DODGEBALL: THE GAME



FOR THE PLAYERS ...           ... BY THE PLAYERS



GAME RULES:

    Objective:
  • The objective of dodgeball is to eliminate all players of the opposing team by throwing one of six game balls and hitting the opposing player below the shoulders on the fly.

    Eliminating the Opposing Players: A player is out if:
  • They throw a ball that is caught by the other team.
  • They get hit by a ball thrown by the other team. (If the ball does bounce off an opposing player and is then caught the thrower will then be out. This is true even if a different player catches the ball. However if the ball bounces off another ball the ball is dead and does not count toward eliminating a player). Players may use the ball to block however if the ball is knocked out of their hand while blocking they will be out.
  • They throw a ball that hits another player above the shoulders.
  • They cross the center line.
  • They throw a ball that does not cross the center line. Any ball that does not cross the center line when leaving a players possession is considered a dropped ball and that player is out. The ball must land on the other side of the center line.
  • A player leaves the playing field to avoid getting hit by a ball (a player however may leave the playing field to retrieve a ball that has left the field of play). If any part of the player's body touches the end lines or far neutral zone line the player shall be deemed "out". Momentum may carry a player out of bounds while making a catch. If control of the ball was established prior going out of bounds, this is NOT deemed an out. A player is required to have two feet in bounds to make a catch prior to going out of bounds.
  • Once a player is hit they must raise their hand and leave the playing surface immediately.
  • Stalling the game or pinching the ball (see clarifications below).

    A player is not out if:
  • They throw a ball that is is caught after touching a wall, ceiling or other obstruction.
  • They are hit by a ball that ricochets of the ground, wall, or other obstruction before hitting the player.
  • A player is hit by the ball but is subsequently caught by that player or a teammate prior to the ball hitting the ground, wall, or other obstruction.
  • They get hit above the shoulders.

    Out of Bounds:
  • A ball that hits any wall or ceiling is considered dead and is not back in play until someone has picked up the ball and throws it at an opponent.

    Off-Sides:
  • The center line is the off-sides line. If any part of your foot or body touches the center line you will be declared out and the thrown ball will be considered dead.

    Stall Count:
  • No player can hold the ball for longer than ten seconds. If a player holds the ball for more than ten seconds a penalty will be called and that player must forfeit the ball to the other team by gently rolling the ball across center field. Referees will provide a warning to throw the ball prior to a penalty being called.

    Players:
  • Teams consist of six players with up unlimited substitutes. All players must be in similarly colored uniforms.
  • Coed teams may consist of either gender however at least two players of each gender must participate at the start of each game.
  • Open teams may consist of either gender. Any ratio of men and women may participate including all male and all female teams.

    Substitutions:
  • Substitutions must be made prior to the start of the game. No substitutions can be made during a game except in cases of injury.

    Retrievers:
  • Retrievers are individuals designated to retrieve balls that go out of play. Teams are responsible for providing retrievers.
  • Teams may use players that are out as retrievers.
  • Retrievers may not enter the court at any time.
  • Retrievers are only allowed to field balls from their side of the court.

    Court Procedures:
  • Players are expected to be honest and take themselves out when the time comes.

    Playing Dimensions:
  • The official dimensions for a regulation court are as follows: The court is divided into two 30 feet (9.1 m) by 30 ft (9.1 m) areas, with a 4 feet (1.2 m) by 30 ft (9.1 m) neutral zone located at center court separating the two sides, an attack line located parallel and 10 feet (3.0 m) from the center line, for a total court length of 60 feet (18 m) from endline to endline and a total width of 30 feet (9.1 m) from sideline to sideline.
  • Approximately 2 feet (0.61 m) to 3 feet (0.91 m) should be allotted for an out of bounds area, allowing officials to move freely along the sidelines.
  • The Queue for each team is a 3 ft (0.91 m) by 12 ft (3.7 m) area, and should be located 2 ft (0.61 m) to 3 ft (0.91 m) from the sideline, leaving enough room for an official to move freely along the sideline.
  • Every effort should be made to obtain the correct dimensions. However court size may be adjusted to best suit the available space. See the following diagram for correct court specifications:





