Rules of Play

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Edgewater Backyard Football League (FLAG) - 5v5

Format

Adult 5v5 (Non-Contact) Coed – No Blocking
All rules come from the USA Flag Rulebook, below is an abbreviated rule sheet. A full rulebook can be found here: USA Flag Rulebook

5 Players (at least 2 female)

  • May play with 4 players (1 female)
  • May play with a minimum of 3 players (at least 1 female)

Regular Season

  • Two 12-minute halves + 1-minute half-time
  • Overtime: Extra Point Shoot-out *see SCORING below*

Playoffs

  • Single-Elimination Tournament, seeding based on regular season record
  • Overtime: Extra Point Shoot-out *see SCORING below*

Officiated

  • $30 Officials Fee per Game. Pay directly to Official before starting the game.

Equipment

  • NO METAL CLEATS ALLOWED – Rubber / Molded Cleats, Turf Shoes or Tennis Shoes
  • Each team may use their desired football on offense -or- Junior Size Football (Provided)
  • Flag Belts provided for each team. MUST be returned to sideline following each game.

 

Sport Specific Rules

The Field

  • Standard dimensions of the field are 60 yards from goal-line to goal-line by 25 yards wide with 10-yard endzones.
  • Field shall be divided into 2 zones of 30 yards each. (Line to Gain: The offensive team has 4 plays to advance to the next line to gain.)

Attire

  • Teams must have the same color shirt, and have an alternative color (one dark / one light color). They do not have to be official uniforms. If both teams are wearing the same color, there will be a coin toss, and the losing team will need to change into a different color. Failure to operate under this rule will result in a forfeit.

Game Clock

  • Two 12-minute halves + 1-minute half time
  • Each team has two (2) 30-second timeouts PER GAME.
  • The play clock is 25 seconds, and starts when the official marks the ball ready for play.
  • First Half Clock: The clock will run continuously unless a team timeout is used, or play is stopped by an official.
  • Second Half Clock: The clock will run continuously for the first 11 minutes. At the one-minute warning, officials will use a stop clock mechanic for the remainder of the contest.

Starting the Game

  • Each team must turn in their $30 Officials Fee to start their game.
  • A Coin Toss determines 1st Team may choose to have offense, defense, defer or direction. Choice in the 2nd half will be go to the team that did not have a choice in the 1st.
  • The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line, and has 4 plays to advance to the next line to gain.

Forfeit/Late Team Rule

  • Teams will have 5-minutes after their scheduled game time to take the field, or will be declared a forfeit. Referee is free to extend forfeit time at their discretion.
  • If a team must forfeit their match, $60 will be deducted from the forfeit fee collected through registration.
  • A team may forfeit once during the season, a second forfeit will result in removal from the playoff bracket.
  • If your team needs to forfeit, please email sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com in as far advance as possible.

 

OFFENSE

General

  • If the offense fails to reach the next line to gain in 4 plays, the ball will be turned over to the opposing team, and the drive will begin at the 5-yard line.
  • Any number of players may be on the L.O.S. at the snap. Defense must be one yard off the ball at snap.
  • Only one player is allowed to be in motion at the snap, and must be parallel or away from the L.O.S.
  • No direct snap may be taken. The snap must travel a minimum of 2 yards (backward or sideways).

Operative Player

  • To ensure coed participation, a penalty will ensue if the offensive team fails to use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs. This applies to the full game.
  • An Operative Player is defined as a player who:
    • Receives the ball (must cross the LOS).
    • Runs the ball as the primary runner (must cross the LOS).
    • Receives the snap as the QB and attempts a forward pass beyond the LOS. (Hand-off does not apply).
  • Defensive penalties will reset the operative player requirement for the offense.
  • LATERALS: If at any point in a scoring play, a male player on the scoring team receives a lateral or handoff downfield, the play will be ruled a 6 point play, whether a female was an operative player or not. Female to Female pitch/handoffs downfield carry a 9-point value if scored.

No Blocking

  • Blocking is strictly prohibited by all players.
  • When downfield, or after an interception, players may only position themselves to receive a pitch/lateral from the ball carrier.

