Boy Scouts of America

Gaga Ball

SUMMARY

Gaga Ball is a fast-paced sport that has become very popular in the US. The game is played in an octagonal pit and is considered by many to be a gentler version of dodgeball.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Rules of the game

Rules vary, but here are some basic universal ones:

  • Players must play others similar in age. A two-year age span is a good rule of thumb (e.g., 12-13)
  • Players start with one hand touching any wall of the pit.
  • A referee begins the game by throwing a ball into the pit. Players scream “Ga” on the first two bounces and “Go” on the third bounce.  
  • Once the ball is in play, players break free from the wall and then strike it with their hands, trying to hit other players with it. Players cannot hold the ball or pick it up and throw it.
  • Players are eliminated if they are hit anywhere below the knees.  
  • The last player in the pit wins.

Gaga Pit Construction

Gaga pits are typically octagonal-shaped and range from 20-25 feet in diameter. Pit walls are made from various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Gaga pit terrain varies and can be made of grass, mulch, or other playground-safe materials.

Safety Considerations

There are some safety considerations for construction, maintenance, and playing Gaga Ball.

Construction

  • Pick an area with good drainage. Standing water can quickly turn Gaga pits into mud pits, creating an uneven playing surface.
  • Hard or unforgiving surfaces like concrete should be avoided as players often fall. Consider safer surfaces like wood chips or sand (not rocks or pebbles).
  • Ensure pit walls are sturdy and do not have protruding nails, screws, or other objects that could cut or scrape.

Maintenance

  • Terrain surfaces can take a punishment. Repair surfaces promptly. Grass-only surfaces can become dust pits and cause respiratory issues if not addressed.
  • Inspect the pit daily before each use. Correct any unsafe conditions before play.
  • Make sure youth are not picking at or damaging walls or flooring.

Playing

  • Always have adult supervision, aligned with BSA policies, to monitor this activity.
  • Don’t use hard balls (e.g., soccer balls). Use foam or other soft materials.
  • Encourage the youth to hit the ball with an open hand versus a closed fist.
  • Explain and play by the rules. A scout is obedient.

If executed correctly, Gaga Ball is a fun and safe activity providing youth hours of entertainment and exercise. 

 

REFERENCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.