Adult Fall & Winter Volleyball Manager Handbook

USA VOLLEYBALL RULES/BPRD LEAGUE RULES

1. All matches will consist of three games: All three games will be played Rally Point to 21, win by two, capped at 23. Team managers must review and sign the scoresheet at the completion of each match. Updated Fall 2026.
2. Teams will be allotted two 30 second time-outs per game.
3. Team managers will toss a coin for the right to serve or receive the service OR the side of court. Service and side will alternate in the second game of the match. There will be a second coin toss before the start of the third game of the match to determine right to serve or receive the service OR the side of court.
   Teams are NOT guaranteed warm-up time.
4. Satellite time (cell phone) will be the official time.
5. Teams must start a game with a minimum of four players. In Coed play, the number of males cannot exceed the number of females. If a team starts with less than six players, they may add late arriving players on the first dead ball. These players may enter at any position except the serving position as long as the other teammates shift positions on the court. Teams will not be allowed to completely rearrange the positions of the players.
6. Forfeits: 45- or 50-minute matches
   • 1st Game-Game time
   • 2nd Game-10 minutes after game time
   • 3rd Game-10 minutes after game time

7. FORBIDDEN OBJECTS AND UNIFORMS (BPRD Rule)

   • It is forbidden to wear any object that may cause injury to another player, such as pins, bracelets, casts, etc. (Watches and dangling earrings WILL NOT be allowed). Casts, braces, prosthetic limbs, or headgear that may cause injury or give artificial advantage to a player must not be worn. If a cast, brace, prosthetic limb, or headgear is used, padding, or covering may be necessary. All other objects are at the discretion of the official. Fitbits/Activity trackers are allowed. If a player is asked to remove an item, he/she MUST do so, or he/she will not be allowed to play.

8. Rule 5.1 CAPTAIN

   • 5.1.2 When the ball is out of play, only the game captain is authorized to speak to referees: 5.1.2.1. to ask for an explanation on the application or interpretation of the rules, and also to submit the requests or questions of his/her teammates.

9. Rule 7.1 THE TOSS

   • Before the match, the official carries out a toss to decide the first service and side of court in the first set.
   • 7.1.1 The toss is taken in presence of the two team captains. 7.1.2 The winner of the toss chooses: EITHER 7.1.2.1 the right to serve or receive the serve 7.1.2.2 OR the side of the court. The loser takes the remaining choice.

10.  Rule 7.4 POSITIONS

    • At the moment the ball is contacted by the server, each team must be positioned within its own court in the rotational order (except the server).
    • 7.4.3.1 Each front-row player must have at least a part of a foot closer to the center line than both feet of the corresponding back-row player.
    • 7.4.3.2 Each right (left)-side player must have at least a part of a foot closer to the right (left)-sideline than both feet of the center player in the corresponding row. The server is exempt from the application of this rule.
    • USAV 7.4.3 The position of the players is judged according to the position of the foot last in contact with the floor at the time the ball is contacted for service.

11.  Rule 7.6 POSITIONS

    • When the receiving team has gained the right to serve, its players must rotate one position clockwise.

12. SUBSTITUTIONS (This is a BPRD Rule)

    • Substitutions MUST be made one of two ways: a) In the center back position b) Person for person
    • The substitution pattern must remain the same for an entire game. It can be changed at the beginning of a new game.
    • If at any time, the substitution pattern is broken (e.g., missed rotation), the players on the court at that time will have to play out the remainder of the game.
    • Exceptions would be made for injuries or expelled players.
    • Males must sub for males and females must sub for females.

13. Rule 8. STATES OF PLAY**

    • 8.2 BALL OUT OF PLAY
      The ball is out of play at the moment of the fault, which is whistled by one of the referees, in absence of a fault, at the moment of whistle.
    • 8.3 The ball is “in” when it touches the floor of playing court, including the boundary lines.
      • USAV 8.4.2: A ball, other than a served ball, shall remain in play if it contacts the ceiling above the playing area. The ball is out of play if it makes contact with the ceiling above the opponent’s playing area or above the team’s playing area and crosses the plane of the net into the opponent’s court.
      • 8.4.2 A. If benches, bleachers, low hanging baskets or other floor obstructions are less than 2 m (6’6’’) from the court and interfere with play of the ball, the ball becomes out of play and a playover may be directed at the first referee’s discretion. C. A ball is out of play and a playover directed if it contacts overhead object(s) or the supports (e.g., basketball backboard) less than 4.6 m (15’) above the playing area and would have remained playable if the object had not been present. D. A ball is out of play if it contacts the ceiling or overhead objects, regardless of height, over non-playing areas.
    • **Please refer to the site guidelines regarding the ground rules for obstructions.