Passing

  • The quarterback has 5 seconds to pass the ball if there is no rush. If the ball is not thrown, then the play is dead. After the ball is ruled dead, it is returned to the line of scrimmage.
  • Once the ball is handed off or pitched backwards, the 5 second count stops. If the defensive team rushes, then there is no 5 second count.

Receiving

  • All players are eligible to receive a pass, including the QB, if the ball has been pitched or handed off in the backfield.
  • Players must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch near the boundary.

Running

  • NO-RUN-ZONE (5-yards from line to gain)
    • If the ball is spotted within a no-run-zone, the offensive team must use a pass play to earn a first down or touchdown.
  • The QB may not run unless the ball has been thrown back, handed or pitched to him or her in the backfield.
  • Teams may handoff, pitch or throwback in the backfield (unlimited).
  • Pitching (backwards/laterally) is allowed downfield (unlimited).
  • A forward pass DOES NOT have to cross the L.O.S. to be a legal play.
  • Ball is spotted where the ball is at the time of the flag pull.
  • Players may NOT block down field in any form.

DEFENSE

Rushing the QB

  • Players that blitz / rush the QB must be a minimum of 7-yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped (measured by referee).
  • A rusher may not contact any receivers on their way to the backfield.
  • The rush of a blitzer has to be immediately after the snap.
  • The offense must avoid interfering with the rusher if he or she has establish a lane.

Pass Coverage

  • Contacting receivers is NOT ALLOWED.
  • Pass interference normally occurs above the waist; entangled feet are not considered pass interference.
  • A player may use their arms or hands to intentionally obstruct the receiver’s view (face guarding) of the ball without turning their own head to play the ball.
  • If defensive pass interference occurs in the end zone, the ball will be placed on the yard line, first down.
  • Interceptions may be returned. The offense will take over at the spot.

 

SCORING

Touchdown

  • 6 points awarded for all-male participation
  • 7 points awarded for female participation as the Operative Player

Point After Touchdown (PAT)

  • Following a touchdown, the scoring team must decide which conversion choice they want to attempt. Decision cannot be changed unless a team timeout is used.
  • 1 point awarded from the 5-yard line (all Male)
  • 2 points awarded from the 12-yard line (all Male)
  • 2 points awarded from the 5-yard line (Female Operative).
  • 3 points awarded from the 12-yard line (Female Operative).
  • Interceptions returned on PAT’s are worth 2 points.

Safety

  • 2 points (Male Safety)
  • 3 points (Female Safety)

Overtime Extra Point Shootout

  • A coin flip will determine first possession, 1 timeout per OT period.
  • Teams will go in reverse order if more than 1 OT is required.
  • Teams can elect to go for a 2-yard, 7-yard or a 15-yard conversion

 

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

  • Only the players on your roster prior to Playoffs are eligible to play in the tournament.
  • Players may be added at any time during the regular season.
  • Multiple Teams:
    • Regular Season – a player may compete on multiple teams in the same league.
    • Playoffs – a player may only compete on one (1) team in the same league night.

Player Code of Conduct / Ejection Policy

Unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT BE TOLERATED. Any player that is ejected from a game/match, for any reason, will automatically be suspended for the following league game/match, whether it be on that day, or the following week. Any ejected player will be asked to leave the property for the remainder of the league operation. Two ejections in one season will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Ejections will occur by using illegal equipment, fighting, taunting, arguing with the official, harassment, or other similar neglects of sportsmanship.

Questions

Any questions regarding leagues should be directed to the Football Officials, or the League Commissioner at sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com.

Edgewater Backyard Football League (TOUCH) - 8v8

Format

*Two-Hand Touch – No Blocking*

 

8 players (at least 3 male + 3 female)

  • May play with 7 players (at least 3 male + 3 female)
  • May play with a minimum of 6 players (at least 2 male + 2 female)

Regular Season

  • Two 20-minute halves + 2-minute half-time
  • Overtime: Extra Point Shoot-out *see SCORING below*

Playoffs

  • Single-Elimination Tournament, seeding based on regular season record
  • Overtime: Extra Point Shoot-out *see SCORING below*

Officiated

  • $30 Officials Fee per Game. Pay directly to Official before starting the game.

