Fort Saskatchewan Co-Ed Volleyball League Rules

From time to time there will be updates pertaining to the Fort Saskatchewan Co-Ed Volleyball League. Captains will be notified when the rules have been updated. The most recent updates include the new net rules and examples of. Please read the rules and keep a copy of them with you while you play in case of a dispute.

1. Recent Revisions and Updates

Please read all of the rules prior to the start of the season.

2. Sportsmanship

The Fort Saskatchewan Co-Ed Volleyball League is a fun-first league. All players are expected to abide by the FSCVL rules, any player or team who does not will be subject to suspensions or league expulsion.

FSCVL has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. In order to promote a safe and sportsmanlike environment for its players, FSCVL has clarified its stance on unsportsmanlike behavior. All players must understand the expectations for playing in the FSCVL. The league coordinator and/or Team Captains are required by FSCVL to ask players to leave the gym if they are involved with any of the following acts:

• Drugs/Cannabis or Alcohol is strictly forbidden inside schools or parking lots.
• Swearing directly at another player or league representative.
• Intentionally pushing, shoving, or making physical contact with another player.
• Making comments to instigate an altercation with another player.

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

If during the game you have a concern with the other team, address the issue respectfully with the team captain at the appropriate time, during play, on the sidelines, or at halftime. If at the end of the game you do not feel that the issue has been resolved, report the details of the issue to the FSCVL coordinator.

FSCVL Volleyball sportsmanship is an important facet of the game. It involves showing respect for teammates, opponents, and the game itself. Having good sportsmanship helps create a positive atmosphere in the gym, which encourages players to have their best performance. It also helps promote fair play and respect for the rules of the game. Good sportsmanship includes being a good team player, playing fairly and ethically, and respecting opponents. It is important for all players to demonstrate good volleyball sportsmanship on and off the court.

To participate in the FSCVL you must demonstrate a set of ethical, appropriate, polite, and fair practices. Poor sportsmanship is common in nearly every sport from 8-year-olds to pros. Poor sportsmanship can take many forms, including offending or purposefully attempting to distract the opposing team. If such a case arises, the "point in play" is awarded to the "offended" team regardless of the previous outcome. The captains will then discuss with their teams immediately that such offenses take away from the respect of the game and their opponents. The game shall then resume.

If complaints are brought to the attention of the FSCVL admin, an investigation will begin and it may be ruled that the previous game was played in protest and the results of the match may be reversed resulting in a change to the standings/playoffs.

If multiple complaints about one or more individuals are brought to the attention of FSCVL admin, an investigation will begin and it may be ruled that the individual(s) be "suspended" or "banned" from further FSCVL events.

3. Waivers

All teams must read and submit the Team Accident Waiver Form included in the League Registration Form. The Team Captain is signing off all liabilities to the FSCVL and as a result assumes all responsibilities associated with their team and players.

All players must read and submit the Participant Accident Waiver Form before playing their first game. Any player that subs in, even for one game, must fill out a waiver form. Captains are responsible to ensure that this is completed as this signs off all liabilities to the Team Captain and as a result, the player assumes all responsibilities with playing in the FSCVL.

The waiver forms outline the FSCVL's liability and sportsmanship policies.

4. Weather Policy

FSCVL does not cancel any matches due to inclement weather. The only time that games would be cancelled would be if the facility (school) is closed. Team Captains will be contacted if this is the case.

5. Defaults

All teams are to be at the facility 15 minutes before their scheduled match time. Teams not meeting the player requirements 7 minutes after match time will default the 1st game of the 3-game match. After 15 minutes if they still do not meet the player requirements they will default the entire match.

If a team defaults on a second consecutive week their status in the league will be under review.

6. Team Captains

Team Captains are players in the FSCVL who coordinate the games. The role of the Team Captain includes:

• Facilitating the set up and tear down of the nets (with help from the players).
• Manage game times as per the FSCVL contracts with each facility.
• Inform players of FSCVL updates.
• Enter scores manually to the captain's FSCVL player portal.

