Dodge Ball Rules

GAME PLAY

6 on 6

There is no time limit on the games

Dodgeball games usually end quickly

The game ends when a winner is declared

There will be two pools: “A” pool & “B” pool. The top team in the “A” and “B” pool at the completion of the competition rounds will compete in the finals.

ROSTER

6 players on the floor, including one female at all times. Maximum 12 player roster. Only those on your roster can play. You cannot “borrow” players from another team.

REFS & EQUIPMENT

Refs: will be supplied
Dodgeballs: will be supplied
Uniforms:  Team uniforms are encourage (t-shirts) but not mandatory
Player Pinnies: will be provided if any colour conflicts arise

RULES & REGULATIONS

The referee’s decision is final in all matters relating to the game. At no time during the game should a player question a referee. The referee is not obliged to explain his/her decision, this applies to even the team Captain who has no special rights or authority other than over his/her own team.

Use of foul language, fighting or any behaviour deemed inappropriate will result in ejection from the tournament.

STARTING THE GAME

Six (6) balls will be used in the game; 3 balls will be spaced out evenly on each side of the court just before the centerline.

Teams will start each game with 6 players on the floor.

The game begins at the sound of the referee’s whistle.

At the sound of the first whistle, players will run for the balls. The balls are not in play until one of the following happens:
a. Upon initial possession, each ball must be carried across the “Safe Line”. This occurs when the player with possession of the ball crosses the “Safe Line” with both feet

b. Once a player behind the “Safe Line” has held the ball it is in play and can be thrown from anywhere. If the ball is thrown before the ball cross the “Safe Line” the ball will be given to the other team. If the thrower is caught, he is out, but anyone hit by this un-cleared ball is still safe

c. The “Safe Line” is 4 feet back from the center line on each teams side

GAME PLAY

Players cannot cross the centerline. Players will be called out if part of their body touches across the center line (even if part of the body is still touching the line) onto their opponent’s side of the court.

To eliminate an opponent with the ball, a player must throw the ball and hit an opposing player anywhere below the head. Headshots will not result in any players being called out; unless a player is ducking (knowingly making themselves smaller) or jumps (knowingly making themselves taller) and gets hit in the head. If a player blocks a ball from striking them in the head with their hands; it is a referee’s discretionary call to decide if the player is out or not.

When a player is called out they can pass any balls held to a team-mate but must leave the playing area. The safest way is to raise your hand if you are out thus the opposing team can identify you as an “out player”.

Any ball thrown by a player already called out will be considered a dead ball. No one hit by these balls will be out until an active player is the one who throws it. Any ball that hits a dead player is a dead ball immediately, no outs can be made after this occurrence.

If a player is struck with a ball anywhere below the head, the struck player will be called out.  However, if a player is struck but the ball is caught either by the struck player or by a teammate before it touches the ground, wall, ceiling (etc), the player who threw the ball will be called out.

If a player catches an opponent’s throw, the player who threw the ball will be called out, and a team member on the catcher’s side will be allowed back into the game. If there are already six players still on the floor, the thrower will still be out, but no new player will be allowed back in.

A player can only be called out by direct hits. However, it is the referee’s discretion during a close call and/or “trapped ball”. A trapped ball is when a player is hit and/or catches a ball essentially at the same time it hits the ground. All referee decisions are final!

Rebounds off of the walls and/or court netting separation are considered dead balls and do not count towards getting a player out if hit.

Players re-entering the game are considered active as soon as their teammate makes a catch and both feet touch the active playing area.

Players may hold as many balls as they please. They can also make a valid catch while holding another ball.

A player may block an oncoming ball with another ball. If a thrown ball is deflected upward and is caught by a teammate, the thrower of the ball will be called out.

If a player deflects a ball with another, but drops their ball in trying to deflect the on-coming ball, the player who dropped their ball will be called out (even if the deflected ball is eventually caught).

Players must keep the game in play. If referees feel any team/player is delaying the game by not throwing/holding too many balls, they may order a team/player to throw any number of balls.

If a ball hits more than one player on any throw, all players hit will be called out. If a player throws the ball striking an opposing player, and the ball is caught either by the thrower or another player on the thrower’s team, only the struck player will be called out.Players cannot catch themselves or teammates out.

Balls are always to be thrown, not kicked. Any kicked ball that hits the opposing team means that the kicker will be called out (even if the ball is not caught).

A legal throw involves the player having full control of the ball before throwing. A ball swatted from the air/ground will not count as a throw.

Honesty is essential in dodgeball. If a player is hit, it is the player’s responsibility to call themselves out, whether the referee sees it or not. The referee has the final say in any hit.

Player’s must remove all jewellery before taking the floor.

Teams are not required to wear the same colour shirt.

*All players must be registered, paid and insured before they take the floor*