The Rush(Start of a Game):
  • The Rush occurs at the beginning of each game or reset. Play begins with all players positioned behind their team's end line.
  • Upon the official's signal both teams rush to center court and attempt to retrieve as many balls as possible. A team may rush with as many or as few players as it wants, but at least one person from each team has to rush. There is no limit to how many balls an individual player may retrieve There is no limit to how many balls an individual player may retrieve, however players can only retrieve one ball at a time (one ball rule).
  • Players may not slide or dive head first into the neutral zone or they will be called out.
  • Crossing over the neutral zone will result in an "out."
  • Players may not physically grab and pull another player across the neutral zone or prevent them from returning to their side of the court.

    Putting a Ball in Play:
  • The player and the ball must go completely behind the attack line. During the rush any ball retrieved from the neutral zone must be returned behind the attack line before it may be thrown at an opponent. A ball that hasn't crossed the attack line is considered a dead ball and any hits or catches are voided plays.
  • There are several ways to put a ball into play following a Rush:
    • A player carries the ball across the attack line.
    • A player passes the ball a teammate who is behind or carries it across the attack line, however if the receiving player drops or fumbles the ball the receiving player is out. If the passing player throws the ball and it hits the ground before being caught by the receiving player the passing player is out.
    • A player rebounds the ball off the back wall of a closed court.

    Match Timing:
  • Matches will be 25 minutes in length, each team will play a double-header on each night versus two different opponents.
  • A match may consist of as many games as can be played within the allotted time.
  • A two-minute warning will be given to teams at both the 12.5 minute mark (half) and the 23 minute mark (game) to indicate the amount of time remaining. A one minute warning will also be provided. At the end of either half-time or regulation time the team with more players on the court will be declared the victor.
  • In the event that both teams have the same number of players on the court at the end of regulation time sudden death will be enacted. The first team to eliminate a single player from the opposing team will be declared the victor.

  • In the event that both teams have the same number of games won during the match at the end of regulation time sudden death will be enacted. The first team to eliminate a single player from the opposing team will be declared the victor.

    Match Scoring:
  • Whichever team wins the most games within the match time allotted will be declared the victory.
  • There are no ties in PIT Dodgeball. See overtime rules below.

    Sudden Death Overtime:
  • In the event that the match is tied at the end of regulation time a sudden death overtime period will occur.
  • Teams will start with the full complement of six players in the lineup. The first team to eliminate a single player from the opposing team will be declared the victor.

    Time Outs:
  • There are no team time outs in dodgeball.

    Statistics:
  • Three different individual statistics will be collected: points, catches and kills.
    • Points: An individual point will be awarded to a player if they "survive" an individual game. All players from the victorious team in any given game who have not been eliminated from the game will be awarded a point. Points will not be awarded to individual players in games that end in sudden death.
    • Catches: An individual point will be awarded for any catches a player makes that results in the elimination of a player from the opposing team. Catches are valid if the ball does not touch the ground or any other obstruction (walls, netting, or other obstacle) prior to the catch. Catches that bounce off teammates will be considered valid and a point will be granted.
    • Kills: An individual point will be awarded for any kills a player aquires. A kill will be defined as hitting an opponent with the ball resulting in the elimination of that player.
  • Referees will collect individual points and games won by either team during the match. Teams will be provided a game card to track the remaining individual player statistics.
  • It is the teams responsibility to collect individual statistics. Teams will be provided a game card to track statistics. Statistics may be entered during or directly after each game. After the match game card will be handed into the referee for verification.
  • Any fabrication of statistics on the part of an individual player will result in the entire team losing their statistics for that match.
  • Team statistics will also be collected. This statistics include wins, losses, points for, points against, points difference, and defaults.
  • Referees will be responsible for collecting the game cards at the end of the games and for verifying individual statistics.