Equipment

  • NO METAL CLEATS ALLOWED – Rubber / Molded Cleats, Turf Shoes or Tennis Shoes
  • Each team may use their desired football on offense -or- Junior Size Football (Provided)

 

Sport Specific Rules

The Field

  • Standard dimensions of the field are 60 yards from goal-line to goal-line by 40 yards wide with 10-yard endzones.
  • Field shall be divided into 2 zones of 30 yards each. (Lines to gain: The offensive team has 4 plays to advance to the next line to gain.)

Attire

  • Teams must have the same color shirt, and have an alternative color (one dark / one light color). They do not have to be official uniforms. If both teams are wearing the same color, there will be a coin toss, and the losing team will need to change into a different color. Failure to operate under this rule will result in a forfeit.

Game Clock

  • Two 20-minute halves + 2-minute half time
  • Each team has three (3) 30-second timeouts PER GAME.
  • The play clock is 25 seconds, and starts when the official marks the ball ready for play.
  • Continuous clock. Clock will NOT stop during P.A.T. attempts, or change of possession.
  • The on-field captain / quarterback may request the amount of time left from the officials at any time.
  • A “stop-clock” will be in effect in the last two (2) minutes of the first and second half.

Starting the Game

  • Each team must turn in their $30 Officials Fee to start their game.
  • A Coin Toss determines 1st Team may choose to have offense, defense, defer or direction. Choice in the 2nd half will be go to the team that did not have a choice in the 1st.
  • The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line, and has 4 plays to advance to the next line to gain.

 

OFFENSE

General

  • If the offense fails to reach the next line to gain in 4 plays, the ball will be turned over to the opposing team, and the drive will begin at the 5 yard line.
  • Any number of players may be on the L.O.S. at the snap. Defense must be one yard off the ball at snap.
  • Only one player is allowed to be in motion at the snap, and must be parallel or away from the L.O.S.
  • No direct snap may be taken. The snap must trave a minimum of 2 yards (backward or sideways).

Operative Player

  • To ensure coed participation, a penalty will ensue if the offensive team fails to use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs. This applies to the full game.
  • An Operative Player is defined as a player who:
    • Is the intended receiver.
    • Runs the ball as the primary runner.
    • Receives the snap as the QB and must attempt to be the person who initiates the ball crossing the line of scrimmage.

No Blocking

  • Blocking is strictly prohibited by all players.
  • When downfield, or after an interception, players may only position themselves to receive a pitch/lateral from the ball carrier.

Passing

  • There can only be one forward pass per play.
  • The QB or other backfield players may run at any time.
  • There is no arm in motion, if the ball is in hand when the QB is touched, then it will be ruled a sack.
  • Interceptions may be returned.
  • If any part of the body is behind the L.O.S. it is a legal pass.

Receiving

  • All players are eligible to receive a pass, including the QB, if the ball has been pitched or handed off in the backfield.
  • Players must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.

Running

  • NO-RUN-ZONE (5-yards from line to gain)
    • If the ball is spotted within a no-run-zone, the offensive team must use a pass play to earn a first down or touchdown.
  • Teams may handoff, pitch or throwback in the backfield (unlimited).
  • Pitching (backwards/laterally) is allowed downfield (unlimited).
  • A forward pass DOES NOT have to cross the L.O.S. to be a legal play.
  • Ball is spotted where the ball is at the time of the touch.
  • Players may NOT block down field in any form.

DEFENSE

Rushing the QB

  • 4-Second Count will be enforced by the official. Rusher may cross the L.O.S. after the 4-second count.
  • A rusher may not contact any receivers on their way to the backfield.
  • The defense may rush as many players as it wishes.

Pass Coverage

  • Contacting receivers is NOT ALLOWED.
  • Pass interference normally occurs above the waist; entangled feet are not considered pass interference.
  • A player may use their arms or hands to intentionally obstruct the receiver’s view (face guarding) of the ball without turning their own head to play the ball.
  • If defensive pass interference occurs in the end zone, the ball will be placed on the one yard line, first down.
  • Interceptions may be returned. The offense will take over at the spot.

 

SCORING

Points

Touchdown ·         6 points awarded for all-male participation

·         7 points awarded for female participation as the Operative Player

Point After Touchdown (PAT) ·         1 point awarded from the 2-yard line.

·         2 points awarded from the 7-yard line.

·         3 points awarded from the 15-yard line.

·         Interceptions returned on PAT’s are worth the same as above.

