history of kickball essay

Kickball History: Timeline & How it started

January 28, 2024

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Kickball, an exciting and inclusive sport, has a rich and fascinating past.

Delve into Kickball history and discover its origins, development, and popularity over the years.

Get ready to kick it off!

Table of Contents

Kickball History Summary

1920s – 1930s, 1960s – 1970s, who invented kickball, how did kickball become so popular, where did kickball originate.

• ⏳ Origins and Evolution: Kickball originated in the early 1900s as a playground game, offering an accessible alternative to baseball. Drawing from elements of both baseball and soccer, Kickball quickly gained popularity among children across the United States.
• 🚀   Rise to Prominence: As participants grew older, Kickball evolved into a competitive sport for adults, attracting players seeking a lighthearted yet challenging activity. The formation of leagues and tournaments further propelled the sport’s rise in prominence.
• 🥇 Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Over the years, Kickball has expanded both nationally and globally, adapting to different play styles and levels of competitiveness. The sport’s inclusive nature and adaptability have contributed to its lasting popularity and appeal.

Kickball History Timeline

Kickball traces its roots to the early 1900s in the United States, where it was introduced as a playground game by Nicholas C. Seuss. He aimed to create an accessible alternative to baseball and softball, especially for children. Its simplicity and versatile nature rapidly spread throughout schools and playgrounds in the country.

The game comprised of players kicking a rubber ball, following similar rules to baseball. At its core, Kickball encouraged teamwork, physical activity, and fair competition among young participants.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Kickball continued to thrive as a popular recreational activity for children. Schools and community programs frequently included it in their physical education and extracurricular offerings. As a result, Kickball became established in American youth culture across various regions.

During this period, women’s participation in Kickball also grew, providing an avenue for girls and women to engage in organized sports during a time when opportunities for female participation in athletics were limited.

In the 1960s and 1970s, interest in Kickball began spreading beyond the United States. The sport reached countries like Japan, Korea, and Europe, where it was introduced as an international physical education activity. This expansion demonstrated Kickball’s appeal to a broader audience across diverse cultures and age groups.

During this time, rules and regulations continued to evolve, leading to the development of different variations of Kickball. Additionally, the first known organized adult Kickball league was formed in Virginia in the late 1970s, catering to the game’s growing adult fan base.

The 1990s marked a resurgence in adult Kickball’s popularity, fueled by nostalgia and a desire for social engagement. This led to the formation of organizations, such as the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), founded in 1998. WAKA established structured leagues and tournaments, catering to different skill levels and attracting a diverse range of players.

Eventually, organizations like WAKA and many others expanded their reach, presenting new opportunities for players around the country to join regional leagues and national championships. These events attracted attention from local media and further propelled Kickball’s expansion among adult players.

With the turn of the century, adult Kickball continued to grow in popularity. New organizations, such as the Founders Cup , formed and attracted teams from various leagues to compete in annual tournaments. These events fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among players, further fueling Kickball’s appeal.

Advancements in technology and online platforms enabled leagues to connect with players, schedule events, and maintain records more efficiently. This ease of access and organization contributed to the swift growth of adult Kickball leagues in various cities and countries.

Throughout the 2010s, Kickball continued to spread internationally, reaching countries in Africa and Latin America. The sport’s simplicity and accessibility made it a popular choice for NGOs and charities working with underprivileged children and communities, fostering teamwork and empowerment.

Kickball also saw increasing diversity among its participants, including people of various age groups, skill levels, and abilities. The continued growth of both recreational and competitive leagues helped strengthen the sport’s visibility and global presence.

As the world adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kickball remained resilient, with leagues and organizations finding ways to ensure the safety of participants. The sport has continued to expand its popularity, as more people sought outdoor activities to maintain mental and physical well-being during the pandemic.

Today, Kickball remains an ever-evolving sport, continuously adapting to the needs of its diverse player base. Its accessibility, inclusive nature, and emphasis on fun and camaraderie ensure that Kickball’s legacy will persist for generations to come.

Kickball was invented by Nicholas C. Seuss, a playground supervisor in Cincinnati, Ohio, who first introduced the game to his students in 1917.

Kickball’s popularity soared due to its simple rules and minimal equipment requirement. Schools across the U.S adopted the game which further boosted its publicity.

Kickball originated in the United States, specifically in Cincinnati, Ohio where it was first developed by Nicholas C. Seuss in 1917.

Max is a sports enthusiast who loves all kinds of ball and water sports. He founded & runs stand-up-paddling.org (#1 German Paddleboarding Blog), played competitive Badminton and Mini Golf (competed on national level in Germany), started learning ‘real’ Golf and dabbled in dozens of other sports & activities.

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Published: 08 July, 2011

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The History of Kick Ball

Many people have fond memories of playing the classic playground sport kick ball as children. This baseball-like game, played with the familiar bouncy red rubber ball, has been around for almost 100 years. While it initially started as a simple game for children, kick ball has developed into a social sport for kids and adults with many devoted enthusiasts.

Early Beginnings

The game of kick ball, originally called "kick baseball," was invented by Supervisor of Cincinnati Park Playgrounds Nicholas C.Seuss in 1917. The game was used in school settings to help children better understand the principles of the sport of baseball. Physical education instructors incorporated kick ball into their curriculum within the public school system during the early 1920s.

Original Kick Ball Rules

The rules of kick ball were printed in publications such as "Mind and Body," a physical education journal. The field for kick ball was laid out in a similar fashion to a baseball diamond, with four bases, including a home plate. Two teams, consisting of 10 or more players, competed alternately in innings. The fielding team had basemen, a pitcher, catcher and outfielders. The object was for the other team to kick the ball, then reach as many bases as possible before being tagged out.

Kick Ball Develops

As the game progressed through the 1920s and 1930s, it adopted more aspects of baseball. Three strikes per out and three outs per inning, four balls to walk a kicker and so on were added to the game. The role of players, such as shortstops, and pitching techniques were better defined. The game also continued to introduce the sport of baseball to a wider audience, including young girls.

A Playground Staple

The game continued to be played in schoolyards and playgrounds for the following decades. Adults sometimes played the game as well. Famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle reported from North Africa during World War II on soldiers playing a number of organized sports, including kick ball. However, kick ball remained largely a children's game until the end of the twentieth century, when more adults caught on to the sport.

Participation Grows for Adults

There was a resurgence in interest in kick ball during the late 1990s, particularly among adults who had played the game as children. Social kick ball leagues began to pop up throughout the United States. As interest grew, organizations such as the World Adult Kickball Association were formed, and thousands of adults became involved with the game. Kick ball remains a favorite pastime of kids and adults alike, who play in playgrounds and parks across the United States and internationally.

