Whether you’re a current PUMP member or PSLer looking to try a new sport, or even new to the area, I encourage you to check out all that the Pittsburgh Sports League has going on this winter. While we are unfortunately unable to carry on with our outdoorsy sports like kickball and softball, we have other great opportunities to stay fit (and warm) during the frozen months to come.
My suggestion for something new… the much sought after Dodgeball league. Why? To take out some cabin fever aggression? Maybe… To have a good time? Definitely. Dodgeball isn’t just a movie, nor a game that you play in high school P.E., thus something to be forgotten. Let me give you some “deets” on what PSL Dodgeball is all about:
At the beginning of each round, six players per team take the court for the ultimate faceoff. The stare down, waiting with insufferable anticipation for the first whistle… when players will sprint and dive toward the “deadzone” to retrieve at least one of three sought after dodgeballs. If you are lucky enough to snag one within the first seconds of the game, you must then take your prized possession back to your own team zone before you can start taking out the other team.
This is where it gets even better. If you can’t already tell, this is no game for pansies. You’ve got to be able to multi-task. There are going to be balls zooming past you, or even making contact, but you’ve got to be able to dodge your opposing team’s shots and strategically make your own.
A player is called “out” when he/she :
- Is struck by a ball before the ball hits the ground or walls
- Is outside of the team zone (unless to retrieve a ball from the “deadzone” on their side of the court)
- Has thrown a ball, which is caught by a player of the opposing team.
Once you’re out, you need to leave the court quickly to avoid play interference as well as rogue balls. If you CATCH a ball thrown by the opposing team, before it hits the ground or walls, a player who had been pegged out may return to the game.
Although there are more rules that pertain to specific situations, that’s the basic gist. Regulation match play will consist of 11 rounds or 55 minutes, whichever comes first. Each round has a 5 minute time limit. and the team with the most players remaining on court at the end of the 5 minute period wins.
What does this all look like? Chaos in 5 minutes, but all for fun. So bring your muscle, put on your Sunday best, do whatever you need to do…. just get registered for the Winter 2011 season, as we’re hoping for one of the most competitive Dodgeball seasons in PSL history!
Stay tuned for information on other PSL Winter Sports in the future…
