Troy Shantz
About five years ago, a bunch of Sarnia friends found themselves playing dodgeball at Canatara beach.
One of the beachgoers that day was Ron RealeSmith, who recalls they had so much fun they bounced around the idea of starting a league.
“We wanted to do a more economically friendly league,” he said, and within the year Sarnia Dodgeball was a reality.
The grassroots group prides itself on being affordable and transparent with all team managers having a say in league decisions.
The league averages about 12 teams a season, with eight-to-14 players per team. Two women must be on the floor at all times.
The regular season runs from mid-September to December, and if there is enough interest it continues on into the new year.
Currently, there are nine teams registered with room for up to 14.
Ashley MacLachlan is heading things up this season.
“I am promoting this league as a fun beer league,” she said.
“I don’t want people coming in to feel nervous. I just want everyone to have fun.”
The league has rules to make that happen, regardless of ability, MacLachlan said. Headshots, for example, aren’t allowed.
“Dodgeball is fun and it’s really good exercise too,” she said. “We have some teams that all work together, so it’s like co-workers going out and playing dodgeball.”
Games are played Thursday nights at Central United Church, starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $300 per team and players must be at least 18.
Anyone interested in entering a team in the Sarnia Dodgeball league can email [email protected] or visit www.sarniadodgeball.com.