Referee Focus:  Be consistent and keep the game moving. Prioritize safety and fair play over strict enforcement of each rule. Provide warnings for faults and violations first, then call if persistent.

Match Format

• Matches are best of three (3) sets.
• The first team to 25 points wins each of the first two sets.
• If a third set is needed, the first team to 15 points wins the match.

Rally Scoring

• A point is awarded on every rally.
• The team that wins the rally earns one point and the serve.
• The serving team continues to serve until the receiving team wins a rally. At that point, the receiving team earns the point and takes over the serve.

Pre-Game Warm Up

• Each team begins warm-ups by using their half of the court
• Last 5 minutes: Each team gets the full court for a timed 2 minute serving warmup (other team exits court fully, then switch)
• Game begins after the timed serving warmup

Starting Play 

• 1 referee, 2 line judges (players or volunteer)
• Rock/Paper/Scissors to decide the team to serve first
• 6 players must be on court for each team
• Referee whistles to announce game is ready for the serve 

Serving Rules 

• Players must wait for whistle to announce game is ready for the serve (When a serve is made before whistle, play is stopped and serve is replayed. No point is awarded to either team)
• Ball must cross over the net. Ball can touch net as long as it goes over.

SILVER TEAM

• • Modified Service Line: Players unable to consistently serve from the regulation service line may step in up to 6’ from end line. After successfully serving 3 times in a row from modified service line, players need to move back to end line.
  • Underhand and overhand serves allowed
  • Foot Faults No foot faults will be called during regular season (Don’t stop play, but coach and ref should inform players when obvious faults are being made)

GOLD TEAM

• • Players must serve from behind the end line.
  • No stepping on/over the line before contact with the ball.
  • Foot faults should be watched by coaches and adjustments should be made. Warnings will be issued first, and faults may be called after warning

Net & Line Calls 

• Ball on the line is IN.
• If ball hits ceiling and lands on the other side of court → OUT.
• If ball hits ceiling and lands on the same side of court from which it was hit, ball is still in play.
• Players cannot touch net. No penalty, but make sure they know it’s not allowed.
• Players may not step over the center line. No penalty,  but make sure they know it’s not allowed.

Hits per Side 

• Max 3 hits per side.
• A block does not count as a hit.
• Double hit (lifting with two hands) may be called as a fault when very obvious.

Rotations

• After winning the serve back, players rotate clockwise.
• Servers must rotate all the way around before serving again.
• Players need to check in and out of the court with referee for all substitutions

Ball Handling 

• No catching, throwing, or carrying ball.
• Underhand/open-handed hits allowed if not a lift.
• Flexibility will be given, but fair play will be encouraged.

Sportsmanship 

• Roll the ball under the net, not over.
• Encourage high-fives and cheering.
• Players should refrain from chants and stomps intended to disrupt the other teams serve. 
• Help explain rules to players so they understand the mistakes.
• Players shall not question the referee or line judges directly during play. 
• Players with poor sideline or game time behavior may lose their opportunity to play in the remainder of the game.