WIESBADEN, Germany - "You can hurt your siblings and get away with it."
That sentiment, expressed by dodgeball player Nico Dellacroce, was echoed in various ways as players enthusiastically endorsed Wiesbaden Child, Youth and School Service's latest addition to its winter sports programs.
"It doesn't hurt and it's not as competitive as other sports," said Ryan Tiedke. "And you can have a lot of fun."
Dodgeball, which most people remember from their PE classes long ago featuring a heavy, round rubber ball, has been updated and streamlined for CYSS youths today. The "brand new sport that hasn't been done by any garrison overseas," according to Brad Hagan, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden CYSS sports and fitness assistant director, featured two Wiesbaden teams facing off for the first time at the School-Age Center on Wiesbaden Army Airfield Jan. 21.
"We're trying to get other garrisons interested," said Hagan. "I know we're the only one in Europe. We're the pilot program. Other garrisons are looking at us to see how things go."
Hagan said he was looking forward to CYSS teams from Heidelberg and Kaiserslautern joining in the competition when it is offered again next season.
Unlike earlier versions of the sport, today's dodgeball is a fast-paced game where players vie for a number of small, colored balls in an attempt to force out opposing players. While the balls are much smaller and less lethal, the game still requires quickness, the ability to contort one's body to avoid a hit and a keen eye and hands for catching balls to allow a forced-out player back into the game.
"We're following a set of rules passed down from the Dodgeball Association," said Hagan, explaining that while the rules call for six players on a side and six balls, Wiesbaden Youth Sports staff modified the rules to allow more players into the game - seven against seven and eight balls.
"The modern equipment is much, more player friendly, easier to grip and throw," he said, adding, "The balls are made from a type of foam that doesn't hurt."
"It's really fun," said Ryan Keeley, adding that he also played dodgeball in school.
"It's not really different from other sports," said Nathan Way, "and it's really good at preparing players for other sports."
Justin Little seconded that impression, saying, "It gets people more fit for life. The best part is having fun, throwing really hard at people and testing your limits."
"This is different than other sports because in other sports you work more as a team, while in this sport we just throw," said Johnny Wortmann, who said he's also enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and going swimming.
Teams face off at the School-Age Center every Friday with the season running through March 4.
"We're pretty happy with the success of the program," Hagan added.
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