Indoor and beach volleyball

Forfeits

All teams are expected to have enough players to meet the minimum numbers at the start of the game time. Any team not meeting the minimum number of players 10 minutes past the official start of game time will be subject to a forfeit. A team may lend players to their opponent however, they must determine if the game will be a forfeit or an official game prior to playing.

The forfeit score will be recorded as 25-0 in points and 2-0 in games.

If any team forfeits two games during a season their status in the league will be under review and may be ejected from the league without refund.

In this scenario a forfeit will be deemed as a team not showing up for a game and/or insufficient amount of communication; CARL administration will review all forfeits for the betterment of the league.

If more than 48-hours notice is given prior to your game, the possibility of a rescheduled game on a future date may occur.

Teams are required to have a minimum of four players (one player must be a female) to avoid a forfeit.

If a team has four players with only one female player, they must play with one less player.

Teams are encouraged to work with CARL administration if they are having issues fielding a full team on a regular basis.

Rosters and subs

A team can have 15 players listed on their roster. Exceptions may be made upon review from CARL administration.

A full team consists of six players on the court. At least two of the players must be female.

All players must be listed on the team's official roster to play in the league. Go to ActiveWaterloo to set up an account and add themselves to their team's roster.

A team may bring in extra players prior to the fourth week in the season as long as they have been put on the team's official roster.

Following the roster deadline; CARL staff will do regular random roster checks.

Following the roster deadline; a team may challenge any player on their opponent's roster during the game and must be done by the team's captain. Any challenge must be requested prior to the end of the game.

If the player is being challenged on a roster the following procedure will occur:

• the player will be forced to take substitution immediately; during the challenge they may not play in the game
• if the challenge is successful; the player will be removed from the game immediately
• if the challenge is unsuccessful; the captain of the challenging team will take a three minute shorthanded penalty

Upon completion of the challenge the following results will occur:

• if the challenge is successful, the player will be asked to leave the game immediately
  • if the challenged team has scored any goals the score will be reverted back to the recorded score at the time of the challenge
  • if the challenging team has score any goals the score will remain the same
• if the challenge is unsuccessful, the player is deemed to be eligible
  • the challenging team's captain will receive a three minute short-handed penalty
  • if the challenging team has scored any goals the score will be reverted back to the recorded score at the time of the challenge
  • if the challenged team has scored any goals the score will remain the same

If a player's full name is not listed (i.e. John instead of John Smith) they will be deemed as ineligible.

Players are responsible for having valid ID at the game. If a player fails to have ID, they are considered to be ineligible and will be removed from the game.

Any ineligible player caught playing in a game will result with following:

• the player being removed from the game
• the team's captain being suspended for the next game
• a second offence will result in a three game suspension for the captain
• a third offence will result in a suspension to the captain for the remainder of the season

A team may use players from a previous game from that night and league but they may only use players from within their division of play or lower. Teams may only use enough players to have a full line-up and two subs on the side.

Once a legitimately rostered player arrives at the game, a borrowed sub must discontinue play, unless the opponent agrees to have the player stay in the game. You may not use players from a previous game in playoffs.

Schedules and standings

CARL works to develop an equitable schedule for all participants, ensuring each team has an average equal number of games and a fair distribution of time slots.

All schedules will be sent to each captain and posted on the CARL website a minimum of one week prior to the start of the season. Schedules are subject to change. CARL administration will give notice of changes as soon as possible.

Teams are expected to report scores and spirit ranking to the CARL associate following their game. CARL administration will have standings updated following your game.

How teams are ranked:

1. total points will be determined from a team's wins, losses and ties. Wins will be two points, ties will be one point and a loss will be worth zero points
2. games won - the number of games won during a match
3. point differential - a team's difference between points for and against

If there is still a tie in the standings:

1. record head to head between the teams involved
2. point differential between games involving the teams tied only
3. spirit points for each team involved
4. coin toss

Playoffs

Any team with an average spirit ranking of 3.5 or lower will not be eligible for playoffs.

To be eligible to participate in playoffs a player must be on their team's official team roster.

All teams are guaranteed the same number of playoff games however, not all teams will receive the opportunity to play for the championship.

If a league has eight or more teams the top eight teams will play for the championship in a single elimination style playoff.

If a league has less than eight teams; the top four teams will play for the championship in a single elimination style playoff.

Losing teams will play consolation matches to finish the season that will be best match games.

