Groningen's Dodgeball
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Code of Conduct

Play fair. Have fun. Respect everyone.

1

Everyone is welcome

  • All ages 6+, all backgrounds, all skill levels
  • No discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or ability
  • Beginners are encouraged — we all started somewhere
2

Respect everyone

  • Be fair and accept referee decisions without argument
  • No swearing, name-calling, or intimidation
  • Treat opponents, teammates, and staff with kindness
  • Shake hands or fist-bump after games
3

No violence — ever

  • Physical aggression = immediate removal
  • Threatening behavior = suspension or permanent ban
  • Verbal abuse toward anyone is not tolerated
4

Play with integrity

  • Got hit? Call yourself out honestly
  • Raise your hand clearly when you're out
  • Cheating ruins the game for everyone
  • If unsure, ask the referee — don't argue
5

Safety first

  • No intentional headshots (above shoulders)
  • No reckless or dangerous play
  • Report unsafe conditions immediately
  • Warm up properly before playing
  • Sit out if injured — don't risk making it worse
6

Be a good sport

  • Welcome and help new players
  • Encourage your teammates and opponents
  • Celebrate good plays — even from the other team
  • Win gracefully, lose gracefully
  • Have fun — that's why we're here!
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Game Rules

Based on official WDBF foam dodgeball rules

🏃

The Opening Rush

  • Start with one foot on your back line
  • On the whistle, run to grab balls from your right side of center
  • You may touch or cross the center line while retrieving balls
  • Ball must be "cleared" (both feet behind attack line) before you can throw

Getting OUT

  • Hit by a live ball (anywhere except head)
  • Your thrown ball is caught
  • You drop a ball while trying to block
  • You step out of bounds
  • You cross the center line (after opening rush)
  • You throw before clearing the attack line (throw doesn't count)

Staying SAFE

  • Block with a ball you're holding — you're safe
  • Ball hits your head — you're safe (thrower may get carded)
  • Deflected ball hits teammate — they're out, you're safe
  • Ball bounces off wall/floor/ceiling first — dead ball, you're safe
🤲

Catching

  • Catch a live ball = thrower is OUT + one teammate returns
  • You must be in control of the ball (can establish control in air)
  • Cannot use clothing/uniform to help catch
  • Catch a ball someone blocked into you = still counts!

Live vs Dead Ball

  • Live ball: hasn't touched floor, wall, ceiling, or been caught
  • Blocked ball stays live — can still hit or be caught
  • Dead ball: after hitting floor/wall/ceiling or being caught
  • Dead ball cannot get anyone out
⏱️

10 Second Rule

  • If your team has majority of balls (4+ of 6), you must throw
  • You have 10 seconds to release balls and lose majority
  • Stalling = you're out
  • Keeps the game fast and exciting
🙋

When You're Out

  • Raise your hand clearly above your head
  • Exit quickly to the sideline
  • Do not interfere with any balls or play
  • Interfering = yellow card
🟨

Cards

  • Yellow card = 5 minute suspension from play
  • Red card = out for the rest of the game + next 2 matches
  • Cards given for: headshots, dangerous play, unsportsmanlike conduct
  • Referee decisions are final

Quick Reference

You're OUT if:

  • • Hit by live ball
  • • Ball caught
  • • Drop block ball
  • • Out of bounds

You're SAFE if:

  • • Block with ball
  • • Dead ball hits you
  • • Ball hits head
  • • You catch it

Catch = Thrower OUT + Teammate returns

Questions about rules? gronsdodgeball@gmail.com