Indoor Volleyball League Rules | Calgary Sport and Social Club

CSSC Indoor Volleyball League Rules

Updated - August 2007

CSSC LEAGUE RULES

At all gyms, nets should be set to the highest setting unless otherwise stated in the EC gym notes. Teams may lower the nets if it is agreed amongst ALL players in that match to do so. Using time to change net height does NOT increase the length of time teams get for each match. If you are concerned about the net height, please talk to the EC at your gym.

Teams may ‘rock, paper, scissors’ or use any other suitable means to determine who gets first serve. First service alternates between teams for the start of each game. For example, if Team 1 serves first in game one, Team 2 would serve first in game 2. If a third game was played, Team 1 would again get first serve. Teams may waive their first serve privilege to the opponent if they choose to do so.

If a serve touches the net on the way over, the ball is in play.

A player can set a serve, but cannot block a serve. The ball must come into play.

Players are to call balls in or out of bounds. If there is a dispute, resume play by re-serving the ball with no point awarded.

Players are to call their own fouls. If an obvious foul is missed, a player on the opposing team may politely point this out, assuming that their opponent either does not know the rule or missed their own foul. Generally, teams should NOT call fouls against their opponents. Obvious fouls are carries, double hits, touching the net, going under the net and contacting another player, etc.

If a player touches the net or crosses under the plane of the net at any time this is considered a foul and will result in a point for the opposing team.

A double hit on the first bump after a serve is allowed (eg. The serve hits the defender's arms and then chest). A double-hit is also permitted on a hard-driven spike/hit. Please note that a ball that ROLLS along a player’s body is illegal.

Area of Contact: Players may contact the ball with any part of the body, including areas below the waist.

Reaching beyond the net:
In blocking, a blocker may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that he/she does not interfere with the opponents' play before or during the latter's attack hit. A player is permitted to pass his/her hand beyond the net after an attack hit, provided that the contact has been made within his/her own playing space. Basically, you can penetrate the plane of the net to block a spike. However; if a setter is trying to set his player, you can't reach over the net and block that set. That's interfering with their attack. If you are spiking the ball, your hand can cross the net as long as you start the contact on your own side.

DIVISION/LEVEL SPECIFIC RULES

RECREATIONAL DIVISION

Best of 3 Games Match. The first two games are rally-point scoring to 25 points, first to 25 wins. The third game is also rally-point to 15 points first to 15 points wins. 5 total points must be played in the third game for the result to count, otherwise the match will be considered a tie
NO HARD HITTING PERMITTED!
SERVING: One server may only serve the ball 5 times consecutively. If the team still retains service after 5 points scored by this one server, the team must rotate to a new server but will retain the serve.

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION

Best of 3 Games Match. The first two games are rally-point scoring to 25 points, first to 25 wins. The third game is rally-point to 15 points first to 15 points wins. 5 total points must be played in the third game for the result to count; otherwise the match will be considered a tie.

HITTING: Hitting is allowed in the Intermediate league but you must remember that you are only one level up from Rec. This means that all teams should expect some of the players in Intermediate to be inexperienced/rec level players. If you are going to be hitting the ball you must use discretion: in where you hit the ball, in who's direction and with what force. It is common sense and common courtesy not to cream a ball at an inexperienced player who you know cannot return it. We do not want players hitting the ball in an unsafe manner---if you have the skill level that allows you to hit the ball hard please abide by the following guidelines: if you have the skill level to hit hard you MUST be able to control where are you putting the ball - so keep it away from players who are inexperienced

Respect the other team and keep it fun for them: if you smash a couple of really hard hits and they are unreturned/untouched by the other team....take a little off; practice tipping and off-speed hits amongst the hard ones, give the other team a chance to continue a rally.

If teams are finding their opponent to be hitting too hard or feel the opponent is playing in a reckless or dangerous manner, please have your captain talk to the other captain to come up with a resolution.

MODIFIED BACK ROW ATTACK: An intermediate level player in the back row can no longer JUMP to 'spike' the ball from the backcourt. Back row players may leave the ground behind the attack line to play the ball over the net but it must be 'set' or 'bumped' over, OR, they can remain footed on the floor to 'spike' the ball over from any court position. This rule was put into effect for much the same reason as the hitting section above for Intermediate: Player safety and preservation of recreational and intermediate levels of play.