14. Rule 9.1.2 SIMULTANEOUS CONTACT

    • Two or three players may touch the ball at the same moment.
    • 9.1.2.1 When two or more teammates touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as one contact. If teammates collide, no fault is committed. Any player may play the ball next if the simultaneous contact is not the third team contact.
    • 9.1.2.2 If two opponents simultaneously contact the ball and it remains in play, the team receiving the ball is entitled to another three hits. If such a ball goes “out,” it is the fault of the team on the opposite side.
    • 9.1.2.3 If simultaneous hits by two opponents above the net lead to extended contact with the ball, play continues.

15. Rule 9.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT (NEW IN FALL 2014)

    • 9.2.1 The ball may touch any part of the body. (BPRD Commentary: Volleyball is a REBOUND sport. The ball can rebound from any part of the body, including the legs and feet, but KICKING IS NOT ALLOWED. Any motion or attempt to kick the ball is a loss of rally/point and the penalty for kicking it during a dead ball is the sanction.)
      Kicking the ball is NEVER allowed after the play is called dead. Anyone who intentionally kicks a ball after the play is called dead will be sanctioned for unsportsmanlike conduct and a point and service will be awarded to the opposing team.
    • 9.2.2 The ball must be hit, not caught, or thrown. It can rebound in any direction.
    • 9.2.3 The ball may touch various parts of the body provided that the contacts take place simultaneously. EXCEPTIONS:
      • 9.2.3.1 During blocking, consecutive contacts may occur by one or more blockers, provided the contacts occur during one action.
      • 9.2.3.2 During the first hit of a team (not blocking), the ball may contact various parts of the body consecutively, provided that the contacts occur during one action.
      • 9.2.3.3 Commentary: The first hit of the team includes reception: (a) of the serve; (b) of an attack hit by the opponent (this may be hard or soft); (c) of a ball blocked by one’s own team and (d) of a ball blocked by the opponents. During the team’s first hit, successive contacts with various parts of the player’s body are permitted in a single action of playing the ball. These include contacts involving “finger action” on the ball and contact with the foot. The ball, however, may not be caught and/or thrown.

16. Rule 9.3 FAULTS IN PLAYING THE BALL

    • 9.3.1 Four hits
    • 9.3.3 Catch: A player does not hit the ball, and the ball is caught and thrown.
    • 9.3.4 Double contact: A player contacts the ball twice in succession or the ball contacts various parts of the body successively.

17. Rule 10.2 BALL TOUCHING THE NET

    • The ball may touch the net while crossing (this includes serving).

18. Rule 11.1 REACHING BEYOND THE NET

    • 11.1.1 In blocking, a blocker may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that he/she does not interfere with the opponents’ play before or during the latter’s attack hit.
    • 11.1.2 A player making an attack-hit is permitted to pass hand(s) beyond the net after the attack-hit, provided the ball is contacted within his /her own playing space.

19. Rule 11.2 PENETRATION UNDER THE NET

    • 11.2.1 It is permitted to penetrate into the opponents’ space under the net, provided that this does not interfere with the opponents’ play.
    • 11.2.2 Penetration into the opponent’s court, beyond the center line to:
      • 11.2.2.1 Touch the opponent’s court a foot or feet is permitted, provided some part of the penetrating foot/feet remains either in contact with or directly above the center line.
      • 11.2.2.2 To touch the opponent’s court with any part of the body above the feet is permitted provided that it doesn’t interfere with the opponent’s play.
    • 11.2.3 A player may enter the opponent’s court after the ball goes out of play.
    • 11.2.4 Players may penetrate into the opponent’s free zone provided that they do not interfere with the opponents’ play.

20. Rule 11.3 CONTACT WITH THE NET (NEW IN FALL 2013)

    • 11.3.1 Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, unless it is made during the action of playing the ball or interferes with play.
    • 11.3.2 Once a player has hit the ball, he/she may touch a post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net, provided that it does not interfere with play.
    • 11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net and causes it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed.

