Dodgeball Rules
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The Team
Teams will be made up of 6-10 players. Six(6) players will compete on a side; others will be available as substitutes. Substitutes may enter the game only during timeouts or in the case of injury.
The Field
The game may be played indoors or outdoors. The playing field shall be a rectangle at least 50 ft long and at least 30 ft wide, divided into two (2) equal sections by a center-line and attack-lines (for HS Division) 3m from, and parallel to the centerline.
Ideal Measurements
60’ x 30’ – Identical to a volleyball court.
The Equipment
The official ball used in tournament and league play will be a 7″ foam ball.
The Game
The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing players by getting them “OUT”.
This may be done by:
- Hitting an opposing player with a LIVE thrown ball below the shoulders*.
- Catching a LIVE ball thrown by your opponent before it touches the ground.
Definition: LIVE: A ball that has been thrown and has not touched anything; including the floor/ground, another ball, another player, official or other item outside of the playing field (wall, ceiling, net, etc).
*Note: If a live thrown ball hits an opposing player above the shoulders and that player is found to be malicious then the player will be ruled out for the at least the remainder of that game and possibly longer if the referee deems necessary.
Boundaries
During play, all players must remain within the boundary lines. Players may leave the boundaries through their end-line only to retrieve stray balls. They must also return through their end-line. (Not applicable at the Kid Sports Facility)
The Opening Rush
Game begins by placing the dodgeballs along the center line – three (3) on one side of the center hash and three (3) on the other. Players then take a position on their end line. Following a signal by the official, teams may approach the centerline to retrieve the balls. This signal officially starts the contest. Teams may only retrieve the three (3) balls to their right of the center hash. Once a ball is retrieved it must be taken back to the wall before it can be legally thrown. IMING AND WINNING A GAME
The first team to legally eliminate all opposing players will be declared the winner.
After playing round-robin to begin the night, winners will hold field for no more than 2 games at a time.
Time-outs & Substitutions
Each team will be allowed one (1) 30 second timeout per game. At this time a team may substitute players into the game.
5-Second Violation
In order to reduce stalling, a violation will be called if a team in the lead controls all six (6) balls on their side of the court for more than 5 seconds. This also applies to tied teams.
Rule Enforcement
During regular-season matches, rules will be enforced primarily by the referee but players are expected to also use the “honor system”. All contests will be supervised by a referee. THE COURT MONITOR’S DECISION IS FINAL – NO EXCEPTIONS.
Code of Conduct
1. Understand, appreciate and abide by the rules of the game.
2. Respect the integrity and judgment of court monitors.
3. Respect your opponent and congratulate them in a courteous manner following each match whether in victory or defeat.
4. Be responsible for your actions and maintain self-control.
5. Do not taunt or bait opponents and refrain from using foul or abusive language.