THE TEAM – Only four (4) players allowed on the field at any one time. There must be a minimum of one (1) members of either sex on the field at all times for the mixed Competition. A coin toss will determine first service or choice of court side. Teams will swap sides at half time. 

WINNING TEAM: The winner is the team with the greater number of points at the end of the game. A draw will be awarded if both teams have an equal amount of goals. For the competition ladder, the winning team receives 3 points, 1 point each for drawn game and no points for a loss

DURATION OF THE GAME -The game is played as x2 18 min halves with a 2 minute break at half time.  

SUBSTITUTIONS – Unlimited substitutions are allowed as long as players are rotated into the serving position. Players must notify the staff when substitutions are happening, as there will need to be a timeout in the game.

COURT BOUNDARIES – The ball will be “out of bounds” when while crossing the net it hits the ceiling, back wall of opponent’s side or two walls consecutively on service, volley or block. Ceiling and back wall on own side is in bounds if own player touches it.

SERVING: 

  • The ball is to be served after the umpire's whistle. 
  • The ball may only be served over or under-arm. 
  • One foot must be touching the back of the court
  • The ball may only contact the divider-net on the serve, but must make it over otherwise the point is lost.
  • Blocking, Spiking or attacking a serve is Illegal.
  • The ball must be hit cleanly with one hand or any part of the arm after being tossed or released and before it touches the ground.
  • The player will only have one attempt at a successful serve.
  • The serve may be hit from anywhere along the baseline
  • The serve may hit one (1) side wall on you or your opponents side. 
  • The serve must not hit the back wall, otherwise the point is lost. 

THE NUMBER OF HITS TO HIT THE BALL OVER THE NET  – Each team is entitled to a maximum of three hits to return the ball over the net. A ball cannot contact below the waist. No kicking. A player may not contact the ball twice consecutively, unless the ball is deemed hard-driven by the umpire - i.e. in a block situation. On a block, if two opposing players touch the ball, the teams still has 3 hits.

BALL AT THE NET  – When the ball is sent into the opponent's court it must pass over the net. While crossing the net, the ball may touch the net. A ball hit into the net may be retrieved and played over the net within the team's limit of three hits. If the ball is only partly across the net, and the opponent hits it, it is good. Touching the net is not allowed by players, unless the ball is driven into the net and the net hits the player.

BLOCKING – Blockers can reach over the net to block, providing the other team has made its third contact of the ball. The opponent cannot block the set. If any part of the ball has crossed the vertical plane, a free ball is in effect and both teams are entitled to it. On a block, if two opposing players touch the ball, the teams still has 3 hits. Only players in the front row may block. 

FREE BALL – The opponent cannot block the set. If any part of the ball has crossed the vertical plane, a free ball is in effect and both teams are entitled to it. A ball on the vertical plane above the net is open to both sides

FAIRPLAY SYSTEM each league night you will havean Event Host onsite, but these guys are not official referees. Urban Rec is proud to be the only non-competitive league which practices fair play, meaning you should be making your own calls on the game. The referee will be there to make the calls not made by individuals, keep time, and help guide the games within the game play rules. The Urban Rec Referee has the final say on any issue that cannot be self-resolved.

SPORTSMANSHIP: if you are seen to be rude or not playing within the respect of the rules you will be asked to sub, and warned by one of our Rep’s if after two times you do not show your sportsmanship, you will be asked to leave the field, and an assessment will be made if you can play again. We do not tolerate idiots. Play fair. 


Note that the above details are generic Volleyball rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.