21. Rule 11.4 PLAYERS’ FAULTS AT THE NET

    • 11.4.1 A player touches the ball or an opponent in the opponent’s space before or during the opponent’s attack-hit.
    • 11.4.2 A player interferes with the opponent’s play while penetrating into the opponent’s space under the net.
    • 11.4.3 A player’s foot (feet) penetrates completely into the opponent’s court.
    • 11.4.4 Touches the net while in the action of playing the ball (hair does not count)

22. Rule 12.3 AUTHORIZATION OF SERVICE

    • The first referee authorizes the service after having checked that the two teams are ready to play, and that the server is in possession of the ball.

23. Rule 12.4 EXECUTION OF SERVICE

    • 12.4.1. The ball shall be hit with one hand or any part of the arm after being tosses or released from the hand(s).
    • 12.4.2 Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. Dribbling or moving the ball in the hands is permitted.
    • 12.4.3 At the moment of the service hit or take-off for a jump service, the server must not touch the court (the end line included) or the ground outside the service zone.
    • 12.4.4 The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after the first referee whistles for service.
    • 12.4.5 A service executed before the referee’s whistle is cancelled and repeated.

24. Rule 12.6 FAULTS MADE DURING THE SERVICE

    • 12.6.1 The following faults lead to a change of service, even if the opponent has a position fault. The server:
      • 12.6.1.1 violates the service order.
      • 12.6.1.2 does not execute the service properly.
      • 12.6.1.2 if the service toss touches any obstruction before the service contact.
    • 12.6.2 Faults after the service hit: After the ball has been correctly hit, the service becomes a fault (unless a player is out of position) if a ball:
      • 12.6.2.1 touches a player of the serving team or fails to cross the vertical plane of the net completely through the crossing space.
      • 12.6.2.2 goes “out.”
      • 12.6.2.3 passes over a screen.

25. Rule 12.7 FAULTS MADE AFTER THE SERVICE AND POSITIONAL FAULTS

    • 12.7.1 If the server makes a fault at the moment of the service hit (improper execution, wrong rotational order, etc.) and the opponent is out of position, it is the serving fault which is sanctioned.
      12.7.2 Instead, if the execution of the service has been correct, but the service subsequently becomes faulty (goes out, goes over a screen, etc.), the positional fault has taken place first and is sanctioned.

26. Rule 13.1 ATTACK HIT-DEFINITION

    • 13.2.1 All actions directing the ball toward the opponent except a serve or a block, are attack-hits.
    • 13.1.2 During an attack-hit, tipping (directing the ball by contact with fingers only) is permitted only if the ball is cleanly hit, and not caught or thrown.
    • 13.1.3 An attack-hit is completed the moment the ball completely crosses the vertical plane of the net or is touched by an opponent.

27. Rule 13.2 RESTRICTIONS OF THE ATTACK HIT

    • 13.2.1 A front-row player may carry out an attack-hit at any height, provided the ball contact has been made within the team’s playing space (except on a serve).
    • 13.2.2 A back-row player may complete an attack hit at any height from behind the front zone:
      • 13.2.2.1 At take-off, the foot (feet) must neither have touched or crossed over the attack line or its
        imaginary extension.
      • 13.2.2.2 After the attack-hit, the player may land within the front zone.
    • 13.2.3 A back-row player may also complete an attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the contact part of the ball is lower than the top of the net.
    • 13.2.4 No player is permitted to complete an attack hit on the opponents’ service, when the ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the top of the net.

28. Rule 13.3 FAULTS OF THE ATTACK HIT

    • 13.3.1 A player initiates an attack-hit on the ball completely within the playing space of the opposing team.
    • 13.3.2 A player hits the ball “out.”
    • 13.3.3 A back-row player completes an attack-hit from the front zone, when, at the moment of the attack-hit, the ball is entirely above the top of the net.
    • 13.3.4 A player completes an attack-hit on the opponent’s serve when the ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the top of the net.
    • 13.3.6 (USA) If an attack-hit fault is completed simultaneously with a blocking fault by the opponents, a double fault is committed.