SERVING: One server may only serve the ball 5 times consecutively. If the team still retains service after 5 points scored by this one server, the team must rotate to a new server but will retain the serve.

INTERMEDIATE PLUS/COMPETITIVE DIVISION

Back Row Attacks are allowed.

There is no limit on the number of serves per player.

SPORTSMANSHIP

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

In order to promote a safe and sportsmanlike environment for its players, the CSSC is clarifying its stance on unsportsmanlike behavior. All coordinators and players must understand the expectations for playing in CSSC leagues. Team Captains are required by the CSSC to ask players to leave the gym if they are involved with any of the following acts:

• Swearing directly at another player or the EC

• Intentionally pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player

or the EC

• Making comments to instigate an altercation with another player or the EC

In addition to being dismissed from the game, a one week suspension (or more) may be assigned by the CSSC to the involved player or team.

Reporting Sportsmanship Concerns:

If during the game you have an unresolved concern with the other team, address the issue respectfully with the team captain at the gym immediately.
If at the end of the game you feel the issues have not been resolved, report the details of the issue directly to the club.
If you would like to make a formal complaint you are required to submit a report online by 5 PM the day after the game. Click here.

The following is an outline of how the CSSC handles complaints:

The captain of the team who was issued the complaint will receive feedback from the CSSC based on comments from the EC and/or the opponent. This will be kept on file to compare any future complaints against the same team or player. At the CSSC's sole discretion, the player or team may receive either:

a warning;
a game misconduct;
a league ejection

Teams who have been issued a complaint are always welcome to provide their own feedback on the game in relation to the EC or their opponent.

LADY BING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Each season one team will be presented with the Lady Bing Sportsmanship Award. This will be a team who was nominated for EXCEPTIONAL sportsmanship by their peers. The team will be given a few fun things for being such a great team to play! Would you like to nominate a team? Click here.

MATCH FORMAT

Teams will play two timed matches per night. Match length will depend on the permit time for each gym, the EC (see below) will determine how long each match will be based on when play will actually start to 5 minutes before the permit time ends (which is when we must stop playing to pack up and be out the gym by the end of the permit time).

Best of 3 Games Match. The first two games are rally-point scoring to 25 points, first to 25 wins. The third game is also rally-point to 15 points first to 15 points wins. 5 total points must be played in the third game for the result to count, otherwise the match will be considered a tie

THE EC: Each gym has a player in the league who is volunteering their time to help run the league. This person is called an Event Coordinator (EC). Their role is to bring volleyballs, scorecards, and a score sheet to the gym. They will also assist the players set-up the nets, take down the nets and to ensure all players have left the gym by the end of the permit time. They also have the duty to call all players or captains in for ‘announcements’. The announcements are CSSC event updates and also give players an opportunity to ask any questions they have. The EC decides how long the matches will be and announce the start time of the first match, the second match and how long you will have per match. It is the EC’s duty to decide how long the matches will be according to our permit times in the gyms and when you get started. The captains are expected to have their teams ready to play on time and to help keep an eye on the clock to end their matches on time. If you’d like to be an EC, please contact info@calgarysportsclub.com.

GYM RENTALS: We ask all players to arrive 15 minutes prior to the rental start time (for example, 8:30 arrival for 8:45pm start time). This 15 minutes should be used to change shoes, stretch and any other pre-game preparations. PLEASE NOTE: Technically, we are not allowed into the gym until the start of the permit time so be patient! Some schools will allow us into the gym early and some will not so please ask your EC or the caretaker before entering the gym. THANKS!

****Teams are expected to help set up and take down the nets/posts, the more help there is the sooner you can get playing and the longer you can extend the matches!!!!*****

If time only permits 2 games to be played and each team has won a game the match will be recorded as a tie.

If you run out of time during game 2 the team leading will win the game. If the teams are tied in the second game (if ‘time’ is called), the team who won the first game will win the match.

You cannot start a third game if there are less than 5 minutes remaining in the match. A total of 5 points must be played for the third game to count.

If the match ends (‘time’ is called) before the third game is completed, the team leading the third game will win the match. If the whistle was blown and the third game is tied, the match will be considered at tie.

