BSSC DODGEBALL GAME RULES

 

 

2013 DODGEBALL TEAM RULES

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

 

BSSC is an organization that encourages members not to take winning or losing too seriously, and stresses that the social aspects of the league are really more important than a win or a loss. We expect all participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, on and off of the field. We strive to ensure that each member "shows that he or she has qualities of fairness, courtesy, and grace in winning and in losing."

PLAYER RESTRICTIONS

• All BSSC participants must be at least 22 years old before the season starts.
• Players who have participated in NCAA Division I sports must be five years removed from Division I participation to play in a similar BSSC sport (e.g., if a player played D I football in college you must wait five years to play BSSC football). This restriction does not apply to a sport in which you did not participate in D I (e.g., if you played Division I volleyball, you are more than welcome to play softball, football, etc., just not volleyball.)
• Players who have participated in professional sports are not allowed in the BSSC at anytime. This includes leagues that use "Professional" in their name. Ex. Professional Women's Tackle Football League.
• Teams will forfeit all games if either of the above GAME RULES is broken.

BSSC will have the right to request ID from any player throughout the regular and/or postseason.   Any player whose athletic ability exceeds league definitions may be removed from the league (e.g., a player with Social division ability playing in Extreme).  If the BSSC determines that more than one player on a team should be in a higher division , the BSSC has the option to forfeit all future games for that team. (No refund)

 

ILLEGAL PLAYER

 

The BSSC considers using an illegal player to be unsportsmanlike conduct.

Illegal Players are defined as:

•  A player(s) who is on the roster for one BSSC team, but plays in a game for another team in the regular or postseason.
•  A player(s) who is on the roster for two BSSC teams at the same time for the current season.
  (e.g., Player(s) may not play on Social Team A and Less Filling Team B at the same time.
•  A player who is not a member of any current BSSC team, but plays in a regular or postseason game. (e.g., Using a "fill-in" person to avoid forfeiting a regular or postseason game).
•  A player who has broken the age or division one (D I) requirements and has played in a regular or postseason game.          

 Illegal Player Penalties:

•  After the discovery of an illegal player, all wins will be removed from each team's standings and opponents' record will be reversed to reflect a win. Penalized teams may participate in their remaining regular season games though wins will not be recorded.
•  The coach(s) & illegal player(s) of each team will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
•  If an illegal player is used in a postseason game, that team will lose the game, and will be suspended for one year.

REGULAR SEASON PLAYER ID CHECK

• BSSC staff may request ID from any player throughout the regular season for random roster checks or the suspicion that a team is using an illegal player.

PLAYER PARTICIPATION

• Each BSSC player must sign their team waiver/roster before participating in their first game.
• If a team uses drop/add before the 3^rd week of the season, the new player must sign the waiver/roster before participating in the first game.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

See sport specific GAME RULES for information about the specific numbers of players needed for a particular sport including the male to female ratio.

ROSTER LIMIT

There is no maximum number of players allowed on your roster for any BSSC sport.

 

FIELD/GAME EQUIPMENT

 

BSSC will provide all necessary equipment for each court, field or diamond (cones, bases, nets, etc.). Baltimore City Recs and Parks is responsible for lining all fields based on rental agreement signed by the BSSC. Players must provide all their own equipment to play the game (gloves, bats, broomball pads, footballs, etc.) unless otherwise noted in the BSSC GAME RULES.

LIGHTNING DURING GAMES

 

The National Athletic Trainers' Association recommends a proactive approach to lightning safety.  Further components of this policy are monitoring local weather forecasts, designating a weather watcher, and establishing a chain of command. Additionally, a flash-to-bang count of 30 seconds or less should be used as a minimal determinant of when to suspend activities. Waiting 30 minutes or longer after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder is recommended before athletic or recreational activities are resumed. Lightning safety strategies include avoiding shelter under trees, avoiding open fields and spaces, and suspending the use of land-line telephones during thunderstorms. 

