Dodgeball's History

Early Dodgeball Roots

The roots of dodgeball began over 200 years ago. It is believed to have its origins to ancient Africa. The game involved throwing objects at opponents and was played as part of their tribal training. They would use rocks or other hard objects. The intent was to build reflexes, agility, and teamwork skills for survival in combat situations.

Dodgeball's Introduction in Europe

The modern game of dodgeball was introduced in the late 19th century by a missionary named Dr. James H. Carlisle. He observed the rough version of the game in Africa. When he returned to England, he told his students about the game and decided to make some major modifications to it.

Here are two things that he changed about the game.

1. Rocks and sticks were replaced with leather balls.
2. Rules were put into place so it could be used as a sport and exercise rather than combat training.

By the 1900s, dodgeball began to be played in British schools as a part of physical education.

Dodgeball's Introduction in the United States

Physical education teachers brought the game here sometime during the 1900s. They further adapted Europe's rules by adding these two rules:

1. Large rubber balls were used.
2. They emphasized teamwork, strategy, and agility rather than just elimination.

By the 1930s, it was a staple of gym classes everywehere.

Issues People Have with Dodgeball

• Bullying and Targeting: Critics of dodgeball will say that the game can enable bullying behaviors. The stronger players often will target weaker or less athletic students. Kids who struggle with coordination can feel singled out or humiliated when they are always the first ones to be eliminated. Some critics will even say that this dymanic can reinforce the mentality of "survival of the fittest" rather than teamwork.
• Safety and Injuries: Players have gotten hurt by the balls used, even the soft rubber and foam ones. To some people, dodgeball has a reputation of being a rough sport. Players can be hit in the face, which can lead to some minor injuries. People moving too fast can fall, pull muscles, and sprain ankles. There is also a concern that younger people playing have a higher chance of getting hurt, with their main concern being the physical risks outweigh the benefits.
• Feeling Excluded vs Included: Critics of dodgeball will say that physical education is meant to be inclusive and dodgeball can be the opposite. Students that are often the first ones out may not be getting enough exercise from playing.
• Educational Value: Some schools claim dodgeball has no educational value. They say it does not build fundamental motor skills, teamwork, or lifelong fitness habits. They feel it emphasizes aggression, competition, and elimination. For this reason, some schools have banned teachers from playing dodgeball.

Dodgeball and the Future

Can there be some balance? Yes. Proponents will argue that dodgeball, if taught with safety mods (using soft foam balls, not allowing headshots, or changing elimination rules) can teach strategy, agility, and teamwork. Come critics continue to say even with these changes, the issues of targeting and exclusion remain.