Rules

CONSTITUTION

Revised September 2011

ARTICLE 1: ORGANIZATION

1.1 The league shall be known as the Lutheran Adults and Nursing Staff Recreational Volleyball League.

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE

2.1 The purpose of this league is to promote good sportsmanship and fellowship among league participants, get some exercise and have some fun.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

3.1 Membership is based on teams who are representatives of local Lutheran Institutions (congregations, schools, related service organizations), or local Medical Institutions (hospitals, clinics, homes, practices, related services).

3.2 Teams seeking membership shall agree to abide by and comply with the spirit and letter of the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and be accepted or rejected by simple majority vote of returning teams at the September Registration Co-captains’ meeting.

3.3 Internal control of the league will be retained by its voting membership and its elected executive committee.

ARTICLE 4: AFFILIATION

4.1 Each team will seek permission to use the name of their sponsoring institution in their team name for registration.

4.2 Twenty-five percent (25%) of eligible players on that team must be directly affiliated with their sponsoring institution. Team captains may be requested to produce evidence of such player

affiliation if challenged by another league member team through the executive committee.

ARTICLE 5: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

5.1 Elections:

The Executive Committee will be elected annually at the May Annual League Meeting (MALM), taking office immediately following such meeting.

If this committee is to include a League Coordinator, a Selection Committee consisting of at least two (2) members of the previous executive committee (not including League Coordinator), plus an equal number of team co-captains will be struck to seek out and select the next League Coordinator. The honorarium being given such a league coordinator will be decided on at the MALM. The term of office for the League Coordinator will be June 1st to May 31st.

5.2 Vacancies:

In the case of a position becoming vacant during the year, the Executive Committee shall appoint a League member to finish out the term.

5.3 Executive Committee:

Shall consist of the following;

5.3.1 Management Coordinator,

5.3.2 Assistant Management Coordinator/Scheduler,

5.3.3 Treasurer,

5.3.4 Statistician,

5.3.5 Secretary/Telephone Committee Coordinator,

5.3.6 Rules Coordinator.

5.3.7 League Coordinator

5.3.8 League President

5.3.9 League Vice President

5.4 Authority:

In that it is impossible to foresee every eventuality, the Executive Committee is empowered to make rulings, not inconsistent with the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules, in the best interests of the League keeping in mind the spirit and aims of its creation.

5.5 Quorum:

A simple majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum and shall have full power to transact all business.

5.6 League Funds:

5.6.1 Should be deposited in an authorized banking institution, all debits requiring the signatures of two (2) of; The Treasurer, the Management Coordinator

and/or the Assistant Management Coordinator/Scheduler, one (1) of which must be the Treasurer

OR The League Coordinator, the League President and/or the League Vice President.

5.6.2 Two (2) members of an immediate family cannot have signing authority.

5.6.3 The Management Coordinator or League President should verify the account semi-annually.

ARTICLE 6: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DUTIES

6.1 Management Coordinator:

6.1.1 Shall preside at all League and Executive meetings.

6.1.2 Shall call a League All Players meeting in May.

6.1.3 Shall call a Captains’ meeting in September and at any other time he/she deems necessary.

6.1.4 Shall interpret and enforce the Constitution and Bylaws.

6.1.5 Shall encourage rest of the Executive Committee to carry out their prescribed duties.

6.1.6 Shall secure appropriate gymnasium facilities in the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo

from their Parks & Recreation Departments, Lutheran Institutions and Medical Institutions and be the contact person for such personnel to open up

and lock these same facilities.

6.1.7 Shall advise the Scheduler of all facility cancellations and have the Secretary enlist the Executive Committee to contact the team Co-captains of match

cancellations or additional Co-captains meetings.

6.2 Assistant Management Coordinator/Scheduler:

6.2.1 Shall perform duties as assigned by the Management Coordinator.

6.2.2 Shall act in the capacity of Management Coordinator in their absence.

6.2.3 Shall be responsible for all scheduling; exhibition season, regular season, playoff season

and all-star matches.

6.2.4 Shall advise the Executive Committee and Captains of schedule changes

(i.e. match cancellations/rescheduling)

6.3 Treasurer:

6.3.1 Shall transact all financial business of the League.

6.3.2 Shall keep an accurate record of all League monies received and dispersed.

6.3.3 Shall present at the September Registration Captains’ Meeting (SRCM) an Annual

Budget of expected receipts and expenditures as recommended by the Executive Committee.

