Dodgeball Rules and Regulations

THE TEAM

Co-ed Teams will be made up of 6-10 players with a minimum of 3 females per team.  Six(6) players per team will start each game.  Ideally each game will start with 3 females and 3 males per team.  In the case of a “no show” a team must have a minimum of 2 males and 2 females to begin each game.  Each team can never have more then 4 of either gender on the court at one time.

THE COURT

The game may be played indoors or outdoors. The playing field shall be a rectangle ideally 50 ft long and ideally 30 ft wide, divided into two (2) equal sections by a center-line.

 THE EQUIPMENT

The official ball used in tournament and league play will be an 8.25" rubber-coated foam ball.

THE GAME

The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing players by getting them "OUT". This may be done by:

1. Hitting an opposing player with a LIVE thrown ball below the shoulders.

2. Catching a LIVE ball thrown by your opponent before it touches anything but yourself.

            (ie: if all ball is thrown and hits you, bounces up, hits nothing else, and you catch it  = the opposing player is out and one of your players may enter (6 players max) .  Once the ball touches anything else, including your own teammate catching the ball, you will be called out.)

 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, etc)

BOUNDARIES

During play, all players must remain within the boundary lines. Players may leave the boundaries only to retrieve stray balls. They must return to the playing field immediately upon retrieval.  If a player gets hit while out of bounds they are still OUT.  If a player catches a ball while out of bounds neither the throwing player or the catching player is out = wash.

 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 behind 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 cross the back line before it can be legally thrown.

 TIMING AND WINNING A GAME

One Match is 16 minutes long with an unlimited number of games.  The first team to legally eliminate all opposing players will be declared the winner of the game. The balls will be re-set and another game will begin.  This continues until the official signals that the 16 minute match is over.  During regular season Ties are possible.  During post-season or  tournament play the match will be decided by a final game with a 3 minute time limit.  If time is called before all players of one team are eliminated, the team with the most players will be victorious.  If both teams have the same number of players at the 3 minute mark the first team to eliminate an opposing player will be victorious.

 TIME-OUTS & SUBSTITUTIONS

No Time-Outs.  Substitutions will only be allowed upon injury.  In this case, the official will stop the clock and call “time”.  The team in need of a substitution will substitute the next available player of the same gender on their sideline.  Players must stay in order.

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.   Also, at any time the official deems necessary a 5 second count can be called to encourage more active play.  At the completion of the 5 seconds any balls that were not thrown at or rolled toward the opposing team will be declared “dead” and must be rolled to the opposing team.  If a “dead” ball is thrown and caught, the thrower is out and a player on the opposing team may enter the court (up to 6 player max)

RULE ENFORCEMENT

While playing dodgeball, rules will be enforced primarily by the "honor system".  Players will be expected to come out when they are hit or their ball is caught regardless of  if they are called out by the official or not.  Please hold your own team accountable to this form of regulation.  At no time will it be tolerated for a team or individual to hold the opposing team accountable.  Please discuss any discrepancies with the court official.  In the case of a discrepancy THE OFFICIALS DECISION IS FINAL – NO EXCEPTIONS.

CONCLUSION

1. Understand, appreciate and abide by the rules of the game.

2. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.

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

6. HAVE FUN!