Player Code of Conduct

We are proud to offer a welcoming community that is accessible, safe, and fun. Participation is also a privilege, and we rely on our core values to define our culture. Behavior that violates this Code of Conduct or our core values is unacceptable.

Players and community members are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct. Failure to do so may lead to suspension from Dodgeball Seattle and its events, up to and including a permanent ban.

Safety-related behavior is also covered by our Threat of Harm Policy.

• All participants must respect and comply with Dodgeball Seattle policies.
• All participants must complete participation agreements, waivers, and paperwork required for each Dodgeball Seattle event.
• Coaches and captains are expected to help organizers ensure their teams complete all required forms.

• All participants are stewards for our sport and the teams we play for.
• How each participant behaves directly affects what others think about our community and sport.
• Coaches, captains, organizers, and community leaders are expected to convey this code to their teams and help their players be the best stewards.

• The way you treat people is everything; winning is not.
• Every participant plays with the highest integrity and is responsible for officiating themselves.
• Each participant understands and plays by the rules.
• A participant never ignores or deliberately breaks the rules.

• Participants are expected to contribute to the community and build positive relationships with one another.
• Dodgeball Seattle values healthy competition, but never at another person’s expense.
• Participants should recognize the setting, skills, and experience level of their opponents and adjust their play, language, and behavior so everyone feels welcome and has fun.
• Verbal, physical, or other abuse of a participant, member, teammate, or opponent is unacceptable.

• Remember that our events are run by volunteers who are players and participants just like you. Their efforts create dodgeball opportunities for everyone.
• Allow volunteers to do their jobs: hosting events, captaining teams, and refereeing games.
• Never use threatening or abusive language. Remember this is a game and consider the impact of your words.
• Discuss issues with your captain, referees, or organizers.

• Be respectful of dodgeball venues, venue staff, and everyone else using the facilities.
• Obey applicable laws, regulations, and posted signs.
• Be good citizens and stewards of community centers.
• Follow the “leave no trace” principle and pick up trash and belongings.
• Report venue issues to organizers or captains.
• Never use threatening or abusive language in our venues.

• All participants must be treated fairly and respectfully regardless of gender identity, place of origin, race, sexual orientation, religion, political belief, or economic status.
• All participants will actively support the inclusion, participation, and enjoyment of underrepresented community members.
• Threats, abuse, discrimination, and harassment of any kind are prohibited.
• All participants—and especially team captains and organizers—are responsible for promoting fair treatment when they see these values being ignored.
• Severe or repeated issues should be reported to team captains and organizers.

• Rules and policies exist for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
• Play and compete with regard for the safety and well-being of everyone.
• Players are responsible for avoiding contact and potentially dangerous situations whenever possible.
• Players are expected to be aware of their bodies and actions on the court and to watch others to avoid contact.
• In contentious situations, participants are expected to embody the Spirit of the Game while self-officiating and managing play calmly and responsibly.

If you experience or witness behavior that conflicts with this code, you can file an official complaint with the Dodgeball Seattle Board. The reporting form allows anonymous submissions.