6.3.4 Shall present a financial statement at the May Annual League Meeting (MALM) and at

any other time requested by the Executive Committee.

6.4 Statistician:

6.4.1 Shall keep proper record of statistics, team standings, player expulsions and

disqualifications, set defaults, officiating demerits and player registrations.

6.4.2 Shall keep teams informed of League statistics through the Captains.

6.4.3 Shall advise the Management Coordinator of all defaults, officiating demerits and player

expulsions/disqualifications as soon as they become aware of same.

6.4.4 Shall settle any statistical or player eligibility disputes.

6.4.5 Shall tabulate most sportsperson like votes for league recognition.

6.5 Secretary

6.5.1 Shall keep accurate records of all meetings.

6.5.2 Shall ensure communication between the Executive Committee and teams.

6.5.3 Shall co-ordinate the telephone committee.

6.5.4 Shall ensure that Team Co-captains receive a copy of all League Meeting minutes within

fourteen (14) days of each meeting.

6.6 Rules Coordinator:

6.6.1 Shall make available copies of the League Rules, Constitution and Bylaws at all leaguemeetings.

6.6.2 Shall interpret League Rules.

6.6.3 Shall be responsible for the organizing and conducting of a Rules and Officials Clinic at

the SRCM or during the exhibition season.

6.6.4 Shall rule on the legitimacy of all protests, call and preside at all protest meetings.

6.6.5 Shall recruit the match officials for the league playoff divisional finals.

6.6.6 Shall be responsible for league equipment: assessment, purchase recommendations,

distribution, maintenance, collection.

6.7 League Coordinator

6.7.1 Meetings and Facilities;

6.7.1.1 Shall set the time and place for a Captains’ meeting in September and a league

wide players meeting in May (see Meetings 7.1), securing meeting space as required and notifying the team captains of same.

6.7.1.2 Shall secure appropriate gymnasium facilities in the cities of Kitchener and

Waterloo from the Parks & Recreation Departments, Boards of Education, Lutheran Institutions and Medical Institutions to satisfy the

needs of this league.

6.7.1.3 Shall contact the team captains of additional meetings should the need arise.

6.7.2 Scheduling;

6.7.2.1 Shall be responsible for all scheduling; exhibition, regular season, playoffs and

all-star matches.

6.7.2.2 Shall advise the captains of schedule changes ie. match cancellations/rescheduling

6.7.3 Fiscal Matters;

6.7.3.1 Shall transact all financial business of the league, keeping an accurate record of all monies received/dispersed.

6.7.3.2 Shall present at the SRCM an annual budget of expected receipts/expenditures for

revision by captains.

6.7.3.3 Shall present a financial statement at the MALM and SRCM and at any other time

as requested by the President or Vice President.

6.7.4 Statistics;

6.7.4.1 Shall keep proper record of team standings, player expulsions and disqualifications,

set defaults, officiating demerits and player registrations.

6.7.4.2 Shall communicate league statistics through the captains.

6.7.4.3 Shall advise the league President or Vice President of all defaults, officiating

demerits and player expulsions/disqualifications as soon as made aware of them.

6.7.4.4 Shall settle any statistical or player eligibility disputes.

6.7.4.5 Shall tabulate most sportsperson like votes for league recognition.

6.7.4.6 Shall give a wrap up report to league archivist complete with all-star and divisional

champions’ pictures, minutes and statistical summary.

6.7.5 Promotion;

6.7.5.1 Shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings.

6.7.5.2 Shall ensure that team captains receive a copy of all league minutes within

fourteen (14) days of each meeting.

6.7.5.3 Shall recruit teams/players from area Lutheran Institutions and Medical Institutions.

6.7.5.4 Shall obtain, update, distribute league awards to divisional champions, all-stars,

most sportsperson like player, and meet with sponsoring institutions for presentations.

6.7.5.5 Shall co-operate with Banquet Committee regarding publicity of the league

party/banquet/annual event.