 

GAME FOOTWEAR

• In order to participate in the BSSC, members must wear appropriate athletic footwear while playing in their game.
• Dress shoes, sandals, flip flops, bare feet, socks, etc., are not considered appropriate footwear. Metal spikes of any kind are not allowed in the BSSC leagues. Wearing other types of footwear will be at discretion of the BSSC staff. (See sport specific GAME RULES)

GAME UNIFORMS

 

BSSC provides current season T-shirts for each member in the league. These T-shirts are your team's uniforms and must be worn to participate in a game.

• Player(s) without a current season T-shirt:
  • Player(s) will be sidelined for the game.
• Player(s) without current season team T-shirt that will cause team to forfeit:
  • Must show proper ID to prove they are on the roster.
  • All team members must sign BSSC roster check form.
• Players who swap shirts 
  • Both players:
    • Will be sidelined for the game.
    • Show proper ID to prove they are on the roster.
    • Sign BSSC roster check form.
• POST SEASON: All players must wear their current season T-shirt to participate, even though it may cause the team to forfeit the game. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 UNIFORM ALTERATIONS

• BSSC T-shirts must remain in the original color ordered.
• Alterations that are allowed:
  • Name of the player/team may be on the placed on the upper back of the shirt along the shoulders ONLY.
  •  American flag, team name patch, or player's number may be placed on the SLEEVE ONLY.
  •  Any addition must be minimal in size, not offensive in nature, or cover the BSSC or sponsors logo
• Alterations that are NOT allowed:
  • Altering a shirt's general color through dyeing or bleaching, cutting of the shirt to make it unrecognizable, adding a company name/logo/patch, website address, phone number, etc.

NOTE: Teams that break any of these rules must purchase new BSSC shirts @ $15 per shirt.  Teams will forfeit all games until the balance is paid on the purchase of new shirts.

 

TEAM REFEREEING DUTIES

• Certain sports are officiated by BSSC staff and/or outside organizations. Other sports will be refereed by BSSC teams participating in the sport. Reference the GAME RULES pages for clarification.
• If a forfeit for your game has been called, either at the field or in to the BSSC office, you are still responsible for any team refereeing duties. (See Specific GAME RULES page)

FORFEITS

• GAME TIME IS FORFEIT TIME. Teams must have the minimum number of players present at game time. (See specific GAME RULES page for minimum requirements). If a forfeit has been called at game time by the BSSC official, a forfeit fine will be assessed.

CALLED IN FORFEIT TO AVOID FINE:

• Teams can avoid a forfeit fine by e-mailing the BSSC prior to their regular or post season game (See GAME RULES for specific time frame).
  NOTE: The opposing team will not receive a forfeit voucher if the above criteria was followed.
• If a called in forfeit game is rained out, the game WILL BE made up at a later date.  This DOES NOT include games that a forfeit was called at game time.

FORFEIT FINE

• A $50 forfeit fine will be assessed if a team does not have the minimum number of players present at game time. The $50 fine will be given to the opposing team in voucher form at the end of the season to be used at one of the official bar sponsor(s).

PAYING FORFEIT FINES

• All fines must be paid before your next scheduled game by either cash or check. The BSSC will email the entire team to remind them about a fine owed from the previous week. Teams will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game until the fine(s) are paid. Teams that have any outstanding forfeit fines from the last regular season game will not be allowed back into the BSSC for any sport until these fines are paid in full.

PLAYING A FORFEITED GAME

• If the BSSC official declares a forfeit at game time, teams will have the option to play an officiated "fun game." Regardless of outcome of the "fun game," the forfeiting team will have a loss recorded and a forfeit fine assessed.

