What is ball safety in Dodgeball?

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Ball Safety

Use only approved foam or rubber-coated balls. Hard rubber, leather, or weighted balls are prohibited
Inspect balls before each game for damage, deflation, or excessive wear
Replace balls that have become too firm, cracked, or irregularly shaped

Physical Preparation

Players should warm up with dynamic stretching and light cardio before playing
Focus warm-up exercises on shoulders, legs, and core muscles used in throwing, dodging, and catching
Cool down with static stretching after play to reduce muscle soreness and injury risk

Court Safety

Ensure the playing surface is clean, dry, and free of debris or obstructions
Maintain adequate clearance around the court boundaries to prevent collisions with walls, bleachers, or equipment
In outdoor settings, check the surface for holes, rocks, or uneven terrain before play
Ensure adequate lighting for visibility, especially in indoor gymnasiums

Injury Prevention

Enforce the headshot rule strictly to protect players' faces and heads
Players should not dive headfirst on hard surfaces; sliding on knees is safer on gym floors
Encourage players to be aware of their surroundings to avoid collisions with teammates or walls
Remove all jewelry, watches, and loose accessories before playing
Players with glasses should consider wearing sports straps or protective eyewear

Age and Skill Adaptations

Young children (under 8): Use softer, lighter balls and smaller courts. Emphasize fun over competition. Consider allowing unlimited catches without elimination
Elementary school (8-12): Standard foam balls with slightly reduced court size. Focus on fair play and inclusion
Teens and adults: Standard rules and equipment. Competitive play with full enforcement of all rules
Adult supervision is recommended for all players under 13 years of age

First Aid

A basic first aid kit should be available at the playing venue
Common dodgeball injuries include jammed fingers, minor bruises, and ankle sprains
Any player who sustains a head injury, feels dizzy, or shows signs of concussion should be immediately removed from play and evaluated
Players should stay hydrated, especially during extended tournament play

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Ball Safety

Use only approved foam or rubber-coated balls. Hard rubber, leather, or weighted balls are prohibited

Inspect balls before each game for damage, deflation, or excessive wear

Replace balls that have become too firm, cracked, or irregularly shaped

Physical Preparation

Players should warm up with dynamic stretching and light cardio before playing

Focus warm-up exercises on shoulders, legs, and core muscles used in throwing, dodging, and catching

Cool down with static stretching after play to reduce muscle soreness and injury risk

Court Safety

Ensure the playing surface is clean, dry, and free of debris or obstructions

Maintain adequate clearance around the court boundaries to prevent collisions with walls, bleachers, or equipment

In outdoor settings, check the surface for holes, rocks, or uneven terrain before play

Ensure adequate lighting for visibility, especially in indoor gymnasiums

Injury Prevention

Enforce the headshot rule strictly to protect players' faces and heads

Players should not dive headfirst on hard surfaces; sliding on knees is safer on gym floors

Encourage players to be aware of their surroundings to avoid collisions with teammates or walls

Remove all jewelry, watches, and loose accessories before playing

Players with glasses should consider wearing sports straps or protective eyewear

Age and Skill Adaptations

Young children (under 8): Use softer, lighter balls and smaller courts. Emphasize fun over competition. Consider allowing unlimited catches without elimination

Elementary school (8-12): Standard foam balls with slightly reduced court size. Focus on fair play and inclusion

Teens and adults: Standard rules and equipment. Competitive play with full enforcement of all rules

Adult supervision is recommended for all players under 13 years of age

First Aid

A basic first aid kit should be available at the playing venue

Common dodgeball injuries include jammed fingers, minor bruises, and ankle sprains

Any player who sustains a head injury, feels dizzy, or shows signs of concussion should be immediately removed from play and evaluated

Players should stay hydrated, especially during extended tournament play

Ball Safety