1. Matches consist of a 5 games (sets) or a 20-minute time limit (average 4 minutes per game).
2. If time expires before a set ends, the team with the most players remaining wins that set. If there are remaining sets in the match that need to be played then each remaining set becomes sudden death (first out wins).
3. Teams will switch sides after each set.
4. A team may field up to 6 players (maximum 4 males). At least 4 registered players must be present for a game to count.
5. The objective is to eliminate all opposing players.

Beginning the Game

1. Six balls are placed on the centreline.
2. All players begin with one hand touching the back wall.
3. At the referee’s signal (“3, 2, 1, Dodgeball!”), players may rush for balls.
4. Each team may only grab the 3 balls to their right.
5. A ball must touch the back wall before it becomes “live.”
6. Any ball not activated within the opening 10-second count is forfeited to the other team.

Elimination

A player is eliminated if:

1. They are struck by a live ball thrown by an opponent.
2. Their throw is caught by an opponent (thrower out, one teammate of the catcher returns).
3. They violate boundaries (step on or over sidelines/end lines or cross the centreline illegally).
4. They block with a dead ball.
5. A ball they are blocking with is knocked out of their hand.
6. They drop a live ball as a result of contact with another thrown ball.
7. They deliberately delay gameplay (excessive resets, holding, or stalling).

A player is not eliminated if:

1. They are hit by a dead ball.
2. They catch a ball out of bounds.
3. They are hit by a ball after they’ve already been eliminated.

Catching & Returning to Play

1. A valid catch eliminates the thrower and returns one teammate in the order they were eliminated.
2. Returning players must line up beside the referee and may only rejoin once they touch the back wall.
3. If a returning player interferes with play before touching the wall, they are out.
4. If a catch is made while the next eligible teammate is not lined up correctly, no one returns.

Boundaries

1. Boundaries include sidelines, back walls, and the centreline.
2. Crossing or touching outside boundaries = out.
3. During the opening rush, players may cross the centreline to retrieve balls but must immediately return.
4. Out-of-bounds catches only count if full control is established before stepping out.
5. Players may reach for stray balls outside the boundary but may not step out or apply pressure.

Ball Possession & Dead Balls

1. A player may hold a ball for 10 seconds maximum. Referees will count down.
2. At “Deadball,” the ball must be rolled firmly to the opposing wall.
3. Dead balls cannot be used to block or hit opponents.
4. If one team controls all 6 balls and fails to use them, referees may begin a countdown on the closest ball.
5. Excessive resets (throwing balls off walls repeatedly to stall) = delay of game penalty.

Blocking

1. A ball may be used to block incoming throws.
2. If the ball hits the blocker’s body/hand during or after contact → blocker is out.
3. If the blocked ball knocks the blocking ball loose → blocker is out.
4. If the blocked ball is caught before hitting the ground → thrower is out.

Showdowns

1. If one player remains on each side, referees call a 10-second countdown into “Showdown.”
2. Players reset to the back walls. Each gets 2 balls; 1 ball is placed at each side of the centreline.
3. Showdown has no time counts and no centreline boundary (sidelines still apply).
4. Ends when one player is eliminated.
5. Headshots in Showdown: thrower is out, hit player is safe.

Headshot Rule

• A headshot (direct hit to the head while player is upright/ready) eliminates both thrower and target.

Escalating consequences for the thrower:

1. First = warning, eligible to return (via teammate catch).
2. Second = must sit 3 games or remainder of series.
3. Third = ejected for the night (may carry into playoffs).
   1. Last player on a team cannot be eliminated by a headshot.

Officials & Conduct

1. Dodgeball is played under an honour system, but referees make final calls.
2. Arguing, taunting, or disrespecting referees or opponents will result in penalties or ejection.
3. Referees may stop play to discuss a call.
4. All referee decisions are final.

Sportsmanship & Gameplay

• Quick substitutions and smooth transitions between games are expected.
• After each match, teams line up for a friendly “Good Game.”
• Players should avoid glasses/jewelry for safety.
• Damaging equipment may result in replacement charges.