Standard balls: 6 foam or rubber balls per game (the most common setup); Size: Approximately 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter for standard play; smaller balls (5-6 inches) may be used for younger players; Material: Soft foam, rubber-coated foam, or cloth-covered foam. Hard rubber balls are discourage...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that dodgeball balls must be exactly 7 inches in diameter for all ages, which leads to arguments when they encounter smaller sizes used by younger players or casual games. The official rule allows for variations like smaller balls suitable for kids, but some stick rigidly to the exact 7-inch standard without realizing it's not an absolute requirement.