inside bag is for the fielders. Second and third base runners must stay on the bag to be safe. If a runner runs through second or third and attempts to return to the base, they must be tagged to be considered out.
4. Underdogs Kickball is non-contact and all players must avoid unnecessary contact at all times. Runners must give themselves up, get out of the way, or slide.
5. Excessive or unsportsmanlike contact will result in an immediate ejection.  At the discretion of the umpire, an ejected player may face further suspension.
6. Interference on the part of the runner or the fielder shall be at the sole discretion of the umpire.
7. Runners may tag on all fair and foul balls. In a tagging situation, the runner may leave base as soon as the ball is FIRST touched by a member of the fielding team.
8. All ties will go to the runner.
9. On an overthrow, all players may continue to advance provided the ball is still in play. The ball is dead if it touches sideline players, spectators, equipment, or goes out of bounds.
10. When two runners are on the same base at the same time, the fielder has the choice of tagging either runner with the ball. The runner who is tagged is out and the other runner is safe and may stay on the base.

SECTION 3.15 COURTESY RUNNER:

1. Injured kickers may receive a courtesy runner once they have safely reached base, all action resulting from their hit has stopped, and time has been called by the umpire.
2. If a female kicker is injured, the last female out becomes the courtesy runner.
3. If a male kicker is injured, the last player out will become the courtesy runner, regardless of gender.

SECTION 4.0 STANDINGS:

Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss.  Teams are ranked in order based on the following criteria:

·        Total Standings Points

·        Head to Head

·        Total Runs Allowed

·        Total Run Differential

SECTION 4.1 TOURNAMENT VARIATIONS:

No new inning shall begin after 45 minutes. Preliminary round games may end in a tie.