Oh, we also play No Headshots - Unless the dodger moved into it unexpectedly (like ducking down).
It's worth talking to your stronger throwers too and asking them to reign it in a bit. Our club (www.pbdodgeball.co.uk) plays primarily for the social aspect and so it's more important to us that it's accessible and fun for the majority, rather than hyper-competitive. When we're approaching a competition, we have a competitive court and we play full rules, for those that are willing.
There's an app called DodgeCoach with loads of different game modes with all the rules listed out - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.track.dodgecoach2
Yes, I ended up buying the Nike tennis shoes in the original post and returned them. I found them too heavy, also they had more tennis specific features which wouldn't be needed for dodgeball.
I bought these Asics which were delivered today. First impressions are all good, very light yet supportive with a great simple gum sole - technically they're a volleyball shoe. They have great reviews from others who use them for all sorts of indoor court sports, I think they'll be a winner
I personally use asicis 09 volleyball knee pad I play a lot and they last me awhile but downside they do tend to slide.