$50 REFUNDABLE FORFEIT FINE CREDIT

• The $50 forfeit fine credit will cover outstanding fines that occur on the last regular season game ONLY. It cannot be used to pay for fines that occur during weeks 1-7. If you have MAKE UP game(s) on your schedule, the voucher will be handed out at your LAST make up game.
• At each team's last regular season game, a "forfeit fine credit" voucher will be handed out if all fines are up to date.
• Bar vouchers are redeemable during last regular season games, make up games and during the postseason (even if your team did not make it into the postseason).
  Vouchers are on a "use or lose" basis, can only be used on the day this sport is being played, and can not be redeemed for cash.  Vouchers are for DINE IN ONLY.
• The bar vouchers will be divided between the bar sponsors based on the total number of teams in the league. Vouchers can only be redeemed at the sponsor bar logo listed on your team vouchers. This will ensure equal patronage between all the official BSSC bar sponsors (e.g., 99 teams, 3 bar sponsors, 33 teams will go to each of the three sponsor bars).

$50 FORFEIT FINE VOUCHERS

• At the final regular season game, ALL forfeit fine vouchers will be distributed to teams who were forfeited against during the regular season. Forfeit fine vouchers will be given in combination with team's "End of season forfeit fine credit" if all fines are up to date. BSSC will duplicate BSSC sponsor bars for both forfeit and end of season vouchers. 
• If a team is forfeited against in the postseason, no vouchers will be given.
• If your team is owed a forfeit fine from the last week of the regular season, they will be available for pick-up during post season play. BSSC staff will e-mail time/location for voucher pick up.

REGULAR SEASON POINTS AWARDED

•  Win - 2 points,   Tie - 1 point,    Loss - 0 points

DIVISION ADVANCEMENT POLICY (Based on the prior year's post/regular season results)

The number of postseason teams that will advance to the next higher division will be based on postseason results from the previous year. This format will help balance out the caliber of teams in all BSSC sports leagues. 

• All teams who won a postseason game must move up to the next higher division the following season.
• The BSSC will integrate advancing teams into the higher division by having them play against other advancing teams early in the season. This will help new teams acclimate into the higher division play format.
• Super-X teams that have 14 points or more (teams/standings) must move up to Less Filling.
• Teams with a regular season point total of 4 points or less, may choose to move down to the next lower division .
• Any BSSC team may choose to move up to a higher division . 

 

REGULAR/POSTSEASON SCHEDULE DEVIATIONS

• The objective of the BSSC is to have every team complete their regular season schedule. Sometimes in order to achieve this, the number of teams participating in the postseason will be affected. Occasionally, circumstances beyond the BSSC's control (inclement weather, field conditions, Recs. and Parks equipment malfunction, etc.) dictates modifications in the regular/postseason.
• Although every effort will be made to have each team play all of their regularly scheduled games, if circumstances dictate that all regular season games cannot be completed, each team will receive a "tie" (1 point) on their record. This rule follows the spirit of the BSSC, which strives for the largest percentage of member participation.
• Make-up/postseason games may not be scheduled on the same days as teams play in the regular season. (e.g., Softball plays Monday thru Thursday, make up/postseason games may be played on a weekend or another day. The make-up date(s) will be provided before the start of the season to allow players to make adjustments to their schedules.
• Neither refunds nor pro-rated refunds will be given if the season is shortened due to inclement weather or by actions taken by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.

 POSTSEASON GAMES

• The postseason will start after the completion of the regular season including any rescheduled games.
• Postseason participants will loosely be determined by a team's total points found under "teams and standings" on the BSSC website.
• The BSSC will strive to have the same percentage of postseason teams in each league.
• Team seeding will be set by the BSSC software program, which randomly chooses teams loosely based on regular season point totals.
  Example: 5 teams are 8-0; the software will randomly seed each one of those teams 1 through 5. Alternatively, if there are 32 teams in the postseason and 10 teams have the same record for the 32nd seed, the software will randomly select one of these teams for the 32nd seed.
• In the spirit of the BSSC, random seeding by our software eliminates the issue of teams needing to focus on beating another team by a certain amount of runs or points, strength of schedule, head to head competition, etc. The seeding schedule will be found on the "play-off" link; however, team numbers will not be filled in until after the last regular season games are completed.
• The BSSC will NOT reseed the postseason schedule after each round. The lower seed will assume the higher seeds postseason schedule. (e.g., Seed # 32 upsets seed # 1 in the first round. Seed # 32 becomes the # 1 seed and will follow the # 1 seed's postseason schedule.)
• Postseason games will not end in a tie. (See postseason tie breaker GAME RULES).