6.7.6 Officiating and League Equipment

6.7.6.1 Shall distribute copies of most recently revised league constitution, bylaws & rules.

6.7.6.2 Shall be responsible for the organizing and conducting of a Rules and Officials Clinic at the SRCM or during exhibition season.

6.7.6.3 Shall recruit match officials for league play as required.

6.7.6.4 Shall be responsible for league equipment; assessment, purchase

recommendations, distribution, maintenance and collection.

6.8 League President

6.8.1 Shall preside at all League and Executive meetings.

6.8.2 Shall interpret and enforce the league constitution and bylaws.

6.8.3 Shall sit on the Selection Committee for obtaining a League Coordinator.

6.9 League Vice President

6.9.1 Shall act in the capacity of President in their absence.

6.9.2 Shall interpret League Rules.

6.9.3 Shall rule on the legitimacy of all protests, call and preside at all protest meetings (with

the exception of conflict of interest - their team/teammates being involved in protest).

6.9.4 Shall sit on the Selection Committee for obtaining a League Coordinator.

6:10 The League President and Vice-President may not play on the same team in the year prior or the year during their election.

ARTICLE 7: MEETINGS

7.1 League Meetings:

7.1.1 The League Coordinator or Management Coordinator will obtain appropriate facilities for and schedule the following meetings yearly;

7.1.1.1 September Registration Captains’ Meeting (SRCM) on a Tuesday prior to the start of the Regular Season.

7.1.1.2 May Annual League Meeting (MALM) on a Tuesday after the Awards Banquet (for all present players).

7.2 Notice:

7.2.1 The above annual meetings’ dates and locations will be distributed with the minutes, within fourteen (14) days of the MALM.

7.2.2 Notification of changes to these proposed meeting dates and/or locations MUST be given;

7.2.2.1. A maximum of twenty-eight (28) days and a minimum of fourteen (14) days

prior to the scheduled meeting date.

7.2.2.2 To a minimum of two (2) Co-captains per team (see Bylaw 3).

7.3 Additional Meetings:

7.3.1 The League Coordinator or Management Coordinator may call additional Captains’

meetings with the Executive Committee’s approval and fourteen (14) days notice.

7.3.2. At least two (2) Co-captains per team must be contacted.

ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS

8.1 Opportunity:

Proposed amendments to this Constitution, these Bylaws and the League Rules must be promulgated and approved at the MALM.

8.2 Notice:

Motion for amendments must be received by the Rules Coordinator or League Coordinator in writing no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the MALM.

ARTICLE 9: FEES

9.1 Setting:

9.1.1 The registration fee for the upcoming season will be established by the League Coordinator.

9.1.2 Fee to include a ball bag deposit which is refundable upon the successful return of the ball bag to the league coordinator by the MALM and must include

the following: LANS issued volleyball, scoreboard, 2 lanyards, and ball bag. Failure to do so will result in the forfeit of the deposit and ball bag must be

returned prior to the following year’s registration. If the ball bag is not returned by registration night then the team is not issued a new bag but must

still pay the deposit fee for the ball bag. The amount of the deposit is to be determined according to the budget/costs of balls etc for that year.

9.2 Registration:

9.2.1 Deadline for team rosters with accompanying fees will be at the SRCM.

9.2.2 A minimum of six (6) players (three (3) males and three (3) females) must be registered

and pay their team fee at this time as a sign of good faith.

9.3 Surplus Fees:

9.3.1 Any budget surplus will be discussed at the MALM and voted on by the league.

BYLAWS

Revised September 2011

BYLAW 1: TEAM CONTACTS

B1.1 Each team will be represented by a Captain and one (1) Co-captain on the team roster to be used as contacts by the League.

B1.2 Any changes to these team representative positions need to be communicated to the League Coordinator or Statistician as soon as possible.

B1.3 Team Captains should maintain team player attendance records for playoff eligibility.

B1.4 Team Captains ensure that team player additions adhere to the 25% eligible player bylaw

(see Article 4, Bylaws 4 and 5).

BYLAW 2: TEAM VOTING

B2.1 All voting at League meetings will be on the basis of one (1) vote per team, present with the exception of the election of league officers where each league

player has the privilege to vote.

B2.2 The meeting chairperson only votes in the case of a tie.

