THE GAME:

Teams are composed of six players; three front and three back. It is permissible to compete/continue with four players (3 front and one back).

The winner of the coin toss at the beginning of the match has the choice of serve or side. Thereafter, the beginning serve will alternate for the second and third games (if three games are played) and the teams will change playing areas after every game. (Second and third games in regular season).

Points will only be scored by the serving team. A game is won when either team has a one point margin of victory when game point is reached. (Two (2) point margin in play-offs).

After a team has lost it's serve, the team receiving the ball for it's initial serve will rotate one position clockwise. (Except on the opening serve).

The server must be outside the court until the moment of contact with the ball. Stepping on or in front of the base line is a foul and a side-out will be awarded to the offended team.

If a team is playing with only four players the ten foot line only applies to the person at the serving position.

THE FOULS:

Stepping completely across the center line (you may step across the line as long as part of your foot is on or above the line).

Touching the net while the ball is still in play.

If the ball momentarily comes to rest in the hand(s) or arms of a player it shall be considered holding or catching. The ball must be clearly batted. Scooping, lifting, or shoving shall be considered holding/ carrying. The ball shall not visibly come to rest on any part of any players upper torso.

Reaching over the net to play the ball. A player may reach over the net only in the following instances:

A. In returning a ball a player may follow through over the net, providing the initial contact is one the attacker's side of the net.

B. Player(s) in the act of blocking may reach across the net but may not contact the ball until the opponent has completed their attack.

One person hitting the ball twice in succession other than off the block. If the ball contacts two parts of the body simultaneously, it is legal and counts as one hit. If the action is not the initial play when the ball crosses the net it shall constitute a foul.

A. Four hits by one team. EXCEPTION: If the ball is contacted on the block, the team shall have three more hits to return the ball to the other side of the net.

B. Serve out of run.

C. Back line player spiking the ball in front of the ten foot line. Back row players may bump or pass the ball over the net from anywhere on the court.

D. If on an attempt to serve, a person throws up the ball and does not hit it, he must let the ball hit the ground before attempting another serve. If the ball is caught before hitting the ground, a side out will be awarded to the other team.

A ball touching any part of the boundary line is good. An out of bounds ball must be allowed to hit the floor. If a player catches or allows the ball to hit him/her, even on an obvious out of bounds ball, a point or side out will be awarded to the opponent.

A substitute may take the place of a player only when the ball is dead. No change will be made in the relative positions of the other players when a substitution is made. When a player reenters the game, it shall be in the same or original position in relation to his/her teammates.

Two time outs per game will be allowed. Time outs may be taken consecutively. While the ball is dead, the playing captain or coach may request a time out from the referee or umpire.

A regular season match will usually consists of three, eleven point (regular season) games with all the games counting in the won-lost record. Check the schedule at the beginning of the season. Play-offs will be two out of three games played to fifteen points. (Two points margin of victory).

A player must wait for the official's whistle to serve.

If the ball hits the roof or any hanging structure and comes down on one's side of the court it will still be in play if hits still remain. However, if it goes to the other side, side out of point will be awarded to the opposing team.

Teams will have to bring their own ball to warm up with, or check one out from the equipment check-out. Game balls shall NOT be lent for warming up.

CO-REC RULES:

Three men and three women constitute a team. No more men than women will be allowed to play at any one time.

If the ball is struck more than one time by players on the same, ONE of the strikers MUST be a woman.