• "Mind and Body Physical Education Journal"; Kikball; H.S. De Groat; July 1920
• Fort Worth Weekly: For Love of the (New) Game
• World Adult Kickball Association

In Jacksonville, Fla., Frank Whittemore is a content strategist with over a decade of experience as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and a licensed paramedic. He has over 15 years experience writing for several Fortune 500 companies. Whittemore writes on topics in medicine, nature, science, technology, the arts, cuisine, travel and sports.

Kickball Zone

Everything about kickball, a brief look at the history of kickball.

What do you actually know about kickball history? You probably played kickball as a child, or maybe you now enjoy the game with your friends, as an adult. Or perhaps, you have never played or heard about it. Like many other people, you most likely don’t know the history of this sport. In fact, it probably never crossed your mind how it all began. Truth is that this game is making a comeback. You will find both adults and children playing it in the park, field, and different social gatherings. Some are even taking it a step further and forming leagues to make the best of this recreational sport. But how did it all start?

A Brief Look at the Game

According to statistics, kickball also known as kick baseball is about a century old. Initially, it was mainly played by children but soldiers, during the Second World War, adopted it to keep themselves busy and entertained. After the WWII, its popularity started to decline but it started making a resurgence in the late 90’s. The activity has become part of the workout routines especially in the gyms and is popular with both adults and children. It follows similar rules to baseball or softball and uses a bouncy red rubber ball. However, instead of using a bat to hit the ball, the players use their feet to kick it. The kickball field is similar to that of baseball and comprises of a diamond, 2 teams, 4 bases, and home plate. Each team fields 10 or more players including a pitcher, baseman, outfielders, and catchers.

Early Kickball History

Initially, the game resembled baseball and comprised of basemen, pitchers, and a shortstop. In what is/was described as a “perfect pitch”, the ball, using an underhanded toss, is tossed and shouldn’t rise higher than the batter’s knee level. The batter kicks the ball and the runners move one position up. For each side, the kickers get 3 strikes, 4 balls, and the batters get 3 outs. Other than an additional shortstop, the early kickball was similar to baseball.

Modern Format

The modern form of kickball has slightly changed. 10 to 30 players are involved in this game and take positions outside a defined “Neutral Zone.” No player is allowed to leave this position until the ball is kicked from a 3-foot circle known as the home base. The kicked ball should move beyond the 5-foot line and the base runners move up one base from the ball. Unlike the traditional baseball or softball or early form of kickball, there are no outs and all the players get to kick the ball. For a comprehensive look at kickball today , you can check out our other articles.

Who Invented Kickball?

Adult Participation And WAKA Kickball

Initially, kick baseball was more of children’s game. However, it was documented that adults, especially World War II soldiers took up the game later on. The resurgence of this sport from the late 90s has seen more adults participating compared to children and many have formed organizations and leagues. The most notable is the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA Kickball) that was formed in Washington, D.C. As of 2011. WAKA Kickball now has a presence in 30 states, and includes 200 divisions, 2,000 teams, and more than 40,000 players all over the over the country. Kickball leagues have sprung up in many States including St. Louis, San Francisco, and New York.

Spread Of The Sport

Kickball history shows us that the sport started in North America, and that is also where it’s most famous. However, the sport is spreading to other parts of the world. In South Korea, for instance, it’s referred to as “Balyagu” which basically means Foot-Baseball and has been incorporated into the Physical Education (PE) lessons in the elementary schools. Through the help of WAKA Kickball, Marines stationed at Falluja, Iraq were able to setup a kickball league there as well.

Having started from humble beginnings, kick baseball or simply kickball is gradually spreading to other parts of the globe. It is a popular recreational activity for adults and children and is played by both men and women. Other than for recreation, this activity is also an important part of PE in some regions. Now that you know about kickball history, why not try it yourself? We bet you’d have a blast! Here are the first few steps you need to understand if you want to find out how to play kickball or improve at it .

Last updated: Feb 07, 2024

What Is Kickball?

Kickball is a sport that was started in the US. The game is especially popular with school-aged children. Kickball is a cheaper and easier alternative to the national pastime, baseball. The objective of the game is to score more runs than the other team. The pitcher doesn’t throw the ball, but instead, they roll it on the ground towards the batter. The game doesn’t have the same popularity as baseball or other major sports; however, kickball is a popular game for children, and there are adult leagues as well. Read on to learn more about the sport of kickball.

Table of Contents

Playing surface, positions and roles, rules and regulations, referees and officials, lingo and terminology, skills and techniques.

Kickball started as “kick baseball” in Cincinnati in 1917.  The game was used primarily for teaching elementary school kids how to play baseball. Kickball was much simpler. so kids could learn to run the bases and learn the rules of baseball without the difficulty of hitting a baseball. As the 1900s continued, kickball continued to get more and more popular.

A classic gym class game for all schoolchildren, it quickly got picked up by adults who enjoyed playing the simple game. Today, kickball remains a popular schoolyard game and is played by adults in organized leagues.

The most common place that kickball is played is in schoolyards, although the game can be played anywhere where there is a large enough field to play on. The playing surface can be made of grass, dirt, asphalt, or other materials. All that matters is that there is space for a diamond to be formed.

The most common field used for kickball is a softball diamond. The bases are 60 feet apart, and the mound is 45 feet from home plate. In order to be a regulation kickball field, the bases only have to be at least 20 feet apart.

The only equipment you need for kickball is a kickball.  Kickball is a unique sport because there is only one piece of equipment you need to play. A kickball is similar to a dodgeball. Usually, it is red and made of rubber. The official kickball is a red WAKA (World Adult Kickball Association) brand kickball that is ten inches in diameter.

Kickball gameplay  centers around a pitcher rolling the ball to the batter and the batter trying to kick the ball into fair territory. Typically, a coin is flipped to see which side is the home team and which side is the away team. Then the home team will take the field, and the away team will kick first. One team's pitcher rolls the ball, and the kicker on the other team kicks it.

If the ball goes over the boundary, it’s a home run. If it is caught in the air you’re out. If it lands in play, you can run to first base, second base, and so on. When one team gets three outs, they switch to fielding, and the opposing team kicks. Usually, a game will last six innings, but it can be as long as you want, as long as both teams agree.

Kickball positions depend on how many people you have playing.  WAKA recommends anywhere from eight to 11 players on a team. The infield is pretty much the same as in baseball. There is a pitcher who rolls the ball and a catcher who stands behind the plate and gets the ball if the kicker doesn’t want to kick it.

