Volleyball KC

LEAGUE FORMAT AND MATCH STRUCTURE Each match consists of three (3) games played during the scheduled time slot. All games played count toward league standings, not just match wins. This ensures that every point and every game impacts playoff positioning. Games are typically played to: 21 points with a cap at 23, or 25 points with a cap at 27 The specific format may vary depending on league scheduling, daylight availability, and field usage. Volleyball KC reserves the right to adjust scoring formats to maintain schedule integrity. Teams are expected to begin play promptly and maintain a reasonable pace of play throughout the match. Delays may result in shortened games or forfeits at league discretion.

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1. TEAM COMPOSITION AND ELIGIBILITY Each team fields six (6) players on the court at a time in a 6v6 format. A maximum of three (3) male players may be on the court at any time There is no maximum number of female players Teams must have at least one (1) female player present to compete Teams may begin and continue play with a minimum of four (4) players, provided at least one (1) is female. There is no gender touch requirement, meaning there is no rule requiring male and female players to alternate contacts during a rally. All participants must meet eligibility requirements set forth by Volleyball KC, including the 18+ participation rule outlined in the waiver.

2. FORFEITS, DEFAULTS, AND START TIMES All matches will begin at their scheduled time. Game time is forfeit time. A team that does not have the minimum number of players at game time may: Begin play short-handed, or Be assessed a forfeit for that game Grace periods may be applied at league discretion, but are not guaranteed. Repeated forfeits, late arrivals, or no-shows may result in: Loss of playoff eligibility Removal from the league Scheduling penalties Teams are responsible for knowing their schedule and arriving prepared to play.

3. ROTATION, LINEUPS, AND POSITIONING Teams must rotate in a consistent and legal rotational order throughout each game. Standard volleyball rotation rules apply There must be three (3) front-row players and three (3) back-row players when playing with six When possible, service order should alternate male and female players Back-row players: May not attack the ball above the height of the net from a front-row position May not participate in blocking at the net Failure to maintain proper rotation or serving order will result in loss of point or side-out.

4. SERVING RULES Serves may be performed either overhand or underhand. Only one toss is permitted per serve attempt A dropped or mishandled toss results in loss of serve The server must contact the ball behind the service line A serve that contacts the net and crosses into the opponent’s court is considered playable. The receiving team may not: Block a serve Attack a serve above the height of the net Serving out of rotation will result in an immediate side-out and loss of any points scored during that service turn.

5. PLAYING THE BALL Each team is allowed a maximum of three (3) contacts to return the ball over the net. Legal play includes: Clean, brief contact with the ball Controlled passes, sets, and attacks Illegal play includes: Lifting or carrying the ball Prolonged contact Double contact on overhead sets (except when allowed) Double contacts are: Allowed on the first team contact (serve receive or hard-driven ball) Judged more loosely in recreational divisions Players are expected to call violations honestly in the spirit of self-officiated play.

6. NET PLAY AND BOUNDARY RULES A player may not contact the net during active play. Any net contact that interferes with play results in a loss of point Incidental contact may be judged within reason in recreational play Players may cross under the net only if it does not interfere with the opposing team. Boundary rules: Balls landing on the line are considered in Balls landing completely outside the line are out Poles, antennas (if used), and boundary markers define the legal playing area.

7. SELF-OFFICIATING AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION All matches are self-officiated. There are no referees. Players are expected to: Make honest and immediate calls Respect opponent calls Resolve disagreements calmly If a dispute cannot be resolved: The point should be replayed Repeated abuse of calls or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in penalties or removal.

8. SPORTSMANSHIP AND PLAYER CONDUCT Volleyball KC promotes a fun, social, and competitive environment. All participants are expected to behave respectfully. The following are prohibited: Aggressive or dangerous play Verbal abuse, harassment, or threats Physical altercations Disrespect toward players, staff, or the public Participants must also: Avoid playing while excessively intoxicated Follow all park and league guidelines Volleyball KC reserves the right to: Remove players from matches Suspend or remove players/teams from the league Enforce penalties without refund

9. SCOREKEEPING AND REPORTING Scores must be recorded after each match. Team captains are responsible for: Accurately tracking scores Reporting results in a timely manner Failure to report scores may result in: Recorded forfeits Adjusted standings Standings are based on total games won and other tie-breaking criteria as determined by Volleyball KC.

10. WEATHER, LIGHTNING, AND OUTDOOR CONDITIONS This league is played outdoors on grass surfaces and is subject to changing conditions. Play may be affected by: Rain Wind Heat Field conditions In the event of unsafe conditions (including lightning), Volleyball KC may: Delay matches Shorten games Suspend or cancel play Participant safety is the top priority.

11. PARK USE AND FACILITY EXPECTATIONS All matches take place in shared public park spaces. Participants must: Respect all park rules and regulations Clean up all trash and belongings Avoid damage to grass, nets, and equipment Be courteous to other park users Failure to follow park rules may result in removal from the league.

12. FINAL AUTHORITY AND RULE MODIFICATIONS Volleyball KC reserves the right to: Interpret all rules Resolve disputes Modify rules as necessary for safety, fairness, and league operations All decisions made by Volleyball KC are final.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PLAY By participating in Volleyball KC leagues, all players acknowledge that they: Understand and agree to follow these rules Accept the nature of self-officiated play Commit to sportsmanship and safe participation