Safety ·         2 points

 

Point After Touchdown (PAT)

  • Following a touchdown, the scoring team must decide which conversion choice they want to attempt. Decision cannot be changed unless a team timeout is used.

Overtime Extra Point Shootout

  • A coin flip will determine first possession, 1 timeout per OT period.
  • Teams will go in reverse order if more than 1 OT is required.
  • Teams can elect to go for a 2-yard, 7-yard or a 15-yard conversion

 

Forfeit/Late Team Rule

  • Teams will have 10-minutes after their scheduled game time to take the field, or will be declared a forfeit. Referee is free to extend forfeit time at their discretion.
  • If a team must forfeit their match, $60 will be deducted from the forfeit fee collected through registration.
  • A team may forfeit once during the season, a second forfeit will result in removal from the playoff bracket.
  • If your team needs to forfeit, please email sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com in as far advance as possible.

 

Player Eligibility

  • Only the players on your roster prior to Playoffs are eligible to play in the tournament.
  • Players may be added at any time during the regular season.
  • Multiple Teams:
    • Regular Season – a player may compete on multiple teams in the same league.
    • Playoffs – a player may only compete on one (1) team in the same league night.

Player Code of Conduct / Ejection Policy

Unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT BE TOLERATED. Any player that is ejected from a game/match, for any reason, will automatically be suspended for the following league game/match, whether it be on that day, or the following week. Any ejected player will be asked to leave the property for the remainder of the league operation. Two ejections in one season will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Ejections will occur by using illegal equipment, fighting, taunting, arguing with the official, harassment, or other similar neglects of sportsmanship.

Questions

Any questions regarding leagues should be directed to the Football Officials, or the League Commissioner at sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com.

Edgewater Kickball League

Format

8 player team (at least 3 male + 3 female)

  • May play with 7 players (at least 3 male + 3 female)
  • May play with a minimum of 6 players (at least 2 male + 2 female)

Regular Season

  • 1 Game per Week. 7 inning game.
  • Extra Innings:If game is tied at the end of 7 innings, the game will be modified to 1-pitch, and the player who recorded the last out in the previous inning will start on 2nd Base.

Playoffs

  • Single-Elimination Tournament, seeding based on regular season record
  • Extra Innings: If game is tied at the end of 7 innings, the game will be modified to 1-pitch, and the player who recorded the last out in the previous inning will start on 2nd Base.
  • Higher Seed = Home Team

Officiated

  • $12 Officials Fee per Game. Pay directly to Official before starting the game.

Equipment

  • NO METAL CLEATS ALLOWED – Rubber / Molded Cleats, or Tennis Shoes ONLY
  • Game ball will be provided.

 

Sport Specific Rules

Starting the Game

  • Each team must turn in their $12 Officials Fee to start their match.
  • A coin flip, or rock-paper-scissors, will start each game. Winner will choose Home or Away Team.

Batting / Offense

  • Team Pitch Rule: A member of your team will pitch to your batters.
    • You will receive a maximum of 3 pitches per at bat. One of them must be in play (not a foul ball) or you will be declared out.
  • You may only have 8 players in the batting order at a time (no gender specific order required)
  • The pitcher can be substituted at any time.
  • Courtesy runners may be used once per inning (must be same sex).
    • If courtesy runner is in batting order, and is still on base for their turn to bat, their at-bat will be declared an out.
  • All kicks must occur AT or BEHIND home plate. Kicks made in front of the plate will be declared foul, and count as 1 of your 3 available pitches.
  • Offensive Interference:
    • If a batted ball touches the pitcher, the batter will be declared out.
    • If a batted ball touches a base runner, the runner will be declared out.
    • If a runner interferes with a fielder’s attempt to make a play on any ball, the runner will be declared out.
  • Bunt Line: The bunt line is a rounded line in front of the pitcher’s mound that extends to the baseline on either side of the field.
    • Batters: In order for a Kick to be legal, the ball must roll on or past the bunt line before coming to a complete stop. If the ball stops within the zone, it will be declared foul.
    • Fielders: May not move in front of the bunt line until the ball is kicked. If the ball is touched by a fielder inside the zone before declared foul, the ball is live and in play. The fielder can choose to make a play on the ball, or take a chance the ball will stop before touching the bunt line.

