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K-W Co-ed Volleyball > Rules

teamplay.ca's K-W Co-ed Volleyball is the ideal social sport in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Played on the sand and in the sun in our Spring and Summer seasons and indoors in the Fall and Winter seasons.

SPIRIT OF THE GAME - Paramount in all teamplay.ca sports.
It is the responsibility of every player to play fair and make their own calls - there are no referees. ONLY players on the field involved in the play can make calls -- NOT players on the sideline. Implicit in all teamplay.ca sports leagues is the assumption that no one will cheat to gain an unfair advantage no matter how competitive the game becomes. Players/teams can and will be ejected from the game/league, without refund, for not adhering to teamplay.ca's "Fair Play Rule" (see below).

Rule contents link:

• Quick Rules
• Extended Rules
• General teamplay.ca Rules for all Leagues

QUICK RULES for K-W Co-ed Volleyball

• The minimum of 2 females and 2 males must be maintained at all times on the court.
• One round of rock-paper-scissors for first serve. The other team serves first in the second game.
• Serves that hit or graze the top of the net and go over the net are in play.
• No blocking or spiking a) the serve or b) from behind the attack line.
• Players may contact the ball with any body part, but no "lifts" or kicking motion allowed.
• A block does not count as a hit: if a player tries to block the ball but the ball stays on that player's side of the net, the team still has 3 hits to get the ball over the net, and the player that blocked the ball may make the first hit. (A spike still counts as a hit)
• 5-serve "mercy rule" in effect
• Rally-scoring: a point is awarded after every play, regardless of which team served.
• First team to 25 points wins; however, you must win by at least 2 points, up to a maximum of 27 points.
• Teams switch sides after the first game.

EXTENDED RULES for K-W Co-ed Volleyball

All games are self-refereed. Teams are responsible for calling their own fouls, and the closest player with a clear view of the play makes the judgment on scoring and in/out decisions. If there is a dispute or the teams are unsure of a ruling, please replay the point.

We encourage competitive play, but never at the expense of good sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game. Always be respectful and ensure that your teammates and opponents have a great time. teamplay.ca reserves the right to eject from the league, without refund, any player or team that is deemed to be verbally or physically abusive, or in any way threatens the safety, well-being, or general enjoyment of the game of other players or spectators.

1. GAME LENGTH, TIMEOUTS AND SUBS

Each match is 55 minutes in length and each team plays one game per week. Each team has one 60 second timeout per game. Player substitutions (subs) are only allowed after a point is scored. Subs are permitted if there is an injury. The opposing team is also allowed to substitute the same number of player(s) that are substituted due to injury.

If you complete your games before your 55 minutes are up, you are welcome to continue playing for fun until time expires.

2. MINIMUM PLAYERS

• The minimum of 2 females and 2 males must be maintained on the court at all times in both 4's and 6's league play.
• If a team does not have the minimun number of players, including the minimum number of females and males at game time, the team forfeits. However, if both captains agree, the team may play shorthanded but may not field more than 4 males or 4 females in 6's league play and 3 males and 3 females in 4's league play.
• Captains may agree to waive the rules regarding minimum number of players but this must be specifically agreed upon before the game begins by both team captains -- the score in this case will count if it has been agreed upon.
• If a forfeit occurs, teams are welcome to split up the teams and play for fun, but the score will not count.
• Any team that forfeits more than once in a season may be asked to leave the league. A team that defaults will be awarded a 3 for spirit score and the team defaulted against will be awarded a 5 for spirit score.

3. STARTING THE GAME

Captains, or a representative from each team, play one round of rock-paper-scissors. The winning team serves first and the losing serves first in the next game.

4. SERVING

Players serve from anywhere behind the baseline. If the ball hits the net on a serve and drops over (called a net serve), the ball is in play. A player may only serve five times in a row (5-serve “mercy rule”). If one team serves five times in a row and wins all five points, the other team gets the serve. Once the original team regains the serve, they must rotate as they normally would after gaining the serve.

5. VIOLATIONS

Performing any of the following violations results in the immediate stoppage of play and loss of the point:

• You may not touch the net at any time (unless the ball pushes the net into you)
• You may not “lift” or scoop the ball/li>
• You may not reach over the net
• Your team may not hit the ball more than 3 times in a row (not counting blocks)

6. ROTATIONS

Players must start in standard court volleyball positions (3 players at the net, 3 at the back), rotating clockwise after gaining the serve. If a team has more than six players, the last player to serve must rotate out and the players sitting out the longest rotates in. The only exception is when the minimum of 2 males and 2 females would not be maintained by rotating out normally.

7. TIE GAMES

A tie can occur in the regular season and will count as a tie in the standings.  A tie cannot occur in the playoff game - play must continue until the final point is made. All teams make the playoffs, which occur the final week of the season.

8. PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

In a season you must have played in at least 1 game with a team to be eligible to play a playoff game. Players must be on the team roster and have signed and submitted a Teamplay.ca waiver to the League Organizer. In the spirit of sportsmanship, captains are expected to replace players with a person of a similar skill level. Bringing in “ringers” for regular season and particularly playoff games is discouraged.

9. SPIRIT OF THE GAME & ETIQUETTE

Ultimate has traditionally relied upon a spirit of sportsmanship, which places the responsibility for fair play on the players. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of the fun-first, winning second motto. Such actions as taunting of opposing players, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling, or other “win at all costs” behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.

If a foul is committed and not called by the opposing player, the player committing the foul should call it on themselves. If there is a dispute or confusion about the rules or a particular play on the field, it is good practice to stop play and resolve the matter.

If a novice player commits a foul out of sincere ignorance of the rules, it should be common practice to stop play and explain the foul in a friendly manner.

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GENERAL teamplay.ca RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES:

1. FAIR PLAY RULE

teamplay.ca participants must consider the safety of all players in the game and spectators on the sidelines. Aggressive play is not permitted. We are about fair play, sportsmanship and consideration for the well-being for all players on the field. Keeping with the spirit of fair play, all games are self-refereed.

We encourage competitive play, but never at the expense of good sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game. Always be respectful and ensure that your teammates and opponents have a great time. teamplay.ca reserves the right to eject from the league, without refund, any player or team that is deemed to be verbally or physically abusive, or in any way threatens the safety, well-being, or general enjoyment of the game of other players or spectators.

In order to promote a safe, fun and fair playing environment for all players, All players must understand the expectations for playing in teamplay.ca Sports. Team Captains are required by teamplay.ca to ask players to leave the gym/field if they are involved with any of the following acts:

• Swearing directly at another player, Game Coordinator, or spectator.
• Intentionally pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player.
• Making comments to instigate an altercation with another player.
• Taunting, dangerous agression, intentional fouling, or harassment of any kind towards another player, spectactor or teamplay.ca representative.
• Damage to teamplay.ca equipment or facilities.

In addition to being dismissed from the game, a one week suspension (or more), or a permanent ban from all teamplay.ca sports leagues may be assigned by teamplay.ca to the involved player and/or team.

2. SPIRIT POINTS

Spirit points play an integral role in promoting fair play and ensuring a fun experience for all. Spirit points are used as the tie-breaker if teams are tied at the end of the regular season. When awarding spirit points, give your opponent 5 points by default and subtract points based on the rating system below. For any team that forfeits, an automatic 3 will be awarded for the defaulted team and 5 to the team that is defaulted against.

Teams that award an opponent a spirit score less then 3 will be contacted and asked to provide an explanation. If an explanation is not provided within 24 hours of the email sent, a spirit score of 3 will be awarded instead.

Here's a general guideline for awarding spirit points:

3. TEAM CAPTAIN'S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Register your team with the entire roster prior to the registration deadline to secure a spot.
• Bring all equipment with you to each game.
• Make sure your team knows the rules before the start of the first game.
• Make sure you and your team play within the teamplay.ca rules at all times.
• Be the contact for your team so that other team’s captain can contact you and notify you of a cancelled game and vice-versa. Inform your team of cancelled games.
• Report objectionable conduct or any issues to the League Organizer.
• Discuss any issues with other Team Captain's prior to, during or after games played to resolve any issues from continuing.
• Keep score of each game. Verify opponent’s score is same as your’s before leaving field.
• Report scores within 24 hours of the game being over to the League Organizer.
• Eject a player from the game who does not adhere to Teamplay.ca "Fair Play" rule.

4. REGISTRATION

Registration is not complete until full payment for all participants on your team roster or your individual payment is received prior to the registration deadline. Therefore, a place in the league is not saved.

5. REFUNDS

A refund will not be given due to forfeits/defaults or cancelled games due to weather, for injuries, or for any player or team that is suspended or ejected from a game/season or league due to foul play, objectionable conduct or violation of our "Fair Play Rule".

After the registration deadline has passed there is no refund for registered teams/individuals. There is a refund for teams/individuals 1 week prior to the start of the season subject to a $50 administration fee for teams and $15 for individual players.

6. OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCT

Any conduct or foul play that results in a loss of a permit to teamplay.ca is not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. At all times we encourage safe, fun and fair play. Objectionable conduct includes disrespect to players and venue staff, damage to venue property and any other reason for a loss of a venue permit.

7. ALCOHOL/ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Alcohol and/or illegal substances are not permitted on the field of play, the sidelines, the parking lot or any area of our venues. If you bring these substances within our venues you will removed from the field of play and removed from teamplay.ca without refund. We enforce a zero tolerance policy with this issue. teamplay.ca offers a post-game venue to celebrate and connect with your teammates after each game night.

8. SEVERE WEATHER OR POOR FIELD CONDITIONS

We ask that all teams and players show up ready to play both games, UNLESS games have been cancelled prior to game start time by teamplay.ca due to City field closures or indoor facility closures due to inclimate weather. Cancelled games will be posted on our ultimate news page.

