2017 YOUTH DODGEBALL RULES
The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing players by getting them “OUT”. Games will begin with all of the
balls placed along the division line. Each game will be played with 6 balls. Players must be positioned behind their
team's end-line before the start of the game.
Boundaries
1. All players are limited to the dodgeball court during the game. They may only leave the court under the
following two conditions.
a. A player gets “out”.
b. A player attempts to catch a deflected ball that is still live (not considered dead). A player may NOT
go out of bounds to avoid getting hit. Doing so will result in an OUT. Catching a ball out of bounds
does NOT count (the lone exception being if a player attempts to catch their deflected ball.
2. A player may step on the attack line, but stepping over the line will result in an OUT.
3. When a player is eliminated, they must stand in the penalty area marked by two orange cones on the sideline
of the court.
4. Court
End-line (Players must be behind line before start of game)
**Attack Line
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Penalty
Area
“OUT”
Players
Center Line
**Attack Line
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End-line (Players must be behind line before start of game)
** (Attack Line) May step on attack line, but stepping over line will result in an OUT.
The Rush
1. The Rush occurs at the beginning of each game or reset.
2. Upon the referees signal, both teams rush to center court and attempt to retrieve as many balls as possible.
3. 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.
4. There is no limit to how many balls an individual player may retrieve.
5. Before a ball is thrown at the opponent team, each ball collected during the “Rush” must touch the End-Line.
All players rushing, must return to the end-line before throwing a ball.
Outs
1. Hitting an opposing player with a live thrown ball below the shoulders. Any ball that touches the head in any
manner will be considered dead, and the player that is hit will be allowed to continue play and the thrower will
be considered OUT, expect when the below circumstances take place.
a. If a player intentionally blocks ball with his/her head, the player will be considered OUT.
b. If a player ducks and this clearly is the cause for the player being hit above the shoulders, the
player will be considered OUT.
2. Catching a ball thrown by your opponent before it touches the ground. The player that threw the ball is
considered OUT. Any ball that hits a wall, floor, another player, official or any other part of the surrounding
area is considered dead.
3. A player may return when one of their teammates catches a ball thrown by the opposing team. Players shall
return to the game by the player sitting out the longest. Upon returning, player must enter the court from the
End-line and touch the black line with his/her foot. Entry from any other side will result in an automatic
“OUT”.
4. A ball will become dead after it has legally made contact with an opponent and the original opponent who was
contacted did not secure a catch off a deflection. A player cannot catch a deflection off a teammate to “save”
them from elimination. Only the ordinal player the ball made contact with can catch the ball. Also, a player
cannot eliminate multiple opponents with one throw. Only the first player contacted will be OUT.
5. When hit, players are expected to leave the court to stand in the penalty area until the game is over or he/she is
called back into the game. If there is a question about whether or not a player have been hit, all referee
decision are final.
6. If the situation permits tagging an opponent without releasing the ball is allowed, resulting in an out.
7. Player shall be deemed "out" when a live ball hits any part of the player's body, clothing, or uniform
(excluding any head shots).
8. Once a player is hit with a live ball, that player is out regardless if a teammate catches the deflection (the
person that is hit may catch the ball that contacted them if it’s still in the air. (If this occurs the opposing
thrower would be out).
9. If a ball is thrown and hits more than one player, the first person that the ball hit is out. All other players hit by
the same ball are still in play.
10. A defending player catches a live ball they have thrown.
Stalling Violation
1. 1st violation: Stoppage of play and balls will be divided evenly between the teams. Play will continue on
referee’s signal.
2. 2nd violation: Free Throw- penalty in which on a player is allowed an obstructed throw at their opponents
without risk of elimination. This is possible because a caught free throw does not result in an out for the
thrower.
Attack Line Rule
1. A player may step on the attack, but stepping over the line will result in an OUT.
2. A player may reach for a ball on the opponent’s side if he/she DOES NOT step over the line.
Players
1. Max players on floor: 4 players
2. Once rosters have been distributed to coaches, players will not be allowed to switch rosters.
3. If a team is short players they may pick up other registered players from another team to fill up the roster and/or
up to two subs.
Player Substitution
1. Substitutions are made during the beginning of each game.
“Forfeit time” Rule
1. A team must have at least 3 players present at the scheduled match starting time, or the first game of the match
will be forfeited.
2. There will be a 10 minute grace period for all 3 or more players to arrive before the second, third, fourth, and fifth
games of the match will be forfeited.
Time Limit
1. Teams will play 5 games or 30 minutes, whichever occurs first. If time has expired, the team with the most
number of “survivors” will be declared the winner. If both teams have the same amount of “survivors”, then a
sudden death overtime will be played with the both team starting with 2 players, whichever team is last standing
wins.
2. There will be a one-minute break between each match. All games will count towards the final standings.
Referees
1. A referee will supervise all games. The referee’s decision is final! No exceptions!
2. Excessive arguing will cost that team another player. All players are expected to be honorable and on their best
behavior. Please call yourself out even if the referee did not see you!!!
Conduct
1. Profanity of any kind will result in immediate ejection. This applies to all players, coaching staff, and spectators.
2. Any unsportsmanlike behavior can and will result in penalties being placed upon the offending individual.
Penalties can include banishment from WRD activities. All behavioral penalty decisions will be decided upon and
enforced by the Director of Recreation and Recreation Coordinator.
Additional Information
1. Gym Supervisors are to be obeyed at all times. They will enforce the following rules:
o Spectators are not to be wandering the schools. Everyone needs to remain in the gymnasiums.
o No food or beverages are allowed in the gymnasiums
2. ** In the event of possible game cancellation due to weather, illness, etc. parents should call their child’s coach.
3. Coaches should check rec.wamego.org, or contact our cancellation line at 785-456-1666. We will update both of
these if delays or cancellations occur.
4. When calling the event cancellation line, you will hear a recorded message. If games are canceled, the message
will include the current date. If an old message is on the line, games are still on as scheduled.