29. Rule 14.1 BLOCKING

    • 14.1.1 Blocking is the action of players close to the net to intercept the ball coming from the opponents by reaching higher than the top of the net regardless of the height of ball contact. Only front-row players are permitted to complete a block, but at the moment of contact with the ball, part of the body must be higher than the top the top of the net.
    • 14.1.2 Block attempt-a block attempt is the action of blocking without touching the ball.
    • 14.1.3 Completed block- A block is completed whenever the ball is touched by a blocker.
    • 14.1.4 Collective block- A collective block is executed by two or three players close to each other and is completed when one of them touches the ball.

30. Rule 14.2 BLOCK CONTACT

    • Consecutive (quick and continuous) contacts may occur by one or more blockers provided that the contacts are made during one action.
    • USA 14.2 A block is an interception of a ball coming from the opponents. Accordingly, it is a double contact fault if a player has successive contacts while using a blocking action when directing a ball toward the opponent during the execution of the second or third team hit.

31. Rule 14.3 BLOCK WITHIN THE OPPONENT’S SPACE

    • In blocking, the player may place his/her hands and arms beyond the net, provided this action does not interfere with the opponents’ play. Thus, it is not permitted to touch the ball beyond the net before the opponent has executed an attack hit.
    • USA 14.3 Blocking of the ball across the net above the opponent’s team area shall be permitted,
      provided:
      a. The block is made after the opponents have hit the ball in such a manner that the ball would, in the first referee’s judgment, clearly cross the net if not touched by a player and no member of the attacking team is in a position to make a play on the ball.
      b. The ball is falling near the net and no member of the attacking team could, in the first referee’s judgment, make a play on the ball.

32. Rule 14.4 BLOCK AND TEAM HITS

    • 14.4.1 A block contact is not counted as a team hit. Consequently, after a block contact, a team is entitled to three hits to return the ball.
    • 14.4.2 The first hit after the block may be executed by any player, including the player who contacted the ball to complete the block.

33. Rule 14.6 BLOCKING FAULTS

    • 14.6.1 A blocker touches the ball in the opponent’s space before the opponent’s attack-hit.
    • 14.6.2 A back-row player completes the block or participates in a completed block.
    • 14.6.3 Blocking the opponents’ service.
    • 14.6.4 The ball is sent “out” off the block.
    • 14.6.5 A blocker contacts the ball in the opponent’s space from outside the antenna.

34. Rule 17.1 INJURY

    • 17.1.1 Should a serious accident occur while the ball is in play, a referee must stop the game immediately. The rally is replayed.
    • 17.1.2 If a substitution for an injured player cannot be made, legally or exceptionally, the player is given a three-minute recovery time, but not more than once for the same player in the match. If the player does not recover, the team is declared incomplete.

35. Rule 20.1 SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

    • 20.1.1 Participants must know the “Official Volleyball Rules” and abide by them.
    • 20.1.2 Participants must accept referees’ decisions with sportsmanlike conduct, without disputing them. In case of doubt, clarification may be requested only through the game captain.
    • 20.1.3 Participants must refrain from actions or attitudes aimed at influencing the decisions of the referees or covering up faults committed by their team.

36. Rule 21.2 FAIR PLAY

    • 21.2.1 Participants must behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit of FAIR PLAY, not only toward the referees, but also toward other officials, the opponents, teammates, and spectators.
    • 21.2.2 Communication between team members during the match is permitted.

37. Rule 21.1 MINOR MISCONDUCT

    • Minor misconduct offenses are not subject to sanctions. It is the first referee’s duty to prevent the teams from approaching the sanctioning level by issuing a verbal or hand signal warning to a team member or to the team through the game captain.

38. Rule 21.2 MISCONDUCT LEADING TO SANCTIONS

    •  Incorrect conduct by a team member toward officials, opponents, teammates, or spectators is classified in three categories according to the seriousness of the offense.
    • 21.2.1 Rude Conduct: acting contrary to good manners or moral principles or any action expressing contempt.
    • 21.2.2 Offensive conduct: defamatory or insulting words or gestures.
    • 21.2.3 Aggression: physical attack or aggressive or threatening behavior.

