Are you interested in learning more about when kickball is coming to your city?

Complete this form to stay up to date. If you’ve seen us a your local fair day or simply interested in learning more, we can’t wait to bring our community to you!

What is Emerald City Kickball?

We’re a sporting community, not another sports league. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic when our normal social spaces closed and mental health was low due to isolation, we started as a social experiment to create an inclusive safe space that better connects and empowers the members of the LGBTQIA+ community through the power of accessible, fun team sports. The experiment succeeded and built a network of individuals in Sydney and Perth who dress in camp themes, have fun, and find community weekly. We’re keeping the ball rolling with plans to expand further. Bringing more positive competition to the world of sport and the rainbow community everywhere.

What is kickball?

Kickball is a similar sport to baseball or softball, except instead of a using ball and a bat, the pitcher rolls a large, rubber playground ball to the kicker, who kicks the ball and runs the bases. Kickball is played on a regular softball diamond.

Teams score points, or “runs”, by running around the bases and reaching home plate. The fielding team ends each kicking turn, or “inning”, by recording three outs. Teams take turns kicking and fielding, swapping each time the fielding team records three outs. Games last the shorter of seven innings or approximately 45 minutes.

You can find a handy video of some of the kickball basics here.

What if I don’t know how to play?

That’s no problem at all! Kickball is a sport originally played in North America, and so all of us in Australia are new learners! We host Open Plays before each season, targeted for new players, where we go over the basics. All skill levels are welcome!

Can I come watch?

Absolutely! We love spectators, and it’s a great way to become acquainted with the sport and the league. Keep an eye out for future season information and come by!

What is G.A.G. Open Play?

Give it A Go (G.A.G.) Open Play is a general public event to introduce those people who are new to the sport, interested in the sport or may want a refresher on the rules, structure, and strategies of kickball. You don't have to be an existing or current member of a kickball season to join. It is open to anyone curious about Australia’s newest inclusive sports league.

What happens at G.A.G Open Play?

You should leave Give it A Go (G.A.G.) Open Play with an introductory understanding of:

• Emerald City Kickball pillars;

• Structure of the game of kickball, including fielding versus kicking;

• Rules and positions in the game;

• Practice playing a game; and

• Experiencing the fun of kickball!

If I show up to G.A.G Open Play, does that improve my chances of successfully registering for the league?

G.A.G Open Play is not a try out, nor does it have any bearing on entry into the league / registration.

Participating in G.A.G. Open Play will make you feel more prepared going into the season and learn some of the foundational rules and strategies.

Where do I register?

Our registration portal is over at registration.kickball.com.au and will show available registrations as they are available.

What is included in the registration fee?

As a non-paid volunteer run organisation, some of you may wonder where your fees go? Below is a typical breakdown:

• Field Hire and Equipment (21%)

• Jerseys & Socks (60%)

• Opening & Closing Parties for Season members (7%)

• Registration Platform Fees, League Insurance & Liability costs (8%)*

• Marketing collateral (4%)

  *Personal injury insurance is not provided by the league as this is a low risk -non contact sport

Does the league insurance cover me if I get injured?

Emerald City Kickball takes many steps to ensure player safety takes priority to the best of our abilities. While we've explored and continue to explore various insurance options, no insurer has been able to offer us any policy that provides meaningful coverage as we are not affiliated with any national peak body for kickball (none exists in Australia). It's the curse of being the first. We want to be clear upfront that the association’s insurance arrangements do not include any policy providing personal sports injury coverage for players and officials. Emerald City Kickball encourages all players and officials to assess their individual needs and consider what insurances they should obtain. There are risks to participating in kickball. While safety has always been a priority, players and officials participate at their own risk.

Is there a separate league for men and women or gender diverse individuals?

Nope! While we have separate registration tracks to help promote diversity in the league, teams are mixed gender and everyone plays together!

Why is there a separate women and gender diverse registration?

We strive to be a include everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, and understand we have to be intentional and active to achieve this goal. We know our general public registration can fill up quickly making it difficult to expand our gender diversity and representation. This week long registration helps ensure we make space for all women, intersex, those in the trans and non binary experience, and genderfluid/genderqueer identity.

Email to learn more about other measures we have for equity, inclusion, and ensuring we facilitate a safe space.

Is fancy dress required? Will there be pressure to participate in team building & socials?

Not at all! The only requirements in kickball are kindness, respect, and having fun. Everything from theme weeks to team socials are optional. They provide an opportunity for people to participate in the league community when and how they see fit. We encourage everyone to participate within their comfort but Emerald City Kickball creates a safe space when you want to take a step outside of that comfort zone. We see a baseball cap or a tutu as equal participation.

How are teams selected? Can I join with my friends?

Every season, registered players—new and returning—are shuffled and assigned randomly amongst all of the teams. Emerald City Kickball’s values are to promote inclusiveness, so we want everyone to meet new people and make new friends!

As we strive for diversity, an exception is made during cis-women, trans, nonbinary, and intersex registration. Joining a team sport community is a big ask and joining a visibly cis-male community can be an even bigger undertaking, but we know joining with a friend can make it feel safer. More information is shared at registration.

Do teams hold practices? Do I have to attend?

There are no official practices; we know everyone is busy and so our expectation as a league is that players attend their weekly games. Certain captains may decide to hold practices for their teams throughout the season. Players often choose to attend because they are a fun, social way to spend more time learning kickball rules and strategies!

Is there a way to participate without playing?

Yes! We are always looking for more referees, referred to in kickball as umpires. Being an umpire is a great way to learn the sport and get involved, whether you are a player or not! In our mature cities, Sydney and Perth, we offer social memberships which create new route for players of all needs and physical ability to participate in our community!

What if I missed out this season? When is kickball’s next season?

Kickball plays three seasons during each year*:

Spring (Sept - Dec)

Summer (Jan - April)

Fall (Autumn) (May - July)

*number of seasons may vary by location. Keep an eye out for updates and registration information for the upcoming season!

Are you expanding the league?

Great question! We have been blown away with the interest and enthusiasm for kickball. We’re will continue growing the size of the league as feasible each year.

How old do I need to be to join the league?

All league participants must be 18 or older in order to register, join, and partcipate in the league in any capacity.

I don’t live in Sydney or Perth; do you have kickball in my city?

Expansion information is coming soon! If you live in another Australian city and are interested in participating or learning more, please send us a message on our contact us page.