Kickball at the Rainbow Games
Emerald City Kickball is bringing its signature blend of camp, sparkle and community to the most fabulous kickball experience in the Southern Hemisphere.
This isn’t just a tournament. It’s a celebration of queer joy, friendly competition and fierce team spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned kicker or you’ve never touched a kickball in your life, there’s a place for you on the field.
So… what is kickball?
“If dodgeball, baseball and football had a baby together.” It follows the same shape as softball — but the pitcher rolls a big rubber ball along the ground, and you kick it with your feet and run the bases. Bigger ball, slower pitch, easier target.
Kick & run
Kick the ball, leg it round the diamond, and score a run by reaching home plate.
Get someone out
Caught on the full? Out. Hit by the ball? Out. Ball beats you to the base? Out. Otherwise — keep running!
Have a ball
The biggest cheer often goes to someone’s first-ever catch. No experience, no pressure, all welcome.
“It’s the kind of sport where the biggest cheer normally goes to someone making their first catch of the season, eight games in.”
— Marcus Gadd, Emerald City KickballExpect a lot more colour, costumes, dancing & music
From the sidelines it might look a little like softball — but Emerald City brings its own unmistakable flavour. It’s as much about connection as competition.
Connection & fun
A warm welcome, a playful intro to the sport, and plenty of chances to give it a go — no pressure, just good vibes. Meet your team, make some mates and learn the ropes.
Turn up the heat
Round-robin games across the divisions, building to a high-energy final where the top teams face off for glory, glitter and the bragging rights as 2026 Rainbow Games Kickball Champions.
Three ways to compete
Open
Open to absolutely everyone. The classic Emerald City experience — social, supportive and seriously fun.
Women & gender diverse
For cis and trans women, trans men, non-binary, intersex people and those with other trans identities.
Guardians (competitive)
For the seasoned kickballers who want to push themselves. Faster, sharper, no holds barred.
Categories may be combined at ECKB’s discretion to make for a meaningful competition. Games run on Emerald City Kickball Australia rules, with minor tweaks for the open and competitive divisions.
“If they want to get involved in a community and meet people without feeling like they need to be Michael Phelps, it’s the sport for them.”
— Marcus Gadd, Emerald City KickballThree ways to sign up
Solo
Sign up on your own and we’ll place you into a team. A great way to push your boundaries and meet new people. Use the individual registration button.
With buddies
Bring up to 2 others and we’ll keep you together. Use the individual registration button and list your buddies’ names.
As a team
Already have a squad (10+)? Bring the whole crew. Just one person registers first, then shares a form with the team.
The essentials
| Dates | Thu 29 Oct — Registration + Opening Ceremony Sat 31 Oct — Pool play & social Sun 1 Nov — Knockouts + Closing Event |
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| Venue | Hiwa Recreation Centre, University of Auckland — a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. |
| Categories | Open · Women & gender diverse · Guardians (competitive) |
| Registration fee | $69 standard now open (Early Bird $59 closed 15 Apr; standard rate applies 16 Apr – 16 Oct 2026) |
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| Kickball sport fee | $20 per player, on top of your Games registration |
| Your fee includes | Opening Ceremony & Closing Event tickets, the arts/culture/social programme, a player accreditation pass, a shot at medals, and a contribution to the Rangatahi Legacy Initiative. |
Good to know
Do I need to know how to play?
Not at all. We’ll teach you all the basic skills before you give it a go in the scratch-match rounds on Day One. Come curious — that’s all you need.
Do I need a team?
Nope — everyone is welcome. Register as an individual and we’ll assign you a team, bring up to 2 buddies, or sign up a full squad of 10+. Within Emerald City, players are placed into random teams each season, so meeting a fresh group of people is part of the fun.
What should I wear?
Athletic wear and closed-toe sports shoes. Wear your team’s colour (assigned closer to the Games), and feel free to make it as camp — or not — as you’d like. Costumes and respectful self-expression are encouraged, as long as they don’t get in the way of play. Non-metal studded shoes are okay but discouraged if you’re not used to them.
What’s provided?
Balls and bases are provided; field markers are lines or cones depending on the venue. Just bring yourself, your team colour and your pizazz.
What’s the match format?
All games follow Emerald City Kickball Australia rules, with minor differences for the open and competitive divisions. The final schedule is released roughly two weeks before the Games, and divisions may be merged or adjusted based on registration numbers. Full detail lives on our Open League rules and Guardian rules pages.
“It was liberating. I got everything wrong, dropped catches, got out, and nobody cared. Not having that pressure was amazing.”
— Marcus Gadd, on his first-ever game“I moved to a new city, felt so isolated after COVID-19 pandemic. Then I was welcomed by this huge ECKB family and now I feel so connected to an international family. Truly mind blowing”
— Scott Pineapple, on his journeyCome as you are. Bring your pizazz.
“Do it. You won’t regret it. You’ll make friends, you’ll compete in a ‘sport’, and you’ll even get to say you competed at an international sporting event.”
Quotes from Marcus Gadd in “Why Kickball Will Be the Rainbow Games’ Most Joyful New Sport”, Gay Express, June 2026.