The official ruleset for USA Dodgeball has been updated for the 2025 season! These changes aim to enhance gameplay, improve fairness, and ensure the sport continues to evolve at the highest level. Updates were made based on player feedback, competitive analysis, and a commitment to safety and inclusivity, as well as to further align with the World Dodgeball Federation. Be sure to review the new rules before hitting the court—stay informed, stay competitive, and get ready for an exciting season!
Here are the changes you need to be aware of:
Burden Rules
● No-Sting now has identical burden rules to foam
● Games use 6 balls of identical color
● Burden determined by: majority of balls > majority of players > team who didn't have burden last
Cloth: Only the burdened team can relinquish burden through valid throws
Attire Restrictions
● No sweatshirts or hoodies allowed during gameplay
Roster Limits
● Open & Women's divisions: 9 players maximum
● Mixed divisions: 10 players maximum
Mixed Division Requirements
● Minimum 2 players of each gender required or forfeit
● Can play with 5 total if only 2 of one gender available
● Cannot play with 4 players of one gender
Lateness Penalty
● 1 point awarded to opponent for every full minute late (max 5 points)
No-Block Games
● When foam/no-sting games enter no-block: balls reset to 3 on each side
Ball Activation
● Ball becomes active when it fully crosses the attack line (no contact points needed)
● Throwing inactive balls results in thrower being out, ball stays inactive
Opening Rush (Cloth Games)
● Teams rush for designated balls on the LEFT
● Both teams can rush for center ball
● No sliding, diving, or crossing center line for center ball
● No physical contact allowed during center ball retrieval
Valid Throws
● Can throw at ricocheted live balls to prevent opponent catches
Invalid throws: balls not within 3 feet of a player when released
● First invalid throw = team warning; subsequent = thrower out
Catching Updates
● No longer need two points of contact to demonstrate catch control
● Ricocheted catches: teammates can catch for hit players (foam/no-sting)
● Cloth exception: hit players must catch ricochets themselves to be safe
Hitting Rules
● Standard: hit by live ball = out when ball becomes dead
● Cloth: also out if live ball hits you then touches another live player
Entry Rules
● One catch brings in one teammate in proper exit order
● Out-of-order entry: player goes to back of queue, no one enters
● First player entering in error = interference
Ball Retrievers
● Maximum 3 designated retrievers per team
● Must be declared before match starts
● Can use inactive players or out players (if no inactive available)
● First out player must stay in queue if other retrievers available
● Cannot reach over centerline
● Fighting for balls with active players = forfeit ball + possible yellow card
● Cloth:
● Retrieved balls must be returned between attack line and back line
● Exiting players with balls must drop them where standing (no passing)
Overtime Rules
● New overtime procedures for bracket play (see full rules section)
Injury Substitutions
● Inactive player can substitute for injured player
● First queued player enters immediately
● Replaced player cannot return until next match
False Start Penalties
● Foam/No-Sting: Second false start = team starts with one player out
● Cloth: False start = opposing team gets all balls (immediately active)
Official Rulebook of USA Dodgeball is reviewed regularly. Check back often to ensure you have the latest version!