If there are eight or fewer players, the kicking team can provide a catcher, and the pitcher can cover home if there are any plays at home. Kickball will also have a first, second, and third baseman and a shortstop. The difference between baseball and kickball is the outfield. At a minimum, you will have two outfielders. The more players you have on your team, the more outfielders you will have.

The rules of kickball center around a few overarching regulations .  There are three outs per inning. There are three strikes for a kicker to be out. The team scores runs by kicking runs in. Just like in baseball, there are force outs and tag outs. A difference from baseball is that if you’re running in the field you can be pegged, hit with the ball, and be called out.

For your average backyard kickball game, you don’t need a referee or official.  You can use the honor system, and you can call your own outs, strikes, and more. While this is fine for recreational kickball games, competitive games need more structure and rule enforcement.

In more advanced kickball, there is one official. In WAKA (the World Adult Kickball Association), every game has one official. They’re the one who calls the outs and determines if the runner has been hit by the ball. Referees also have the authority to cancel games, postpone them, and call time-outs.

Since kickball is based on baseball, it has similar terms and lingo, such as terms to define rules. However, since kickball is mostly a children's game and it has rule variations to baseball there are some terms that are unique to the sport.

Here are some terms associated with kickball:

Bunting : Purposefully kicking the ball short

Lead off : Moving before the pitcher has rolled the ball

Peg : Getting hit by the ball in between bases

Strike zone : One foot to either side of home plate

Tag-up : Advancing a base after a ball is caught

The basic skills used  to play kickball are kicking, catching, throwing, and running . Kicking is the most important skill. If you can kick a ball with strength and accuracy, you will be extremely successful at kickball on offense. If you can throw and catch, it’ll make you excellent on defense as well. Running is important on offense for running the bases and on defense for being able to run after balls that are put in play.

Catching a kickball is different from any other sport. The ball flies quickly and is large and extremely bouncy. Catching it by pinning it against your body is the best way to catch the ball. Throwing the ball is also hard because the ball is big and will slip out of your hand.

The best strategy to use in kickball is  to try to  score as many runs as possible by  kicking the ball where there aren’t as many defenders . The safest way to kick the ball and get on base is to bunt. Bunting is good with no runners on base in order to get a runner on first base. It is not as smart of an idea when there are runners on base. With runners on base, you want to kick the ball into the gaps in the outfield in order to score as many runs as possible.

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What is kickball?

Kickball is a popular schoolyard sport that involves  kicking a ball and running  around the bases to try and s core runs . The gameplay is similar to baseball. The objective of the game is to try and score more runs than your opponent.

What are the rules of kickball?

Some rules to know about kickball include that i f you kick a ball in the air and it’s caught, you’re out , and if the  kickball is thrown to the base before you get there, you’re also out. If you get hit with the ball in between the bases you’re out. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.

What is a kickball made of?

A kickball is usually red and made out of rubber.  You can use other balls for kickball, though, as long as they’re soft enough to kick. Oftentimes, a soccer ball will be used if an official kickball is not available.

What ball is used for kickball?

The official ball that is used  for kickball is a rubber ball that is ten  inches in diameter and is bouncy.   It is similar to a dodgeball, but it is a little bigger and harder than most dodgeballs typically are.

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Kickball Chronicles Baseball: Mastering the Field

This essay about the exhilarating game of kickball provides a comprehensive guide for both seasoned players and novices alike. From assembling spirited teams to mastering the art of kicking and defending, every aspect of kickball is explored with practical tips and insights. Readers will learn how to craft their own kickball battlefield, decode the rules of the game, and optimize their team’s performance through strategic batting orders. With an emphasis on camaraderie and competition, the essay celebrates the joy of forging lasting memories and friendships on the kickball field. Whether you’re racing towards victory or defending your turf with gusto, kickball offers an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, excitement, and shared triumphs. So lace up your sneakers, gather your teammates, and prepare to kick off an unforgettable adventure in the world of kickball.

How it works

Kickball, a fusion of soccer’s swift kicks and baseball’s strategic plays, beckons enthusiasts to the field for an exhilarating game that blends athleticism with camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned kickball aficionado or a novice eager to dive into the action, mastering the art of kickball promises endless fun and memories. Join me as we embark on a journey through the ins and outs of this dynamic sport, uncovering tips and tricks to elevate your game to new heights.

Assemble Your Squad: The heart of kickball lies in the bond between teammates. Rally your friends or coworkers to form two spirited teams, ensuring a blend of skills and personalities that will set the stage for epic showdowns on the field.

Craft Your Battlefield: Transform any open space into a kickball haven with the simple placement of bases and boundaries. Whether it’s a sun-kissed park, a sandy beach, or even a gym floor, the world becomes your kickball canvas as you mark the field’s perimeter with makeshift boundaries.

Decode the Rulebook: Before the first kick, take a moment to acquaint yourself and your team with the rules of the game. From the basics of scoring runs to the finer points of tagging runners and defensive strategies, a solid understanding of the rulebook lays the foundation for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Anoint Your Pitcher: Select a player from each team to assume the pivotal role of the pitcher, entrusted with the task of delivering the perfect roll to kickers awaiting their chance to shine. A skilled pitcher navigates the delicate balance between challenge and opportunity, setting the stage for electrifying kicks.

Chart Your Batting Order: Like a conductor orchestrating a symphony, establish a batting order that optimizes your team’s strengths and maximizes your chances of success. With each player poised to take their turn at the plate, anticipation mounts as the game unfolds inning by inning.

Unleash Your Kicking Prowess: As the pitcher releases the ball, channel your inner athlete and unleash a kick that defies gravity. Focus not only on power but also on precision, aiming to send the ball soaring into unguarded territory and igniting a frenzy of base-running brilliance.

Race Towards Victory: With the crack of the ball against your foot, embark on a sprint towards first base, fueled by adrenaline and determination. Every stride brings you closer to glory as you navigate the field with agility and speed, daring defenders to thwart your advance.

Defend Your Turf: When the tide turns, and your team takes to the field, embrace the role of defender with gusto. From swift tags to acrobatic catches, each play presents an opportunity to showcase your defensive prowess and turn the tide of the game in your favor.

Embrace the Thrill of Competition: In the crucible of kickball, every out, every run, becomes a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit of both teams. Embrace the ebb and flow of the game, celebrating victories and learning from defeats with grace and humility.

Forge Lasting Memories: Beyond the scoreline, kickball offers an invaluable opportunity to forge lasting memories and friendships. Cherish the laughter, the camaraderie, and the shared moments of triumph as you bask in the glow of another unforgettable game on the kickball field.

