Shared expectations

• Treat all players, referees, and league staff with respect.
• Competitive intensity is encouraged; hostility and intimidation are not.
• Harassment, threats, or degrading language violate league values.
• Excessive arguing, taunting, or repeated disrespectful behavior may be addressed.
• Players should demonstrate good sportsmanship, including post-game acknowledgements.

Trash talk should remain friendly, lighthearted, and non-personal.

• Player safety is a shared responsibility.
• Do not throw at injured players, defenseless individuals, those already out, referees, or spectators.
• Follow referee direction promptly.

Physical contact, including pushing, grabbing, tackling, or body checking, is not part of league play. Headshots are part of gameplay; players are encouraged to act in good faith and show sportsmanship when one occurs.

• Players must call themselves out when hit.
• Intentionally ignoring hits or exploiting gray areas contradicts league culture.
• Repeated contesting detracts from play.
• Respectfully reported clear missed outs may be considered regarding ongoing integrity concerns.

Dodgeball relies on honesty and self-accountability. Captains may politely question a referee's call on rare occasions.

• This applies to in-person, online, and league-related chat spaces.

Connecticut Dodgeball aims to be welcoming and inclusive to players of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, slurs, or unwanted advances are not acceptable.

• Players must arrive prepared to participate safely and responsibly.
• Behavior placing others at risk or disrupting the league may result in removal.
• Violations may lead to immediate suspension and continued eligibility review.

Unless otherwise specified by the venue, alcohol is not permitted during league play. The possession, use, or visible presence of alcohol, illicit substances, or indoor vaping within the venue is not permitted.

• Captains should foster positive, welcoming team environments.
• Responsibilities include organizing communication, explaining rules, and supporting sportsmanship.
• Teams should support league values on and off the court.

Captains are not officials and should avoid interfering with gameplay decisions beyond respectful, limited communication.

• Referees manage gameplay flow and on-court safety.
• Players should raise questions or concerns calmly and respectfully.
• Referees may use warnings or other measures to de-escalate situations.

Escalation, retaliation, or aggressive confrontation are inconsistent with league expectations.

• League staff may speak with involved players to maintain positive environments.
• Repeated or significant issues may result in additional conversations or participation limits.

The league maintains discretion in how situations are addressed in order to support the health of the community.

• Players should arrive on time and ready to play.
• Communicating absences to teammates or captains in advance is appreciated.

• Code applies to registered league play.
• Open gyms should follow the same conduct spirit.

League-run events and tournaments generally follow the same expectations, with event-specific adjustments as needed.