General Game Rules

Basic guidelines

A normal game of dodgeball usually involves two teams of 6 players per side. The number of players can vary, but it should usually be an even match.

Before the game starts, the balls are placed on the middle line of the court and players of both teams line up along their respective endlines. When "DODGEBALL" is called, the players rush out to grab the balls to bring them back to their side.

Some games require the balls to be brought back all the way to the endlines before they are thrown, while others have a designated "Attack line" about halfway back that the ball must be returned to. The image above shows the NDL court dimensions, which have the attack lines located 10 feet behind the center line.

From then on, it's game on. If a player is hit with a thrown ball in the air, they are called "out" and move out of the court to line up along the sidelines. If a player catches a thrown ball, the player who threw the ball is "out" and an "out" player on the receiving team comes back in.

The game ends when one team is eliminated.

There is no one way to play dodgeball. You should setup your ground rules before starting play. There will be plenty of "What if" scenarios during play, so try to cover all bases before these issues arise.

Blocking

Most rules state that a player can use a held ball to deflect a ball without being called out. However, if a player blocking drops his/her held ball, then they would be called "out". The deflected ball is considered a "dead ball" after this. If this is the case, a ball is blocked and caught by another teammate, it would not count as a catch and no one would be called "out" or allowed to return "in".

Headshots

Headshots are a controversial subject. Most rules dictate that headshots are illegal, resulting in the player hit being allowed to remain in. Some rules state that the thrower would be called "out" for the action. For "headshot illegal" games, the only time a headshot would be allowed is if the hit player purposely positions themselves to take the hit in the head.

Conversely, there are rulesets which allow headshots, such as those found in the movie Dodgeball itself. This is considered more dangerous, as the potential for injury and concussions is significantly higher. Please play at your own risk.

Time limits

For tournament and other play, match time limits can be implemented. These can range anywhere from 3 minutes to 7 minutes a match. The winner of the round is the team with the most players still in at the end of time. In the case of a tie, the tournament rules will dictate if the round ends in a tie or if there is sudden death.

A player who intentionally stalls the game can be given a warning of be called out depending on the nature of play. Stalling can include stockpiling all the balls on ones side of the court and refusing to throw the ball.

Other considerations

Examples of being called "out" without being hit
Crossing the centerline or sideline
Crossing the backline for any reason except retrieving a ball
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Hitting another player in the head
Stalling

(Work in progress)