POST SEASON PLAYER ID CHECK

• All players must show a photo ID to a BSSC staff member prior to participating in a post season game. The ID check will occur BEFORE the start of the postseason game.

BEVERAGES

• The City of Baltimore prohibits both possession and/or consumption of any alcoholic beverage on city property. Players will be responsible for any citations given by the Baltimore City Police Department. 
• NO alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of the Baltimore City Recs/Park indoor or outdoor venues.
       If, at their own risk, BSSC members/fans transport beverages to the field, they must abide by the following:
            * BSSC Members found with opened or unopened packaging that is not in a cooler or opaque container will cause their entire team to lose their drinking privileges for the day. All beverages must be removed from the venue. 
            * Beverages must stay in a cooler until ready to be consumed and need to be in opaque cups or koozies only. 
            * Staff will also revoke drinking privileges if any glass containers are found on the field. 
  If any of the above are not adhered to in a timely manner, the team will forfeit their game on that day.

 

RESTRICTED ITEMS FROM BSSC VENUES

BSSC reserves the right to forfeit games if any of the below criteria are not met

The following are restricted from BSSC venues (inside or outside), including any field/court at any time during the day while BSSC activities are taking place:

* Tents * Tables * Grills * Picnic Items * Loud Music * Amplified Speakers *Live Music * Generators *Blenders *Lawn Games *

My item is not on the list, how can I find out if it's restricted ?  Contact the BSSC (mikec@baltssc.com) for consideration 48 hours before game time *

AFTER GAME TIME LIMITS

• OUTDOOR VENUE: After teams complete their games, they may stay in the park for 30 minutes after their game has been completed. This will help limit the amount of community complaints filed to the BSSC/Police about players loitering in the parks. Teams will receive one warning from staff, and will receive a loss for current and proceeding week if time limit warnings are ignored. This includes teams attempting to circumvent this rule by leaving their field and moving to another area of the park.
• INDOOR VENUE: Teams must leave indoor venue in a timely manner following the completion of their game. 

DOGS AT THE GAMES

 

BSSC promotes a "family friendly environment" which includes bringing your pets to the game. However, if you choose to bring your pet/dog to the field they must be:

• Leashed at all times. This includes before/after the game and as you walk to your field from the street/parking lot. (Prevents interference for games in progress.)
• When the pet owner is participating in a BSSC game, the leashed pet/dog must be held and attended to by an adult (over the age of 18). It is not sufficient to tie the leash to a fence and leave the animal while you play your game. For the safety of all BSSC members/staff/guests, pets must be supervised and controlled by an adult at all times.

Dogs/pets and owners who can abide by the above guidelines are welcome at BSSC outdoor games. Dogs/pets that cannot be controlled by owner/adult or show aggression toward other animals or players must be removed from the field by their owners. Members who do not comply with this request may cause their team to forfeit.

NOTE: Dogs are not permitted inside UTZ field at Patterson Park.  

 

INJURY

 

In the event of a game related OR pre-existing injury, the player will be removed from the activity and his/her condition assessed by either a BSSC staff member or MedStar certified athletic trainer before resuming participation. If the injury or condition is determined to be of significant seriousness making their return to the game/activity unsafe for themselves and/or others, then he/she shall be withheld from further participation pending greater medical intervention.

NOTE: Any player with a pre-existing injury (i.e. fracture/broken bone, torn muscle/tendon) requiring a cast, brace or other protective splint device will be ineligible to participate until cleared in writing by a physician. Furthermore, if cleared to resume play with a cast, brace or splint device, then such device must be sufficiently padded as to protect others for harm/injury. Finally, if witnessed or determined that the device is being used intentionally as a weapon to cause harm to others, then the player will be removed immediately from the game/event until it is determined he/she can safely return to play.