As the sun sets on another day of kickball adventures, take pride in the bonds you’ve forged, the skills you’ve honed, and the memories you’ve created. For in the tapestry of kickball, each kick, each catch, each cheer, weaves a story of camaraderie and joy that transcends the final score. So lace up your sneakers, gather your teammates, and let the games begin—because in the world of kickball, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

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Kickball: Baseball and Home Plate

Kickball is a sport that combines elements of baseball, softball, and soccer. It was invented in the United States in 1942 and is currently a playground and recreational game mainly played in North America. The aim is to score runs/points by running around and touching all four bases without getting out. The game has many rules, and participants are divided into two teams – the kicking team and the pitching team. The number of players on the field can vary, but there are typically a minimum of seven players and a maximum of 11. The World Adult Kickball Association governs competitive kickball rules and regulations. The pitching team fields players similar to baseball, and the pitcher rolls the ball toward the kicker. Once the ball is in play, the pitching team tries to get the kicker out by tagging them with the ball or while holding the ball and touching the base the player is headed for. The game consists of five innings and should last no less than 45 minutes and no more than 90 minutes. The team with the most runs at the end of five innings wins the game.

Kickball is a sport that contains elements of baseball, softball and soccer. Kickball rules are made to offer a fun game that is played in a safe environment. Competitive kickball rules and regulations are governed by the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), which is based in the United States. It was invented in the United States around 1942. Kickball is currently a playground and recreational game primarily played in North America. It is also a favorite game of youth in South Korea. The goal is to score runs/points by running around and touching all four bases in order without getting out. There are many rules in kickball.

First of all, the participants are divided into two teams, the kicking team and the pitching team. The number of players on the field can vary, but most commonly there are a minimum of seven players on the field and a maximum of 11. Depending on the league you are playing in, there may or may not be a referee enforcing the rules. World Adult Kickball Association rules say games should consist of five innings and should last no less than 45 minutes and no more than 90 minutes. The pitching team fields players in a manner similar to baseball. This side consists of a pitcher and catcher; first, second and third baseman; and three outfielders.

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If an eighth player is not available, teams can play without a catcher. The pitcher rolls the ball toward the kicker; the ball must be rolling on the ground as it passes over home plate. Once a ball is in play, members of the pitching team try to get the kicker out either by tagging him with the ball or, while holding the ball, touching the base the player is headed for. When the pitching team earns three outs, the inning is over and the teams trade places. The kicking team places one player behind home plate who is responsible for kicking the ball into play.

Kickers must be in the kicking box and behind home plate when they make contact with the pitch. The ball is hit either fair or foul. Foul balls are kicks that land the ball anywhere outside the playing field, and are considered strikes. When the kicker gets three strikes, he is out and the next player in line kicks. Players must kick the ball into fair territory and run to first base. If a player is already on first base, he advances to second base, and so on. Players must make it to the base without being tagged out by an opposing player. A kicker who rounds all three bases and tags home plate scores a run.

The team with the most runs at the end of five innings wins the game. Some terms used in kickball are: Strike Out: If a player kicks and fails to put the ball into play after three good pitches Fly Out: If a player kicks the ball in the air and it is caught by a defensive player before it hits the ground Tag Out: If a defensive player tags or throws and hits an offensive player with the ball before they get on base A Force Out: If a defensive player gets the ball to a base before the offensive player arrives and the offensive player cannot return to the previous base because it is occupied by one of his teammates.

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History of Kickball

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Kickball Names

Originally called “Kick Baseball”

Base Soccer

Soccer-Base

Soccer-Baseball

What was kickball originally called?

Kick Baseball

Strike Kick

Ground Ball

What is Kickball??

It is essentially baseball using a playground ball instead of a baseball and bat.

Kickball is currently a playground, recreational and competitive league game primarily played in North America.

It is also a favorite game of youth in South Korea where it is known as balyagu (foot-baseball) and is a stable of PE classes within elementary schools.

Kickball History

Invented around 1917

Invented by Nicholas C Seuss, Supervisor of Cincinnati Park Playgrounds, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Starting around 1920 kickball was used by physical education teachers to teach children the basics of baseball.

The ball that was used was a soccer or volley ball. 

Kickball was invented around ____ by Nicholas C. Seuss.

It was played by around ten children on a team and the field included a neutral zone that could not be entered until the ball was kicked from the home area (there was no pitcher). 

There was only one base which was in the same position as baseball’s 2nd base and base runners could only advance one base on an infield ball. 

More than one player could be on the base at a time, but all needed to get back to the home area before the last kicker kicked. 

Teams would switch sides after all team members have kicked.

Kickball in the 1920's & 1930's

As kickball progressed through the 1920s and 30s, it switched over to all the same rules as baseball.

Three strikes per out.

Three outs per inning.

Four balls to walk a kicker and so on were added to the game.

All three bases and home plate were now used.

The role of players and their positions were better defined and pitching was added.

Pitching was more often then not done by the same team kicking.

The game continued to be played in schoolyards and playgrounds for the following decades, largely by children.

There was a ground swelling of interest in kickball during the late 90s, particularly among adults who played the game as children.

Social kick ball leagues began to pop up throughout the United States

As interest grew, organizations such as the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) were formed. 

WAKA was founded in 1998.

It was founded in Washington DC when four recent college graduates were discussing ways to meet women.

They settled on the idea of launching a sports league that mixes athletics and socializing.

What does WAKA stand for?

World Adult Kickball Association

Washington Adult Kickball Association

World Adult Kickers Association

World Adolescent Kickball Association

WAKA was founded in 1998 in ______.

Washington DC.

They picked kickball since it requires little athletic skill and is unlikely to injure anybody.

By 2002, the league had grown so big that the four founders registered it as a for-profit corporation in Virginia.

In the summer of 2005, the association helped set up a league for Marines stationed in Falluja — the Iraq Semper Fi Division.

As of 2011, WAKA has leagues in more than 30 states, 40,000 players in 2,000 teams in 200 divisions.

As of 2011, WAKA has leagues in more than __ States.

Kickball continues to be played by both kids and adults alike in playgrounds and parks across the United States.

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How to write an introduction for a history essay

Every essay needs to begin with an introductory paragraph. It needs to be the first paragraph the marker reads.

While your introduction paragraph might be the first of the paragraphs you write, this is not the only way to do it.

You can choose to write your introduction after you have written the rest of your essay.

This way, you will know what you have argued, and this might make writing the introduction easier.

Either approach is fine. If you do write your introduction first, ensure that you go back and refine it once you have completed your essay. 

What is an ‘introduction paragraph’?

An introductory paragraph is a single paragraph at the start of your essay that prepares your reader for the argument you are going to make in your body paragraphs .

