The Noblesville Lions Club will host its first annual dodgeball tournament at noon this Saturday, March 10 at the Ivy Tech College Gym, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. Many sponsors have signed on, along with 12 teams, but four more slots for teams are still available if you act fast. Currently, some individuals have agreed to pay for the entry fees for a team so it may compete without charge.
Proceeds will be used to support programs for the blind and for leader dogs.
Twelve teams have so far registered to play – there is still room for four more teams, according to David Marsh of the Lions Club. Registration will take place through Friday, March 9. Six players participate at one time, with two players acting as substitutes, but a team of six may still register. Teams may be co-ed. Teams pay an entry fee of $10 per team member.
The fees will cover the expense of T-shirts and medals for the winning and runner-up teams. If a team chooses not to have its name or logo on the front of the shirt, the fee is $5 per team member. To enter your team, text or call David Marsh at 317-690-5856 or email davestravel1@prodigy.net.
A number of sponsors have also signed up: George Kristo (above and beyond: $1,000); Mark Heirbrandt and Greg O’Connor ($600); Smith’s Jewelers and Dunbar Dentistry ($400); Randall and Roberts, Dave Marsh Travel, Mr. G’s Liquor Store, Adriene’s Flowers, Clancy’s Inc., Zeckel’s Bar-B-Q, Joe Arrowood Properties, Gary Hipes Painting, John Hollenback, Peterson Architecture, Discount Printing, Farmer’s Bank, Resler Tax Service, Indiana Restoration and Cleaning, Westfield Lions Club, Sherman & Co. Public Relations, Jack Fox (California), Renner Nixon Body Works, HMC Screen Printing, and Riverview Hospital ($200).
The teams will be organized into two leagues, American and National. A double-elimination format will result in an American and a National champion. League champions will then play a best two-out-of-three game series for the tournament championship. Medals will be awarded to the tournament champion and runner-up. Dodgeball is played with six balls on a 30-feet by 60-feet court divided into two 30-feet by 30-feet areas for each team.
Waivers are required of all participants, and those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Each participant must wear approved gym shoes.
Admission to the tournament is $3 for adults, $2 for students and free for pre-first grade. Family tickets are $8. The tournament is expected to last about four hours “with lots of action, laughs, music and surprises,” according to Marsh. Attendees are free to leave and return to the tournament.