FAQ

Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball uses Instagram, Facebook, email and the website to let players know when registration is opening for a new season. We will post a time when registration will open up. There are some season where registration fills up fast so you want to be sure to register as quick as possible.  A link to the registration page is here.

All players in Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball sign up as an individual player. Teams are then made before each season and communicated out to the player base.

Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball is mainly for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks - and it's a space where we can show up as ourselves and be part of a supportive community. Allies are definitely welcome, and we appreciate the support, but just know the focus is on creating a space that centers and uplifts 2SLGBTQIA+ players first.

Before each season the league organizers get together to put together the teams for the new season. Once completed, the teams are communicated via email to the player base. The organizer take into account the buddy requests for the season and any special requests. 

The sub system may vary depending on the season but will follow this structure.

If you sign up to be a sub for a season and send the sub fee, you will be added to the sub chat for that season. The sub chat is set up in Facebook messenger and consists of those who signed up to sub, the league organizers and the captains for that season.

Each week a Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball organizer will post a poll in the chat to ask which subs are available for that week . Captains will ask those who can sub to fill in on their team if a spot if available. 

Facebook messenger is normally used for team chats - sometimes Instagram is used. We recommend you have a Facebook messenger profile or Instagram so you can be kept in the loop with your team. If you don't use social media, not to worry! You can get your team schedule from the website for the season and communicate with your captains via text or email to let them know your availability. The current schedule can be found here.

Our games happen at the Zatzman Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Rd, Dartmouth, NS.

When entering the gym just let the front desk staff know that you are there to play dodgeball and they will open the gates for you. Once past the gates go left until you reach the gymnasium.

Typically, each week one of your team captains will post the schedule for that week's games in your team's group chat. Each week, leading up to playoffs, your team will be schedule to play during two of the three game time slots, with the third time slot being when your team captains referee a game. The full season schedule can be found here, as well as on our Facebook page. 

We strongly reccomend wamring up before your games to improve performance and prevent injuries. Here are some quick suggestions for exercises, with a link to a video tutorial , to get yourself warmed up an ready to play

1. General Warm-Up

• Jog on the spot – 1 min
  Raise heart rate and get blood flowing.

2. Arm Circles (Forward)

• Small circles – 15 sec

• Medium circles – 15 sec

• Large circles – 15 sec
  Keep arms straight. You should feel shoulders activating.

3. Arm Circles (Backward)

• Small circles – 15 sec

• Medium circles – 15 sec

• Large circles – 15 sec
  Warms up back and shoulders, important before throwing.

4. Chest & Shoulder Stretches

• Open chest stretch – 20 sec
  Chest out, feel pectorals stretch.

• Pec & shoulder stretch – 20 sec
  Arms slightly bent, focus on shoulders and pecs.

5. Arm Flaps

• Up & down flaps – 20 sec
  Arms out to the side, small quick motions.

• Forward & back flaps – 20 sec
  Arms straight, controlled movements.

6. Crisscross Stretches

• Cross arms in front / open wide – 20 sec
  Stretches back, chest, and legs with a gentle bounce.

We ask players to wear non marking sneakers and regular gym attire (example: shorts and t-shirt). There is a water fountain on site to hydrate or fill a water bottle with. 

It is up to the discretion of the player (you) to wear necklaces, earrings, watches, glasses, and rings. We do suggest taking off anything you don't want to fallout or possible get damaged.

The dodgeballs we use are foam balls with a polyurethane skin (weight is 140g +/- 6g and 7 inches big).

Please don't! The dodgeballs are not meant to have the air squeezed/pinched.  We will kindly ask any player who is seen doing this to stop as it damages the dodgeballs very quickly. 

A full explanation, along with a link to the official Dodgeball Canada rules can be found here. 

Team sizes depend on registration numbers; so teams can range from 7-9 players per team, with at most six players on the court at a given time.

Unfortunately, disagreements happen, but how we handle them matters. If you have a concern during a game, please bring it to your captain - don't argue directly with referees. Please remember, our refs are volunteers who give their time to help the games run smoothly. Their calls are final, and we ask that all players to show respect and sportsmanship at all times. We want to keep our games fun, fair, and friendly for everyone!

Any issues or concerns that you may have can be brought up to your captains, or you can contact the organizers directly through our social media or through our website here. 

Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball - Credit & Refund Policy

We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent players from completing a season. To ensure fairness to all participants and the league, credit or refunds will be issued based on the number of remaining games in the season at the time notice is received.

Credit/Refund Eligibility

1. Notice Requirement  

   • Players must provide written notice (via email or social media) before the remaining games occur in order to be eligible for a credit or refund.

   • Credits/refund cannot be processed retroactively for games that have already been played or occurred prior to notice being given.

2. Pro-Rated Calculation

   • Credits or refunds will be prorated based on the number of remaining games in the season.

   • Example: If 4 games remain in a 10-game season, the player may be credited/refunded for 40% of the registration fee.

3. Form of Compensation

   • Players may choose to receive a credit towards a future Halifax Rainbow Dodgeball season

   • Alternatively, a refund may be issued back to the player

Exceptions

• Late Notice: If notice is not provided before the remaining games, no credit or refund will be issued.

• Special Circumstances: The league reserves the right to make exceptions in cases of medical or personal emergencies.

Dodgeball can be fast-paced, and sometimes bumps, bruises, or minor injuries happen. If you or a teammate get hurt, take a moment to pause and check in. Let your captain know so they can help out if needed. We also encourage you to take a break and not push yourself. We can all look out for each other and make sure our games stay safe and fun.