It should provide all of the necessary historical information about your topic and clearly state your argument so that by the end of the paragraph, the marker knows how you are going to structure the rest of your essay.

In general, you should never use quotes from sources in your introduction.

Introduction paragraph structure

While your introduction paragraph does not have to be as long as your body paragraphs , it does have a specific purpose, which you must fulfil.

A well-written introduction paragraph has the following four-part structure (summarised by the acronym BHES).

B – Background sentences

H – Hypothesis

E – Elaboration sentences

S - Signpost sentence

Each of these elements are explained in further detail, with examples, below:

1. Background sentences

The first two or three sentences of your introduction should provide a general introduction to the historical topic which your essay is about. This is done so that when you state your hypothesis , your reader understands the specific point you are arguing about.

Background sentences explain the important historical period, dates, people, places, events and concepts that will be mentioned later in your essay. This information should be drawn from your background research . 

Example background sentences:

Middle Ages (Year 8 Level)

Castles were an important component of Medieval Britain from the time of the Norman conquest in 1066 until they were phased out in the 15 th and 16 th centuries. Initially introduced as wooden motte and bailey structures on geographical strongpoints, they were rapidly replaced by stone fortresses which incorporated sophisticated defensive designs to improve the defenders’ chances of surviving prolonged sieges.

WWI (Year 9 Level)

The First World War began in 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The subsequent declarations of war from most of Europe drew other countries into the conflict, including Australia. The Australian Imperial Force joined the war as part of Britain’s armed forces and were dispatched to locations in the Middle East and Western Europe.

Civil Rights (Year 10 Level)

The 1967 Referendum sought to amend the Australian Constitution in order to change the legal standing of the indigenous people in Australia. The fact that 90% of Australians voted in favour of the proposed amendments has been attributed to a series of significant events and people who were dedicated to the referendum’s success.

Ancient Rome (Year 11/12 Level)  

In the late second century BC, the Roman novus homo Gaius Marius became one of the most influential men in the Roman Republic. Marius gained this authority through his victory in the Jugurthine War, with his defeat of Jugurtha in 106 BC, and his triumph over the invading Germanic tribes in 101 BC, when he crushed the Teutones at the Battle of Aquae Sextiae (102 BC) and the Cimbri at the Battle of Vercellae (101 BC). Marius also gained great fame through his election to the consulship seven times.

2. Hypothesis

Once you have provided historical context for your essay in your background sentences, you need to state your hypothesis .

A hypothesis is a single sentence that clearly states the argument that your essay will be proving in your body paragraphs .

A good hypothesis contains both the argument and the reasons in support of your argument. 

Example hypotheses:

Medieval castles were designed with features that nullified the superior numbers of besieging armies but were ultimately made obsolete by the development of gunpowder artillery.

Australian soldiers’ opinion of the First World War changed from naïve enthusiasm to pessimistic realism as a result of the harsh realities of modern industrial warfare.

The success of the 1967 Referendum was a direct result of the efforts of First Nations leaders such as Charles Perkins, Faith Bandler and the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

Gaius Marius was the most one of the most significant personalities in the 1 st century BC due to his effect on the political, military and social structures of the Roman state.

3. Elaboration sentences

Once you have stated your argument in your hypothesis , you need to provide particular information about how you’re going to prove your argument.

Your elaboration sentences should be one or two sentences that provide specific details about how you’re going to cover the argument in your three body paragraphs.

You might also briefly summarise two or three of your main points.

Finally, explain any important key words, phrases or concepts that you’ve used in your hypothesis, you’ll need to do this in your elaboration sentences.

Example elaboration sentences:

By the height of the Middle Ages, feudal lords were investing significant sums of money by incorporating concentric walls and guard towers to maximise their defensive potential. These developments were so successful that many medieval armies avoided sieges in the late period.

Following Britain's official declaration of war on Germany, young Australian men voluntarily enlisted into the army, which was further encouraged by government propaganda about the moral justifications for the conflict. However, following the initial engagements on the Gallipoli peninsula, enthusiasm declined.

The political activity of key indigenous figures and the formation of activism organisations focused on indigenous resulted in a wider spread of messages to the general Australian public. The generation of powerful images and speeches has been frequently cited by modern historians as crucial to the referendum results.

While Marius is best known for his military reforms, it is the subsequent impacts of this reform on the way other Romans approached the attainment of magistracies and how public expectations of military leaders changed that had the longest impacts on the late republican period.

4. Signpost sentence

The final sentence of your introduction should prepare the reader for the topic of your first body paragraph. The main purpose of this sentence is to provide cohesion between your introductory paragraph and you first body paragraph .

Therefore, a signpost sentence indicates where you will begin proving the argument that you set out in your hypothesis and usually states the importance of the first point that you’re about to make. 

Example signpost sentences:

The early development of castles is best understood when examining their military purpose.

The naïve attitudes of those who volunteered in 1914 can be clearly seen in the personal letters and diaries that they themselves wrote.

The significance of these people is evident when examining the lack of political representation the indigenous people experience in the early half of the 20 th century.

The origin of Marius’ later achievements was his military reform in 107 BC, which occurred when he was first elected as consul.

Putting it all together

Once you have written all four parts of the BHES structure, you should have a completed introduction paragraph. In the examples above, we have shown each part separately. Below you will see the completed paragraphs so that you can appreciate what an introduction should look like.

Example introduction paragraphs: 

Castles were an important component of Medieval Britain from the time of the Norman conquest in 1066 until they were phased out in the 15th and 16th centuries. Initially introduced as wooden motte and bailey structures on geographical strongpoints, they were rapidly replaced by stone fortresses which incorporated sophisticated defensive designs to improve the defenders’ chances of surviving prolonged sieges. Medieval castles were designed with features that nullified the superior numbers of besieging armies, but were ultimately made obsolete by the development of gunpowder artillery. By the height of the Middle Ages, feudal lords were investing significant sums of money by incorporating concentric walls and guard towers to maximise their defensive potential. These developments were so successful that many medieval armies avoided sieges in the late period. The early development of castles is best understood when examining their military purpose.

The First World War began in 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The subsequent declarations of war from most of Europe drew other countries into the conflict, including Australia. The Australian Imperial Force joined the war as part of Britain’s armed forces and were dispatched to locations in the Middle East and Western Europe. Australian soldiers’ opinion of the First World War changed from naïve enthusiasm to pessimistic realism as a result of the harsh realities of modern industrial warfare. Following Britain's official declaration of war on Germany, young Australian men voluntarily enlisted into the army, which was further encouraged by government propaganda about the moral justifications for the conflict. However, following the initial engagements on the Gallipoli peninsula, enthusiasm declined. The naïve attitudes of those who volunteered in 1914 can be clearly seen in the personal letters and diaries that they themselves wrote.

