This Code of Conduct outlines the shared expectations for behavior within Connecticut Dodgeball. It exists to support a competitive, respectful, and inclusive environment and to protect the integrity of the game and the community.This document is not a legal contract or a rulebook. It reflects community standards and expectations for participation in league play.
Treat all players, referees, and league staff with respect at all times.
Competitive intensity is encouraged; hostility and intimidation are not.
Trash talk should remain friendly, lighthearted, and non-personal.
Harassment, threats, or degrading language are not aligned with league values.
Excessive arguing, taunting, or repeated disrespectful behavior may be addressed.
Players are encouraged to demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after matches, including post-game acknowledgements.
Player safety is a shared responsibility.
Physical contact, including pushing, grabbing, tackling, or body checking, is not part of league play.
Do not throw at players who are clearly injured, defenseless, already out, referees, or spectators.
Headshots are part of gameplay; players are encouraged to act in good faith and show sportsmanship when one occurs.
Referee direction should be followed promptly to maintain safe and efficient play.
Dodgeball relies on honesty and self-accountability.
Players are expected to call themselves out when hit.
Intentionally ignoring hits, exploiting gray areas, or undermining fair play runs counter to league culture.
Captains may politely question a referee’s call on rare occasions; repeated or excessive contesting detracts from the game.
Clear missed outs that are respectfully brought to league staff’s attention may be considered when addressing ongoing integrity concerns.
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.
This includes behavior in person, online, or within league-related chats and spaces.
Actions or language that negatively impact the safety or inclusivity of the community may be addressed by league staff.
Unless otherwise specified by the venue, alcohol is not permitted during league play.
Players are expected to arrive prepared to participate safely and responsibly.
Behavior that appears to place others at risk or disrupt the league environment may result in removal from play for the evening.
The possession, use, or visible presence of alcohol, illicit substances, or indoor vaping within the venue is not permitted. Any player found in violation may be subject to immediate suspension and may face additional review regarding continued eligibility.
Captains are encouraged to help foster a positive and welcoming team environment.
This may include organizing communication, helping players understand rules, and supporting good sportsmanship.
Captains are not officials and should avoid interfering with gameplay decisions beyond respectful, limited communication.
Teams are encouraged to support league values both on and off the court.
Referees manage gameplay flow and on-court safety.
Players should raise questions or concerns calmly and respectfully.
Escalation, retaliation, or aggressive confrontation are inconsistent with league expectations.
Referees may use warnings or other in-game measures to help de-escalate situations.
When concerns arise, league staff may speak with players involved to help maintain a positive environment.
Repeated or significant issues may result in additional conversations or limits on participation.
The league maintains discretion in how situations are addressed in order to support the health of the community.
Players are encouraged to arrive on time and ready to play.
Communicating absences to teammates or captains in advance is appreciated and supports league operations.
This Code of Conduct applies to registered league play.
League-run events and tournaments generally follow the same expectations, with event-specific adjustments as needed.
Open gyms are expected to follow the same spirit of conduct, even if formal acknowledgment is not required.
Connecticut Dodgeball thrives when players protect the integrity of the game and respect the people playing it. Everyone contributes to the league culture through their actions, attitude, and accountability.