Before the Season Starts

What to Wear

Comfortable athletic clothes and closed-toe shoes. Sneakers are fine for your first game, but cleats are highly recommended. The grass and dirt can get slick, and cleats make the difference between a safe play and a self-imposed car crash. Soccer cleats, baseball cleats, whatever you've got — just no metal cleats. Molded or rubber studs only. They'll give you the traction you need. Dress for the weather: evening games can get cool, so bring a layer.

Pro Tip: Theme nights are optional but highly encouraged. Hat Night, Twin Night, Superhero Night — these are where the best memories happen. You can go simple (a baseball cap for Hat Night) or go all out (full costume). Either way, you'll fit right in.

What to Bring

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen (daylight games)
• A light jacket or hoodie
• Optional: folding chair for the sidelines
• Optional: a cooler with post-game refreshments

GS3 provides the balls, bases, and equipment. You just bring yourself.

Know the Basics

GS3 kickball follows a rule set designed for fun and flow. Here are the essentials:

• Pitching: The pitcher can throw or roll the ball any way they like, as long as they pitch from behind the rubber and the ball bounces at least twice before crossing any part of the plate. That's a kickball.
• Kicking: You can kick the ball in any direction. Bunting is allowed and can be a great strategy to catch the defense off guard.
• Outs: Tagging a runner, catching a fly ball, or throwing to a base before the runner arrives.
• Innings: Games are typically 6 innings or 50 minutes, whichever comes first.
• Runs: Touch all four bases and reach home plate to score. Standard baseball/kickball rules apply.
• Safety Bases: There are two bases at first base and home plate to help avoid collisions. The outside base is for the runner in both cases. Use them — they're there to keep everyone safe.

Don't stress about the rules. Your teammates and the referee will help you. Everyone was new once, and GS3 is built around being welcoming to first-timers.

Your First Game Night

Arrive Early (15 Minutes)

Show up around 6:15 for a 6:30 game. This gives you time to meet your teammates, warm up, and get comfortable. Your captain will have the lineup and they'll walk you through everything.

Meet Your Team

GS3 teams have at least 15 players. You'll have a captain (or co-captains) who handles the lineup, communicates in the group chat, and generally keeps things organized. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. These people will be your weekly crew all season.

During the Game

You'll play different positions throughout the game — infield, outfield, maybe pitcher or catcher. The captain rotates everyone so nobody is stuck anywhere. Cheer for your teammates. High-five people. The energy is social, not competitive.

After the Game

This is the main event. The whole league heads to the post-game spot — usually a local bar near the field. This is where you actually get to know people. Order whatever you want. Talk about the game. Talk about not the game. Stay for one drink or stay for three — there are no rules here.

By Week Three, You'll...

• Know everyone's name on your team
• Have a "kickball friend" you text outside of games
• Understand at least 60% of the rules (the other 40% will come)
• Look forward to game nights
• Have at least one embarrassing but hilarious moment that becomes a team inside joke
• Be trying to convince a coworker to join next season

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be athletic?

No. GS3 players include teachers, nurses, engineers, designers, parents, and people who haven't run since 2019. The league is built for regular adults, not athletes.

What if I have to miss a game?

Life happens. Let your captain know in advance so they can adjust the lineup. Most teams have enough players that missing one week isn't a problem.

Can I join solo?

Absolutely. About half of GS3 players join as free agents. You'll be placed on a team that needs players, and captains are specifically asked to welcome free agents. You'll have friends by week two. We promise.

Is it actually fun?

Ask anyone who's played. The most common thing we hear from first-season players: "I wish I'd done this sooner."