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Volleyball Rules

Beach & Indoor Volleyball Rules

These volleyball rules are designed based to encourage continuous play to allow more opportunities to get play started and continue playing with minimal amount of stoppage during play.  We use our many years of playing, coaching, and administering the sport of volleyball to create rules that enhance the sport for enjoyment and safety for all.

Waivers: All players and participants must sign a waiver before playing their first game.

Sportsmanship Goal: Providing a safe and fun environment for the players. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
No swearing directly at another player or official.
No intentional acts of violence (pushing, shoving or intentional physical contact)
No verbal threats or comments to instigate an altercation with any person. The player will be suspended immediately from play and the park, and further game suspensions may follow and will not necessarily include or be limited to the player.
If at any time during a game if there are any concerns with the opposing team players, the team captain will address the issue with the other team captain with the presence of the official during a break or halftime. If the issue has not been resolved by the end of the game please forward any concerns to play@niagarasportandsocial.com

General Volleyball Rules / Regulations
Time-outs are NOT permitted.
Games played are best 3 out of 5, no cap. Games to 21 (25 for Indoor) with 5th game to 15. In the 5th game, teams switch sides at 8 points.
Play will continue in all weather conditions. When lightning is present please meet at the courts and the league officials will give direction. Any concerns please call 289-686-PLAY.
Teams unable to meet minimum player requirements 15 minutes after the scheduled start time will default their first game. After 30 minutes after the scheduled start time if the team is unable to meet minimum player requirements they will forfeit their second game. After 45 minutes after the scheduled start time if they are still unable to have the minimum player requirements they will forfeit the entire match (scores will be 21-0, 21-0, 21-0).

Court dimensions will be 9m x 9m on each side.
Start the game paper, rock, scissors for the choice of serve or side. If a serve touched the net on the way over, the ball is in play.
A serve can not be blocked.
The official will call if the ball hit the line to the best of their ability with the assistance of players. If the ball touches any part of the line, it is in. The official will ref the game to the best of their abilities without bias. No centerline for under the net exists unless interferes with opposing team player or near play.

NEW!! 5 Serve Maximum for RECREATIONAL LEAGUES ONLY!


NUMBER OF CONTACTS RULE:

A deflection off the block is not considered a touch, three touches allowed.
The ball may be played off any part of the body.

Competitive Beach League Specific Rules:
Beach 2's Competitive Division Only Rule: Block will be considered a touch and one of your three contacts 

Competitive Beach League Divison ONLY! No Open Hand Tips!

To Prevent back row Players From Attacking in the front row in Beach Leagues Rule:
Beach 6-vs-6 & Beach 5-vs-5 & Beach 4-vs-4 Leagues:
Imaginary 3m attack line (approximately) in effect (Refs Discretion) This should prevent backcourt players coming into the front row to attack above the height of the net.

There is no limit to the number of players on a team.
Extra subs/players can be used at any time but must sign a waiver before playing.

MISSING / SHORT A PLAYER(s) RULE:
A player may be borrowed from other teams if short only if agreed upon by both teams and official before the start of play.

INJURY SUBSTITUTION RULE: 

A player may be borrowed from other teams to help the team replace an injured player if no other teammates are available to replace the injured player. Please try to find a replacement player similar to injured players' skill and ability if possible.

LIBERO PERMITTED TO SERVE RULE:
If teams wish to do so, they have the option of having their libero enter the game upon the rotation of the front row player going back to serve to replace that player in the back court.  The libero at that time can now serve.  The libero is limited to only being the server for the one slot (person) of the rotation during a game within the match.  (For example:  The libero enters the game to replace the Middle Player#1 and serves for them, the libero cannot go in 3 rotations later to be the server for Middle Player#2.  The libero can only be the server for their original choice of replacment (Middle Player#1) goes back to serve again 6 rotations later.)  Of course, at the end of the game within the match the libero can choose a different player to replace as a server for the next game within the match should they wish to choose so.

INDIVIDUAL TEAM - FEMALE Minimum & MALE Maximum on court to play EXEMPTION:
When players that select "Individual" registration, they are placed onto a team of individuals is out of that team's control.  We are happy to offer them a place to play and meet people with the hopes that they will become a true coed team in the future.  Hence, they are not required to have the female minimum and are not to be held to the 3 male maximum on the court while on this team.  Therefore, the maximum number of females available / present must be on the court and cannot be substituted. Thank you for your understanding and welcoming them to our leagues.

PLAYER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS BREAKDOWN:
The minimum amount of players on the court is as follows;

Beach 4's:
maximum 2 males, minimum 1 female
The minimum amount of players is 2 to avoid default (one male and one female or two females)
For example:
4 females
3 females and 1 male
2 females and 2 males
3 females
2 males and 1 female
2 females and 1 male
1 male and 1 female
2 females

Beach 5's
maximum 3 males, minimum 1 female
minimum players is 2 to avoid default (one male and one female or two females)

For example:
5 females
4 females and 1 male
3 females and 2 males
2 females and 3 males
4 females
3 females and 1 male
2 females and 2 males
3 females and 2 females
1 male and 1 female
2 males and 2 females
1 female and 1 male

Beach / Indoor 6's 
maximum 3 males, minimum 1 female
minimum players is 2 to avoid default (one male and one female or two females)

For example:
6 females
5 females and 1 male
4 females and 2 males
3 females and 3 males
5 females
4 females and 1 male
3 females and 2 males
2 females and 3 males
4 females
3 females and 1 male
2 females and 2 males
1 female and 3 males
3 females
2 females and 1 male
1 female and 2 males
2 females
1 female and 1 male

Number Of Games Played Requirement Rule:
Beach League = Players must play a minimum of 3 league games to play in the year-end tournament. 

Indoor League = Players must play a minimum of 5 league games to play in the year-end tournament. 

GHOST RULE:
ONLY APPLIES FOR TOURNAMENTS & SEASON-END TOURNAMENTS

GHOST RULE is: If a team decides to play with 5 players, the "ghost" (non-existing player) will start off the match in position six. When the "ghost" rotates into position one to serve, the team forfeits their serve, a point is awarded to the opposing team and the other team takes possession of the ball to serve. The rotational order of the six-player lineup must be maintained including when the "ghost" rotates into the front row (positions 2, 3, 4,). Thus only 2 players would be permitted to attack in the front row when the "ghost" occupies the front row rotations (positions 2, 3, 4,). This process repeats itself for the duration of the match or until the sixth player arrives to play and then at that point in time a substitution is immediately made to sub-out the "ghost" for the active player no matter the rotation.

NEW!! Competitive Beach League Divison ONLY!  No Open Hand Tips!

NEW!! CEILING RULE:

The ball will be permitted to  touch the ceiling during rally play. The ball may be played after it makes contact with the ceiling as long as it remains on the side of possession. NOTE: If the ball makes contact with the ceiling and ends up on the opponent's side of the court the ball is dead and the opponent receives a point and possession. 

These are our most common volleyball rules for both our beach volleyball leagues, indoor volleyball leagues, and volleyball tournaments.

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