Player Guide

Who's ready for a spooky and spectacular time? We're beyond grateful to our amazing dodgeball community for joining us for our annual Halloween tournament here in the Twin Cities! Dodgeball is always fun, but playing it in costume takes it to a whole new level. It's all about having a blast, embracing the fact that we're playing dodgeball as adults, and doing our best.

As this tournament grows, we hope it becomes a reminder that dodgeball is more than just a game. It's about socializing, building connections, and creating community.

Oak Grove Middle School
1300 W 106th St, Bloomington, MN 55431

No food or beverages (other than water) are allowed in the gymnasiums.

Parking: Please lock your vehicle. Minnesota Dodgeball is not responsible for any lost or stolen items or damage to vehicles.

Getting there: use the Directions button on the Day Schedule tab, or search 1300 W 106th St, Bloomington, MN 55431 in Google Maps or Apple Maps.

• Rules: Minnesota Dodgeball Rec Rules, using USA Dodgeball rules with modifications.
• Match duration: 15 minutes + 3 minute transition.
• Ball type: Foam
• Number of balls: 6, all the same color.

Standings and seeding are based on:

1. Total number of matches won
2. Total match ties
3. Total match points
4. Points differential
5. Head to head
6. Coin toss

• The bracket is double elimination. Each match lasts 15 minutes, followed by a 3-minute no-blocking period.
• If players remain on both sides after the no-blocking clock runs out, no points are awarded.
• If the match is tied at the end of the no-blocking period, players play an additional round of regular play for up to 3 minutes. If the game is still tied, it continues into no blocking until a winner is decided.
• Every team has officiating assignments during the knockout rounds. Please stay in the gym until you are cleared to leave. Your team will usually ref one more match after being eliminated.

We play the Minnesota Dodgeball ruleset. The full rulebook has everything; these are the ones to know.

Headshots: we strongly discourage headshots and will warn or penalize players who throw high.

• Receiving player on three points of contact: the receiver is out.
• Headshots while moving: if the receiver is ducking, squatting or jumping, both players are safe.

Hard lines: lines are "lava." Touching any part of a line is an out.

Burden: decided by the number of balls, then the number of players on court, then whoever did not throw last.

Holding onto balls: teams may hold balls strategically, and held balls count toward the team's burden. The burden count starts once burden is established. If burden cannot be determined, the count does not start.

Outline & line jumping: players line up in the order they are out. A designated outbox is usually set up, but teams are responsible for having the correct players in the lineup. Unlike USA Dodgeball, where a wrong player jumping in is a forfeit, Minnesota Dodgeball lets the mistake be fixed: the correct player can enter within a reasonable amount of time.

Blue cards are the first carded penalty, a formal warning before a yellow or red card. They give referees a way to restore peace after a minor infraction or unnecessary disruption without escalating. Examples:

• A non-captain arguing with a referee or the opposing team
• A captain arguing aggressively or excessively with a ref or opponent
• Dodgeball pinching during play
• Mean-spirited taunting
• Wearing apparel or equipment that is not permitted after a warning

Yellow cards: players may not taunt or point at opponents, referees or ball retrievers, and non-captains may not speak to referees. A yellow card means the player is out immediately and sits out the next game. A yellow card issued between games means the player sits out the next game and the team plays one short. Examples:

• Kicking or spiking balls
• Cheating
• Throwing at an opposing player after being eliminated
• Excessive foul language
• Being combative
• Distracting players on the court

Red cards are for abusive or unsporting language or behavior that undermines the game. A red card removes the player from the current match and the next, and in severe cases from the tournament. Examples:

• Aggressive crossing of boundaries or attempting to fight
• Discriminatory comments based on sex, gender, sexual identity, race, religion, creed, ethnicity or age
• Intentionally inflicting pain, or throwing excessively hard at another player's face from close distance

Northstar Tavern
5101 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55437 · 7:00 – 10:00 PM

After the last match, join us at Northstar Tavern. Tournament players are invited for a celebration of our community and the joys of Hallow's Eve, costumes strongly encouraged!

All registered players, dodgeball community members and friends are welcome, out-of-town friends included. Please plan your transportation: Uber, Lyft or a designated driver is recommended.

Injuries can happen, so be prepared. Ice packs and a first aid kit are on site.

Minor injury: stop the game right away (both players and the referee) so the injured player is safe. A minor injury might be a brief headshot or a strain that stops a player for a moment. Players can step off the court for up to 2 minutes to recover. If they can't continue, the next player in line may sub in.

Major injury (such as a broken bone or torn ligament): stop the game immediately, help the player off the court and tell the tournament director right away. If needed, coordinate with available players to get them to the nearest hospital.

Life-threatening situation (such as a heart condition, severe trauma or loss of consciousness):

1. Stop all play. All games on the court stop immediately.
2. Call 911. One player calls 911 and gives the location: Oak Grove Middle School, 1300 W 106th St, Bloomington, MN 55431. Another player waits outside to guide responders into the gym.
3. Get the AED. One player gets the AED kit (we will show everyone where it is before play) and follows its instructions.
4. Tell the tournament director right away.
5. Clear the area around the injured player so responders have room.

Nearest hospital: M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, 6401 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435 · (952) 924-5000