By GERRY STEELE

Baker City Herald

Most of us remember our elementary school physical education classes when we would play an active game of andquot;dodgeballandquot; or andquot;prison ballandquot; with the same rubber balls we played four square with on the playground.

For the more athletically inclined those elementary school games proved to be a good opportunity to take our frustrations out on an unsuspecting classmate.

Now, the Baker County Family YMCA is offering a more modern version of the dodgeball game.

andquot;It’s a game for ladies and gentlemen,andquot; said Y director Gary Stalder in the literature for the game.

andquot;No ‘kill-or-be-killed’ or ‘win-at-all-cost’ players.andquot;

The only prerequisite is all players must be at least 15 years of age. Players age 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature to play.

andquot;It’s a place to work up a sweat, and get some good exercise,andquot; Stalder said.

andquot;Players of smaller, quick size are sometimes more beneficial. But bigger size helps if you’re a good catcher.andquot;

The season begins April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Y gym, 2020 Church St. Play will continue for five to seven weeks, depending on the number of teams.

Cost is $120 per team. A team consists of a minimum of six players.

Games are played on volleyball courts. Matches consist of best 4-out-of-7 games. Game limit will be five minutes. Teams may be scheduled for doubleheaders.

andquot;A game consists of two six-player co-ed teams with six balls,andquot; Stalder said. andquot;The object of the game is to hit your opponent with the ball to eliminate them. If you hit them with the ball they’re out, but if they catch the ball the thrower is out.

andquot;The first team to eliminate all of their opponents wins,andquot; Stalder said. andquot;People and balls usually are flying all over. It’s kind of like chaos at its best.andquot;

This is the third year for the Y program.

andquot;It’s not only good exercise, but a good social time as well,andquot; Stalder said.

He noted that even if you can’t find enough players to form a team, but are interested in playing, attend the first evening and inquire about joining a team.

Registration forms and dodgeball rules are available at Sam-O Swim Center, 580 Baker St., and at the YMCA Fitness Center, 2021 Main St. Registration deadline is April 18.

More information is available by calling 523-9622 or 523-4050.