    Blocking:
  • Players can defend themselves by blocking the ball in flight with another ball but must retain control over the ball they are blocking with. A player dropping or losing possession of the blocking ball is deemed "out."
  • Any blocked ball rebounding off another ball is considered live. Any player hit by the rebounding ball is deemed "out."
  • Any ball that does not cross the center line when leaving a players possession is considered a dropped ball and that player is out. The ball must land on the other side of the center line.
  • Once a player is hit they must raise their hand and leave the playing surface immediately.

    Pinching:
  • The act of squeezing the dodgeball in order to alter the thrown or blocked ball is not allowed.
  • Pinching a dodgeball will damage them and as such any player caught doing so will be called out.

    Stalling:
  • The act of intentionally delaying the game.
  • Players have ten seconds to throw the ball. If the ball is not thrown in ten seconds the player must give the ball to the other team. There is no clock so players must use the honor system. The ten seconds begins once you touch the ball with your hand and begin controlling the movement or lack of movement of the ball.
  • If a referee determines that a player or team is stalling the referee will warn player or team. If the stalling continues at the referee's discretion the player or team will lose possession of all balls on their side.
  • If both teams are stalling a reset should occur.
  • When a team is down to one player there is no time limit on holding onto the ball for the last player remaining. The ten second rule will still apply for the team with more than one player. If the game comes down to one vs one, both players will have ten seconds to throw the ball (the ten second rule will apply).

    The Queue:
  • When players are eliminated from the game they enter the queue.
  • The first person eliminated goes to the front of the queue, the second person eliminated becomes the second person in the queue, etc.
  • Players in the queue have the opportunity to reenter the game under the following three circumstances:
    • If a teammate catches a ball thrown by the opposing team the first player in the queue may enter into the game.
    • If a team down to their last player survives one minute without being eliminated the next player in the queue will enter the field of play.
    • If a teammate has an injury in which the player cannot continue to play. Note: in coed play if the injured player is female a female from the queue must come off the bench as a substitute regardless of who is next in the queue.
  • Players must re-enter the game from the queue in the same order they were eliminated from the game. First out - First In.
  • If players are caught "jumping the queue" the offending player will be kicked out of the next game and the offending team will have one of their players removed from the game. If that team only has one player remaining they will automatically lose that game.

    Out of Bounds Rule:
  • If any part of the player's body touches the endlines or far neutral zone line the player shall be deemed "out".
  • Momentum may carry a player out of bounds while making a catch. If control of the ball was established prior going out of bounds, this is NOT deemed an out.
  • A player may leave the playing field under two circumstances:
    • To pick up a ball that is out of play. Players must take a direct path to the ball and must return to the field of play immediately or risk being ruled out by the referee.
    • In the process of making a catch the natural momentum of the player takes them out of bounds. Note: To remain in the game the player must have control of the ball going out of bounds and have two (2) feet in bounds prior to making the catch.

    Neutral Zone Rule:
  • A player may safely step into the neutral zone but not across. Any player crossing over the neutral zone is deemed "out."
  • Players are not allowed to cross the center line but may lean across to get a ball as long as they do not touch the floor on the other side of the line with any part of their body. If any part of their body touches the ground on the opposite side of the center line they are out.

    Last Player Rule:
  • Once a team is down to their last player, the opposing team has one minute to get that player out. If the team with one player is still in the game after one minute a second player can join the game.
  • The person who joins the game must be the next person residing in the queue.
  • The team with the single player is not allowed to stockpile balls in an attempt to run the clock down.
  • If the player is deemed to be stalling they are automatically out.
  • Referees are responsible to count down the minute and provide a ten second warning.

