Terminology

Live ball

Live ball is a dodgeball that has been thrown from the opposing team that has not touched a wall, floor, ceiling or another player. If you are hit with a live ball, you are ‘OUT’.

Dead ball

Dead ball is a dodgeball that has touched the floor, wall or ceiling. It is also dead after it hits a player.

IN Player

IN player is someone who is active on the court and has not been eliminated.

OUT Player

OUT player is a player who has either been

1. Struck by a live dodgeball thrown by an opposing player
2. Have their ‘live dodgeball’ caught by an opposing player
3. Stepped out of bounds
4. Unintentionally dropped the dodgeball when attempting to block an opponent’s dodgeball
5. Attempted to block by an attacking dodgeball but hit by the deflected dodgeball
6. Attempted to block by an attacking dodgeball but hit by the dodgeball on the finger and/or hands

‘Out’ players must line up along the sidelines on the outer wall in the order they are ‘out’.

Boundaries

The court is made up of the centre line which divides the two opposing teams and the sidelines which are the furthest marked lines on the left and right. There are no back lines. Playes are not allowed to step on the line or over the line or touch any of the the side walls. This rule is also for any part of your body. Players are only allowed to step over the centre lines on the opening rush.

Ten second rule

Players can only hold the dodgeball for 10 seconds and this is enforced by the referees. The purpose of the 10 second rule is to reduce game delay and maintain the pace of the game at a reasonable level.  Secondly, it reduces situations of unfair strategies where one team hoards all the dodgeballs.

If a player holds more than one dodgeball , the ‘ten second countdown’ is reset for each ball. Violation of this results in a dead ball and it must be rolled with sufficient velocity to reach the opponents wall.  Surrendered balls are rolled and not thrown to the opposing team.

Some key notes regarding the 10 second rule:

1. During countdown, even if a ball has been (un)intentionally dropped or passed to a teammate countdown still continues.

2.  If a player throws a dead ball after the 10 second violation and the ball is caught by an opposing player, the thrower is still ’out’

3.  If a surrendered ball is thrown and caught by the opponent, the thrower is ‘out’.  Surrendered balls should always be rolled

4.  After the 10 second countdown, the ball is dead and the player is ‘out’ if he/she uses a dead ball to block an offensive ball

5.  For consistency, a ref must count the 10 second countdown at the same pace a clock and start from 10

6.  The 10 second countdown starts as soon as someone touches the dodgeball

Ball Interference

‘Out’ players or bystanders are not allowed to interfere with ball(s) in play by re-directing either ‘live’ or ‘dead’ balls to their teams.  Balls interference results in surrendering the ball to the opposing team.

Game Interference

When a player is ‘out’, he/she must not interfere with the current gameplay.  An ‘out’ player must promptly drop their ball(s), raise their hand and line up on the sidelines in the proper order.  If possible, an ‘out’ player shall exit the court from the back to avoid game interference.  An ‘out’ player must not intentionally block the opponents’ live balls or pass any balls to their teammates. In a situation where a team is in violation of this rule, a ref reserves the right to bring in an ‘out’ player into play on the opposing team.

Honour System

Dodgeball is based on the honour system.  It is severely frowned upon to cheat in dodgeball.   Cheaters only cheat themselves and their teammates.  It is bad karma to cheat, plain and simple.

Game Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship and the honour system is of crucial importance!  Remember to always demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect both on and off the courts. That means following the code of conduct and respecting the ref, your opponents and most importantly, yourself!.  Be a good sport and call yourself out if you’ve been hit.  Please do not swear or abuse the balls.