 

GAME CLOCK FOR INJURIES

• In the spirit of the BSSC, the number one concern is the care of an injured BSSC player and not the game itself. A player will only be moved off of the field/court and play resumed once the player is stable enough to be removed from the field.

• OUTDOOR VENUE: The game clock will stop for the injury and will resume once the player is stable enough to be removed from the field. If the care of the injured player on the field extends past the allotted game time, the score will be recorded from the time the clocked stopped for the injury. Time that was used to adequately take care of the injury will not be added to compensate for the loss of game time. Example: Injury occurs at 11:45 am (game tied) and the player is adequately taken care by 12:00 pm, fifteen minutes will not be added to the game clock. The game was tied at 11:45 am when the injury occurred and it will be recorded as a tie.

• INDOOR VENUE: If there is more than one game being played using the same game clock, the clock will NOT stop for the injury. The game will resume once the player is stable enough to be removed from the court, using the score at the time of the injury.   If the care of the injured player extends past the allotted game time, the score will be recorded from the time of injury. Time that was used to adequately take care of the injury, will not be added to compensate for the loss of game time.   Example:  Injury occurs when a team is ahead 4 to 5 in a match, with 20 minutes left on the clock. The player is adequately taken care of with five minutes left on the game clock. The fifteen minutes lost will not be added.         

PREGNANCY RULE

 

For the safety of both mother and baby, pregnant women are not permitted to play in any BSSC sport. Even though the BSSC is a non contact league, accidents do occur. This does not prohibit a pregnant woman from managing a team. If this rule is ignored and a pregnant player is caught playing, that player will be suspended from play for the season and no refunds will be given. 

BLOOD RULE  

 

If an injury results in a bleeding/non-bleeding open wound, the player must immediately be removed from the playing area to receive medical attention. They may re-enter the game ONLY after the wound is bandaged and bleeding has stopped.

KEEPING OUR PARKS "GREEN" (Outdoor Sporting Events)

 

Teams are responsible for removal of trash before leaving the fields. BSSC and its members have the responsibility to leave all Recs and Parks venues in clean, trash-free condition. A local homeless shelter, BEANS & BREAD, recycles aluminum cans from our fields to exchange for food for their facility. Please use the recycling frame with the BLUE top for cans (to recycle) and the frame that is topless will be used for general trash to discard.

 

 

 BSSC DODGEBALL GAME RULES

SEC 1 - PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

A. The maximum numbers of players on the field is 10 (6 men, 4 women);
 minimum number of players is 6 (4 men, 2 women).

B. There are no limits to the number of females allowed on the field at one time. However, there cannot be more than 6 men on the field under any circumstance.

C. Players may enter the game at any time if they are running late. Substitutions can only be made after the completion of a game, or in the case of injury. Teams may not substitute a male for a female.

 
SEC 2 - FORFEIT NOTICE
A. In order to avoid a forfeit fine, the coach/representative must contact the BSSC by NOON on the day before your game. This deadline will allow the BSSC to contact the opposing coach and players.
B. Once a forfeit has been called into the BSSC office, the opposing team is notified and the game results are recorded. If a called in forfeit game is rained out, the game WILL BE made up at a later date.  This DOES NOT include games that a forfeit was called at game time.

SEC 3 - FIELD

A. The field will be divided by a center line, attack line (10 ft from centerline), end line and sidelines.   All players must remain within the field boundaries until they are out.

B. 10' beyond the boundary sidelines a coned "neutral zone" will be established.  ALL substitutes or players that have been called out MUST stay behind the cones.  Exception: Retrieving errant balls to be rolled back into the game.  

C. After the opening team rush, all players MUST stay in front of the end line.  The end line is ONLY for players to safely leave the playing field (player out signal) or to retrieve errant balls.

SEC 4- BALLS OUT OF BOUNDS
A. Both teams substitute players must be evenly distributed between each sideline to help retrieve errant dodgeballs that go out of bound.

B. A stray ball out of bounds must be rolled (not thrown) into the game by a sidelined player(s) standing behind the "neutral zone" cones.

