OK CLASSIC BOOM BALL BASH

Saturday, September 26, 2026

4:00–7:00 PM

Veterans Park | 7550 W. 26th St., North Riverside, IL 60546

Registration Deadline: September 19, 2026

​EVENT CONCEPT
The OK Classic Boom Ball Bash brings the inclusive spirit of the OK Classic to the next generation through a fast, fun and intentionally accessible version of baseball. The inaugural event will bring together four coed, mixed-ability teams of kids ages 8–12 for an afternoon mini-tournament.
Boom Ball is competitive, but winning isn't the primary objective. The game creates an environment where experienced ballplayers, recreational players, first-time players and athletes with disabilities can compete together.

THREE WAYS TO PLAY​1) BRING A TEAM
Organizations may register approximately 10–15 players and create their own Boom Ball team.
Teams should intentionally include players of different genders, abilities, ages and baseball/softball experience.
2) BRING A CREW
Organizations or families may register smaller groups together.
OK will attempt to keep the group together while using other registrations to complete the team's roster.
3) COME SOLO
Individual players may register without a team.
OK will place individual players onto available Boom Ball rosters.

EVENT SCHEDULE

3:45–4:00 PM

Player check-in and team assembly.

4:00–4:10 PM

Welcome, safety briefing and quick Boom Ball rules.

4:10–4:45 PM

Game 1 Semifinal

4:45–4:50 PM

Transition and field reset.

4:50–5:25 PM

Game 2 Semifinal

5:25–5:40 PM

Tournament Break | Reset Dugouts/Field

5:40–6:15 PM

Silver Final - loser game 1 vs loser game 2

6:20–6:55 PM

Gold Final - winner game 1 vs winner game 2

6:55–7:05 PM

Champions/Group Recognition

Post Tournament: Optional Boom Ball Free Play, Kids vs. Adults, Home Run Derby or other fun-finish activities.

HOME RUN

A fair batted Boom Ball that clears the outfield fence is a HOME RUN. All runners score.

GAME CLOCK

Games use a 35-minute running clock.

The clock begins with the first pitch and does not stop except for an injury, safety concern or tournament-director decision.

Teams play as many innings as possible during the game clock. When time expires, the current hitter completes the at-bat and any resulting play is completed. The game then ends. The team with the most runs wins.

BATTING

Every player bats in a continuous batting order. Every player bats every inning.

NO BALLS. NO STRIKES. NO STRIKEOUTS.

A Boom Ball Facilitator pitches underhand and adjusts the delivery, speed and distance to match the hitter.

PITCH UNTIL THEY HIT.

Batting assistance or an alternative delivery may be provided when appropriate. If the player needs more support, we deliver. This may include hitting off of a tee. The objective is always to give the player a meaningful opportunity to put the ball into play.

DEFENSE

Up to 12 players may play defense simultaneously.

No gloves are used.

Teams with more than 12 players rotate additional players into the field.

Every player should receive meaningful defensive participation.

Traditional baseball positions may be used, but kids are encouraged to determine their own positioning and communicate with one another.

RECORDING AN OUT

Defenders may record an out in three ways:

1) FORCE OUT

Control the Boom Ball at the appropriate base before the runner arrives.

2) TAG OUT

Tag the runner with the Boom Ball.

3) BOOM OUT

Safely hit a runner

below the shoulders with a thrown Boom Ball.

Throws intentionally directed toward the head or neck are prohibited.

At close range, players should tag the runner rather than throw the ball at them.

Safety takes precedence over recording an out.

PITCHER'S HAND = PLAY DEAD

Runners may continue advancing until the Boom Ball is securely possessed by the pitcher.

When the pitcher gains possession:

- A runner who has reached or passed the halfway point to the next base may continue safely to that base.

- A runner who has not reached halfway returns to the previous base.

- No defensive play may be made against a runner completing an awarded advance.

A visible marker should be placed halfway between each base to eliminate unnecessary judgment calls.

EVERYBODY PLAYS

Boom Ball operates on one simple principle:

THE GAME ADAPTS TO THE PLAYER.

Facilitators may modify:

- Pitching distance;

- Pitch delivery;

- Batting assistance;

- Base distance;

- Running support;

- Defensive positioning; or

- Other game elements necessary for safe and meaningful participation.

Modifications are available to any player who needs them. Players with and without disabilities compete together under the same fundamental game structure.

KIDS LEAD

Adults serve as

Boom Ball Facilitators, not traditional coaches. Their responsibilities are to:

- Pitch;

- Assist with batting order and rotation;

- Maintain safety;

- Facilitate accommodations;

- Encourage inclusion and sportsmanship; and

- Intervene when assistance is genuinely necessary.

Otherwise:

OK PLAYER POOL & ROSTER MANAGEMENT
OK will maintain a central player pool to:
- Complete partial rosters;
- Accommodate individual registrations;
- Create an OK/community team if necessary;
- Help diversify roster composition; and
- Maximize participation.
OK Classic organizers retain final discretion over tournament rosters to preserve the coed, mixed-ability nature of the event.
There are no rigid quotas based upon gender, ability, age or baseball experience.
The expectation is intentional inclusion.

PLAY TO WIN. PLAY FOR FUN.
Boom Ball is competitive.
Kids should run hard, make plays, celebrate, strategize, and try to win.
Winning, however, never comes at the expense of participation, inclusion, safety or sportsmanship.
COMPETITION + INCLUSION BELONG ON THE SAME FIELD.

TIED GAME? IT'S TIME FOR A BOOM-OFF!
There are no extra innings. Each team selects three Boomers. Each player represents the team in one round.
ROUND 1 — PURE BOOM
Normal coach pitch. One successful hit.
ROUND 2 — DIZZY BOOM
The hitter safely completes three spins around the bat before stepping in to hit.
ROUND 3 — MYSTERY BOOM
A surprise Boom Challenge is revealed immediately before the round. Potential challenges include:
- Marshmallow Boom
- Giant-Bat Boom
- Tiny-Bat Boom
- Beach-Ball Boom
- Opposite-Side Boom
- One-Handed Boom
- Bounce-Pitch Boom
All Mystery Boom challenges must be tested prior to the event for safety, accessibility, and fun.