Dodgeball

Dodgeball is a team sport in which players try to eliminate opponents by hitting them with thrown balls while avoiding being hit themselves.

Dodgeball is a team sport where players aim to eliminate opponents by hitting them with thrown balls while avoiding being hit themselves. It is widely played in schools and recreational leagues, with rules varying by organizer.

What it is

Dodgeball is a team sport in which players try to eliminate opponents by hitting them with thrown balls while avoiding being hit themselves. The game is commonly played in schools and recreational leagues, and rules vary by organisation and competition format. In many versions, a team wins by eliminating all opposing players or by having more players remaining when time expires.

Key details

The basic aim is to remove opposing players from play by hitting them with a thrown ball. Catching an opponent's thrown ball can eliminate the thrower in many rule sets. Many versions begin with an opening rush to collect balls placed at the centre of the court. Matches are commonly decided when one team is fully eliminated or when time expires with the most players remaining.

Why it matters

Dodgeball has long been a common school and recreational game and is also played in organised leagues. In Canada, it is commonly played in schools, recreation programmes, and community sports leagues, making it familiar to many Canadian readers even though rules may vary by organiser.