Official Gaga Dodge Ball Pit Construction Plans

De s ig n Overvie w: These plans are designed to construct an octagon (8 sides); however, Gaga Pits can have six or even five sides there are not official parameters or restriction on the design. The plans below are for a 20 diameter court; so you will need 8 posts and 8 walls; we recommend 36 walls on each side this helps keep the ball in play The cost for the materials is roughly $750 in materials; pressure treated lumber is recommended additional cost may occur depending on the playing surface you choose Bu ild in g M ater ia ls: Posts = (4) 4x4x10s pressure treated or cedar cut in half to give you 8 posts at 5 Walls = (24) 2x12x10s 3 galvanized framing nails 3 lag bolts (96)

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Official Gaga Dodge Ball Pit Construction Plans

Co n struct io n Pla n s: Posts: First cut the 4x4x10 posts in half so you have (8) 5 posts; next cut a 45 degree angle the length of the post on one corner (see diagram A1). Lay out the octagon with stakes and string; you can also use the wall boards to determine where the holes should be dug the length of the walls will determine the total size of the pit. We recommend using 10 long wall boards giving you a 20 diameter playing surface (see diagram A2). Dig the holes roughly 24 deep and 8 wide so you have some room to maneuver the posts; backfilling the holes is recommended after all the walls are attached. Put the posts in the ground 24 leaving 36 out of the ground; the same height as the walls will be from the ground when finished. Posts can be put on the inside or the outside of the walls either will be fine. This design calls for the posts on the inside and putting a large staple on the posts to help the participants step over the wall (see diagram A3) Wa lls: For the walls, 2x12x10s are recommended they will be fastened to the posts 3-boards high, allowing for the 36 walls; equal to the height of the post sticking out of the ground. Cut a 45 degree angle on each of the ends of the wall boards; this will allow the appropriate angles on the outside of the walls when attaching the walls to the posts (see diagram A1 and A4) Tack the wall boards to the posts with framing nails. There will be some give and take on the wall boards until all the boards in place. Once all the wall boards are fastened to the posts, then go back and finish up securing the walls; counter sunk lag bolts are recommended for this application Pla yin g Surfac e: The surface within the ring should be as smooth as possible. Cement is recommended for the fastest and safest results; but other surfaces will work too. Grass or dirt will work, but there will be some maintenance involved and when it gets wet, it becomes a mud pit. Another alternative is stone dust or screenings. Woodchips or other safe surfaces on the outside of the pit are recommended to break any falls when participants go over the wall once eliminated from the game.

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Connecticut Camp Guys Official Gaga Dodge Ball Pit Construction Plans
Diagram A1 45 degree angles on post and wall s:

Diagram A2 Layout of po st s: 10 10

10

10 10 Layout holes 10 center to center on each Dig holes 24 deep x 8 wide

Connecticut Camp Guys Official Gaga Dodge Ball Pit Construction Plans
Diagram A3 Staple Step to assi st campers on getting out of pit:

Diagram A4 Angles for out side wall s:

Official Gaga Dodge Ball Pit Construction Plans Rules of the Game
1. Designate one non-player as the referee (a counselor or responsible camper is best). The referee is the sole authority during play and is responsible for settling disputes and ensuring fair play. 2. The referee begins play only after all players are standing in the gaga court and have indicated that they are ready to start the game. 3. One player tosses the ball up in the air. Players yell "ga" on the first bounce and "ga" again on the second bounce, and the ball is then in play. 4. Players hit the ball with their hands only, and may not carry or throw the ball - it must be punched with open hand or fist. 5. Any player who is touched by the ball either directly or by a rebound off the wall is out, then must step out of the pit. 6. If the ball contacts a player or a player's clothing below the waist, that player is eliminated. If the ball contacts the player above the waist, the player is still in. 7. If the ball goes out of the gaga court, the last player to touch the ball is eliminated. 8. If a player catches the ball before it bounces, the player who had the last contact with the ball is eliminated. 9. Once the player hits the ball, he or she must wait until the ball touches someone else before hitting it again (no double touches). 10. If there are only two players remaining, a player may hit the ball up to 3 times in a row. The ball is "rejuvenated" by contact with the wall, and the hit count resets. 11. Some Ga-Ga games are designed to be team efforts, although the sport is traditionally a one-against-all competition. Teaming, or intentional passing of the ball to other players, is allowed only at the discretion of the referee and must be specified in advance of play. There are plenty of variations of the rules, and like 4-square, you can certainly make your own house rules! Have fun and be creative!

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