The rules of the USAV shall be used as the general rules for play. Exceptions are listed below. 

• Matches will be 2 games to 25 points rally scoring with a 27 point scoring cap. The 3rd game will be rally scoring to 15 points with a 17 point scoring cap. Once one team gets to 8 points during the third game, teams switch sides. 
• Each team can use one 30 second timeout per game. 
• 6s teams must have at least 4 players to play. Teams may ‘borrow’ subs from other teams during regular season play, but NOT during playoffs – Players may only play on one team per division/day of play (regardless of whether their primary team has been eliminated from the bracket) 
• At least 50% of a team’s players on the court have to be players who are not cisgender men. The exception is if a team is playing with 5 players. In this case, at least 2 players must be players who are not cis men. 
• All players must sign the team sideline waiver prior to playing. Players must be 21 years of age or older. 
• Matches will start at the scheduled time. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd games will be forfeited at 10 minutes, 15 minutes and 20 minutes late, respectively. 
• The referee will toss a coin or have captains paper rock scissors prior to the 1st and 3rd games to determine which team chooses their preference for side, serve or receive. 
• Teams must rotate and serve in turn. A server continues to serve until a sideout is declared. Teams rotate on first serve. 
• Let serve will be in effect at all levels of play. i.e. if the served ball hits the net and goes over, it’s playable.
• No blocking or attacking of serves. Serves may be set. 
• Players can double hit on a serve or a driven ball. 
• The ball cannot roll or come to rest on any part of a player’s body. Catching, lifting, pushing or throwing the ball is an error and will result in a sideout. The referee makes all decisions and calls on double hits and lifts. Decisions will be based on the type of league and division level of play. 
• The use of feet is allowed only within the boundaries of the court. If using a foot to hit the ball, the foot must not go above the knee. 
• Three touches/plays are allowed to return the ball over the net. Four plays constitute an error and will result in a sideout. A blocked ball does not count as one of the three touches/plays. 
• No open handed tips are allowed in 4’s. 
• Contact with the net is a fault. It will be at referee discretion to determine contact. 
• A player is allowed to step over the centerline if it does not interfere with the other team’s play. It is a foul if it interferes with play. This call is at the referee’s discretion. 
• A ball that hits the line is in. If a ball hits the fence or the referee stand it is considered out of play. 
• Balls must pass over the net on the inside of the line poles. The ball is considered out if it hits the pole. 
• Players are not allowed to enter the other court to play a ball. When a player or ball enters the other court, the play is considered dead. 
• Positions may be switched following a serve, however, back row players are not allowed to jump/hit/block within the 10 foot line. Players must return to and be in their rotation positions prior to each next serve. 
• If there is limited space at the end line, the server is allowed to step one step over the line. All other players must be inside of the court for each serve. 
• All forfeits will result in a loss for the team forfeiting and a win for the opposing team.
• A $20 fine for last minute forfeits (less than 3 hour notice) will be enforced. The money will be used for a gift card for the opposing team 
• Lower Division – If you end your regular summer season with a win percentage over 85% you will be required to move to the Upper division if your team returns the following summer season. If you end your regular summer season between 75-85% win percentage, you have the option to move to the upper division during the second week of priority registration. If you win your league with a win percentage over 75% you will be required to move to the upper division if your team returns the following summer season. Any teams not meeting the 75% threshold who win their league will have the option to move to the upper division during the second week of priority registration. The only exception is Friday night teams as there is no upper division to move to. 
• Upper Division- If you end your regular summer season with a win percentage below 20% you will be required to move to the lower division if your team returns the following summer season. If you end your regular summer season between a 20-30% win percentage, you have the option to move to the lower division during the second week of priority registration. 
• Submitted results may only be contested with your ref on the day of play. After your ref leaves the premises on your day of play, all results stand regardless of whether or not there was an input error. Please be checking your results after your games. 

Playoffs: 

• League standings are based on win percentage, not number of games won (due to the potential of rainouts). If there is a tie with win percentage, head to head record will be the next determinant.
• The Director of Volleyball will use their discretion on the playoff format based on number of teams in the league and will make adjustments if weather-related make-up games become necessary.
• An individual must have played with a team at least once during the regular season and be on the team’s roster on TeamSideline by the last day of regular-season play to be eligible to play with the team in playoffs. Rosters may be checked at playoffs. Captains are responsible to keep their roster current. 
• All teams qualify for playoffs.

 Conduct: 

•  Sportsmanlike conduct is expected of all players. The referee has the authority to eject any player or spectator for inappropriate behavior. First ejection is a warning and player must sit out one night of play. A second ejection of one player is grounds for suspension for the remainder of the season. Being escorted out by security is also considered an ejection.
• There should be no yelling from either team until the serve is in play, other than to indicate an errant ball on the court. Any shouting that interferes with the serve will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct 
• "Honor calls" are expected at all times. 
• Only team captains are allowed to address the referee regarding calls, score, or to request time-out. 
• No players may make profane or vulgar remarks to officials, opponents, spectators, or Memory Lanes staff. This is enforced on and off the court before, during, and after games. Harassment will not be tolerated. A team or player’s fee is non-refundable if they are ejected from the league for inappropriate behavior. 
• No players are allowed behind the bar at any time. Any player or spectator found behind the bar serving themselves will be ejected from the league and will no longer be allowed to patronize Memory Lanes (volleyball bar/courts, bowling alley, and inside bar) in perpetuity. 
• No outside food or beverage allowed (except for water bottles). Food and drinks can be ordered at the bar and restaurant. There is a zero tolerance policy for outside liquor and cannabis (THC beverages or other products). Any players violating this are subject to removal from the league for the remainder of the season.
• This is a 21+ league including spectators. Any children and their chaperones will be asked to remain inside of Memory Lanes in the bowling alley or bar dining room. 
• Be safe and have fun!