Dangerous Dodgeball

Dodgeball.... that game that I always dreaded playing in PE because A. I'm not terribly aggressive; B. I have terrible aim; C. I'm not a little girl so I'm a fairly easy target; D. I hate getting hit - especially with the kick balls that leave a massive sting; and E. It always brings out my competitive side, and I hate losing.

I helped out at a high school dodgeball tournament at church tonight, and I learned a few new lessons about this ridiculous game.

#1. I am SO glad that the dodgeball games played in PE when I was in middle and high school were not nearly as intense or aggressive as the tournament I witnessed tonight. I was a little nervous even standing on the sidelines because these kids were so intense and competitive.

#2. Pads should be worn. Full body pads - like football players wear. Facemasks and cups included. I witnessed several balls to the face and a couple of groin injuries. Spectators should wear pads (and cups) as well - especially half-time speakers who open their speeches with a story about hitting someone accidentally...

#3. Shoes should ALWAYS been worn when playing dodgeball (or any sport, really), even when it is being played inside on a fairly soft floor. There is too much sprinting, quick stops, jumping, and other "shoed" feet out there for anyone to not be wearing shoes. It could result in a deep laceration and potentially broken toe... and lots of blood on the floor to clean up.

#4. Vevezulas are not just for South African soccer games

#5. Girls playing dodgeball, especially on co-ed teams, can be just as, if not more, intense than the guys they are playing with and/or against.

#6. I'm really glad I wasn't playing in the tournament. I would not have lasted one game, and certainly not a set or an entire match. Oh to have the energy of a teenager. It hasn't been that long since I was a teenager, and I'm pretty sure I never had the energy that most of those kids had out there tonight...

It was definitely a crazy night. We had a great turn out and much fun was had...despite a couple of injuries. We even had 3 students dedicate their lives to Christ in a new way tonight. What a cool outreach opportunity it was!