39. Rule 21.3 SANCTION SCALE

    • 21.3.1 Penalty: For rude conduct, the team is penalized with a point and service to the opponent.
    • 21.3.2 Expulsion:
      • 22.3.2.1 A team member who is sanctioned by expulsion shall not play for the rest of the set and must remain seated in the penalty area with no other consequences.
      • 22.3.2.2 The first offensive conduct by a team member is sanctioned by expulsion with no other consequences.
      • 22.3.2.3 The second rude conduct in the same match by the same team member is sanctioned by expulsion with no other consequences.
    • 21.3.3 Disqualification
      • 21.3.3.1 A team member who is sanctioned by disqualification must leave the competition for the rest of the match. (BPRD Rule: The participant will have 3 minutes to leave the gym).
      • 21.3.3.2 The first aggression is sanctioned by disqualification with no other consequences.
      • 21.3.3.3 The second offensive conduct in the same match by the same team member is sanctioned by disqualification with no other consequences.
      • 21.3.3.4 The third rude conduct in the same match by the same team member is sanctioned by disqualification with no other consequences.

40. Rule 21.4 APPLICATION OF MISCONDUCT SANCTIONS

    • 21.4.1 All misconduct sanctions are individual sanctions, remain in force for the entire match and are recorded on the scoresheet.
    • 21.4.2 The repetition of misconduct by the same team member in the same match is sanctioned progressively. USA 22.4 A warning does not need to precede a penalty for rude conduct.
    • 21.4.3 Expulsion or disqualification due to offensive conduct or aggression does not require a previous sanction.

41. Rule 21.5 MISCONDUCT BEFORE AND BETWEEN SETS

    • Any misconduct occurring before or between sets is sanctioned according to Rule 22.3 and sanctions apply in the following set.

    • BPRD Rule: Warnings do not need to be given and officials may expel or disqualify a player at any time at their discretion.  Any misconduct occurring after the match may be sanctioned the following week.

42. Rule 21.6 SANCTION CARDS

    • Warning: verbal or hand signal only
    • Penalty: yellow card
    • Expulsion: red card
    • Disqualification: yellow + red card jointly

43. CO-ED RULES

    • 1.1 The serving order and positions on the court at service shall be male and female alternated or vice-versa.

    • 1.2 When the ball is played more than once by a team, a female player shall make at least one of the contacts. Contact of the ball during blocking shall not constitute playing the ball. There is no requirement for a male player to contact the ball, regardless of the number of hits by a team.

      • 1.2.2 If a team contacts the ball more than one time during offensive action, one of the contacts must be made by a female player, but there is no restriction preventing all three team hits from being made by female players. Contact of the ball during a blocking action does not count as one of the three team hits. Therefore, after a block, a male player may play the ball back over the net as such a contact would be considered the first team hit.

      • 1.4 When only one male played is in the front row at service, one male back-row player may be forward of the attack line for the purpose of blocking. The remaining back-row player must be behind the attack line until the ball has been contacted by the blocker(s) or has been hit in such a manner that no block is possible.

    • BPRD RULES:

      1. At no time may the number of males exceed the number of females on the court
      2. A team may play with 4 females and 2 males on the court or any other combination as long as the number of males never exceeds the number of females and there are always four players on the court.
      3. Spiking is allowed in all leagues.
      4. If the ball is hit more than once, a female MUST make one of the hits.
      5. Teams must play true coed whenever possible (three females, three males)

44. HONOR CALLS (BPRD Rule)

    • These will be accepted as long as they are against the team making the call (i.e., line calls).

45. NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING

    • No alcohol or smoking allowed on school or BPRD property. Any team/player found to be violating this rule may be subject to league suspension.

46. SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

    • I WILL:
      1. I WILL abide by the officials’ rules of USA Volleyball
      2. I WILL display good sportsmanship at all times.
      3. I WILL educate myself on the unique rules of this facility and abide by them.
      4. I WILL generate goodwill by being polite and respectful to those around me at this event.
      5. I WILL immediately notify the Event Director and/or Program Administrator in the event I witness any illegal activity.
    • I WILL NOT:
      1. I WILL NOT harass or intimidate the officials, including line judges and scorers.
      2. I WILL NOT bring and/or carry any firearms to any BPRD event.
      3. I WILL NOT bring, purchase, or consume alcohol during BPRD league volleyball.
      4. I WILL NOT smoke or vape on school or BPRD property.