In the event the Event Coordinator is required to call ‘time’ on a match, stop play immediately. Do not finish the rally, do not start another rally.

WAIVER

All players must sign a waiver before playing in our leagues. This can be filled out online or copies can be requested from the club. All subs must also sign waivers. Captains are responsible to ensure that this is done.
The waiver covers liability and sportsmanship.
Refunds are generally not issued for players who sustain an injury and are unable to continue play in the league.

ROSTERS

A full team on court consists of six players with a minimum of 2 females. Teams must maintain a minimum of 2 females on the court throughout the game to play with six players. There is no rule for minimum number of male players.
If you have one only one female player present, you are limited to playing with 4 players- 1 girl and 3 guys (4 total players). YOU MAY ONLY HAVE 2 PLAYERS IN THE FRONT ROW AT A TIME. This rule applies when ONLY one girl is present, it does not apply if there are two or more females present and the team is still short handed (ie) 3 guys and 2 girls.

SUBS

The CSSC feels that defaults should be prevented whenever possible. Teams pay to PLAY! So what are the rules for bringing in subs?
A team may bring in subs that are not listed on the roster. Subs at any time must not have, or play at, a higher skill level than the player(s) they are replacing.
If you are playing in a league where games may be played before yours, or if teams in your gym offer to lend you any players, you may only borrow players to prevent your team from defaulting. You can not add players from a previous game or from other teams playing at your gym, if it increases the number of players beyond a minimum roster which is 4 players including 1 female.
Teams may bring in subs for playoff games but these players must have played during the regular season with the team. There is one exception to this rule: Your team is going to default due a lack of players. In this case, only, new players will be allowed to play but teams may only field a minimum full roster (see above).
Further to subs for playoff games: it is each team’s responsibility to NOT bring in ‘ringers’ – respect your opponent and the league by making it a fair game!
A sub-list can be requested from the office or you can recruit subs on the player forum. If you recruit a sub, it is your responsibility to ensure they are ready to play (know the rules and have submitted a waiver).

DEFAULTS

All teams are to be ready to play at the time listed on the schedule (varies gym to gym)
At game time any teams not meeting the minimum player requirements will default game 1 in their first match.
After 15 minutes any teams not meeting the minimum player requirements will default match one.
Minimum player requirements (to avoid a default) for all CSSC leagues: at least 1 female and 3 other players (4 total players)***

Defaults recorded as 25-0 25-0 game scores
The $25 default deposit will be processed each match a team defaults. So if a team misses an entire night the default amount is $50 total. Teams must provide the fee before being allowed to play their next games. If a team defaults on a second night, their status in the league will be under review. Teams defaulted against will receive a refund of $25 to the visa they used to register with.

REPORTING RESULTS

After a game or match each captain must submit the game scores (for example: 25-23, 25-12) from each game to the EC and/or directly to the score sheet they provide.

STANDINGS AND PLAYOFFS

Standings are calculated weekly and teams will be ranked on percentage of wins. To break a tie (eg. two teams are both 3-1 after the first four matches) it will go to games won/lost differential and if that is tied to points for minus points against differential. For the final standings if the three standards above are still tied then ranking will be determined by the result of the match between the two tied teams (who if they played each other more than once and both won the match then it would go to points in those matches).

All teams qualify for playoffs in that they will play in the final week. However, only the top 4 teams in each league qualify to win the league.

The playoffs are played on the final night – the playoff schedule will be issued within 3-5 days of the final regular season games

FOR PLAYOFFS/FINALS: BEST-OF-3 GAMES MATCH as above. In most cases, there should be enough time for all matches to be completed, however; IF TIME IS CALLED AND THE MATCH HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED, the following scenarios can occur:

Time is called during the 2nd game. If the second game is tied, the team who won the first game will be the match winner. If each team has ‘won’ a game, then the team with the higher point’s differential is the winner. (In the event this was tied, teams would rock, paper, paper scissors or flip a coin to determine the match winner).
Teams may not start a 3rd game until more than 5 minutes remain in the match time.
In a third game, 5 total points must be played for the game to count.
If time is called in a third game, the team who is ahead when time is called is the match winner. If the game was tied when time was called, ONE MORE POINT would be played to determine the match winner. Serve would remain with the team who had the serve at the time ‘time’ was called.