FAQs

Gameplay and Rules

1. Does it hurt to be hit with one of the balls?

VDL plays with safe rubber-skin foam balls that don’t hurt at all on impact (you didn’t think we’d resurrect the red rubber balls, did you?)

2. Am I too young/old to play dodgeball?

Although we require all of our players to be 19 and over, there is no upper limit. We have many players in their 30s and some over the age of 40!

3. If someone is hit on the head, are they out?

The headshot rule has been changed over the past two seasons in order to simplify gameplay. Players and refs alike found it difficult to determine what was considered a legal headshot (while ducking or jumping) and what was not. As the rule stands, any direct ball contact with the body is considered a hit. VDL has always placed a top priority on the safety of its players and discourages any player from throwing the ball at another player above the shoulders.

4. Can I be “saved” if I am hit and my teammate catches the ball?

No. The only way to stay in the game after a direct hit is to catch the ball yourself immediately after the hit (without the ball touching anything in between)

5. Can I cross the centre line during the opening rush?

Yes. After the opening rush, any touching of the centre line or of the opposing team’s court is considered an elimination

6. Why does VDL use peer referees instead of paid ones?

Unlike many other sports, VDL’s style of dodgeball is primarily based on spirit and the honour system. The referees are only present to help facilitate a smooth game and not make every single call. Having peer referees encourages all players share in the responsibility of keeping the game fair. The quality of refereeing may vary depending on the experience of the players. However, paid referees would undermine the spirit of the game by discouraging players from calling themselves out and placing that responsibility on the referees.

League Play

1. Does VDL have a recreational tier?

Every night is tiered. Tiering will match the various skill levels, making a recreational tier unnecessary.

2. Will my team play every other team once in the season?

Although we do our very best to have each team play as many different teams as possible, it is not possible to schedule games with every other team. The number of different teams played is limited by the number of teams, of weeks in the season, and the time allotment for each gym.

Ball Sales and Swag

1. Where can I purchase a VDL shirt?

VDL t-shirts cost $15.00 and are only sold during playoffs.

2. Where can I buy some Dodgeballs?

VDL sells new & used dodgeballs (subject to availability) to players who are interested. Contact supply@vdldodgeball.ca for inquiry.

VDL Organization

1. Are the executives and organizers paid?

VDL is a community driven organization completely run by volunteers. No one is paid.