Rules

Rules of the Game (as we play it!)

If you are in need of interpretation of any of these rules, please contact one of your executive members

TEAM
· Must have at least 2 women on the court at all times.  If a team falls below the mandated 2 women, that game and any remaining games are forfeit.
· If only 2 women are available, there is a maximum of 3 men on the court.
· If the third woman arrives, she may enter the game immediately, to maintain the ideal minimum of 3 females.  
· No high school students  
· Rosters are set and cannot have additions as of January 16, 2023.
· Rosters are limited to 14 players.
· Player substitutions or additions (injury) must be cleared with the Executive after January 16, 2023.
· Once a player is aware she is pregnant, she may no longer play.
 
MATCH
NEW ~ Consists of 3 rally point games to 25 (capped at 27).
· Games will begin at the scheduled time. Please show up at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled game time.  A team may play the first game with 4 players (at least 2 must be women). By the beginning of the 2nd game there must be 5 players or all 3 games are forfeited. 
 
CONTACT
· The ball may be contacted with any part of the body, including feet, provided it does not come to rest at any point of the contact
· The contact must be simultaneous and have a clear rebound
· On the first contact of the team following service or spike, but excluding a block, any double hit will not be called. Every contact thereafter, which is not hit clearly with simultaneous arm/hand contact will result in a fault
· Overhead volleys are permitted for service reception
· RULE OF THUMB – below the plane of the shoulders, balls should be contacted with forearms/hands joined or a single fist, NOT OPEN PALMS· Players may not use furniture or physical structures (walls) to assist in play of the ball
 
ATTACK
· Spikes and tips should be clean and sharp – no 'carries' or 'pushes'.  Attacking back court players must begin their jump behind the attack line

 
BLOCK
· Is a skill used by front court players only
· If a player jumps up and reaches over the net and prevents the opponent from making his/her play on the first or second touch it is a fault. A ball may be blocked if it is being directed over the net.
 
TIME – OUT
· NO time outs. Our league will only permit time outs should there be an injury on the court.

SERVICE

· To prevent single player service domination we will continue with a 5 serve max
· Service Rule - There is no longer a "step in" rule. Neither foot may make contact within the court before the ball is struck. 
· A serve may not be blocked or spiked
· Service may take place anywhere along the end line but within the sidelines
· Upon service, if the ball contacts the top of the net and proceeds into the opposite playing court it is now fair and must be played.
· Service Balk - the player serving must contact the ball on the first toss. If the ball is allowed to fall to the floor it is then side out for the serving team and a point for the opposition.

NEW ** SUBSTITUTIONS -- Our league has adopted the recreational rule for in game substitutions.  If teams have more than 6 players, all may play.  In set substitutions are only permitted on rotation.  The player in position 1 (serve) will rotate to the bench, with a player entering the game from the bench in to position 6 (middle back) as part of the regular rotation.  Players may also be substitued in case on injury or illness.  The injured or ill player may not re-enter the set.

Rule 11.3 Contact with the Net

It was agreed to adopt the OVA Rule of Net Contact. Per OVA, rules are: 

11.3.1 Contact with the net by a player between the antennae, during the action of playing the ball is a fault. The action of playing the ball includes (among others) take off, hit (or attempt) and landing. 

11.3.2 Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided that it doesn’t interfere with play. 

11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed. 

Rule 11.4 Players' Faults at the Net 

11.4.1 A player touches the ball or an opponent in the opponent’s space before or during the opponent’s attack hit. 

11.4.2 A player interferes with the opponent’s play while penetrating into the opponent’s space under the net. 

11.4.3 A player penetrates into the opponent’s court (Only Feet or Hands where part of the Feet/Hands is still in contact with the center line is allowed as long as the Opponent is not interfered with). 

11.4.4 A player interferes with the opponent’s play 
• Touching the net between the antennae or the antenna itself during his/her action of playing the ball 
• Using the net between the antennae as a support or stabilizing aid, 
• Creating an unfair advantage over the opponent by touching the net 
• Making actions which hinder an opponent’s legitimate attempt to play the ball. Players close to the ball as it is played, or who are trying to play it, are considered to be in the action of playing the ball, even if no contact is made with the ball. 

NOTE - Dispute Methodology (where no Referee is present)

1. Infraction noticed during play must be discussed by the team captains during a break in play or before the next game starts. (ie. Service faults, ball handling, etc.)
2. Non-resolution of infractions or other issues must be detailed in the Enjoyment Rating on the web site. 
3. Multiple incidences (2 or more) of the same issue or with the same individual requires the Executive to inform the Team Captain verbally of the issue to deal with the individual/team. 
4. Next occurrence results in a written warning to the individual or whole team that next occurrence will result in expulsion from the league. 
5. Next occurrence results in expulsion. 

The Executive has the authority to remove an offending individual or team from the league.

Note – Incidences and escalation level may carry over to future years at the discretion of the Executive. 

Scoring 

All games are played to 25 points, with a 27 pont cap.  

Score Reporting

Both teams should report the scores onto the website although it is the responsibility of the home team Captain.

If there is a disagreement with the score entered, the Team Captains must discuss prior to the scores being changed on-line. If a dispute still exists then it will be brought to the Executive for resolution.

*** PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY ***
· In order for a player to be eligible to play for your team during the playoffs, they must be on your team's roster.

KIDS ATTENDANCE 
Our permit does not allow the presence of children in the school. NO children under the age of 16 are permitted in the school. Please ensure that your children are left at home and properly cared for.
 

REMEMBER! We play for fun as well as competition and exercise.  Mutual respect is a must!

If you are in need of interpretation of any of these rules, please contact one of your executive members.

Thank you for your understanding!