Dodgeball Rules

​​​​​​​Game Setup

 

• Teams: Each team has 6 active players on the court.

• Roster Limits: Up to 12 players per team, including substitutes.

• Ball Count: 6 identical balls used per game.
   

Court Layout:

 

• Divided by a center line

• Optional neutral zone depending on league format

 

Gameplay Rules:

Opening Rush

• Players rush for balls placed near the center line.

• Each team may retrieve balls from their designated side and the center ball.

• No sliding, diving, or crossing the center line during the rush.

 

Ball Activation

• A ball becomes live once it fully crosses into the opponent’s side of the court.

• Throwing an inactive ball results in the thrower being called out.

 

Throwing

• Players may throw the ball at any time once it is live.

• Throws must be aimed at eliminating opponents.

 

Eliminations

 

A player is out if:

• Hit by a live ball

• Their thrown ball is caught by an opponent

• They step out of bounds or cross the center line

• They throw an inactive ball

 

Catching

 

• A clean catch of a live ball eliminates the thrower.

• A catch also revives one teammate, who must re-enter in the correct order.

• Ricocheted catches are allowed if the ball is caught before hitting the ground or

• wall.

 

Blocking

 

• Players may block with a ball in hand.

• If the blocking ball is knocked out of the player’s hand, the blocker is out.

 

Re-entry Rules

 

• When a teammate is revived by a catch, they must re-enter the court in the same

• order they were eliminated.

• The first player eliminated is the first eligible to return.

• Players must wait in a designated outbox or sideline area and may only re-

• enter when signaled by a referee or team captain.

• Out-of-order re-entry is considered interference and may result in a penalty or

• disqualification.

 

Penalties and Infractions

 

Lateness

• Teams arriving late may forfeit points (1 point per minute, up to 5 points).

 

False Starts

• A false start during the opening rush results in a warning.

• A second false start may result in the team starting with one player out or

• forfeiting ball possession.

 

Ball Retrievers

 

• Each team may designate up to 3 retrievers.

• Retrievers may not interfere with play or cross the center line.