C. As soon as a ball is retrieved, it must be rolled back into the game.

 

SEC 5 - BEGINNING THE GAME
A. Prior to beginning a game, an equal number of dodgeballs are placed along the center line on each side of the center hash mark.

B. A standard game consists of 8 balls, 4 on each side of the hash mark.
C. Players then take a position along the back wall and wait for the official's whistle to begin play.
D. Following the whistle by the official, players approach the center line to retrieve the balls located on the center line.

E. Teams may ONLY retrieve balls placed to the RIGHT (as they face the center line). If balls remain on the center line after a team has retrieved /moved their balls beyond the attack line, those balls may be retrieved by either team.

SEC 6 - OPENING TEAM RUSH

A. Each/every ball retrieved at the opening rush must first be taken beyond the attack line and into the team's backfield before it may be legally thrown at opponent. Once the ball is cleared behind the attack line (opening team rush ONLY) it may be thrown from anywhere on the field up to the center line.

B. The ball can be thrown to a teammate that is behind the 10' attack line by the rushing player at the center hash mark.  If this is done, the receiving teammate may NOT throw at the other teams attacking players until they have cleared the attack line.

 

SEC 7 - FALSE START
A. Will be called if players cross their end line prior to the official's signal to start the game.  Result: Play will be stopped and one ball from offending team's side will be moved to Opponent's side of hash mark. Repeat for each infraction.

 

SEC 8 - GENDER SAFETY ZONE
A. The gender safety zone will be located between the attack line and the center line.
B. The gender safety zone allows FEMALE ONLY player(s) NOT to be hit under the following situations:

1. Retrieving an errant ball or retrieving an errant ball, then throwing it while in the gender safety zone. a. Females may not toss the ball back to another teammate while in the safety zone.  (See out).
2. Retrieving/throwing multiple balls in the safety zone.

3. Bringing a hand held ball into the gender safety zone and throwing it.

C. FEMALE player(s) must quickly enter and exit the gender safety zone after throwing a ball(s) or retrieving an errant ball(s), etc.

1. Once the female player has crossed the attack line, they are eligible to be hit.

D.  Any female player lingering inside the gender safety zone will be called out.

E.  Any player (male or female) that hits a female player while she is inside the gender safety zone will be called out.

 

SEC 9 -NO "GENDER SAFETY ZONE" PROTECTION FOR MALE PLAYER(S)
A. MALE player(s) do NOT have to clear the ball while approaching the center line to throw at the opponent. Exception: Opening team rush.

B.  Male player(s) can be hit at anytime, anywhere on the court during the game.

 

SEC 10 - DODGEBALL HONOR SYSTEM
A. When a player(s) is legally hit by the ball, they MUST take themselves out of the game immediately. The BSSC will hold each player personally responsible for upholding the honor system while playing Dodgeball.
B. The BSSC expects every player to abide by this sportsmanlike rule or they will be removed from the league.

 

SEC 11 - PLAYERS "OUT" 
(The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing players by getting them OUT.)
A. Player(s) will be removed from the current game when:

1. Player(s) not abiding by the "honor system."

2. A thrown ball that is caught in-bounds, the opposing player is out.

3. Hit (below the shoulders) by a LIVE thrown ball by an opposing player.

4. Players dropping a" ball in hand", as a result of contact with a thrown ball.

5. Hitting above the shoulders including a ball thrown with intent to harm or out of frustration.

6. Hitting an opposing player while they are using the "player out" signal.

7. Any part of a player's body that contacts the playing surface on or over field boundary lines.

8. Leaving the playing field boundary to retrieve an errant ball, avoid being hit, or attempt to catch a ball.

9. Going into the back court for reasons other than retrieving an errant ball.

10. Hitting a female player while in the gender safety zone.

11. Female player lingering in the gender safety zone.

12. Females tossing ball back to another teammate while in the gender safety zone

13. Does not follow the 5 player remaining on the court condensing rule.

14. Not releasing the ball within 5 second rule.

15. Arguing with BSSC staff, opposing players, abusive language, etc. while on the court.

16. Unnecessary hard throws, especially a man throwing at a woman.

17. Compressing the ball excessively to make it smaller.

18. Any player who is in possession of more than 2 dodgeballs at one time.

 

SEC 12 - PLAYER(S) WHO ARE "OUT"
A. Every player who is out (see Section 11) will raise their hand over their head as they are exiting the playing field. This will be considered the "PLAYERS OUT" signal.  Once a player has given this signal, they may NOT be hit by the opposing team.