Any team not part of the championship playoffs will receive consolation games that will equal the same number of games as all other teams.

CARL administration has the right to change the playoff format at any time to ensure the quality of the league.

Sportsmanship is an important part of playoffs. Any team displaying poor sportsmanship in playoffs will have their win reviewed and CARL administration has the right to overturn any win. Poor sportsmanship by both teams in a playoff game may result in a loss by both teams.

Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Match times

Players should arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game. They will receive this time to warm-up for their game.

All players receive a total floor time of 60 minutes. The clock will begin at the scheduled start time of the game. Players are expected to begin their game on time, beginning late will not result in extra time added to the end of the game unless otherwise noted by the CARL associate.

The clock will continue to run during the game, there will be no extra time unless noted by the CARL associate.

All games will end with a whistle blast from the CARL associate; teams will play the last point to completion and will have it counted in the score of the game.

Game expectations

Prior to the start of the game captains are encouraged to meet to discuss any issues and determine who will begin with possession of the ball. During this meeting captains are encouraged to clarify any misunderstanding of rules.

It is expected that only captains are communicating issues during the game.

If there is an issue that cannot be resolved by the team captains they are expected to request the assistance of the CARL associate to mediate the conflict. The CARL associates decision will be final and all players are expected to accept it.

Players are expected to discuss any issues with the opposing captain and/or the CARL associate during the game.

Player expectations

Warm-up in the hallway is not allowed. Players are expected to use the 10 minute transition time between games for warm-ups.

All players must wear some type of court shoe (such as basketball, tennis or jogging). A player is not allowed to play in street shoes, socks, or bare feet.

All players wearing knee braces that contain plastic, metal, or bolts/screws must have a cover.

Foul language, trash talk, or any other offensive actions or words will not to be tolerated and will be followed up in accordance with sportsmanship guidelines.

Start of play

Prior to the game captains will meet and determine which team will begin with the ball. This should be determined by a coin toss.

A team can determine whether to start with the ball or pick a side.

The team who did not start with the ball in the first game will start with the ball in the second game.

For the third game captains will determine which team will serve by a coin toss.

Game format

All matches will be a best of three games format.

The first two games will be rally point scoring to 25 points. A team must win by two points to a hard cap of 27 points.

The third game will be rally point scoring to 15 points. A team must win by two points to a hard cap of 17 points.

A total of eight points must be scored in the third game for the score to be counted; otherwise it should be recorded as a tie. There is no need to be ahead by two points in this case.

Teams are encouraged to use their full time of play whether a winner has been determined or not.

General play guidelines

Players are required to serve from behind the back line of the court.

If a serve touches the net on the way over; the ball will be considered live.

A player may use a jump serve; however, must take into consideration the skill level of their opponent.

Each player may only have a maximum of five serves during a rotation. If a team maintains possession after these five serves they must rotate to a new server.

The serve may not be blocked or spiked.

A team may receive a serve with either a bump or volley.

Teams will have a maximum of three hits to return to the ball to their opponent; a block will not be considered as a hit.

Player may use any part of their body to return/hit the ball.

Teams may return the ball with a spike; however, players must take into consideration the skill level of their opponent.

If a player spikes from the back court, they must take off from behind the attack line.

Players may pass their hands above the plane of the net in the following scenarios:

• while blocking an attack from their opponent
• while spiking the ball - contact must be initiated on their own side

If the ball hits the ceiling or any other structural component of the gym it will be considered out of bounds.

If the ball travels over the net outside of the antennas it will be considered out.

If a ball or player from another game enters the playing area the play will stop and the point will be replayed.

Violations and penalties

All players are expected to know the CARL indoor volleyball rules and call their own violations during the game. Players should not wait for their opponent or expect others will call their infractions during a game. If an infraction from your opponent is missed you may politely point it out. Teams should not be calling infractions for their opponent, this is deemed as poor sportsmanship.

If teams cannot come to an agreement on a called infraction they are expected to replay the point. This is a recreation league and players are expected to show respect towards their opponent and make calls within the ‘spirit of league' as outlined.

