1. General Rules

• Matches follow standard indoor volleyball rules as outlined by USA Volleyball, with the league-specific modifications detailed below:

• Teams must have 6 players on the court to start a match.

• Match format: Matches are played as best 2 out of 3 sets. Sets are played to 25 points, win by 2. A third deciding set (if needed) is played to 15 points, win by 2.

• Pool Play: Pool play will consist of teams only playing 1 set to 25 points with a cap of 28 points. Playoffs will follow the match format.

• Substitutes from other teams within the same division are allowed during regular season matches.

  • Substitutes are not permitted during playoff matches, unless approved by the league in an emergency.

  • If a player is consistently subbing for the same team, the league reserves the right to review the arrangement and determine if it should be allowed.

    In-Game Substitutions:

    • Teams are allowed one in-game substitution per set.

    • Once a player is substituted out, they cannot re-enter the court in the same set unless the substitution is due to injury.

      • In the event of an injury, the player may be substituted back in at the referee’s discretion, but must follow the usual substitution process.

2. Ball Handling and Contacts

• Double Contacts on Sets: Double contacts are allowed on first and second contacts, including sets, as long as the ball is not caught or thrown and is played in a single continuous motion (similar to college-level rules).

• A clean set is encouraged, but spin and slight misdirection will not result in a fault unless egregious.

3. Ceiling/Wall Rule

• If the ball touches the ceiling or overhead object and remains on the same side, it is playable.

• If the ball touches the ceiling and crosses to the opponent’s side, it is out and results in a point for the opposing team.

• If the ball touches any wall or side barrier, the ball is considered out.

4. Libero Rules

• Each team may designate up to two liberos per set.

• Liberos must wear a libero armband, provided by the league, for clear identification.

• Only one libero may be on the court at a time.

• One of the designated liberos may be assigned as the serving libero, allowed to serve in one rotation per set. This must be declared before the set begins.

• If a team designates only one libero, that player may also serve in one rotation.

Liberos:

• May only replace back-row players.

• May not complete an attack hit above the height of the net.

• If a libero sets the ball using overhead finger action in front of the attack line, a teammate may not attack the ball above the net height.

• The libero may replace any back row player, but the player they replaced must participate in at least one rally before the libero can substitute back in again.

• Libero substitutions do not count against regular substitutions.

6. Forfeits and Delays

• Teams must be ready to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled match time. Failure to do so may result in a forfeit.

• A team with fewer than 5 eligible players at the start of the match time will forfeit the first set. After 10 minutes, the entire match is forfeited.

7. Refereeing and Dispute Resolution

• Team Refereeing Requirement:

  • Every team is required to volunteer at least one referee when requested by the league.

  • The league will assign teams to officiate games on a rotating basis. Teams must ensure they provide a qualified volunteer to serve as a referee for the assigned match.

  • The volunteer referee will be responsible for calling the match fairly, making decisions on disputes, and ensuring the rules are followed during play.

• Dispute Resolution:

  • In the event of a dispute or disagreement during a match, the volunteered referee will assist in resolving the issue.

  • If further resolution is needed, a neutral party (league official) will have the final say in any unresolved disputes.

• Referee Conduct:

  • Referees should be impartial and maintain professionalism when officiating.

  • Teams volunteering a referee should ensure their representative is familiar with the league rules and prepared to call the game fairly.

8. Warm-up Procedure

• Warm-up Time:

  • The home team will have 2 minutes on the court first to warm up. During this time, they may engage in activities such as hitting, setting, or any warm-up drills they prefer.

  • During this time, the away team will retrieve balls for the home team to allow for an efficient warm-up.

  • After the home team’s 2 minutes, the away team will have 2 minutes to use the court for their own warm-up.

  • A single whistle blow will signal the end of the 2-minute warm-up period for each team.

• Serving Warm-up:

  • After the 4 minutes of team-specific warm-ups, both teams will share the court for 1 minute to warm up their serves across the court to each other.

  • A double whistle blow will indicate the official start of the match, signaling both teams to begin play.

• Stretching and Pre-Match Prep:

  • Stretching and any additional warm-up activities beyond the allocated 5-minute on-court period are the responsibility of the players.

  • Players are strongly encouraged to arrive early to complete their own stretching and warm-up routines prior to the scheduled match time.

• Court Etiquette:

  • Teams must respect the warm-up time limits and ensure they are ready for play when the match begins.

  • No additional warm-up drills will be allowed once the 5-minute warm-up period is over.