Charity Dodgeball Tournament Goes Awry, Still Raises Funds

The tournament's bracket had only two blanks left to be filled, but a winner wouldn't be decided by opponents knocking each other out of the game with a catch or throw.

In the semifinals of this year's tournament, Independent Dodgeball advanced to the final with a victory in their match against the Brandon Boys. The other semifinal between Six Men Twelve Balls and the Dodge Fathers didn't end so politely. As the the game got underway, the intensity of the competition over took the moment.

As players backed away from the game commencing rush to collect a dodgeball, one thought he heard a whistle to start the game and heaved a ball at the opposition striking him as he picked up a ball. The ref had not blown a whistle for the game to start, however, enraging the player who was hit. Words were exchanged and the situation became heated between the two sides causing organizers and officials to step between the two teams.

"Three of the final four teams were in that same position last year," Promotions Director for the event's organizer, Clear Channel Communications, Greg Wolf said. "Testosterone kind of took over and got the best of the players. They're all very competitive. We had to step in and remind them the purpose of the event and that they were setting a bad example for the kids. The refs decided that because of their conduct, both teams were disqualified."

Both teams have since expressed their regret over how the situation was handled in e-mails to Wolf. Independant Dodgeball walked away with their second straight championship as a result of the skirmish.

This year's event included 86 teams and benefitted the City of Tampa Police Athletic League, a much less dramatic need for fundraising than previous years which were dedicated to the families of fallen police officers. In total, Clear Channel was able to raise over $12,000 for PAL.

"Thank god, this year we didn't have a tragedy to wrap our arms around," Wolf said. "To raise $12,000 for PAL in an event where the purpose is for the youth felt pretty good. We really like what PAL does for the kids and were happy to give them this money."

For PAL, the funds raised go toward the completion of a new gymnasium and PAL facility in central Tampa near Lowry Park Zoo. The building, located at 1924 West Diana St., was once a pistol club for the police department which PAL took over in the 1960s. The project broke ground last winter and is scheduled for reopening in the fall.

"The money we received from this really helps offset some of the cost of furnishing the class rooms and some of the equipment we need for the kids," PAL Athletic Director Josh Penney said. "The facility is about halfway done and will open in the fall. It's going to be really good for PAL when we get it open."