BYLAW 3: LEAGUE MEETINGS TEAM REPRESENTATION

B3.1 One (1) representative for each team is requested to attend the SRCM.

B3.2 Two (2) representatives for each team are requested to attend the MALM but all players are encouraged and welcome.

B3.3 Two (2) representatives for each team must attend the Rules Clinic whether held in conjunction with the SRCM or during Exhibition Season. Each team will be

assessed one (1) standings demerit for each required representative not in attendance.

BYLAW 4: TEAM ELIGIBILITY

B4.1 See Article 3 on membership.

B4.2 Teams may continue to use previous league players. New players must be eligible players until the team has re-qualified with 25% eligible players.

B4.3 Ineligible teams from any previous season (match defaults, officiating demerits) may not rejoin the league.

B4.4 Team Captain’s ensure that team player additions adhere to the required 25% bylaw. Any team not maintaining their team’s eligibility throughout the season

may fall under disciplinary action.

B4.5 Use of ineligible players by any team will result in a default of all matches played with such players. Protests on the basis of player eligibility will be referred to

the Statistician by the Rules Coordinator or received by the League Coordinator from Team Captains. The submitted team roster and score sheets will be used to

determine the protest.

B4.6 Four (4) defaulted matches (all three (3) sets) in any season make a team ineligible for further play, subject to the decision of the Executive Committee.

BYLAW 5: PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

B5.1 Players shall be;

- Members of any Lutheran Institution in the Kitchener Area, or

- Employees of any Medical Institution (hospital, home, clinic, practice, related service organization) in the Kitchener Area, or

- A member of their Immediate Family (spouse, sibling, parent, child, in-law) to be an eligible player.

B5.2 Each Eligible Player may register one (1) friend.

B5.3 Players must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age when they register and all new players must register the FIRST set they play.

B5.3.1 A team is allowed to have one player on their team who is sixteen or seventeen years of age. A parent or guardian must co-sign their waiver.

B5.4 A player may not play on two (2) different teams in the league at the same time. A player may be traded only once during a season. Both teams must agree to

the trade. All trades must be completed before the half way point of the regular season.

B5.5 Each player must play in a match on six (6) different regular season nights to be eligible for playoffs (defaulted matches cannot be included for such playoff

qualifying).

B5.6 Team representatives present during the Rules Clinic are responsible for reviewing the league rules with members of their team.

B5.7 Players receiving two (2) match disqualifications in one (1) season are considered illegal players to all teams present and future.

B5.8 Players from teams ineligible for playoffs due to match defaults or officiating demerits may join another team the following season to a maximum of two (2)

players from all ineligible teams.

B5.9 Spares: Players may be part of a spares list. If the player’s name is on this list and not on any team’s roster, the player may play for as many teams as she/he

wishes, or is asked, to. However, if the player is asked and wishes to play for only one team, he/she may do so and the name comes off this list. Any team

may use players from this list as spares. The spare may only spare/play for one team per night.

In order for a player from this list to become eligible to play for a team in the playoffs, he/she must have played for the team a minimum of 6 nights in regular

season. He/she must be asked and willing to commit to the particular team. The captain of the team must advise the league coordinator of this prior to the

scheduling of the playoffs.

BYLAW 6: MOST SPORTSPERSON LIKE PLAYER AWARD

B6.1 At the completion of each match, teams will hold an internal vote to determine the most sportsperson like player on their opponent’s team.

B6.2 The scorekeeper is to ensure both teams complete this section of the score sheets.

B6.3 A year end tally of the votes by the League Coordinator or the Statistician will determine the most sportsperson like players on each team and the league’s most

sportsperson like player.

B6.4 Awards for same will be approved by the executive committee and presented at the MALM or League Awards Banquet.

BYLAW 7: CHILD CARE

B7.1 The league discourages parents from bringing their children to the gym, but if they choose to do so, they will be held responsible for them.

B7.2 The 1st referee of the match is empowered to warn and/or disqualify the parent(s) from further play for that night should problems arise.

B7.3 Such warnings/disqualifications must be noted on the match score sheet.

BYLAW 8: VALUABLES

B8.1 Teams are advised to leave valuables at home, in their cars out of sight or in the gym in a team duffle bag (not in the change rooms). This league and our

facility providers are not responsible for loss/theft.

