Spring Indoor Volleyball Berkeley [Thu] Rules

TEAM FORMAT

5-a-side

Each team fields five (5) players on court.

Teams must include:

  • Minimum two (2) male players

  • Minimum two (2) female players

  • Remaining players may be any gender, including gender diverse participants.

Teams may play the entire match with a minimum of four (4) players, provided at least one (1) player is female, without resulting in a default or forfeit.

6-a-side

Each team fields six (6) players on court.

Teams must include:

  • Minimum two (2) male players

  • Minimum two (2) female players

  • Remaining players may be any gender, including gender diverse participants.

Teams may play the entire match with a minimum of four (4) players, provided at least one (1) player is female, without resulting in a default or forfeit.

Please refer to the Urban Rec Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy for player eligibility requirements.

Substitutes

Substitutes are permitted provided they:

  • Have created an Urban Rec account.

  • Have signed the current Urban Rec waiver.

Substitutions may be made at any time during play, provided the League Host is notified.

GAME SPECIFICS

Game Time

  • Matches are played within a 40-minute timeslot.

  • Teams will play as many sets as possible within the allocated time.

Court Boundaries

  • Indoor Volleyball is played on a standard indoor volleyball court divided by a centre net. (18 x 9m)

  • Court dimensions may vary depending on the venue. (16 to 18m long, by 8 to 9m wide)

Starting the Game

Captains will play Scissors, Paper, Rock.

The winner chooses:

  • First serve, or

  • Which side of the court to start on.

Scoring

  • Rally point scoring is used.

  • Sets are played to 15 points, win by 2 points.

  • Teams play as many sets as possible during the allocated timeslot.

  • The team winning the most sets wins the match.

RULE SPECIFICS

Serving

  • Serves may be taken from anywhere behind the baseline.

  • The server should wait until both teams are ready before serving.

  • The ball must be struck cleanly before it touches the ground.

  • The serve must pass between the antennas.

  • The serve may touch the net provided it crosses successfully.

  • A serve may not be blocked or attacked.

Team Hits

Each team has a maximum of three (3) hits to return the ball.

  • The ball may be played using any part of the body, including the feet.

  • A player may not hit the ball twice consecutively unless following a block.

  • A blocked ball does not count as a team hit.

Playing the Ball

  • The ball must be contacted cleanly.

  • Holding, catching, throwing or carrying the ball is not permitted.

  • Hand sets should be controlled and released in one continuous motion.

Net Play

The ball may touch the net while crossing.

Players may not:

  • Touch the net between the antennas during play.

  • Use the net for support.

  • Interfere with an opponent while crossing under the net.

Players may cross beneath the net provided they do not interfere with the opposing team's play.

Attacking

Players may attack the ball from their own side of the net.

Players may not:

  • Attack an opponent's serve.

  • Reach over the net before the opponent has completed their attack.

Please be mindful when spiking the ball and avoid unnecessarily striking opponents at close range.

Blocking

Players may block an opponent's attack.

Players may not block a serve.

After a block:

  • The blocker may play the next ball.

  • The team still has three available hits.

Simultaneous Contact

  • If teammates contact the ball simultaneously, it counts as two team hits.

  • If opponents simultaneously contact the ball above the net, play continues.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

Safe Spiking

  • Power is part of volleyball, but safety comes first.

  • Avoid deliberately spiking directly at opponents from close range, particularly towards the head or face.

  • League Hosts may intervene where aggressive play is inconsistent with the spirit of Urban Rec.

Net Safety

  • Avoid running into, pulling or leaning on the net.

  • Respect both the equipment and the players on the opposite side.

Calling the Ball

Players are encouraged to communicate by calling:

  • "Mine"

  • "Yours"

  • "Help"

Good communication creates better rallies and safer play.

Self-Officiating

Urban Rec Indoor Volleyball relies on players making honest calls.

Players should call:

  • Net touches

  • Double hits

  • Carries

  • Balls in or out

League Hosts are available to assist if teams cannot reach agreement.

Host Discretion

Not every situation can be covered by the rulebook. League Hosts may intervene where an action is technically legal but clearly unsafe, unfair or against the spirit of the game.

Fun First Policy

All Urban Rec leagues are fun-first, regardless of skill level.

Our League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed

  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play

  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship

Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation. Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

Discipline

  • League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

  • If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

    • Ask the player to sub off and take a break

    • Issue further warnings

    • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues

We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

Inclusion

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

  • Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome

  • Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported

Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.


 

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