The 1967 Referendum sought to amend the Australian Constitution in order to change the legal standing of the indigenous people in Australia. The fact that 90% of Australians voted in favour of the proposed amendments has been attributed to a series of significant events and people who were dedicated to the referendum’s success. The success of the 1967 Referendum was a direct result of the efforts of First Nations leaders such as Charles Perkins, Faith Bandler and the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. The political activity of key indigenous figures and the formation of activism organisations focused on indigenous resulted in a wider spread of messages to the general Australian public. The generation of powerful images and speeches has been frequently cited by modern historians as crucial to the referendum results. The significance of these people is evident when examining the lack of political representation the indigenous people experience in the early half of the 20th century.

In the late second century BC, the Roman novus homo Gaius Marius became one of the most influential men in the Roman Republic. Marius gained this authority through his victory in the Jugurthine War, with his defeat of Jugurtha in 106 BC, and his triumph over the invading Germanic tribes in 101 BC, when he crushed the Teutones at the Battle of Aquae Sextiae (102 BC) and the Cimbri at the Battle of Vercellae (101 BC). Marius also gained great fame through his election to the consulship seven times. Gaius Marius was the most one of the most significant personalities in the 1st century BC due to his effect on the political, military and social structures of the Roman state. While Marius is best known for his military reforms, it is the subsequent impacts of this reform on the way other Romans approached the attainment of magistracies and how public expectations of military leaders changed that had the longest impacts on the late republican period. The origin of Marius’ later achievements was his military reform in 107 BC, which occurred when he was first elected as consul.

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Why Indigenous Artifacts Should Be Returned to Indigenous Communities

DuVal is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the author of Native Nations: A Millennium in North America

I n January 2024, the American Museum of Natural History in New York closed its Hall of the Great Plains and Hall of Eastern Woodlands, and visitors to the Field Museum in Chicago and other museums across the country are seeing covered display cases and signs explaining that these exhibits “have been covered in consideration of ongoing legal and ethical reviews.” These closures are overdue corrections by museums that have long misrepresented and misused Indigenous history. But more than a subtraction, they are a sign of an important shift in where and how Americans learn Native American history.

It’s easy to see covered cases and closed exhibits as a loss, even if an understandable one. Most of the news coverage has explained the shift as an unavoidable sacrifice for Native rights and sensibilities, a zero-sum game in which museum-goers and school field trips are the necessary losers. Headlines proclaim closures and removals and show pictures of empty cases or the final rush of visitors before the items were taken from public view. Stories quote disappointed visitors who interpret the closures as keeping them from learning about Native Americans.

Yet this focus misses the fact that there has never been an easier time to learn about Native American histories and cultures and to see Native American art and artifacts. A field trip that may be diminished by the closures at the American Museum of Natural History can simply head to lower Manhattan to visit the NYC branch of the National Museum of the American Indian. It’s time to stop expecting Native history at museums of “natural history” and start learning it from museums and cultural centers that are run by any of the hundreds of Native nations in the United States or with their collaboration. And it’s time to start learning the quite different stories that they tell.

Until recently, exhibits about Native Americans were in museums of “natural history” because white Americans saw them as part of archaeology and anthropology rather than history. At its opening in the 1960s, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History had nothing about Native Americans, who instead were in the National Museum of Natural History alongside early primates and dinosaurs. The message was clear: Native Americans—perceived of as a monolithic culture—were primitive and destined for disappearance, fitting more with displays of animals than with the American History Museum’s message of technology and progress. In the early 20th century, the Yahi man known as Ishi was displayed as a living exhibit at the University of California Museum of Anthropology following the genocide of his people. In 1968, a group of Miwoks (Yosemites) visited the National Museum of Natural History and read in one of the exhibits that their tribe had gone “extinct” in the 19th century. And until the closures that happened in January, visitors at the American Museum of Natural History could see generic mannequins of Native men and women stoically conveying timeless primitiveness.

The latest changes are responding to new federal rules on the implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) regarding the rights of Native nations over sacred and funerary objects of their ancestors. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, D.C., founded as part of implementing NAGPRA, was a way to responsibly deal with the large collection of Native American skeletal remains and sacred burial objects held by the Smithsonian. But the NMAI has become far more than that. Its Indigenous designers, curators, and administrators, in part with funding from Native nations, have built a public space with locations in D.C. and Manhattan where everyone can learn about Native peoples—in all their diversity—as continuing nations with living cultures, as real human beings in the past, present, and future.

The return of objects, funds from casinos and other tribal businesses, and an ongoing renaissance in tribal politics and culture have enabled Native nations across the country to build and renovate their own museums and cultural centers. In spite of their fraught histories with museums, some Native nations have embraced and changed museology. As Native scholar and founding director of the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Amanda Cobb-Greetham, explained to me , Native peoples have “turned an instrument of colonization and dispossession … into an instrument of self-definition and cultural continuance.” They portray their own specific peoples as a living history. Executive Director of the Museum of the Cherokee People Shana Bushyhead Condill explains of her museum, “We preserve and perpetuate the history, stories and enduring culture of the Cherokee people.”

There are hundreds of examples, including the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center in Mashantucket, Connecticut; the Osage Nation Museum in Pawhuska, Oklahoma; and the Himdag Ki: Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Center and Museum in Sells, Arizona. These museums all teach the diverse histories of their peoples, from the distant past to the present, to Native and non-Native visitors. As Mohawk scholar Scott Manning Stevens puts i t, in these Indigenous cultural centers, “living cultures are as much a part of the fabric of the institution as the artifacts still displayed in exhibits.” Many have research centers too, where tribal and non-tribal scholars can work on a more respectful and accurate study of the past.

Read More: Without Indigenous History, There Is No U.S. History

Beyond tribal museums, other museums are being built or creating exhibits with participation by Native Americans. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, has become a leader in incorporating Native artists and curators into its definition of “American Art.” The Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania does not need to cover artifacts in its “Native American Voices: The People — Here and Now” exhibit because tribal representatives helped to create it. At the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, funded by the Chickasaw Nation in addition to Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma, Native nations collaborated on the architectural design, the exhibits, and the programming. And wherever you are, you can access online exhibits and teaching resources created by hundreds of Native nations on their own past and present.

Some of the items that have now been taken out of view may come back once they have gone through the NAGPRA consultation process, but much more important is the shift away from anthropological museums being the place to see Native American historical artifacts. Native American histories are not being lost or papered over, but the location as well as the style of their presentation is shifting to a more human, forward-looking one. This is a gain for everyone. Ideally, the covered cases and closed halls will prompt visits to new places and spark new understandings of the long and continuing history—and future—of Native America.

