Rules & Regs (VOLLEYBALL)

Volleyball Association rules will be used, taking into account the following:

Net Height: For girls 14 and under (i.e. grade 8 & under) net height is 2.15 m; for boys 14 & under net height is 2.20 m.

Forbidden Objects: Players are not allowed to wear objects which may cause injury (jewelry, etc must be removed or taped over)

Libero: Teams are NOT permitted to use a Libero at these age levels.

Scoring:

• All scoring is rally point (point scored on every serve).

• Round robin games are one game to 25 points (win by 2 with a 30 point cap).

• Semi finals and finals could be best a 2 of 3 (if time permits), with the first 2 sets to 25 pts, deciding set (3rd) to 15 pts (switch sides when first team gets to 8 points).

• Must win by a minimum of 2 pts. (21 point cap).

Positions:

• At the moment of service hit, players must be in their proper relative position on court according to line-up.

• Front row player must have part of foot closer to centre line than corresponding back-row player

• Right (& left) side players must have part of foot closer to sideline than centre player in same row.

Rotation:

• When receiving team wins a rally, they earn a point and the right to serve and MUST rotate one position clockwise.

• NOTE: This includes the first time the receiving team wins the right to serve.

Substitutions:

• You may use rotation or substitution method. Please make officials aware of the method you will be using, before each game. If using rotation, the order must stay the same throughout the game (except in the case of injury).

• Teams are allowed 12 subs (“Limited”). A sub may enter a set once and be replaced once but only by the original player. Then neither one of those players may sub or be subbed again in that set (except in the case of injury). For example, if player #4 is replaced by player #5, only player #4 can sub back into that position.

• The server’s position is the only position that cannot be substituted.

• All players must have a number on their jersey.

Service:

• Team to serve first in the set is determined based on coin toss by referee.

• Servers may bounce the ball as part of a serving routine, but must serve within 8 seconds of the whistle. When serving, contact with the ball must be made on the first attempt. A dropped or caught ball will result in a loss of serve.

• Players may serve the ball from anywhere behind the back line. Since gym sizes vary, the convenor might allow one step over the line on the serve. Teams must be aware of the line expectation prior to the beginning of play.

• Serve MAY touch the net on the way over. A server’s teammate may not help the ball over the net on a serve.

• Serving team may not intentionally “screen” the serve, preventing receiving team from seeing the ball.

• Servers are limited to 5 successful and successive serves at one time. Then a rotation must occur (exception: this rule does not apply at the Tournament of Champions).

• Receiving team may NOT block or attack hit (spike) the serve while ball is above the net in front court.

• Players (age 16 & under) may NOT receive serve overhand with fingers (i.e. volley) – automatic “double hit”

Ball IN and OUT:

• Ball is IN if it touches the floor on the playing court, including touching any part of the boundary line

• Ball is OUT if:

  • The part of the ball that touches the floor lands completely outside the boundary line

  • It touches the antennae or any part of net/rope/posts outside the antenna, the wall, the ceiling or any other object outside the court

  • It crosses the net outside or partly over the antenna, or under the net.

Playing the Ball:

• Teams have up to 3 hits to send the ball over the net (NOTE: a block does NOT count as one of the 3 hits)

• Ball may be played with ANY part of the body.

• Players must hit the ball cleanly – ball must not be held/caught and/or thrown (judgment call by referee)

• Players may NOT hit the ball two or more times in a row - EXCEPT as noted below:

  • Blocking: multiple contacts by blocker(s) are allowed if all part of one action

  • Any of the blockers are allowed to play the next ball after the block.

  • Double hit is okay on any first hit (except overhand finger serve receive) provided it is one action (and not “held”)

Play At The Net:

• Contact With Net: Any contact with any part of the net by a player during the action of playing the ball is a FAULT (includes: players close to the ball as it is being played, or trying to play it, even if no contact is made with the ball; catching/holding on to the net; using the net for support)

• If the referee determines that 2 players simultaneously make contact with the net, a re-serve will occur.

• Centreline: Players MAY cross the centreline / touch opponent’s court with any part of body, except feet, provided it does not interfere with the play (e.g. contacting opponent or hindering an opponent’s attempt to play the ball).

• Feet may NOT completely cross centreline - some part of foot must remain on / above the line.

• Players must play the ball on their own side of the net EXCEPT Blockers are allowed to reach over the net to block the ball AFTER the opponent has made an attack hit (i.e. always after 3rd hit; but also legal after 1st or 2nd hit if ball is heading over the net and no attacking players near the ball /trying to play it)

• Back row players may not block at the net (only a fault IF back row player OR any other blocker actually touches the ball)

• Back row players may not attack hit (spike, tip, etc) while in front court (i.e. “attack line” to net) if the ball is above the height of the net.

Timeouts and Delays:

• Each team will be allowed one 30-second timeout per game.

• Teams may not improperly delay the game. CAN be punished with: 1st – Warning (yellow card); 2nd - Penalty point (red card).

Scoring Discrepancies: In the case of scoring discrepancies, all calls by the officials are final. It is suggested that coaches keep track of the score, and get the score clarified frequently, as to avoid confusion.

Behaviour/Misconduct:

• Players & coaches must behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit of fair play towards opponents, teammates, officials, and spectators.

• Serious misconduct (rude conduct; offensive conduct; or aggression) can/will be penalized:

  • Yellow card = warning;

  • Red card = loss of serve/point to opponent;

  • Red&Yellow (together) = expelled from set;

  • Red&Yellow (separate) = disqualified from match.

• Players expelled or disqualified must be substituted legally – if this is not possible, team defaults the set or match.

Bleeding: If a player is bleeding he/she may not play until the bleeding is stopped, cleaned & bandaged. If this can’t be done promptly (1 minute tech T.O.) player must be substituted (normal or “exceptional” sub). Bloody uniforms must be changed or cleaned before player can re-enter the game.