B8.2 Captains are asked to take home articles left by league players at facilities used by L.A.N.S. for later retrieval.

BYLAW 9: STANDING POINTS

B9.1 Standing points are awarded on a set basis; one (1) to the winner of each defaulted and/or completed set.

B9.2 Only the sets played between the teams in each division are considered for creating bumping statistics during each section of the regular season.

B9.3 Playoff starting positions are determined by totaling standing points from the last division split.

B9.4 A league standings tie will be decided by the following progression;

- Any accumulated standings demerits,

- The ratio of won/lost sets between the tied teams in that specific split/reseeding/schedule,

- The ratio of won/lost points between the tied teams in that specific split/reseeding/schedule,

- Finally, a coin toss with two (2) or more of the executive committee present, one (1) of which

must be the Statistician or League Coordinator.

BYLAW 10: STANDINGS DEMERITS

B10.1 One (1) standings demerit point will be given to teams by the League Coordinator or Statistician for each match assigned and not officiated with the required

number of officials.

B10.2 One (1) standings demerit point will be given to teams by the League Coordinator or Statistician for each required team representative not in attendance at the

league Rules Clinic.

B10.3 Three (3) officiating demerit points in a season make that team ineligible for further play, subject to the decision of the Management Coordinator.

B10.4 One (1) standing demerit, per week, will be given to teams who do not submit their scores and attendance by the deadline to the League Coordinator or

Statistician.

BYLAW 11: DIVISIONS

B11.1: Teams start in divisions A, B, C or Rec. Starting divisions will depend on which division theteam finished in for the prior season. However, teams may be

moved if there is a different number of starting divisions than the previous year. Divisions for teams are created by the League Coordinator or Statistician.

The number of divisions will depend on the number of teams registered for that season. New teams will be seeded and initially placed by the League

Coordinator or Statistician.

B11.2: Division round robins are played for a duration of 6 weeks, after which a reseeding of teams is done. There will be 4 such schedules (3 reseedings). Teams

remain in the final or 4^th reseeding for playoffs.

B11.3 Reseeding is accomplished by the top place team in each lower division bumping up to the nexthigher division AND the bottom place team in each higher

division is bumped down into the next lower division. However, depending on the number of teams registered this can be altered at the September registration

meeting.

BYLAW 12: PLAYOFFS

B12.1 All teams make the playoffs, which are a single knock-out format.

B12.2 Divisional playoffs are held to determine divisional champions.

B12.3 If less than an even number of teams exist, the playoff tournament will include byes for those topplace teams who do not have existing first round opponents.

B12.4 Matches are no time limit, best of five (5) sets with maximum 3minute intervals between sets.

B12.5 Players are required to show photo identification at playoffs. Verification of eligible players will take place at the scorekeeper’s table before the start of the

match. (See bylaw 5 for player eligibility)

BYLAW 13: ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT

B13.1: Each team will vote for their own all-star players, one female and one male representative, to play in the All -Star Tournament. There will be one (1) All-Star

Tournaments at the end of the regular season, scheduled at the discretion of the League Coordinator or Statistician. The names of the players must be given to

the League Coordinator or Statistician two (2) weeks in advance.

B13.2 As many teams as necessary are made up by the Scheduler and the Statistician or by the League Coordinator and an all-star Tournament is held.

B13.3 Format for the All-Star Tournament is determined by the League Coordinator or Statistician.

BYLAW 14: PROTESTS

B14.1 The Referee’s decisions regarding ball handling faults are not open to protest. A Captain may legally protest only an error in applying a rule or rule interpretation.

B14.2 The Captain must lodge the protest immediately and the First Referee must direct a written

record on the comments section on the score sheet or on a piece of paper attached to the score sheet. This record is to include the game number, the score,

who had ball possession, the player rotation positions on each court at the time of the protested decision, and the reason for the protest. Once the record has

been made, the same Referee administers the balance of the set and match.

B14.3 All score sheets with protests on/attached must be submitted to the Rules Coordinator or League

Vice President within one (1) week of the incident, who may refer it to the protest committee if unresolved.