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The Rise of Competitive Kickball

The rise of competitive kickball: a thriving sport taking the world by storm.

Kickball, once considered a casual backyard game, has transformed into a highly competitive sport capturing the attention of individuals across the globe. In recent years, the rise of competitive kickball has been remarkable, with teams and leagues flourishing in popularity. This article delves into the reasons behind the growing fascination with competitive kickball, exploring its unique appeal, the benefits it offers, and the various leagues and tournaments that have emerged. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the thrilling world of competitive kickball and understand why it has become a sensation in the sporting community.

The History of Kickball

Origins of kickball.

Kickball, also known as soccer baseball, is a popular playground game that combines elements of soccer and baseball. While its exact origins are unclear, kickball can be traced back to various ball-kicking games that date back centuries.

One theory suggests that kickball originated in China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. It is believed that soldiers used to play a game called "Cuju," which involved kicking a leather ball into a net or goal. This early form of kickball laid the groundwork for the game we know today.

Another theory suggests that kickball evolved from the English game of "Rounders," which is similar to baseball. Rounders was brought to the United States by early settlers, and it eventually evolved into kickball as we know it now.

Evolution of Kickball Rules

Kickball has undergone several rule changes throughout its history to become the game it is today. In its early forms, kickball had various rules depending on the region and time period.

However, the most significant evolution of kickball rules occurred in the 20th century. The game was standardized, and specific rules were established to ensure consistency and fairness. These rules included regulations on pitching, base running, and fielding.

Today, kickball is typically played with a rubber ball and bases similar to those used in baseball. The pitcher rolls the ball towards the kicker, who attempts to kick it and reach the bases safely. The opposing team tries to catch the ball and tag the runners out to prevent them from scoring.

Popularity of Kickball in Schools

Kickball has gained immense popularity in schools across the United States and other countries. It is commonly played during physical education classes, recess, and intramural leagues.

One of the reasons for kickball’s popularity in schools is its accessibility. Unlike sports that require specialized equipment or extensive training, kickball can be played with minimal equipment and easily understood rules. This makes it an inclusive game that can be enjoyed by students of all ages and skill levels.

Additionally, kickball promotes physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students. It provides an opportunity for students to develop their motor skills, coordination, and strategic thinking while engaging in a fun and competitive environment.

As a result, kickball has become a staple of schoolyard sports, bringing students together, fostering a sense of community, and creating lasting memories.

In conclusion, kickball has a rich history that spans centuries and has evolved into a popular game enjoyed by people of all ages. Its origins can be traced to various ball-kicking games, and its rules have been refined over time. The game’s popularity in schools can be attributed to its accessibility and the numerous benefits it offers to students. Whether played on a professional level or as a casual pastime, kickball continues to rise as a competitive and enjoyable sport.

Competitive Kickball Leagues

Formation of competitive kickball leagues.

Competitive kickball leagues have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing individuals of all ages and skill levels with an exciting and competitive way to stay active and have fun. These leagues are typically formed by passionate kickball enthusiasts who want to create a structured environment for players to showcase their skills and compete against other like-minded individuals.

The formation of competitive kickball leagues usually starts with a group of individuals who share a common love for the sport and a desire to take it to the next level. They come together to organize teams, establish league rules and regulations, and find suitable venues for matches. This process involves careful planning and coordination to ensure that the league runs smoothly and provides an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Rules and Regulations

Competitive kickball leagues operate under a set of rules and regulations that govern the gameplay and ensure fair competition. These rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the sport while also promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all players.

Some common rules in competitive kickball leagues include guidelines for team formations, player positions, and game duration. Teams are typically composed of a set number of players, and each player has a specific position on the field. The rules also dictate how the game is played, including the number of innings, the number of pitches allowed, and the scoring system.

By adhering to these rules and regulations, competitive kickball leagues provide a level playing field for all participants, allowing them to showcase their skills and compete in a fair and enjoyable manner.

Benefits of Joining a Competitive Kickball League

Joining a competitive kickball league offers numerous benefits for individuals looking to enhance their kickball experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, participating in a competitive league can take your skills to new heights and provide you with a sense of camaraderie and community.

One of the main benefits of joining a competitive kickball league is the opportunity to improve your game. By playing against skilled opponents and receiving regular feedback from experienced players, you can enhance your technique, strategy, and overall gameplay. The competitive nature of these leagues pushes players to constantly improve and strive for excellence.

Apart from skill development, competitive kickball leagues also offer a sense of belonging and social interaction. Being part of a team allows you to forge new friendships, bond with like-minded individuals, and experience the thrill of working together towards a common goal. The league environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and creates lasting memories both on and off the field.

Additionally, participating in a competitive kickball league can contribute to your overall physical and mental well-being. The regular physical activity involved in playing kickball helps improve cardiovascular health, stamina, and coordination. It also provides an outlet for stress relief and serves as a form of recreation and entertainment.

In conclusion, competitive kickball leagues offer a structured and competitive platform for kickball enthusiasts to showcase their skills and compete against others. By following a set of rules and regulations, these leagues ensure fair gameplay and provide numerous benefits such as skill development, social interaction, and improved physical and mental well-being. So, if you’re looking to take your kickball experience to the next level, joining a competitive kickball league is definitely worth considering.

Strategies and Techniques in Competitive Kickball

Positioning and fielding tactics.

In competitive kickball, having a solid positioning and fielding strategy can greatly enhance your team’s chances of success. Here are some key tactics to consider:

Outfield Coverage : Ensure that your outfielders are positioned strategically to cover a wide range of areas. Have them spread out evenly across the outfield to minimize gaps and increase the chances of catching fly balls.

Infield Communication : Effective communication among the infielders is crucial to prevent misplays and confusion. Establish clear signals and develop a system to communicate quickly and efficiently, especially during fast-paced situations.

Cut-off Plays : Mastering cut-off plays can significantly improve your team’s ability to control the game. Practice executing cut-offs smoothly, allowing for quick transfers and accurate throws to the appropriate bases.

Shifting Defenses : Analyze the opposing team’s kicking tendencies and adjust your defense accordingly. Shift your fielders to areas where the opposing team tends to kick most frequently, increasing the chances of making successful outs.

Pitching Techniques

Pitching in competitive kickball requires precision and strategy. Here are some pitching techniques to enhance your performance:

Varying Speed : Mixing up your pitch speed can keep the opposing team off-balance and make it harder for them to connect with the ball. Alternate between slow and fast pitches to disrupt their timing and increase your chances of getting strikeouts.

