Fall 2008

National Federation Rules: All rules not covered in our league (C.A.L.) shall be governed by the federation rule book (C.I.F.)

Volleyball: is a game played by two teams of six players each with an inflated ball on a rectangular court separated into two areas by a net.  One team serves the ball over the net, trying to make it land within the opponent’s playing area.  The receiving team attempts to return the ball over the net in that it will land within the opponent’s playing area.

Scoring: Rally scoring format shall be used for the middle school division.

• 2 out of 3 games
• 25 point games with a 15 point deciding game if necessary
• Include let serve (ball may touch net on serve)
• 2 time-outs per game
• Team must win by 2 points
• When rally scoring, a point will be awarded for each loss of rally.

Coin Toss: shall determine who serves or receives.  The visiting school shall call the coin toss.

Court: The court shall be 60 feet long and 30 feet wide.  Please see diagram for all other markings.

The Net: shall be 3 feet wide overall and at least 32 feet long.  Due to schools having permanent nets, the height of the net shall be no less than 7’and no more than 7’6”.

The Ball: shall be spherical and it shall measure at least 25”, but no more than 27” in circumference with a weight of 9-10 ounces.  The home team shall provide the game ball.

Substitution: Only 18 substitutions shall be allowed per game for each team.  The substitute shall only be able to sub in and out with the same player per game and the serving order may not change as result.

Libero: shall be optional. The libero must wear a different color jersey from the other players, is solely a back row player, and may only replace another player while the ball is out of play and before the whistle for the next service.  A Libero may substitute an unlimited number of times, but must first complete each substitution fully before substituting in for another back row player.

Termination of Match: All matches shall be 2 out of 3 games.  However, regardless if a team has won or lost the first two games, a third will be played unless both coaches agree not to play it.

     The Libero is a specialized defensive player. Because of the position's focus on simply passing and digging, it is a great asset to have in the back court. However, there are special rules that govern the use of the Libero. Becoming familiar with those rules is crucial to your success as a coach or as a player.

o        Only one Libero may be used per game

Only one Libero may be registered for a game and cannot be replaced during that game, save for the occurrence of an injury that prevents the Libero from continuing play. Similarly, the player designated as the Libero may not play as any other position during that game.

o        The Libero is solely a back row player

This means that the Libero cannot hit the ball when it is above the height of the top of the net. Note: it is not necessary for the Libero to set or pass the ball over the net. It is perfectly acceptable for a Libero to overhand hit the ball (known as a down-ball) so long as the ball is below the top of the net.

o       The Libero may not block or attempt to block

o        A different color jersey is necessary

The Libero must wear a different color jersey from the other members of his/her team.

o        The Libero may only substitute at specific times

The Libero may only replace another player while the ball is out of play and before the whistle for the next service. As mentioned earlier, a Libero may substitute an unlimited number of times.

o        The Libero can not be used as a setter

A teammate may not hit a ball set by the Libero while the Libero is in front of the ten-foot line (three-meter line). However, it is perfectly acceptable for the Libero to set the ball for another player to hit if the Libero is behind the ten-foot line.