B14.4 The Protest Committee members include;

- The Executive Committee (Rules Coordinator or League Vice President as chair),

- The Refereeing Corps of the game in question, and

- The Match Captains of the match in protest

B14.5 All Protest Meetings will be held within two (2) weeks of the contested match at a time and place set by the chair. Decisions of the protest committee are final.

B14.6 A protest upheld will result in the set(s) remaining from the point of protest being replayed at atime mutually agreeable to both teams. If the two (2) teams

cannot agree on a suitable date to replay the set(s) within two (2) weeks of the decision, the League Coordinator or Scheduler will set a time and place. The net

results will be recorded.

RULES

Revised September 2011

The purpose of the Rules is to administer the game and penalize a player(s) who gain an unfair advantage over their opponent as a result of an illegal action. Unless otherwise specified, the LANS Recreational Volleyball League will follow both by action and spirit a Reverse Co-ed 6’s Recreational Variation of the Volleyball Canada Rules Book. LANS League Rules will attempt to follow the same numbering system as laid out in the Volleyball Canada Rule Book. Only those sections that vary from Volleyball Canada Rule Book are included.

RULE 1: PLAYING AREA

1.1 Dimensions

Playing surface width and length may vary with gym availability (9m x 9m regulation).

RULE 2: NET AND POSTS

2.1 Height of the Net

Net height is 2.24m (7’3.5) in the middle (women’s height).

RULE 3: BALL

3.1 Teams are to use the volleyball issued by the LANS league, given in the ball bag

3.2 Teams may use an alternate volleyball, as long as both captains agree. In the case of a disagreement,

the LANS issued volleyball is to be used.

RULE 4: TEAMS

4.1 Composition and Registration

No maximum number of registered (regulars and spares) or participating players is stated.

4.2 Captain

Each team selects a match captain at the start of each match to participate in the coin toss and greet the refereeing corps and the opposing team captain before the match begins.

RULE 5: PLAYER’S EQUIPMENT

5.1 Equipment

Footwear must be running type shoes with non-marking soles. During wet/snowy weather, players are required to wear alternative footwear to the gyms.

Whenever possible, change rooms are provided at the gyms used by our league. Please store outer clothing and alternative footwear there.

Head gear is restricted to hair tie backs and/or sweat bands.

Teams are encouraged to purchase team uniforms complete with league logo and any sponsors.

RULE 6: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTICIPANTS

6.1 Basic Responsibilities

Players must accept referees’ decisions with sportsmanlike conduct, without disputing them, requesting clarification through the captain in cases of doubt.

Players must behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit of fair play, not only towards thereferees, but also their opponents (eg. shouting or applause at

the moment of service or ballreception by their opponents should not be tolerated by the first referee).

RULE 7: SCORING SYSTEM

7.1 To Win a Match

There is no time limit.

League standing points are based on completed sets only.

Each match consists of three (3) sets.

Playoff matches are best of five (5) sets.

7.2 To Win A Set

For regular season;

In the first two (2) sets, a set is won by the team that first scores twenty five (25) points.

In the third set, the set is won by the team that scores fifteen (15) or more points, with aminimum lead of two (2) points, no point limit.

For Playoffs;

In the first four (4) sets, a set is won by the team that first scores twenty five (25) or more points, with a minimum lead of two (2) points, no point limit.

Should a fifth set be necessary (best of 5 wins the match), the set is won by the team that scores fifteen (15) or more points with a minimum lead of two (2) points, no point limit.

7.3 The Rally Point System

A point is given to the team that does not commit a fault during each rally (with every serve, one team or the other is awarded a point).

7.4 Default and Incomplete Team

In the event of player shortages, the first set is defaulted ten (10) minutes after the scheduled start time, the second set is defaulted twenty (20) minutes after the scheduled start time, the third set and match is defaulted thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled start time.

The second and third matches are automatically scheduled to start five (5) minutes after the end of the previous match is completed.

The scores of the defaulted sets are 0 – 25, 0 – 25, and 0 – 15, respectively.

RULE 8: PREPARATIONS OF THE MATCH

8.1 Warm up Session

The First Referee will permit a five (5) minute warm up to the participating teams from the time the net set up was completed (first match) or from the completion of the previous match, if requested. The start time of the first match is printed on the schedule, but teams may start earlier, if all are in agreement.