Fielding / Defense

  • Players may line up anywhere on the field, outside of the bunt line.
  • Runner will be awarded one base on an overthrow out of play. Umpires’ discretion.
  • Defensive Interference:
    • A fielder may not hinder a runner’s path to the base unless making a play on a batted ball, or fielding a thrown ball. A fielder that hinders a runner advancing bases will result in the runner safely advancing to the next base.
  • Fielders can record an out in any of the following ways:
    • Catching a fly ball.
    • Stepping on lead base while in possession of the ball.
    • Tagging batter/runner with the ball while not on base.
    • Striking batter/runner with the ball, below the neck, while not on base.
    • If the batter/runner is struck by the ball in the head/neck area while sliding, ducking, or dodging the ball, the runner will be declared out.

Substitution Rule

  • Players may substitute during the middle of any inning. Players that substitute must remain in/out for one full inning.

Mercy Rule

  • A team leading by 10 or more runs after 5 innings will be declared the winner

Inning Run Limit

  • A team may only score a maximum of 10 runs per inning
  • Exception: Team can score unlimited runs in the final inning.

Late Team / Forfeit Rule

  • Teams will have 10 minutes after their scheduled game time to take the field, or will be declared a forfeit. Umpire is free to extend forfeit time at their discretion.
  • If a team must forfeit their match, $24 will be deducted from the forfeit fee collected through registration.
  • A team may forfeit twice during the season, a third forfeit will result in removal from the playoff bracket.
  • If your team needs to forfeit, please email sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com in as far advance as possible.

Player Eligibility

  • All team members MUST be registered on LeagueApps as a member of your team. Only the players on your roster prior to Playoffs are eligible to play in the tournament.
  • Players may be added at any time during the regular season.
  • Multiple Teams
    • Regular Season – a player may substitute on multiple teams in the same league night.
    • Playoffs – a player may only compete on one (1) team in the same league night (ROSTER).

Player Code of Conduct / Ejection Policy

Unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT BE TOLERATED. Any player that is ejected from a game/match, for any reason, will automatically be suspended for the following league game/match, whether it be on that day, or the following week. Any ejected player will be asked to leave the property for the remainder of the league operation. Two ejections in one season will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Ejections will occur by using illegal equipment, fighting, taunting, arguing with the official, harassment, or other similar neglects of sportsmanship.

Questions

Any questions regarding leagues should be directed to the Kickball Officials, or the League Commissioner at sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com.

Lakefront Leagues (Volleyball)

Format

6 player teams (at least 2 females)

  • May play with 5 players (at least 2 females)
  • May play with 4 players (at least 1 female)
  • May play with a minimum up 3 players (at least 1 female)

Regular Season

  • 1 Match per Week, 3-Game Match (Play all 3)
  • Rally Scoring, Win by 2 (To: 21, 21, 21) (Cap: 25, 25, 25)
  • Maintain Rate of Play

Playoffs

  • Single-Elimination Tournament, seeding based on regular season performance.
  • Best of 3 game series, Win by 2 (To: 21, 21, 15) (Cap: 25, 25, 19)
  • Higher Seed Choose: Side or Serve

Self-Officiated

  • All discrepancies in the game must be handled by the teams. A manager will be on-site to interpret any rules, if necessary. Discrepancies that cannot be settled will result in a replay of the point.


Equipment

Game Volleyballs Provided. May use own ball if agreed upon with the opposing team captain. Please bring your own ball to warm up with.


Sport Specific Rules

Starting the Game

  • Check-In with the on-site Court Manager to be directed to your scheduled court. If your opponent has not checked in by the start of your match, see the Court Manager to enforce the Late Team / Forfeit Rule.
  • A coin flip, or rock-paper-scissors, will start each game. Winner will choose to serve, or choose their side of the court. Teams will switch sides of the court in-between each game.
  • Following your match, Check-Out with the Court Manager to report the results of your match. Both winning/losing team should report scores to ensure accuracy.

Late Team / Forfeit Rule

  • Late Team: 10 Minutes Late – 1st game forfeit, 20 Minutes Late – 2nd + 3rd game forfeit.
  • A team may forfeit twice during the season, a third forfeit will result in removal from the playoff bracket.
  • If your team needs to forfeit, please email sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com in as far advance as possible.