Violations:

• a violation is an illegal play in volleyball that will result in the loss of a service for a team

List of Violations:

• a player may not step on the end line during a serve
• a player may not play the ball twice in succession, a block is not considered as a hit
• a player may not cross the centre line and interfere with their opponent
• the ball may not come to a visible rest while being played by a player; this is referred to as a “carry”
• a player may not palm or throw the ball while playing the ball; this is referred to as a “lift”
• a player may not contact the net with any part of their body during a play
• a player may not go over the plane of the net interfering with the play of their opponent; excluding the above mentioned examples

Forfeits

All teams are expected to meet minimum numbers at game time. Any team not meeting the minimum number of players 10 minutes past the official start of game time will be subject to a forfeit. A team may lend players to their opponent but they must determine if the game will be a forfeit or an official game prior to playing.

Teams are required to have a minimum of four players (one player must be a female) to avoid a forfeit.

If a team has five players with only one female player, they must play with one less player.

If your team is unable to make their game, please ensure you give more than 48-hours notice to the CARL administration before the game.

If more than 48-hours notice is given prior to your game, the possibility of a rescheduled game on a future date may occur.

A team may only give a 48-hour notice without penalty a maximum of two times during a season.

Further occurrences will result in an automatic loss and be recorded as a forfeit.

Any team that forfeits a game will be subject to the following:

• receiving a losing score of 25-0 in points and 2-0 in games
• a spirit ranking of zero for the forfeited game

If any team forfeits two games during a season their status in the league will be under review and may be ejected from the league without refund.

Teams are encouraged to work with the CARL administration if they are having issues fielding a full team on a regular basis.

Exception: if captains agree that a team can play with less than the minimum required the score will count and the game can be played. Furthermore, a forfeit or non-forfeit needs to be agreed upon by the 10 minute mark, if an agreement cannot be reached then the forfeit stands.

Rosters and subs

A team may only have a maximum of 15 players listed on their roster. Exceptions may be made upon review from CARL Administration.

A full team consists of six players on the court; at least two of the players must be female.

All teams are required to have a captain present at every game. If a team's listed captain is unable to be present; an acting captain must be assigned for the game.

All players must be listed on the team's official roster to play in the league. Go to ActiveWaterloo to set up an account and add themselves to their team's roster.

A team may bring in extra players prior to the fourth week in the season as long as they have been put on the team's official roster.

Following the roster deadline; CARL staff may do regular random roster checks.

Following the roster deadline; a team may challenge any player on their opponent's roster during the game and must be done by the team's captain. Any challenge must be requested prior to the end of the game.

If a player is being challenged on a roster the following procedure will occur:

• the player will be forced to take a substitution immediately during the challenge they may not play in the game
• if the challenge is successful the player will be removed from the game immediately
• if the challenge is unsuccessful the captain of the challenging team will take a three-minute shorthanded penalty

If a player's full name is not listed (ie. John instead of John Smith) they will be deemed as ineligible

Any ineligible player will be removed from the game immediately. Players are responsible for having valid ID at the game. If a player fails to have ID, they are considered to be ineligible and will be removed from the game.

Any ineligible player caught playing in a game will result with following:

• the player being removed from the game
• the team's captain being suspended for the next game
• a second offence will result in a three game suspension for the captain
• a third offence will result in a suspension to the captain for the remainder of the season

In the spirit of the league, captains are expected to replace players with individuals of equal skill. Bringing in “ringers” for games is strongly discouraged.

Schedules and standings

CARL works to develop an equitable schedule for all participants, ensuring each team has an average equal number of games and a fair distribution of time slots.

All schedules will be sent to each captain and posted on the CARL website a minimum of one week prior to the start of the season; schedules are subject to change. CARL administration will give notice of changes as soon as possible.

Teams are expected to report scores and spirit ranking to the CARL associate following their game.

How teams are ranked:

1. total points will be determined from a team's wins, losses and ties. Wins will be two points, ties will be one point and a loss will be worth zero points
2. games won - the number of games won during a match
3. point differential - a team's difference between points for and against

If there is still a tie in the standings:

1. record head to head between the teams involved
2. point Differential between games involving the teams tied only
3. spirit points for each team involved
4. coin toss

Playoffs

Any team with an average spirit ranking of 3.5 or lower will not be eligible for playoffs.

To be eligible to participate in playoffs a player must be on their team's official team roster.

All teams are guaranteed the same number of post-season games however, not all teams will receive the opportunity to play for the championship.

If a league has eight or more teams the top eight teams will play for the championship in a single elimination style playoff.

If a league has less than eight teams; the top four teams will play for the championship in a single elimination style playoff.

Losing teams will play consolation matches to finish the season that will be best match games.