RULE 9: TEAM LINE UP

9.1 Starting Line Up

There must be a minimum of five (5) players, at least two (2) must be female, on the court at all times (later injury may reduce these numbers). The empty sixth position in the rotation is not considered a ‘hole’ but is skipped over in service rotation.

9.2 Player shortage:

Teams with fewer than the required number of players may use a hole as described below:

1. 5 players, 2 female players= no hole

2. 5 players, 4 male, 1 female player = 1 hole

(cannot play with 5 or more male players, must have hole).

3. 4 players, 2 holes. No minimum to female players.

4. 3 players or less = default

Use of the “hole” requires an automatic loss of service and one point being awarded to the opposing team whenever the “hole” position comes into the service position. Late arrival and filling of the “hole” position by an additional player (working towards having 6 players, 2 of which must be female) eliminates the “hole”.

Holes must be set in the rotation at the beginning of each game. A player who arrives late must fill the position of the hole.

Only exception: if during the night there is injury, do not have to play with a hole, or an additional hole. See existing rules 11.2 and 17.

Use of this option more than twice in the season will place the team on probation for executive committee review and possible removal from further play should additional player shortages be reported.

This is allowed during playoffs.

9.3 Rotation Order

Player rotation is to be set and flow without change for each entire set, order of male players to remain constant and order of female players likewise. Players arriving after any set has commenced must be announced by their captain to the opposing team before joining the set in progress.

RULE 10: PLAYERS’ POSITIONS AND ROTATIONS

10.1 Rotational Faults

Note the order of calling faults in conjunction with service faults (see 17.8 and 17.9).

All players must be within their court and in their proper rotation at the moment of contact with the ball by server.

RULE 11: SUBSTITUTION

11.1 Limitations of Substitutions

Only exceptional substitutions allowed.

11.2 Exceptional Substitutions

Permitted in cases of injury only.

RULE 12: PLAYING THE BALL

12.1 Characteristics of the Hit

The ball may touch any part of the body. The ball must be hit, not caught and/or thrown.

Tip - involves the simultaneous use of the fingers of one (1) hand by a player.

Volley - involves the simultaneous use of the fingers of both hands by a player.

Bump - involves the simultaneous use of one (1) or more body parts.

A one (1) handedhit resulting in an arch (any path with some upward component) is a bump.

Spike - involves the use of one (1) hand resulting in a horizontal or downward direction.

RULE 13: BALL AT THE NET

13.1 Ball Crossing the Net

Balls hit across the net outside of the Crossing Space to the opponent’s Free Zone may be legally returned and played within the three (3) team hits, played back to their own court outside the Crossing Space and players may not enter/travel through their opponent’s court.

The ball is out when it crosses completely the lower space under the net.

RULE 14: PLAYER AT THE NET

14.1 Penetration under the Net

Touching the opponent’s court with hand now has the same limitations as foot.

14.2 Touching the Net

If during a play a player hits the net with any part of their body, this is a fault.

An accidental minor touch of the net away from the play, that does not interfere with the play, is not a fault.

RULE 15: SERVICE

15.1 Service Order

Each server may accumulate a maximum five (5) consecutive points prior to rotation.

15.2 Authorization of Service

After having checked that the server is in possession of the ball and that the teams are ready to play the First Referee whistles and hand signals the server to commence service.

15.3 Screening

The players of the serving team must not prevent their opponents from seeing the server or path of the ball.

15.4 Service Attempt

One Service attempt is allowed.

There is an eight (8) second time limit.

Server can have the volleyball drop within the 8 seconds and still serve, as long at there was no attempt to serve the volleyball. Players can only do this once.

RULE 16: ATTACK HIT

16.1 Front Row Players’ Attack Hit

Male players may not carry out spike-type attack hits from the front zone

(see 14.4 for hit definitions).

16.2 Attack Hit Faults

It is a fault when a player completes an attack hit on an opponent’s serve when the ball is in the front zone and entirely above the top of the net.

RULE 17: EXCEPTIONAL GAME INTERRUPTIONS

17.1 Injury

If an injured player cannot be substituted legally (see 11.3) nor is able to recover given a three (3) minute recovery time, the team will be allowed to finish the match (and any other matches that date) with their reduced number without defaulting or the use of a ‘hole’ OR the team may declare themselves incomplete.