Spin and Curveballs : Incorporating spin into your pitches can create movement and make it harder for the kicker to make solid contact. Experiment with different types of spin, such as curveballs or knuckleballs, to keep the opposing team guessing.

Placement Accuracy : Aim for specific areas of the strike zone to maximize your chances of inducing weak kicks or strikeouts. Practice hitting your spots consistently to force the opposing team into making less favorable kicks.

Mind Games : Use strategic pauses, fake-outs, or pitch variations to mentally disrupt the kicker’s focus. By keeping the opposing team guessing and off-balance, you can gain an advantage and increase the likelihood of successful outs.

Offensive Strategies

To excel in competitive kickball, your team must have effective offensive strategies. Consider incorporating the following tactics:

Lineup Order : Strategically arrange your lineup to optimize your team’s offensive capabilities. Place your most powerful kickers near the top to set the tone and create scoring opportunities, while ensuring a balance between power and speed throughout the lineup.

Baserunning Tactics : Develop smart baserunning techniques to advance runners and put pressure on the defense. Teach your team to take calculated risks, such as stealing bases or attempting delayed steals, to keep the opposing team on their toes.

Sacrifice Kicks : Sacrifice kicks can help advance runners into scoring position, even if it means sacrificing an out. Train your team to execute sacrifice kicks effectively, ensuring that the ball is kicked deep enough to allow the baserunner to advance while making it challenging for the defense to make a play.

Strategic Bunting : Incorporate bunting into your offensive arsenal to catch the defense off-guard. Teach your team to execute well-placed bunts that are difficult for the fielders to handle, allowing the kicker to reach base safely and potentially advance other runners.

In conclusion, the rise of competitive kickball has been nothing short of impressive. From its humble beginnings as a casual backyard game to its current status as a well-organized and highly competitive sport, kickball has captured the hearts and minds of players and spectators alike. With its unique blend of athleticism, teamwork, and sheer fun, competitive kickball has carved out a special place in the world of sports. As more and more individuals discover the thrill of kicking, running, and sliding their way to victory, it is clear that the rise of competitive kickball shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there has never been a better time to join the kickball craze and experience the exhilaration firsthand. So grab a ball, gather your friends, and get ready to kick it up a notch in the world of competitive kickball!

Schneier on Security

History of rsa conference. bruce schneier. the first ‘exhibitor’ in 1994..

• Cybercrime Magazine
• April 11, 2024

Listen to the Audio on SoundCloud.com

Bruce Schneier was at the first ever RSA Conference in 1991, and he was the first ‘exhibitor’ in 1994 when he asked Jim Bidzos, Creator of the RSA Conference, if he could sell copies of his book “Applied Cryptography.” Bidzos set Schneier up in the hotel lobby where the conference was being held—and the rest is history. Listen to some great RSA Conference memories on this episode of the History of RSA Conference.

Categories: Audio , Recorded Interviews

Tags: Cybercrime Magazine

Sidebar photo of Bruce Schneier by Joe MacInnis.

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Grunge: A Dull Date, the Sound of Seattle, a ‘Time Capsule’

The New York Times has a long and complicated history with the word grunge. Let’s get down and dingy in it.

By Sarah Diamond

In Word Through The Times, we trace how one word or phrase has changed throughout the history of the newspaper.

The New York Times and “grunge” go way back.

“Grunge,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary , was originally “a general term of disparagement for someone or something that is repugnant or odious, unpleasant, or dull.” Per the dictionary, the word was first printed in 1965 — via The Times. In an article, a reporter offered definitions of slang words: “A difficult date is an ‘octopus,’” the reporter wrote, and “a dull one a ‘grunge .’”

“‘ Grunge’ is a back-formation of ‘grungy,’” Jess Zafarris, an etymologist, said. A back-formation is a word that formed when speakers stopped using a suffix or prefix that had been attached to a longer word. Kory Stamper, a lexicographer at Dictionary.com, said the origin of “grungy” was unknown but that it most likely came into being in the mid-20th century from words like dingy, goo and gunge, British slang for a sticky unknown substance.

Soon, the slang word stuck to subversive music. According to Green’s Dictionary of Slang , “grunge” was used in a 1973 New Yorker article to describe the New York Dolls, a rock band. But by the late 1980s, “grunge” defined the sound of a city on the other side of the United States: Seattle . Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Mudhoney popularized grunge music, a mash of heavy metal and punk rock. And as the grunge sound reverberated across the country, the aligning subculture grew louder, too.

In November 1992, The Times, eager to cover a hip moment, published a “lexicon of grunge speak.” Megan Jasper, a 25-year-old sales representative at Caroline Records in Seattle, had offered some slang phrases for the article: “Wack slacks,” for example, were old, ripped jeans. “Swingin’ on the flippity-flop” meant hanging out. And “tom-tom club” was code for uncool outsiders. Which, apparently, were some people at The Times: After the article came out, it was revealed in The Baffler that Ms. Jasper had fabricated the words to poke fun at the mainstream media’s coverage of culture. The story behind the prank was explored in a 2017 article by The Ringer.

The embarrassment didn’t stop The Times’s interest in grunge. Appearances of the word in the newspaper peaked in 1993.

That may be because in the early 1990s, grunge itself peaked in popularity. So did grunge fashion, modeled by people like Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana. Loose fits, flannel shirts, ripped jeans, Converse sneakers and Dr. Martens defined the disheveled style. Soon, grunge marched down the runways: In 1993, Marc Jacobs was a “grunge enthusiast,” The Times wrote. “Gianni Versace did grunge,” The Times reported from Milan fashion week, in a “luxury” take “on the scruffy look of downtown Seattle music groups.”

By the late 1990s, grunge had lost its cool. But as is often the case, “grunge” eventually came back into style: In February this year, the reporter Callie Holtermann wrote that fans of Olivia Rodrigo were embracing “grunge fashion from the ’90s” at concerts.

“Grunge,” Ms. Stamper said, has “become a time capsule.”

That’s certainly true for Steven Kurutz, a Styles reporter. In 2019, he wrote an article about how “grunge made blue-collar culture cool.” In the ’90s, Mr. Kurutz went to high school in Pennsylvania, 2,600 miles from Seattle, but felt he could see his community in the grunge subculture. “I could not relate, coming from a working-class, rural background, to so much of pop culture,” he said in an interview. “I think that’s why the music meant even more for me as a teenager, because I was seeing guys on MTV who looked like the people I grew up around. And they were cool!”

For Mr. Kurutz, “grunge” is nostalgic. “I just think about Seattle in 1992.”

Sarah Diamond manages production for narrated articles. She previously worked at National Geographic Studios. More about Sarah Diamond