C. Once a player is OUT, they must immediately drop any balls in hand and exit the playing field using the end line or the nearest sideline.

D. If an OUT player intentionally contacts a live ball before exiting the playing field, he/she will sit out the next game.

SEC 13 - THROWING THE DODGEBALL

A. Player(s) may NOT compress the Dodgeball with their hands/body to deliberately make the ball a smaller size (see Section 11). 

 

SEC 14 - "BALL IN HAND"

A. No player may have in their possession more than ONE Dodgeball at a time.  If a thrown ball is caught, (while in possession of another ball) the original "ball in hand" must be dropped.  The caught ball will now become the new "ball in hand", with the 5 second count to begin with the catch.  

SEC 15 - 5 PLAYERS REMAINING ON COURT
A. Once there are 5 players or less (either team), sidelines will be reduced to form a "new" condensed court.

 

SEC 16 - LIVE BALL
A. A thrown ball by an opposing player will remain live until it makes contact with the opposing player, the ground, back wall/net, "ball in hand", official or any other object.

B. A player may block a "live" thrown ball with their "ball in hand", provided the "ball in hand", is not dropped as a result of the contact with the thrown ball.
C. A thrown live ball can only cause one player to be called out.

a. A live ball deflecting off player "A" may only be caught by player "A."  If another teammate catches the deflected ball, player "A" is out.

D. All balls in flight when the game ending buzzer sounds, remain live, and may eliminate an opponent.

 

SEC 17 - DEAD BALL
A. A live thrown ball by an opposing player becomes "dead" when it makes contact with an opposing player, the ground, back wall/net, "ball in hand", official or any other object.

1. Once a live thrown ball has contacted a player's "ball in hand", it will be considered dead.
 Ex.  Thrown ball deflects off of "ball in hand", then hits player / teammate.  In this situation, player/ teammate is not considered to be out.
2. If a ball is in flight and the player throwing the ball is hit, their ball becomes dead in the air.

 

SEC 18 - STALLING AND 5 SECOND VIOLATION
A. The following procedure will be used to prevent "stalling":
B. After a catch/retrieval of ball, players must release their ball within 5 seconds. This includes any ball within a 5 foot circle of the player's body. Players are not allowed to drop the "ball in hand" to reset the 5 second clock.
C. If the leading team controls all the balls--i.e.., all balls are located on their side of the center line--they must make a legitimate effort to get at least one ball across the attack line and into the opponent's backfield. A team may avoid a 5-second violation by throwing or rolling a ball into the opponent's backfield.

SEC 19 - OFFICIALS
A. The BSSC will provide an official at each field. The BSSC staff's responsibility will be to rule on any situation in which teams cannot agree.

B. They will NOT call players out for getting hit until a team is down to 5 players.  The staff will inform player(s) of their ejection for the next game if they did not go out after being hit.

1. If it is deemed necessary to remove a player (stepped over center line, retrieved a ball out of bounds, hit a player in the gender zone, found beyond the end line, etc) staff may do this at any time during the game.

C. THE BSSC STAFF'S DECISION IS FINAL.

SEC 20 - OFFICIAL "PLAYER REMOVAL" TIME OUT
A. When the court is condensed, BSSC staff will remove any player(s) who has not abided by the "honor system", by walking off of the court when out. ( See ejections )

B.  After the court has been condensed, BSSC officials have the option to call time out to remove player(s) who has not abided by the "honor system", by walking off of the court when out. ( See Penalties )

 

SEC 21 - GAMES/MATCH

A. A 5-minute limit has been established for each regulation Dodgeball game and 50 minutes for the match.

B. The first team to legally eliminate all opposing players will be declared the winner of that game. If neither team has been eliminated at the end of regulation, the team with the greater number of remaining players will be declared the winner. If an equal number of players remain after regulation play, the game will be called a tie.