Game Play (All Rules come from the USA Volleyball Rule Book)

Serving

  • Players must rotate clockwise before serving the ball.
  • All Service attempts may be made anywhere behind the end line.
  • The server must call the score before each service.
  • Rotational Fault: Point to opposing team if you have been found to have served out of order.
  • Attacking the Serve: A player is disallowed to complete an attack hit on the opponent’s service, if at the moment of the hit, the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.

Playing the Ball

  • Each team is allowed 3 contacts. Any additional contact is considered a fault. A LEGAL BLOCK is not considered a single contact.
  • The ball may contact any part of the body to remain in play. (Kicked balls are Legal)
  • A player may have multiple contacts (more than 2) on the first team contact. The contact must be a single attempt at playing the ball to be legal. On second and third team contacts, double hits (multiple contacts) are a fault.
  • A ball that is caught or thrown, is a fault.
  • The ball must travel over the net, and between the antennae to be legal.
  • A player is allowed to extend their hands across the net, as long as the opponent has made their last playing contact.
  • Ball “IN”: The ball will be declared “in” if any part of the ball contacts the sand, including the boundary lines.
  • Ball “OUT”: The ball will be declared “out” when all parts of the ball contact completely outside the boundary lines.
  • Blocking: Any attempt to deflect the ball while in the front zone, with any body part above the net, is considered a block.
  • Illegal Back Row Attack: It is illegal for a back-row player to complete an attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the hit, the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.

Contact with the Net / Antennae

  • Contact with the net by a player between the antennas, during the action of playing the ball, is a fault.
  • Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, provided that it does not interfere with play.
  • When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed.
  • Hair contacting the net is not a net fault.

Substitutions

  • Unlimited substitutions may be made ONLY at the server position. Players DO NOT need to make a full rotation prior to subbing out. Injured players may sub out from any position.
  • A player is restricted only to the player they substituted for.

Player Eligibility

  • Only the players on your roster prior to Playoffs are eligible to play in the tournament.
  • Players may be added at any time during the regular season.
  • Multiple Teams
    • Regular Season – a player may compete on multiple teams in the same league.
    • Playoffs – a player may only compete on one (1) team in the same league night.

Ejection Policy

Any player that is ejected from a game, for any reason, will automatically be suspended for the following league game, whether it be on that night, or the following week. Any ejected player will be asked to leave the property for the remainder of the game. Two ejections in one season will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Ejections will occur by using illegal equipment, fighting, taunting, arguing with the referee, etc.

 

Questions

Any questions regarding leagues should be directed to the On-Site League Manager, or the League Commissioner at sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com.

Whiskey Island Sand Volleyball League

Format

6 player teams (at least 2 females)

  • May play with 5 players (at least 2 females)
  • May play with 4 players (at least 1 female)
  • May play with a minimum of 3 players (at least 1 female)

4 player teams (at least 1 female)

  • May play with 3 players (at least 1 female)
  • May play with a minimum of 2 players (at least 1 female)

2 player teams (at least 1 female)

  • Team may consist of 2 females, or 1 female + 1 male.
  • A team of 2 males is not eligible.

Regular Season

  • 1 Match per Week, 3-Game Match (Play all 3)
  • Rally Scoring, Win by 2 (To: 21, 21, 21) (Cap: 25, 25, 25)
  • Maintain Rate of Play

Playoffs

  • Single-Elimination Tournament, seeding based on regular season performance.
  • Best of 3 game series, Win by 2 (To: 21, 21, 15) (Cap: 25, 25, 19)
  • Higher Seed Choose: Side or Serve

Self-Officiated

  • All discrepancies in the game must be handled by the teams. A manager will be on-site to help interpret the Rules of Play. Discrepancies that cannot be settled will result in a replay of the point. (Updates to the Rules of Play will follow when necessary).


Equipment

Game Volleyballs Provided. May use own ball if agreed upon with the opposing team captain. Please bring your own ball to warm up with.

 


Sport Specific Rules

Starting the Game

  • Check-In with the on-site Court Manager to be directed to your scheduled court. If your opponent has not checked in by the start of your match, see the Court Manager to enforce the Late Team / Forfeit Rule.
  • A coin flip, or rock-paper-scissors, will start each game. Winner will choose to serve, or choose their side of the court. Teams will switch sides of the court in-between each game.
  • Following your match, Check-Out with the Court Manager to report the results of your match. Both winning/losing team should report scores to ensure accuracy.

