Adult Volleyball League

Adult Volleyball League Rules and Format

Overview
This is a 4v4 sand volleyball league with 6 player rosters. Matches are designed to be competitive, organized, and long enough to feel like a full run.

Team Roster and Lineup Rules
• 6 players per team roster
• 4 players on the court at a time
• A minimum of 2 female players must be on each team roster
• At least 1 female player must be on the court at all times
• If a team cannot field a female player, the match is a forfeit

Match Format and Scoring
• Best 2 out of 3 sets
• Sets played to 15 points
• Rally scoring, point on every serve
• Win by 2 points
• If time is a concern, Set 3 can be capped at 15 with a hard cap at 17 (first to 17 wins)

Match Timing Target
Typical timing for sets to 15 is about 10 to 15 minutes per set depending on rally length and how close the set is.
• 2 set match usually runs about 20 to 30 minutes
• 3 set match usually runs about 30 to 45 minutes
To consistently hit a 45 to 50 minute match window, the league will use the pacing below:
• 5 minute warm up and serving period before Set 1
• 2 minute break between sets
• Optional 1 minute side switch break at 8 points (if needed for heat and fairness)
• Hard stop time can be enforced if matches are running behind schedule

Serving Rules
• Teams rotate and serve normally
• One serve attempt per rally
• Let serves are allowed unless league staff announces otherwise

Touches and Ball Handling
• Maximum of 3 contacts per side
• A block touch counts as a touch
• Open hand tips are allowed only if clean and controlled
• Carrying, lifting, and prolonged contact will be called

Rotation and Substitutions
• Substitutions happen on dead balls only
• Teams may sub freely, but must maintain at least 1 female on the court at all times
• If a female player rotates out, another female must rotate in before play resumes

Court and Boundaries
• Standard sand court boundaries apply
• Any ball landing on the line is in
• Players must avoid crossing under the net into the opponent’s space

Forfeits and Late Arrival
• Grace period: 5 minutes after scheduled match time
• After 5 minutes, the team ready to play may be awarded Set 1
• After 10 minutes, the match may be declared a forfeit

Sportsmanship and Conduct
• Respect officials and opponents
• No arguing calls, staff decisions are final
• Unsafe play, aggressive conduct, or repeated disputes can result in removal from play