Rules

General goal

This is intended to be serious fun play. We mostly follow power volleyball rules as handed down by USVBA, FIFA etc. and occasionally modify them for our added enjoyment.

Matches

Each game is played to 15 points using the old fashioned scoring - not rally scoring.
Teams play two 15 points games. That's 2 games not 2 out of 3.
Teams play two matches per night for a total of 4 games.
Time of matches is never stated in advance. When all 4 players of a game are present, we try to start that match. After that, teams that have been waiting should play before a given team plays twice.
Each court will usually have 3 matches played on it. You will be working for one match and playing two for the night.
When your team is not playing, you should be working - that is score keeping or waiting to chase after loose balls.

Play

General volleyball rules apply - things like 3 hits per side with the block not counting. Exceptions for doubles are listed here:
Players may cross onto the other team's court entirely - as long as they don't interfere with the other team.
Players may contact the net below the top tape as long is it doesn't interfere with play.
You may not dink - that is hit the ball with the tips of your fingers after faking a hit. You may punch or knuckle the ball.
Setting the ball over the net is not permitted. If a set goes over the net it's a point for the other side. Rolls, knuckles, and other directioning is allowed - just no fingers.
Men are back line players: This means that men may never block. In general men must hit from 3 meters back. To be exact about that rule: A violation occurs when the male player has stepped on or in front of the 3 meter line and then contacts the ball while it is entirely above the top of the net. Note: This means that a tall man can violate the rule while standing on the ground. It also means that if the man jumps forward he can be above the net and quite close to it when he contacts the ball.

Substitutes

We want to play - not to collect forfeits therefore substitutes (outside of playoffs) are very welcome - much better than forfeiting. If you know in advance that you can't play, then find a sub for yourself (or your team) if that doesn't work, please contact me and we'll probably find a sub for you. If you end up ready to play but without a partner, you may grab anyone of the needed gender who isn't playing (and isn't about to play) as a partner. People who already have a team and match must give complete priority to that match. Don't start playing as a sub if you've got a match of your own that could start before your subbing game finishes. This can not be allowed.

Playoffs

Playoffs are single elimination within your division.
Your division is based on your record for the year. It's not where you finish in your last 2 weeks of the season.
Generally, you will play quarter finals, semifinals and finals - as long as you keep winning.
The quarter finals need to be finished the first week. Ideally the semifinals as well.
Matches are best two of three games.
In blue division all games are 15 points with sideout scoring.
In green division the 3rd game will be 25 points rally scoring.
In red division all games are 25 points rally scoring - to make sure we get to complete matches before dark.
You can use a sub in the playoffs but the player has to be approved by me as not significantly better than your regular partner. Tell me before the playoff week.
You also have the option of playing your match before the scheduled date as long as all 4 players agree. That happens a few times each year. It gets easier to arrange as the playoffs progress.
Matches the first week have to start on time in order to finish and to not keep later rounds of play waiting. If I have to, I'll forfeit a late team a game or even a match for excessive lateness.