RULE 18: INTERVALS AND CHANGE OF COURTS

18.1 Intervals

All intervals between sets will last three (3) minutes.

Teams may choose to not take the full intervals allowed.

18.2 Change of Courts

Teams are to change courts halfway through the final game.

Both captains can agree to not change courts.

RULE 20: MISCONDUCT

20.1 Categories

Unsportsmanlike Conduct - argumentation, intimidation.

Rude Conduct - contrary to good manners, expressing contempt.

Offensive Conduct - defamatory or insulting words/gestures.

Aggression - physical attack or intended aggression.

20.2 Sanctions

Misconduct Warning - for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Misconduct Penalty - loss of rally

- for rude conduct/repeated unsportsmanlike conduct

Expulsion - must leave the gym until summoned at the end of the set

- for repeated rude conduct or further unsportsmanlike conduct.

Disqualification - must leave the facility for the rest of the match and any other matches scheduledfor that date

- for offensive conduct/aggression, or repeated conduct resulting in a second expulsion.

The above rules of misconduct apply to all communication in any form towards an executive member and/or league coordinator. This also applies to janitors and other employees or members of the facilities that LANS Volleyball uses.

RULE 21: REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES

21.1 Composition

Minimum of four (4) members (two Linespeople) are required for regular season play.

Minimum of five (5) members are required for playoff season play.

Six (6) officials (First Referee, Second Referee, two Scorers, and two Linespeople) are optimum.

21.2 Procedures

In Relation to the Player

1. The officials shall ensure that the players have a reasonable opportunity to perform to

the best of his/her ability within the limits of the rules.

2. The officials’ main concern shall be the players’ safety. Any situation affecting this

prime consideration of competition shall be avoided and/or terminated.

3. During the game, the officials are required to supervise, that is he/she must take all

reasonable steps to maintain a spirit of healthy competition, accordingly;

- He/she shall not permit intimidation of player by others either by word or deed,

- He/she shall not tolerate unacceptable conduct to officials or other players,

- He/she shall avoid pointless discussions with players in a match situation, that isonly team captains are authorized to address him/her.

4. In the heat of play, the officials in his/her relations with players shall make every effort

to retain a presence of mind enabling him/her to direct the same with complete objectivity and the dignity required by his/her position.

5. When working with novice players, the officials shall accept the educational role

expected of him/her and shall adapt his/her conduct to this particular aspect of competition.

6. Away from the immediate environment of play, the officials shall be open to

discussion and contact with players, avoid any conduct suggesting self importance, arrogance or sarcasm, show himself/herself receptive to

constructive criticism and demonstrate due respect and consideration for different points of view.

7. Outside the court, the officials shall conduct himself/herself in a way that his/her

relationship with players does not prejudice his/her subsequent work and the impartiality that must be obvious in it.

21.3 First Referee

Responsibilities: Use of official hand signals to provide players with the nature of the fault, the player at fault and

the result will greatly add to the experience and understanding of players and officials alike.

21.4 Second Referee

Responsibilities: Aid the First Referee with calls at the net, balls out of play, and foot faults

21.5 Scorer

Responsibilities

Prior to the Match

- ensures that the date, gym name, match number, match start time, and match

refereeing corps names are recorded properly on the match score sheet.

During the Match

- notifies the referees of service rotation after five (5) consecutive points,

- in case of conflict between the score cards and the score sheet, notifies the

referees as soon as they are noted and the score sheet will take precedence,

- notifies the referees of set and match point situations,

At the end of the Match

- records standing points on the score sheet based on sets won by each team, and

confirms that sportsperson like players are chosen and recorded.

21.6 Linespeople

Responsibilities:

Indicate to First Referee when the ball is out of play, and service foot faults

For safety reasons, all linespeople are to remain standing and position themselves in thecorner opposite of the service corner.

RULE 27: BLOOD POLICY

27.1 Bleeding

If a player/official is bleeding and others are at risk of exposure to their blood, the injured person must remove themselves from the match until the wound is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and securely covered. One (1) minute technical time out would be applied before an injury time out or substitution would become necessary.

27.2 Team Uniforms

All uniforms soiled with blood must be removed and replaced prior to the participants resuming the competition.