Norman Dodds was educated at Queen's College, Hobart, where he was prominent in the First XI.

[3] He played in most of Tasmania's matches for the next 10 seasons, keeping wickets and making useful runs and rising in the batting order.

[7] But after some discussion among the Australian selectors, and despite the vehement objections of one of them, Clem Hill, Barlow Carkeek was chosen ahead of Dodds as the deputy wicket-keeper.

[8] Although he did not play in either of Tasmania's two first-class matches in 1909-10, Dodds was selected as the deputy wicket-keeper for Australia's tour of New Zealand at the end of the season.

[9] In the first match, against Wellington, Dodds played as a batsman and made a bright 53 in an opening partnership of 98 with Edgar Mayne.