Doylestown – The 5th 'D' in Dodgeball

I hated gym class. Hated it. I loathed changing, running, climbing, jumping, and then changing again for class. When my friend approached me about a dodgeball league in Doylestown, I immediately reverted back to my high school memories. “Sure…I'll be there!” I found myself saying. What am I saying!? Me?? Athletics!???

Flash forward to my first Thursday night dodgeball game (yes, I missed Grey's for this!) We split up into teams, dodging, running, and all of a sudden, I found myself as the last person left on my team! Now what!? That night I discovered my dodging skills and from that moment on, I've looked forward to dodgeball ever since! Yes. I've actually found a sport to embrace. One to call my own. One that brings me out every Thursday night saying, “Bring it!”

Kit Klein wearing his signature sweatband at dodgeball. // Photo courtesy of Wright Choice Photography

Charles “Kit” Klein of Central Bucks thought of the idea of creating an adult intramural dodgeball team after revisiting the movie, ‘Dodgeball.' “It is a sport that is all inclusive where you can be super competitive or more of a casual player and you can still have a good time!” He approached the Central Bucks Family YMCA in Doylestown with the idea. They embraced it and helped him and his friends get the ball rolling. Soon, in late fall of 2010, dodgeball was an official YMCA activity.

Since its inception, dodgeball at the Y has grown tremendously, says Klein. “Each week we have the regulars and new people as well. Everyone who comes out has their reservations, but then they get addicted! I could play dodgeball all night. The floor was recently redone and we got all new balls. It's amazing how quickly it took off.” The league even got a local bar, Stephanie's, as a sponsor, allowing the purchase of some fantastic T-shirts!

YMCA workers and members have really helped to promote the game through Twitter and advertising and, as stated, earlier, have even ordered new balls and had the court redone. Dodgeball differs from other YMCA offerings in that “no other sport allows you to throw balls at other people!” Klein exclaims, “It allows people from any background to come out and play and enjoy themselves. There is no requirement to play – just that you want to have fun.”

You can't hit a moving target! // Photo courtesy of Wright Choice Photography

With a growing number of participants, Klein's ultimate goal is to obtain a large enough following and eventually “play other towns and make it into a professional league!” As for me, I'm not sure I could handle that amount of competition.

For those of you also, who may not see it for its calorie-burning potential, let me just say that running and dodging combined with an adrenaline rush certainly leaves one sweaty by the end of the night! Also, ladies, I know it's intimidating sometimes to be up against the boys who throw like they're on a mission to kill, but let me assure you that even when you do get hit, it doesn't hurt. Foam balls put everyone on a pretty even playing field! (Thank goodness!)

If you're interested in playing Adult Dodgeball and you're 18 or older, come to the Central Bucks Family YMCA in Doylestown, Thursday nights at 8pm. It's free if you're a Y member. All others, it's $50 for an 8 week session or $12/visit.

To find out more and see the latest information, check out Doylestown Dodgeball on their Facebook page

You can also email doylestowndodgeball@gmail.com for further information.

Now that I've given you all the info, I hope to see many new faces! If you're still hesitant, don't be. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball. 😉