Numbers of players/teams:
Teams shall consist of no more than 10 players - six or more on the court at any one time
Equipment used:
The court shall measure 13.4 metres x 6.1 metres.
The court shall be divided into two equal halves, separated by a net set at a minimum height of two metres.
Team Composition, Substitutions and Rotations:
Teams shall consist of 10 players- 6 on court at any one time. Substitutions can only be made when the ball is dead i.e. not in play. Substitutions can only be made between the same corresponding players OR a team may rotate players on and off the court for service as long as the same rotation order is kept at all times. An irregular substitution can be made for an injured player but preferably with a player, who has not taken the court. Players can interchange with the same player as often as they wish.
Starting Positions and Rotation Order:
At the time the ball is served, all players must be in the correct rotational order. Front line players in front of the corresponding back line players. The right front/back player must stand to the right of the centre player and the left front/back player must stand to the left of the centre player. When the receiving team has gained the right to serve, (by winning a point),its players rotate one position clockwise. At the start of each set the players may start in a new rotational order. (Refer to diagram)
Officials:
The Referee will assume all responsibilities for the proper conduct of the game.
The captain/coach is the only person who can question any rules or interpretation of rules.
The captain/coach will raise his/her hand in front of the referee when the ball is 'dead' after
"queried" play.
Game Format:
Games shall be best of three sets. The home team shall toss the coin and the visiting team shall call. Winner of the toss may choose to serve or receive. The team receiving has the choice of ends. Teams will change at the end of each set.
Each team is allowed 2x30 second 'time outs' per set. The 'time-out' will be called by the captain. The coaches are permitted to address the team during 'time outs' and between sets.
Playing Rules:
Service
Players can serve from anywhere along the base line of the court.
The ball must not be in contact with any other part of the body at the time it is struck.
The ball may hit the net on service as long as the ball lands legally in the opponent's court.
Players are not permitted to block or spike the ball when returning the first service. It is
recommended that coaches encourage players to wait till the ball is below the level of the net before contacting the ball.
Players are now allowed only one service attempt (or ball toss attempt).
Playing the Ball
Players are not permitted to carry, lift, catch or throw the ball. Other than at the first hit of the team, a player may not hit the ball on two consecutive occasions. Players must endeavour to contact the ball cleanly at all times. It is not illegal to set or volley the ball on the service reception, but players must ensure that the contact is clean, i.e. not a double contact
of the ball. Players are not permitted to touch the net.
Players are not permitted to step fully over the centre line (may step on the line or shadow of the line). A team shall be permitted three contacts to play the ball over the net.
A player may try to block the flight of the ball by placing both arms up and reaching above the net. If the ball touches the Blockers hands and continues on to their team's side of the net, then that team will still have three contact hits to play the ball over.
The ball may touch any part of the body- as long as it is one clean contact. This 'touch' counts as one of the three permissible contacts.
At the first hit of the team the ball may touch various parts of the body consecutively provided that it occurs during one action (i.e. you can double hit the first ball over the net).
Ball out of play
The ball is considered out of play when:
It hits the ground outside of the lines (any part of the ball hitting the line is in)
Touches any object outside the court, including the ceiling.
Touches the poles.
Crosses the net outside the poles or passes underneath the net (totally).
Scoring /Umpiring
When one team fails to return the ball or commits a fault, the opposing team scores a point and
gains the right to serve. The first team to 11 points wins the set.
RULES: Don't cross baseline when serving. If the ball touches your teams side of the ground, it is the oppositions point. Don't carry the ball. You can only touch the ball with your hands. If the ball lands outside of the court the oppositions point if you threw.