July 18. Cornelius’ 4th Annual Gaga Ball Tournament will be Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 am to noon at Robbins Park.

It all takes place in—what else—a gaga pit. The competition is open to boys and girls, ages 7 – 14. ​It’s organized by the Cornelius PARC Dept.​

Gaga Ball, a kinder gentler version of dodge ball, is played with a soft foam ball. It combines the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping—all while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball.

​The fast-paced game is popular with adults as well.

Participants will play three rounds and accrue points based on how they finish in each round. A championship shootout in each age division will conclude the tournament. The top three participants in each age division will receive medals.

Tournament fees are $5 for Cornelius residents and $10 for non-residents.

Pre-registration is required and is open until Aug. 9. Spaces are limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, or for more information, visit www.cornelius.org/parc or call 704-892-6031.

​Adults and kids can use the Gaga Pit any time.

​Here are Gaga Ball rules, according to the Gaga Center in New York City:

• All players start with one hand touching a wall of the pit.
• The game begins with a referee throwing the ball into the center of the pit.
• When the ball enters the pit, the players scream ‘GA’ for the first two bounces, and ‘GO’ on the third bounce, after which the ball is in action.
• Once the ball is in play, any player can hit the ball with an open or closed hand.
• If a ball touches a player below the knee (even if the player hits himself or herself) he or she is out and leaves the pit. If a player is hit above the knees, the play continues.
• If a ball is caught on a fly, the player who hit the ball is out.
• Using the walls of the octagon to aid in jumping is legal as long as the player does not permanently sit on the ledge of the octagon.
• Players cannot hold the ball.
• If needed, a second ball can be thrown in the pit to expedite the end of the game. The last player standing is the winner of that round.