SEC 22 - GAMES/MATCH SCORING
A. TWO points will be awarded to the regulation game winner.

B. ONE point will be awarded to each team if the regulation game ends in a tie.

C. When the 50 minute time limit has expired, the team with the most game points will be declared the match winner.

 

SEC 23 - OVERTIME (POSTSEASON ONLY)
A. The overtime period of any postseason game will begin with 3 players from each team (2 Males/1 Female).

B. To begin all overtime periods, players must first take a position with at least one foot "in contact" with their attack line. NOTE: Following the BSSC staff signal, players may move from the attack line and take a position anywhere on their side of the field.
C. All overtime periods begin with each team having three (3) "balls in hand."

D. The first team to eliminate any ONE opposing player will be declared the winner.

E. The sudden death format continues through all extra periods.

 

SEC. 24 - FORFEIT EXTENSION TIME

A. If a team does not possess the needed amount of players to start; the opposing team will receive a win for the first game of the match.  Teams will combine players so the first game may be started on time.
B. If the team does not possess enough players by the beginning of the second game (Full 5 minutes for game one); a forfeit fine will be assessed.  Teams may continue to finish out the games but the opposing team will still receive the match win.

  

BSSC DODGEBALL PENALTIES

 

PLAYER(S) GAME EJECTION ( Removal From Current Game )
The ejected player(s) will be removed from the current game.

• Hitting an opposing player while they are using the "player out" signal.
• Hitting an opposing female player while they are in the gender zone.

PLAYER(S) GAME EJECTION ( Removal From Current / Following Game)
The original ejected player(s) will be removed from the current game and sit out the next game. Teams will play short for every player removed for these penalties.

• Not giving the "player out" signal while completely leaving the field boundaries.
• Hitting above the shoulders ( Judgment by BSSC official )
• Arguing with BSSC staff, opposing players, abusive language, etc. while on the court.
• Unnecessary hard throws (Judgment by BSSC official), especially a man throwing at a woman.
• Multiple warning for player(s) not staying behind the cones in the "neutral zone".   

PLAYER(S) GAME EJECTION  W/ ADDITIONAL ( Removal From Current /Following Games)
The original ejected player(s) will be removed from the current game and sit out the next 2 games. Because of the severity of the infractions, 2 additional MALE starters (chosen by BSSC staff) will share the ejection with the penalized player(s).

• Not abiding by the "honor system" when out.
• Player(s) actions deemed unsportsmanlike by BSSC staff (reckless play, any deceitful play to circumvent/undermine the above rules or the spirit of the BSSC).

MATCH EJECTION
Player(s) shall be removed from current match for unsportsmanlike conduct.

1. Players shall be removed from current match play.

2. Teams will play a person(s) short for the remaining of the match.

3. Player(s) are eligible to play in the following weeks match.

 

MATCH SUSPENSION
Player(s) shall be removed from current match for unsportsmanlike conduct.

1. Players shall be removed from current match play.

2. Teams will play a person(s) short for the remaining of the match.

3. Player must leave the field or the match will be called and a forfeit noted for the team for whom the player is a member.

4. The suspended player will NOT be eligible to play in the next scheduled match. If the next scheduled match is a forfeit, then the suspension will extend to the following weeks match.

a. If that player is caught playing the next scheduled match, the team have a forfeit recorded and a forfeit fine assessed.

b. In addition, the coach of the team will sit out the next scheduled match.

NOTE: If the removal of this unsportsmanlike player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).

 

POST SEASON SUSPENSION
1. Any player suspended in the post season will NOT be eligible to participate in future post season game(s) that his/her team may play.

 

 

Copyright 2013 BSSC, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for the use outside of the BSSC without the written consent of Mike Cray, owner of the BSSC.

 

 

 

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