7. Schedules

Schedules will be posted online a minimum of 48 hours prior to the first game. If the schedule is not posted you may assume the schedule has not been completed.

Please do not contact the FSCVL regarding your schedule until after it is posted. Schedule will not be tailor-made for individual needs.

Games can be played anytime from 6:30 to 10:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays gym rental contract depending. Teams can expect to play two 45-minute matches per week, each falling on the same evening. Teams are expected to arrive 15 minutes before games for court set up and team warm ups.

8. Roster and Subs

When registering a full team, there is no maximum limit to the number of players that you can have on the roster. A team that is registered as a full team is allowed to bring in additional players (subs) that are not listed on the roster, however they must complete the Participant Accident Waiver Form and submit it prior to playing their first game.

A full team on the court consists of 6 players with a minimum of 2 females. The minimum number of players required in order to avoid default is: 4 players including at least 1 female. If you only have 1 female player, the maximum number of male players allowed on the court is 3.

A sub list can be viewed on the FSCVL player portal if required.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, captains are expected to replace players with a person of similar skill level. Bringing in "ringers" for regular season and particularly playoffs is discouraged.

Teams may bring in subs for playoff games but these subs must have played a least 6 games (3 nights) during the regular season with that team. Please ensure that all roster players qualify for the playoffs prior to the playoff season.

9. Facilities

The FSCVL rents from the EIPS and EICS school systems. As tenants, players must respect the standards and rules of each facility.

• Drugs/Cannabis or Alcohol is strictly forbidden inside schools or parking lots.
• Players are expected to clean up after themselves, please do not leave any garbage behind.

Any player who causes the FSCVL to receive a complaint regarding a gym rented by the FSCVL will face a suspension or fine. Depending on severity may be ejected from the FSCVL. Players are responsible for property damage.

All players are to wear clean non-marking running shoes. Players must bring an extra set of game shoes to be put on after entering the school, otherwise you will not be allowed to play.

FSCVL asks all players to arrive 15 minutes before game time to change shoes, stretch, warm up and any other pregame preparations.

10. Equipment

Team Captains are in charge of their team volleyball. If the volleyball is not holding air or requires a replacement, please contact the FSCVL coordinator.

All players are required to help with the set up and tear down of the volleyball nets. If players are unsure how to set up the volleyball nets please ask the team captains for instruction.

Net heights are set for the "Senior Mens High School" height of 2.38 meters.

11. Reporting Results

After each game of the season, team captains must manually enter their team results (scores) on their FSCVL player portals. This is very important to monitor, because if the scores are left blank, it will automatically count as a loss for your team. The scores for the games must be entered within 48 hours of their scheduled game time.

12. Standings

FSCVL player portals will automatically update team standings throughout the season. Each month, during regular season play, the top ranking team from each division will move up a division and the bottom ranked team will move down a division. This “auto-ranking” system will be practiced by the league to promote better skill matchups.

Standings will be ranked according to win percentage. In the event of a tie, the tie breaker goes to the team with the most wins.

13. Playoffs

All teams are guaranteed 2 playoff games. Every playoff Tier is a double round elimination format.

Sportsmanship during the playoffs is very important, any team that wins their playoff game but has sportsmanship issues may have their win overturned and may not be allowed to play their final game or participate in future seasons.

No ties during the playoffs.

In a 3rd game, 5 total points must be played for the game to count. If time is called during a 3rd game, the team who is ahead when time is called is the match winner. If the game is tied when time is called, 1 more point would be played to determine the match winner. Serve would remain with the team who had the serve when time was called.

14. League Specific Rules

FSCVL Volleyball sportsmanship is an important facet of the game. It involves showing respect for teammates, opponents, and the game itself. Having good sportsmanship helps create a positive atmosphere in the gym, which encourages players to have their best performance. It also helps promote fair play and respect for the rules of the game. Good sportsmanship includes being a good team player, playing fairly and ethically, and respecting opponents. It is important for all players to demonstrate good volleyball sportsmanship on and off the court.