In cases of severe weather, games can be suspended on site by Game Coordinators sounding of the whistle 2 times, or by captains' on site agreement. If games are suspended due to foul weather, wait 30 minutes to see if the foul weather subsides at which point a decision is made to play or to cancel play. Safety is paramount and we ask all teams and players to use your best judgment at all times.

Severe Weather - Lightning (30/30 rule):
If you see a flash of lightning and are able to count 30 stalls before hearing thunder, it is far enough away that play can continue on. If you see a flash of lightning and thunder follows less than 30 seconds apart, leave the field of play immediately and seek safe shelter, games are then suspended for 30 minutes to see if the severe weather subsides. If it does not, the game is cancelled and there is no make-up date.

If the game is cancelled and at least 20 minutes of the game was played, the game will count in the standings - record the score at the time the game was called. If the weather clears up the game will continue and be played until its normal ending time. Games still start/end at the regularly scheduled time in the event of severe weather stoppage.

Other Severe Weather Situations - Rain, Wind, Hail:
In other severe weather situations (wind, rain, hail) games are still played but on site captains agreement can suspend/cancel the game at any time. If the game is suspended, wait 30 minutes under safe shelter and see if the foul weather subsides. If it does not the game is called and the score is recorded.

If the game is cancelled and at least 20 minutes of the game was played, the game will count in the standings - record the score at the time the game was called. If the weather clears up the game will continue and be played until its normal ending time. Games still start/end at the regularly scheduled time in the event of severe weather stoppage.

Game coordinators can also call games if field conditions become too saturated causing damage to the field.

Poor Field Conditions:
To ensure that the fields are not damaged, teamplay.ca follows the following criteria set by the Community Services Department to determine whether a field is "unplayable": visual ponding of water on the surface of the field, water sponging under foot when walking on field, the Game Official deems the sport field to be unsafe for play, there is lightning, or the Community Services Department determines a diamond is unplayable.

If the field is deemed unplayable by the City, the games will cancelled. If you are concerned that the game may be cancelled, click here for the latest field closures before your game.

Indoor Facilities:
If Indoor facilities are closed due to inclimate weather games are cancelled and are not rescheduled.

9. STANDINGS/TIE BREAKERS/FORFEITS

Each team captain is responsible for recording the game score. Before leaving the field of play make sure you confirm and verify the score with your opponent. If there is a discrepancy in the final score the 2 teams must come to a consensus of what the score is prior to the start of the next game otherwise both teams will be given a tie. Captains must submit scores 24 hours after the completition of your game so that standings can be updated.

Tie Breakers - Ties in the standings will be broken by the following heading into playoff week:

• 1st - Higher Win %,
• 2nd - Most wins then ties,
• 3rd - Higher spirit average,
• 4th - Head-to-head match ups,
• 5th - Common opponent win/loss,
• 6th - If still tied a coin toss will break the tie heading into playoff week.

Forfeit - A forfeit counts as a loss in the standings. The team defaulted will receive 3 for spirit and the team defaulted against will receive 5 for that game.

Note: Any team that forfeits/defaults more than once in a season may be asked to leave the league without refund. If your team is unable to make a game -- email us at play@teamplay.ca asap so that we may inform your opponent or try to make alternate arrangements.

10. PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

All teams make the playoffs in every one of our sports leagues.

In a season you must have played in at least 1 game with a team to be eligible to play in a playoff game. Players must also be on the team roster and have signed and submitted a teamplay.ca waiver to the League Organizer. In the spirit of sportsmanship, captains are expected to replace players with a person of a similar skill level. Bringing in “ringers” for regular season and particularly playoff games is discouraged.

11. TEAM UNIFORMS

We encourage all teams to get uniforms/shirts made up but this is the responsibility of each team. All players are required to bring a light and dark shirt to each game. You may wear a team colour, but you still need to bring an opposite coloured shirt in the event that your opponent wears a similar team colour. Please see out "Links" page for places to get shirts made.

12. EQUIPMENT/CLEATS

• Individuals may wear any soft protective equipment or clothing as long as it does not endanger the safety of any other player.
• Cleats are allowed but must be rubber. Metal cleats are not permitted for any sport.
• Players MUST wear shoes - closed toe running shoes or cleats in good standing must be worn. Bare feet are not allowed to be played in.

13. EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY teamplay.ca

All sporting equipment supplied by teamplay.ca lent to members with the intention of having it returned upon a completed season registered for includes: field cones, soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, footballs, football flags, and equipment bags, . All teamplay.ca equipment must be returned in good condition at the end of each season in which it was supplied, unless your team has been given email permission to retain the equipment for an upcoming season by teamplay.ca. Failure to return supplied equipment, will prevent you or your team from returning in future seasons.

Note: This does not include ultmate frisbee discs.

We encourage feedback and comments on our rules and will review all comments at the end of each season as we are always willing to add or change rules to keep things fun and fair.