Is Dodgeball Safe? What Parents Need to Know About PE's Most Controversial Game
TL;DR: Dodgeball remains one of the most debated activities in physical education. While injury rates are relatively low compared to other sports, the psychological impact and exclusionary nature of traditional dodgeball have led many schools to ban it or modify the rules significantly. Here's what the research actually says, what safety measures matter, and the questions you should ask your child's school.
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably remember dodgeball as that chaotic free-for-all where the athletic kids dominated and everyone else tried not to get annihilated. That version? It's increasingly rare in schools today.
Many districts have either banned traditional dodgeball entirely or modified it so heavily it's barely recognizable. Some use foam balls instead of rubber, implement "everyone's back in after each round" rules, or play cooperative versions where teams work together rather than against each other.
But here's the thing: dodgeball is far from extinct. According to various surveys of PE teachers, somewhere between 40-60% of elementary schools still include some form of dodgeball in their curriculum, though the rules and equipment vary wildly. Middle schools tend to have higher rates, and by high school, it's often an intramural or club sport rather than required PE.
Let's talk actual injuries first, because that's what most parents worry about initially.
The physical injury risk is lower than you'd think. According to emergency department data, dodgeball accounts for a tiny fraction of school sports injuries—far fewer than basketball, soccer, or football. Most dodgeball-related ER visits involve facial injuries (getting hit in the face with a ball), and the vast majority are minor: bruises, bloody noses, the occasional black eye.
Concussions from dodgeball are rare but not unheard of, particularly when harder rubber balls are used or when kids collide with walls or each other while dodging. A 2019 study in the Journal of Physical Education found that foam balls reduced facial injuries by about 70% compared to traditional rubber playground balls.
Here's the breakdown of common injuries:
- Facial contusions and bloody noses: Most common, usually minor
- Finger/hand injuries: From catching or deflecting balls
- Ankle sprains: From rapid direction changes
- Eye injuries: Rare but serious when they occur
- Concussions: Very rare with proper equipment
Compare this to basketball (ankle sprains, finger injuries, concussions from collisions) or soccer (ankle injuries, head injuries from headers and collisions), and dodgeball's physical danger profile is actually relatively modest.
This is where the debate gets interesting and why so many educators have moved away from traditional dodgeball.
In 2019, researchers at the University of British Columbia published a study that described dodgeball as "legalized bullying." Their argument? Traditional dodgeball teaches children that it's acceptable to target, hit, and eliminate others—and that the strongest, most athletic kids are rewarded for doing so.
The study pointed out several problematic elements:
- Targeting and elimination: Less athletic kids are often targeted first and spend most of the game sitting out
- Public humiliation: Getting hit and eliminated in front of peers can be embarrassing
- Power dynamics: The game reinforces existing social hierarchies
- Lack of choice: Unlike choosing to play football, PE dodgeball is mandatory
Many PE teachers and child development experts agree that the psychological impact matters more than the physical risk. Kids who are already anxious about PE, less coordinated, or socially marginalized can find dodgeball genuinely distressing.
One PE teacher in Oregon told researchers: "I watched a kid fake an injury just to sit out dodgeball. That told me everything I needed to know."
Not everyone agrees with the "dodgeball is bullying" narrative.
Supporters of the game argue that:
- Life involves competition and adversity: Learning to handle both is valuable
- Modified versions address most concerns: Foam balls, inclusive rules, and shorter rounds can maintain the fun while reducing problems
- Kids actually enjoy it: Student surveys consistently show dodgeball is one of the most popular PE activities
- It teaches legitimate skills: Throwing, catching, dodging, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making
The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (now part of SHAPE America) doesn't recommend banning dodgeball outright, but they do emphasize that any PE activity should be inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and focus on maximum participation.
If your child's school includes dodgeball in PE, here are the modifications that actually matter:
Equipment
- Foam balls only: This is non-negotiable for safety
- Multiple balls in play: Keeps more kids engaged rather than standing around
- Appropriate ball size: Smaller balls for younger kids
Rule Modifications
- No headshots: Automatic out for the thrower, not the target
- Everyone back in after each round: Eliminates the "sitting out forever" problem
- Protected zones: Safe areas where kids can catch their breath
- Team revival rules: Getting hit doesn't mean you're done; teammates can bring you back in
- Rotation requirements: Everyone must throw, not just the athletic kids
Supervision
- Active teacher involvement: Not just standing on the sidelines
- Clear anti-targeting rules: No repeatedly throwing at the same kid
- Opt-out options: Some schools allow kids to choose an alternative activity
If you're concerned about dodgeball in your child's PE program, here are the specific questions that matter:
- What type of balls do you use? (Foam is the only acceptable answer)
- What are the rules about headshots?
- How long do eliminated players sit out?
- Is there an opt-out option for kids who are uncomfortable?
- How do you prevent targeting of less athletic students?
- What percentage of class time is spent on dodgeball versus other activities?
- Have there been any injury reports related to dodgeball this year?
Most PE teachers are happy to discuss their curriculum and safety protocols. If they're defensive or dismissive of your concerns, that's a red flag.
Many schools have moved to modified versions that maintain the fun while addressing safety and inclusion concerns:
Gaga Ball: Played in an octagonal pit with a foam ball, players hit the ball at opponents' legs (below the knee only). It's gentler, more inclusive, and wildly popular with elementary kids.
Trashball: Players throw foam balls at targets (like cones or pins) rather than at each other. Keeps the throwing and dodging elements without the targeting.
Doctor Dodgeball: Each team has a "doctor" who can revive eliminated players by tagging them. Keeps everyone involved and emphasizes teamwork.
Continuous Dodgeball: Getting hit means you do a quick activity (10 jumping jacks, run to the wall and back) then you're immediately back in. No sitting out.
If your child loves dodgeball: That's totally fine. The game can be genuinely fun when played with good rules and supervision. Make sure they understand the difference between competitive play and targeting/bullying, and talk about being aware of kids who might not be having as much fun.
If your child dreads it: First, find out why. Is it fear of getting hurt? Embarrassment about being eliminated? Anxiety about being targeted? Different concerns require different approaches.
You can:
- Talk to the PE teacher about your child's specific concerns
- Ask about opt-out or alternative activity options
- Help your child practice throwing and catching at home (confidence helps)
- Validate their feelings—it's okay not to enjoy every sport or game
Dodgeball isn't inherently dangerous from a physical safety standpoint—the psychological safety concerns are more significant than the injury risk. With proper modifications (foam balls, inclusive rules, active supervision), it can be a reasonably safe and fun activity. Without those modifications, it can genuinely be a negative experience for many kids.
The real question isn't "Is dodgeball safe?" but rather "Is the way your school plays dodgeball inclusive, well-supervised, and focused on maximum participation?"
If the answer is yes, the physical and psychological risks are minimal. If the answer is no—or if your school is still using rubber balls and playing elimination-style with no modifications—you have every right to raise concerns with the PE department or principal.
- Check in with your kid: Ask specifically about PE and whether there are any activities that make them uncomfortable
- Review your school's PE curriculum: Many schools post this online or will share it upon request
- Attend a PE class if possible: Some schools do parent observation days
- Connect with other parents: You're probably not the only one wondering about this
And remember: whether your child loves dodgeball or hates it, your job is to make sure they're safe and that PE remains a positive experience that builds confidence rather than tears it down. That's true for dodgeball and every other activity they encounter.