Late Team / Forfeit Rule

  • Late Team: 10 Minutes Late – 1st game forfeit, 20 Minutes Late – 2nd + 3rd game forfeit.
  • A team may forfeit twice during the season, a third forfeit will result in removal from the playoff bracket.
  • If your team needs to forfeit, please email sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com in as far advance as possible.


Game Play (All Rules come from the USA Volleyball Rule Book)

Serving

  • Players must rotate clockwise before serving the ball.
  • All Service attempts may be made anywhere behind the end line.
  • The server must call the score before each service.
  • Rotational Fault: Point to opposing team if you have been found to have served out of order.
  • Attacking the Serve: A player is disallowed to complete an attack hit on the opponent’s service, if at the moment of the hit, the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.

Playing the Ball

  • Each team is allowed 3 contacts. Any additional contact is considered a fault. A LEGAL BLOCK is not considered a single contact.
  • The ball may contact any part of the body to remain in play. (Kicked balls are Legal)
  • A player may have multiple contacts (more than 2) on the first team contact. The contact must be a single attempt at playing the ball to be legal. On second and third team contacts, double hits (multiple contacts) are a fault.
  • A ball that is caught or thrown, is a fault.
  • The ball must travel over the net, and between the antennae to be legal.
  • A player is allowed to extend their hands across the net, as long as the opponent has made their last playing contact.
  • Ball “IN”: The ball will be declared “in” if any part of the ball contacts the sand, including the boundary lines.
  • Ball “OUT”: The ball will be declared “out” when all parts of the ball contact completely outside the boundary lines.
  • Blocking: Any attempt to deflect the ball while in the front zone, with any body part above the net, is considered a block.
  • Illegal Back Row Attack: It is illegal for a back-row player to complete an attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the hit, the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.

Contact with the Net / Antennae

  • Contact with the net by a player between the antennas, during the action of playing the ball, is a fault.
  • Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, provided that it does not interfere with play.
  • When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed.
  • Hair contacting the net is not a net fault.

Substitutions

  • Unlimited substitutions may be made ONLY at the server position. Players DO NOT need to make a full rotation prior to subbing out. Injured players may sub out from any position.
  • A player is restricted only to the player they substituted for.

4’s Division Specific

  • Setting over the net is legal.
  • A player must complete a setting action that is square to the shoulders when setting over the net. The exception is when the player is attempting to set to their teammate.
  • No “open-handed tipping. It is legal to knuckle the ball or roll the ball over the net.
  • Directional blocking is allowed.
  • Players are allowed to play in the same position, but must serve in chronological order.
  • Everyone is allowed to attack and block at the net.

2’s Division Specific

  • A player must complete a setting action that is square to the shoulders when setting over the net. The exception is when the player is attempting to set to their teammate.
  • No “open-handed tipping. It is legal to knuckle the ball or roll the ball over the net.
  • Directional blocking is allowed.
  • A block is 1 team contact (A block counts as one of your 3 contacts). The player that blocked is allowed to make the 2nd
  • Players are allowed to play in the same position, but must serve in chronological order.
  • Everyone is allowed to attack and block at the net.

Player Eligibility

  • All team members MUST be registered on LeagueApps as a member of your team. Only the players on your roster prior to Playoffs are eligible to play in the tournament.
  • Players may be added at any time during the regular season.
  • Multiple Teams
    • Regular Season – a player may substitute on multiple teams in the same league night.
    • Playoffs – a player may only compete on one (1) team in the same league night (ROSTER).

Player Code of Conduct / Ejection Policy

Unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT BE TOLERATED. Any player that is ejected from a game/match, for any reason, will automatically be suspended for the following league game/match, whether it be on that day, or the following week. Any ejected player will be asked to leave the property for the remainder of the league operation. Two ejections in one season will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Ejections will occur by using illegal equipment, fighting, taunting, arguing with the official, harassment, or other similar neglects of sportsmanship.

 

Questions

Any questions regarding leagues should be directed to the On-Site Court Manager, or the League Commissioner at sportandsocial@hermescleveland.com.