Rules of the Game

• The winner of the pre-game coin toss decides whether their team will serve or receive.
• Each match is 3 sets to 21 rally points — you can win a point on your opponent's serve. You must win by 2 points, with a hard cap at 23.
• Games start on time whether or not both teams are ready, and end on time regardless of when they started or whether they have been completed.

• 4s leagues: 4 players on the court, with a minimum of 1 male and 1 female player on the court at all times.
• 6s leagues: 6 players on the court, with a minimum of 2 men and 2 women on the court at all times.
• All players must be on the online roster at the time game sheets are printed.

Substitute (roster) players:

• Substitutes are allowed but must be added to the roster by noon on the day of the game.
• Substitutes are expected to be of a similar skill level to the rest of the team. Players deemed too advanced for the team or division may not be permitted to play by the referee or convenor.
• To be eligible for playoffs, a player must have attended at least one third of the games, unless given express and demonstrable permission from league administrators.

• A player from the starting line-up may leave the game once and re-enter once in the same set, returning to their previous position. They may only re-enter in place of the player who substituted them.
• A team that is unexpectedly short during game time (regular season only) may ask players from previous games to substitute, provided that: the opposing team and referee are notified before the match and give permission; the substitute is an appropriate skill level for the team or division; and the team invites only enough substitutes to field a team.

• Teams must be ready to begin at their designated time. Players arriving early to warm up must respect groups using the gym before them.
• If after 10 minutes a team does not meet the minimum player and gender requirements, it forfeits the first set.
• If after 20 minutes it still does not meet those requirements, it forfeits the match.
• Forfeited matches are recorded as 21–0.
• Teams that default more than one match may be removed from the league without refund.

• The server must complete the serve within 5 seconds of the referee's whistle.
• The ball is in play if it touches the net and continues over to the opponent's side.
• Serves may not be blocked or immediately spiked.
• Each server is capped at five consecutive serves (advanced leagues excepted).
• Players on the serving team may not obstruct the opponent's view of the serve, server or ball trajectory.

• A blocker may touch the ball beyond the net as long as they do not contact the net or interfere with the opponent's play.
• Players may touch the opponent's court with a foot as long as the front foot is touching the centre line and does not interfere with the opponent's ability to play the ball.
• A block contact does not count as a hit — the attacking team is still entitled to 3 hits.
• Players may attack-hit the ball from any position on the court.

See the General Guidelines for conduct and venue rules, or the League Format for standings and playoffs.