RULES

Game Rules

• Match Format: Each match consists of 3 games (not Best of 3), with All-Rally Scoring Rules applied.

• Scoring: Games are played to 25 points; teams must win by 2 points.

• Time-Outs: Each team is allowed one time-out per game.

• Standings: Each game counts toward the overall regular-season standings.

Beginning of the Game

• Start: Games begin with a rock-paper-scissors decision.

• Choice for Winner: The winning team chooses to either serve first or select a preferred side.

Team Composition

• Full Team: 6 players (min. 1 female)

• Minimum to Play: 5 players 

• Forfeit Rules:

  • First game forfeited 10 minutes after start time if minimum players are not present.

  • Entire match forfeited 15 minutes after start time.

Mirror Rule Exception

• Teams with fewer than 5 players or 1 female may play legally only if the opposing team has the same issue.

• Players cannot be removed to "mirror" the opposing team.

Formations

• Allowed formations: 4-2, 6-2, or 5-1.

Rotations

• Players must rotate in on the serve.

The Libero

• The use of a Libero is permitted. 

Borrowing Players

• Teams may borrow up to 2 players from other teams during the regular season.

• Borrowed players are not permitted in playoffs.

• Borrowing teams can only field 5 players for the match.

Guest Players

• Guest players are allowed in the regular season but must sign a waiver and pay $10.

• Guest players must match the gender of the player they are replacing.

Service Rules

• Valid Serve: Serve may contact the net if it carries over. Jump serves are allowed.

• Illegal Serve:

  • Stepping on the line.

  • Serving out of rotation.

  • Toss and catch before serving (ball must drop to the floor for another attempt).

Play Rules

• Team Hits: Maximum of 3 hits allowed before returning the ball.

• Contact:

  • Ball may contact any part of the body.

  • Must be hit cleanly; no prolonged contact or "carries."

• Blocking and Spiking:

  • Defensive blocks don’t count as team hits.

  • Spiking is allowed only if part of the ball is on the attacker’s side of the net.

  • The serve cannot be blocked or spiked.

Out-of-Bounds

• Out-of-bounds includes areas outside court lines and "antennas" on nets.

• The ball is in bounds if it touches the line.

Tournament Rules

• Advancement: Top 4 teams advance to the playoffs.

• Format: Playoff games are best of 3, with the same scoring as the regular season.

• Tiebreakers:

  1. 1. OVERALL RECORD
     2. HEAD TO HEAD
     3. HEAD TO HEAD POINT DIFFERENTIAL
     4. OVERALL POINT DIFFERENTIAL

• Playoff Minimum: Teams must have at least 5 players (minimum 1 female) for playoff games.

Questions and Disputes

• All rule-related questions should be directed to the Site Manager, who has final say on disputes.