Volleyball Rules

Code of Conduct

• Fighting or deliberately attempting to injure another player results in immediate removal from the league (zero tolerance).
• All players must follow the Carleton University Intramural & Adult League Player Code of Conduct.
• Unsportsmanlike actions such as taunting, aggression, intimidation, or intentional fouls are prohibited.

General Information

• Players may join one volleyball team per league per semester.
• Open to Carleton students, staff/faculty, and alumni with active gym memberships.
• All players must be registered and check in before matches.
• A minimum of 4 games is required for playoff eligibility.
• Valid ID must be presented to participate.
• Team shirts must be worn.
• Governed by the FIVB Rule Book + Carleton-specific rules.
• Fighting or deliberate harm results in removal from the league.

Game Supervision

• One league official and one organizer per game.
• Officials handle sign-ins and officiating.
• Respect for staff is mandatory; misconduct may lead to ejection.
• Captains are responsible for team conduct.

Equipment

• No hard casts or jewelry allowed.
• Only non-marking court shoes permitted.
• Standard volleyball and net (7′ 4 1/8″) used.

Players

• 6 vs 6 format.
• Coed teams must maintain a 3:3 or 4:2 gender ratio.
• Minimum 4 players to start.
• Spares allowed with approval.
• Roster must be finalized before first game.

2. Time

• Matches start 10 minutes past the hour and last up to 55 minutes.
• No extra sets in regular season.
• Time is kept by the referee only.

3. Boundaries

• Standard volleyball court used.

4. General Play

• One toss per serve allowed.
• Net serves are legal.
• No blocking/spiking serves.
• Honest calls encouraged; final decisions by officials.
• Double hits allowed on hard-driven balls.
• Contact with any body part is legal.
• Crossing under net allowed if no interference or center line violation.
• Hands may cross the net when blocking or spiking (if initiated on own side).
• Net contact is a violation.
• Illegal backcourt attacks must be called by players.

5. Scoring

• Sets 1 & 2: to 25 points (cap at 27).
• Set 3: to 15 points (cap at 17).

6. Coin Toss

• Captains flip a coin to decide serve or receive.

Divisions

• Recreational: Beginners/new to volleyball.
• Intermediate: Some experience; basic skills.
• Competitive: Advanced players with positional knowledge.

League Standings & Points

• Win = 2 points, Tie = 1 point, Loss = 0 points
• No overtime in round-robin play.
• Weekly standings are posted on the Carleton Rec website.

Forfeits & Defaults

• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Default game 1 if not ready by 10 minutes past the hour.
• Full match default after 15 minutes.
• Defaults recorded as 0–25, 0–25.
• Use Fusion IM to declare default/forfeit 10 hours prior.

Tie Breaks

Two Teams Tied:

1. Set/point differential
2. Head-to-head
3. Coin flip

Three Teams Tied:

1. Set/point differential
2. Head-to-head
3. Coin flip

Playoff Format

• Varies by league structure and facility availability.

Cancellation Policy

• First cancellation: no reschedule or refund.
• 2nd+ cancellation: Rescheduled or partial credit next season.

Injury Policy

• Injuries must be reported to officials.
• Bleeding players are removed until safe to return.
• Participation is voluntary and at own risk.