The 2016 ADPL season was a great success. Several new players were introduced to WDA regulations, along with a noticeable increase in player depth and talent throughout the league.

As we look forward to 2017, there will be various alterations to the format of the ADPL and season in general.

Key points and what to look forward to in 2017:

  • ADPL Victoria Conference will have its own MEN’S and MIXED divisions.
  • Each Club will participate in both divisions throughout the season.
  • Rounds will be played on the same date and venue for both divisions (two matches in each division per round), alternating between Friday nights and Saturdays.
  • Players in each Club are eligible to compete in both Men’s and Mixed divisions every round. It’s your Club’s choice on who plays where during the season.
  • Mixed division will have a maximum of three male players on court, at any given time.
  • Australian Dodgeroos Player Cap system has been altered to a maximum of 4 points per Club squad.
    2016 Australian Dodgeroos Representatives – 1 point
    2015 Australian Dodgeroos Representatives – 0.5 point
  • Men’s Division: A maximum of 2 points from the Australian Dodgeroos Cap can participate in each Men’s category match.
  • Mixed Division: A maximum of 3 points from the Australian Dodgeroos Cap can participate in each Mixed category match.
    Female Capped Players: Maximum of 2.5 points per Mixed category match.
    Male Capped Players: Maximum of 2 points per Mixed category match.
  • The 2017 season will see the introduction of the Dodgeball Victoria Cup – a knockout style cup competition. The DV Cup will have its own Men’s and Mixed category, with each Club participating.
    Further details can be viewed here – http://vic.auspremierleague.com.au/dfa-cup/
  • Invitational events will be included in the season calendar, including pre-season tournaments (open to anyone), DFA Melbourne Open, DFA Sydney Open etc.
  • The ADPL plans to launch a NSW Conference in 2017. Further details to follow.
  • ADPL season launch on Friday, March 17.
  • Club Registration Deadline: February 24, 2017. Existing Clubs need to re-register their players, including new players. Individual players can also register before or during the season. Further details to follow.
  • Round Fee: $300 per Club ($150 per Men’s and Mixed team).
  • Australian Dodgeroos Provisional Squad (Stage 2) will be announced in May.
    All ADPL players are still eligible to be selected for the Provisional Squad, in prepatation for the 2017 Asian Championships.
    Details can be viewed here – https://goo.gl/1h409l
  • Register your Club for the 2017 season or join individually – https://goo.gl/JP934w

The purpose of this new format is to further enhance our high performance program, increase player growth, and make the game more inclusive for everyone, particularly our female players.

The Mixed Division will better serve our female dodgeballers, with a reduction of male players on the court. The objective behind this is to not only enhance female development by giving them more extensive roles on the court, but importantly to encourage more female involvement and create a deeper playing pool in the ADPL.

Women’s Dodgeroos coach Craig Payne is excited by the new concept.

‘I’m really looking forward to both the Mixed and Men’s divisions in 2017. Being the women’s coach, I think it’s going to be great for the development of our female players and is the next step we need to take. The new Mixed division will be more inclusive for women, which is what we want. Our aim to get a greater number of women involved.’ – Craig Payne

The Men’s Division will see an enhancement in the playing standard, and create a more dynamic environment for male dodgeballers, giving them the best possible preparation for high performance and international dodgeball.

Men’s Dodgeroos coach Dillon Jesudhason believes the ADPL will benefit from these modifications.

‘If we want to be the best in the world, we need to be innovative and look for new ways to improve. The Men’s and Mixed ADPL divisions will be the best thing for the development of our male and female dodgeballers. We’re at a stage now where we need to build on our success with the ADPL and Dodgeroos. I can’t wait to get started’. – Dillon Jesudhason

Following our inaugural season, we anticipate player growth for the 2017 season. The objective is to see an increase of 25% – 30% in player registrations.

With a new, authentic Club format being adopted, it’s an exciting time for the ADPL. We’re now taking the next step in professionalism, and giving Club’s the opportunity to expand their squads, encourage new players to get involved, and importantly build a unique culture within their Club.