Sand & Grass Tournament Rules

MPRB offers volleyball tournaments outside of the regular season.

2025 Tournaments

 

Tournament Details

  • Three games guaranteed
  • Pool Play: 3 matches with 2 games up to 15 capped at 17 (30-minute limit)
  • Bracket Play: Best of 3 (45-minute limit)
  • First 2 games up to 25, capped at 27 Third game up to 15, capped at 17 (if necessary) UNLESS the match reaches the 45- minute limit. 
  • The league director will be aware of the time and may have to end the game due to the time limit. 
  • Coin toss will determine 1st and if necessary, the 3rd game(s). 
  • We are governed under the rules of the United States Volleyball Association (USVA) w/ MPRB modifications. 
  • One timeout per match (1 min)
  • Roster Limit: 12 players per team

Divisions: Open & Co-Ed (in order of difficulty) 

  • Upper B. Skilled players who understand, but may not have completely mastered the dynamics and strategies of both 5-1 or 6-2 offense.
  • B. Players who have learned the basic skills of serving, passing and making three contacts with a team strategy.
  • Lower B / C. Players who are relatively new to officiated volleyball or learning the basic skills.

House Rules/USAV Rules

  • Players cannot touch the net.
  • Players may not cross over the center line when the ball is in play.
  • Rotation or substitution must be chosen at the beginning of the match.
  • All participants must be 18 years of age and older.
  • Each team gets one timeout per game.
  • Blocking, spiking, and attacking are not allowed on the serve.

MPRB Co-Ed Play: 4 & 6 person Rules

  • Unlimited substitutions are allowed.
  • 6-person: Co-Ed teams must have at least two women on the court.
  • 6-person: Teams must have 4 players on the court to start play.
  • 6-person:  When the ball is played three times by a team, a female must make one of the contacts. Contact of the ball during blocking shall not constitute playing the ball.
  • 6-person:  Rotation or substitution may be used for teams with more than 6 players. The method must be chosen at the beginning of the match and used for the entire match.
  • 6-person: Team members on the court must be separated by gender. (Exception: 5 players on the court)
  • 4-person: Teams must have 3 players on the court to start play.
  • 4-person: Setting over the net is considered a fault.
  • 4-person - Co-Ed teams must have at least two women on the court.
  • Unlimited substitutions are allowed.

MPRB Open Play: 6 Person Rules

  • Teams must have 4 players on the court to start play.
  • No specific gender rules regarding ball contact, serving order, or court position.
Prizes / Awards
  • 1st & 2nd place teams per bracket.
  • If themed, prizes for best costume and team name.

MPRB League Directors reserve the right to make changes for the betterment of the program.

Totally 80's Sand Volleyball Tournament

Schedule Grid
NameEmail
Amy Bassettabassett@minneapolisparks.org