    Head Shots:
  • A head shot occurs when a player is hit directly in the head by a high thrown ball. A high thrown ball is a ball thrown above shoulder height of the person that results in a hit to the head. Shoulder height is the height of the shoulders of the player in an upright standing position.
  • If a player is ducking or crouching and hit in the head this will NOT be deemed a head shot as the ball was NOT thrown above shoulder height. Ducking shall be considered any movement that deviates from an upright position (kneeling, bending over, crouching etc.).
  • A player hit in the head by a high thrown ball will be deemed "safe", and any thrower committing a head shot will be deemed "out." A player raising their hands/arms to defend themselves from a head shot will not be called "out" if the ball hits their hands/arms above shoulder height in the act of defending themselves; and the thrower will be called "safe".
  • If a player that is ducking gets hit in the head. The player that got hit is out.
  • A player unsuccessful in their attempt to catch a high thrown ball will be deemed "out". It is the official's judgment as to whether the player is defending themselves or attempting to catch the ball.
  • A ball deflected by another ball, player, or object is no longer considered a high thrown ball. Should the ball strike a player in the head that player shall be deemed "out" even if their own block deflected the ball.
  • If a ball hits a player below the shoulders and then the ball bounces and hits the player above the shoulders - that is not considered a headshot.
  • If a player hits another player above the shoulders twice they will be asked to sit out the next game. If a third head shot occurs that player will be out for the entire match and a one game suspension will apply. No exceptions - Players are responsible for their throws.

    Other Rules:
  • Players are not allowed to hold more than one ball at any time. If you hold more than one ball at any time you are out.
  • Players may pass a ball to a teammate however they must pass the ball to the teammate and the teammate must catch the ball. If the ball is dropped the player attempting to catch the pass will be ruled out. Players cannot hand the ball, kick the ball or push the ball with another ball to a teammate.
  • Players cannot use their feet or another ball to hoard or stockpile balls on your side of the center line. Teams are encouraged to keep the balls flowing by having someone move the balls throughout the court if they are stockpiling on one side of the court.
  • If a player is holding a ball they are not allowed to catch another ball.
  • If a player drops a ball to catch another ball they are out. Once you are in possession of a ball you cannot drop the ball. You must throw the ball and ensure that it lands on the other side of the center line.
  • A ball is dead once it hits the floor, ceiling, wall, curtain, another player or another ball or any other obstruction on or near the playing court. Once a ball is dead a player cannot be knocked out if hit with that ball.
  • When a ball goes out of bounds the player closest to where the ball left the playing surface can leave to get the ball. They must go directly to the ball and return. The player that leaves the playing area to get the ball is out of play and cannot be hit or hit someone else. The player should let it be known that they are getting the ball by raising their hand. If there are subs on the sidelines they may place the ball in the playing area where it exited. They cannot pass a ball to a teammate. If a ball enters another games playing surface leave the ball until the other game passes the ball over. Referees may assist in retrieving balls that have left the field.
  • If a player catches a ball the thrower is out and the team that caught the ball can have another player re-enter the game. Players re-enter the game in the same order they were eliminated from the game. First out - First In.
  • You can save a player by catching the ball after the player was hit as long as the catch precedes the ball hitting the ground or some other obstruction.
  • Players are responsible to call when they are out. If any part of your body below the shoulders gets hit by a live ball you are out. This includes a ball that brushes your shirt or pants.
  • Please be respectful of your opponent by being honest when you get hit by a ball.
  • Remember that this is just a game and to have fun.

    The stuff that needs to be said:

    • Any additions to rosters after the registration deadline are subject to approval by the PIT Dodgeball League Management. Players will not be credited for any games they are not listed on the website homepage roster prior to game day.
    • Any other interpretations not covered by the PIT Dodgeball website are subject to the Head referee's judgment and the league administration.
    • Have a great season and enjoy the best game day dodgeball experience in Manitoba!



    FOR THE PLAYERS ...           ... BY THE PLAYERS

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