“Dodgeball can be useful if the students are grouped homogeneously and choose to play as part of a comprehensive physical education program that focuses on developing a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Stephen Goodwin, professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Delaware
“I think there’s a heightened awareness that dodgeball is not a desirable practice to be included in a quality physical education program. There’s no problem with it being a part of recreational activities or after-school programs, where general physical activity and play would be the focus of what you’re providing to students.”
Francesca Zavacky, senior program manager at the National Association for Sport & Physical Education
“I just try to talk about the skills that are involved in that and the other ways we go about presenting those skills. There’s other ways where we can work on dodging skills or throwing skills without students having hurt feelings.”
Zach Foubert, physical education teacher at Arapahoe Ridge Elementary in Westminster
“Every unit we do — whether it be dance, lacrosse, handball — someone doesn’t want to do it, someone doesn’t like it. But ‘Survivor’ (his dodgeball hybrid game) comes around, everybody wants to do it, everybody’s involved.”
Rob Immel, physical education teacher and professional dodgeball player in New York
“What’s next? Will hopscotch be outlawed?”
Rick Hanetho, co-director of the National Amateur Dodgeball Association
“Remember, dodgeball is a sport of violence, exclusion and degradation. So, when you’re picking players in gym class, remember to pick the bigger, stronger players for your team. That way you can gang up on the weaker ones, like Winston here.”
Patches O’Houlihan from the comedy “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story”
