Dodgeball Rules
Kena Tilson
There is no fixed amount of players that are needed to have a dodgeball game, with games varying between small numbers to large players. A lot will depend on the space available to play the game and the overall pool of player available. School leagues or regulated games will have a set number of players, which again will differ from each league.
There is no fixed dimension and area for a dodgeball game with the game going ahead on the most appropriate surface and venue. Similarly, there is no universal agreement on the balls that are used in a dodgeball game. Players operating in a league format would be expected to all play with the same ball size or type but this can be agreed by each individual league.
The game commences with the opening rush. All the dodgeballs are lined up in the centre of the court, with both teams rushing from their base line to the balls. Players have to simultaneously grab and throw a dodgeball or roll it back to a team-mate.
While there is no real point scoring in dodgeball, the aim of the game is to eliminate players of the opposing team, which can be done in a number of ways. The most obvious way is hitting an opponent with a ball, if a player is hit and the ball is not caught before becoming dead, that player is eliminated. However, if a player throws a ball that is caught by an opponent, the throwing player is eliminated from the game.
SEC. 1 Objective
The objective of dodgeball is to eliminate all players of the opposing team by throwing one of four game balls and hitting the opposing player below the shoulders on the fly.
Below is an abbreviated list of the basic NDL rules. If you have any specific rules questions feel free to contact us at 952.931.0404 during regular business hours and we will assist you in any way we can.
The sport is mostly played in schools under varying rules, and also formally as an international sport, under rules that vary among international governing bodies, such as the World Dodgeball Federation (WDBF), which runs the Dodgeball World Championship and the World Dodgeball Association (WDA). USA Dodgeball is the governing entity for dodgeball in the United States, with member leagues and clubs across the nation.
Informal matches of dodgeball are typically played until all players on one side are out. In WDBF guidelines, matches last a total of 40 minutes. These are split into two 20-minute halves, during which as many sets as possible are played. A set lasts until all players on one side are out. One point is awarded for every set won. Teams switch sides at halftime.[7]
The main dodgeball competition is the Dodgeball World Championship, held by the World Dodgeball Federation (WDBF). The competition takes place annually since 2012. It was initially an open event, but stopped being an open event as the membership grew, and now works by qualification.[12] In 2021, WDBF's membership reached 80 members, all also members of the relevant continental federations.[13]
The risks of injury from dodgeball, and the notion that gameplay resembles assault, have led to controversies, lawsuits, and even calls to eliminate the game from school physical education programs.[21][22]
The game begins with opposing teams players lining up on opposite baselines with 8 dodgeballs divided in sets of 4 on the mid-court line. On the referee's start of the game, players race towards the dodgeballs (on their right) to retrieve them. Players who retrieve the dodgeballs from mid-court must ensure the balls cross back over their own baseline before attempting to eliminate opposing players.
Kicking the dodgeball is NOT allowed at any time during the game, balls must be thrown, tossed, or rolled by hand. A warning will be passed onto a player who kicks any ball. A second violation, that player will be OUT.
At no time should any player slam a ball into the ground or wall, or squeeze the dodgeballs as this causes them damage and/or can be a safety risk. Players seen abusing equipment in this way will be warned and then ejected from the game.
Please remember that dodgeball is a recreational sport. Please show respect towards your opponents, the referees, and your teammates. Any players or teams who exhibit poor sportsmanship or foul play towards others will be asked to leave.
All dodgeball players have a duty to ensure they play by the rules and uphold themselves to the highest standards. Highly competitive play is encouraged but should never be displayed as cheating. If you respect your opponents, respect your officials and the decisions they make, then you respect the spirit of the dodgeball. This will increase the integrity of the sport and the joy of play for all.
Any intramural policies not mentioned here may be found in the Intramural Handbook. Unless specifically mentioned below, Intramural play is governed by International Dodgeball Association rules. By participating in Intramural Sports, the participant agrees to abide by all Intramural rules and policies.
The boundaries of the court are determined by the boundaries of the volleyball court. All active players must stay within these lines, unless they are retrieving a dodgeball that has exited the playing area.
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