Please note: Free agents may be assigned to any teams with less than 8 people at the close of registration. If you DO NOT wish to have free agents added to your team, please reach out to us at Pridesportsleaguedm@gmail.com and make this request.

Pride Sports League Dodgeball - Winter 2026

Registration: Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025 - Sunday, January 3, 2026; $35 per player

• Free Agents or Small Groups encouraged to register!

Regular Season: Fridays, January 9 - February 20, 2026; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• A dodge ball clinic will be help on January 9th, going over rules for new and veteran players to learn and answer questions on any rule changes.

Team Size: 6-10 players, 6 players on court at a time

• Other players may rotate in through out line (prior to starting players rotating in).

The official rulebook for Pride Sports League Dodgeball may be found here. [<- these are NEW & UPDATED FOR 2026. please review]

New: Pride Sports League of Central Iowa believes that financial need should not be a barrier to participation in our programs and has established a Player Assistance Fund for 2026. Find more information here.

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Please note: Games must be officiated by at least two authorized Pride Sports League participants. When available at least 2 participants referee each game: one on each side of the centerline. Teams will be required to provide referees for other games outside of their play time throughout the season in a way that is equitable to all teams.

Divisions: Divisions are determined based on the average self-rankings of the players on each team. The number of divisions and the number of teams within each division will depend on total registration. A minimum of four teams is required for each division, meaning that in seasons with fewer teams, divisions may be combined, with efforts made to ensure a balanced level of play across teams. Players and teams are expected to play in a manner that respects their opponents’ skill level and fosters inclusivity.

• Social Division: Designed for teams with primarily Level 1 and Level 2 players who are new to dodgeball or prefer a more casual, fun-focused experience. This division emphasizes inclusivity and enjoyment over competition.
• Competitive Division: Reserved for teams with predominantly Level 3 and Level 4 players. This division features more advanced gameplay and strategic competition, catering to experienced and skilled players.

Individual Player Rankings: All participants must self-rate their skill level during registration on a scale of 1 to 4. Returning players must rank themselves as Level 2 or higher, as ratings of 1 for returning players will be automatically adjusted to Level 2.

• Level 1: New to dodgeball and playing for the first time in an adult recreational league. Has limited or no experience with the sport and is still learning the basics.
• Level 2: Played dodgeball in a previous season with Pride Sports League or another league but is still relatively new to the game. Understands basic rules and mechanics but is not focused on strategic gameplay.
• Level 3: Has experience and an intermediate understanding of dodgeball rules and mechanics. Shows interest in moderate strategy and improving gameplay.
• Level 4: Has extensive experience and a solid understanding of rules and mechanics. Interested and actively seeks more competitive and strategic gameplay, focusing on refining skills.

(NEW) Headshot Rule: If a player hits an opposing player in the head, face, or neck while the opposing player is standing upright and not ducking (including balls that skim off the top of the shoulders), the following rules apply:

• First Offense: The player who threw the ball is out and must go to the end of the out line.
• Second Offense: The player is out for the remainder of the current game and cannot re-enter.
• Third Offense: The player is out for the current game and will not be allowed to participate in any other games during that match.
• While accidents happen, we encourage all participants to uphold the spirit of Pride Sports League by demonstrating good sportsmanship. Intentional headshots will not be tolerated.

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