To participate in the FSCVL you must demonstrate a set of ethical, appropriate, polite, and fair practices. Poor sportsmanship is common in nearly every sport from 8-year-olds to pros. Poor sportsmanship can take many forms, including offending or purposefully attempting to distract the opposing team. If such a case arises, the "point in play" is awarded to the "offended" team regardless of the previous outcome. The captains will then discuss with their teams immediately that such offenses take away from the respect of the game and their opponents. The game shall then resume.

If complaints are brought to the attention of the FSCVL admin, an investigation will begin and it may be ruled that the previous game was played in protest and the results of the match may be reversed resulting in a change to the standings/playoffs.

If multiple complaints about one or more individuals are brought to the attention of FSCVL admin, an investigation will begin and it may be ruled that the individual(s) be "suspended" or "banned" from further FSCVL events.

Indoor volleyball format is best of 3 games. The first 2 games are rally point to 25 points, the first team to 25 points wins. The third game is a rally point scoring to 15 points, the first team to 15 points wins.

In the event that the score is 24-25, the leading team must win by 2 points. First team to a maximum of 28 points is the winner no matter the point spread. If this occurs in the third game the first team to a maximum of 18 points is the winner no matter the point spread.

In a 3rd game, 5 total points must be played for the game to count. If time is called during a 3rd game, the team who is ahead when time is called is the match winner. If the game is tied when time is called, 1 more point would be played to determine the match winner. Serve would remain with the team who had the serve when time was called.

To determine which team serves first for the 1st and 3rd game a rally for serve will be used. Unless of course teams would rather use the "rock, paper, scissors" method. The team that did not serve first in the 1st set will automatically win first serve in the second set.

Ties are allowed in the regular season. If time runs out before the 3rd game can be started and each team has won 1 game, a tie will be declared.

Net heights are set for 2.38 meters.

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

Jump serves are not allowed in beginner or intermediate divisions, only in advanced.

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

Back row attacks are not allowed in the beginner division. Back row attacks are only allowed in intermediate and advanced divisions.

Teams will referee and score-keep their own games. If there is a disagreement on a call (e.g. the ball was in/out or carry), a re-serve will be called. Teams with spectators or spare players are encouraged to aid in line calls and fouls if they are willing and know the rules of the game. Please keep in mind that this is a recreational league and the emphasis is on FUN.

Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed per serve.

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

Players can not block or spike the serve.

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. Teams with spectators or spare players are encouraged to aid in line calls and fouls if they are willing and know the rules of the game.

Players are to call their own fouls. If an obvious foul is missed, a player on the opposing team may politely point the foul 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 on the opposite team.

A double hit off the serve is allowed (e.g. the serve hits the defender's arms and then chest), this includes if the ball hits the player and then the net, the player can hit the ball again. 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.

Players may contact the ball with any body part, including areas below the waist.

Players are permitted to penetrate into the opponent's space under the net, as long as they do not interfere with the opponent's play, this includes feet (provided that some part of the penetrating foot remains in contact with the center line) and any part of the body above the feet.

A player is permitted to pass his/her hand above the plane of the net in the following scenarios:

• while blocking an attack
• if a player is spiking the ball, their hand can cross the net as long as contact is initiated on their own side.
• an infraction has occurred if a player interferes with their opponent's attack (e.g. if a setter is trying to set his player, the opponent can't reach over the net and block that set).

Net Contact Rules

A player is not allowed to touch the net. Any contact results in a loss of serve and point.

Examples to Clarify Net Rules

Illegal (always results in interference with the play):

• Touching the top or bottom band in the act of playing the ball (hitting, blocking, setting, etc.)
• Pulling the net down to lower it for a teammate or themselves.
• Purposely touching the net to change the direction of the ball.
• An offensive player that fakes a hit/spike may not contact the net.
• Contacting the mesh on the follow-through of a hit of any kind.