Any team not part of the championship playoffs will receive consolation games that will equal the same number of games as all other teams.

CARL administration has the right to change the playoff format at any time to ensure the quality of the league.

Sportsmanship is an important part of playoffs. Any team displaying poor sportsmanship in playoffs will have their win reviewed and CARL administration has the right to overturn any win.

Poor sportsmanship by both teams in a playoff game may result in a loss by both teams.

Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Match times

Players should arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game. They will receive this time to warm-up for their game.

All Players will receive a total court time of 90 minutes. Players are expected to begin their game on time, beginning late will not result in extra time added to the end of the game unless otherwise noted by the CARL associate.

All teams will play two matches a night against two different opponents.

Matches will be a total of 45 minutes in length.

The clock will continue to run during the game, there will be no extra time unless noted by the CARL associate.

Game expectations

Prior to the start of the game captains are encouraged to meet to discuss any issues and determine who will begin with possession of the ball. During this meeting captains are encouraged to clarify any misunderstanding of rules.

It is expected that only captains are communicating issues during the game.

If there is an issue that cannot be resolved by the team captains they are expected to request the assistance of the CARL associate to mediate the conflict. The CARL associates decision will be final and all players are expected to accept it.

Players are expected to discuss any issues with the opposing captain and/or the CARL

associate during the game.

Player expectations

All players are expected to play in bare feet. The use of socks will be accepted.

All players wearing knee braces that contain plastic, metal, or bolts/screws - must have a cover.

Foul language, trash talk, or any other offensive actions or words will not to be tolerated and will be followed up in accordance with the Sportsmanship Guidelines.

Start and restarting play

Prior to the game captains will meet and determine which team will begin with the ball. This should be determined by a coin toss.

A team can determine whether to start with the ball or pick a side.

The team who did not start with the ball in the first game will start with the ball in the second game.

For the third game captains will determine which team will serve by a coin toss.

Game format

All matches will be a best of three games format; however teams are encouraged to play all three games if able as each game win will go towards their standings.

The first two games will be rally point scoring to a hard cap of 25 points; a team does not have to win by two points.

The third game will be rally point scoring to a hard cap of 15 points; a team does not have to win by two points.

A total of seven points must be scored in the third game for the score to be counted; otherwise it should be recorded as a tie; if each team has won a game.

Teams are encouraged to use their full time of play whether a winner has been determined or not.

General play guidelines

Players are required to serve from behind the back line of the court.

If a serve touches the net on the way over, the ball will be considered live.

A player may use a jump serve however, must take into consideration the skill level of their opponent.

Each player may only have a maximum of five serves during a rotation. If a team maintains possession after these five serves they must rotate to a new server.

The serve may not be blocked or spiked.

A team may receive a serve with either a bump or volley.

Teams will have a maximum of three hits to return to the ball to their opponent; a block will not be considered as a hit.

Players may use any part of their body to return/hit the ball.

Teams may return the ball with a spike however, players must take into consideration the skill level of their opponent.

Players may pass their hands above the plane of the net in the following scenarios:

• while blocking an attack from their opponent
• while spiking the ball, contact must be initiated on their own side

If the ball hits any other foreign object to the court (ie. tree, fence or net post) it will be considered out of bounds.

If the ball travels over the net outside of the court posts it will be considered out.

If a ball or player from another game enters the playing area the play will stop and the point will be replayed.

Violations and penalties

All players are expected to know the CARL beach volleyball rules and call their own violations during the game. Players should not wait for their opponent or expect others will call their infractions during a game. If an infraction from your opponent is missed you may politely point it out. Teams should not be calling infractions for their opponent, this is deemed as poor sportsmanship.

If teams cannot come to an agreement on a called infraction they are expected to replay the point. This is a recreation league and players are expected to show respect towards their opponent and make calls within the spirit of league as outlined.

Violations:

• a violation is an illegal play in volleyball that will result in the loss of service for a team

List of violations:

• a player may not step on the end line during a serve
• a player may not play the ball twice in succession, a block is not considered as a hit
• a player may not cross the centre line and interfere with their opponent
• the ball may not come to a visible rest while being played by a player; this is referred to as a “carry”
• a player may not palm or throw the ball while playing the ball; this is referred to as a “lift”
• a player may not contact the net with any part of their body during a play
• a player may not go over the plane of the net interfering with the play of their opponent; excluding the above mentioned examples