The Open Net League – Key Volleyball Rules
Team Requirements
* Coed teams must have at least two male and two female players on the court to play an official match.
* Teams must have a minimum of four players present for a match to be considered official.
Match Play
* All matches use rally scoring.
* Matches are played to 25 points with a cap of 27.
* Each match is scheduled within a one-hour time block and must be completed during that time.
* If 10 minutes or less remain at the start of the final scheduled set, that set will be played to 15 points with a cap of 17.
Serving
* Both overhand and underhand serves are permitted.
* If you toss the ball and choose not to serve, allow it to hit the floor before attempting another serve.
* Servers may not step on or over the end line before contacting the ball.
General Rules
Teams are responsible for self-officiating and should make calls honestly and consistently.
Common violations include:
* Net contact
* Crossing under the net and interfering with play
* Foot faults while serving
* Illegal attacks on a served ball
* Double contacts
* Lifts and carries
* Illegal back-row attacks
* Rotation violations
Officiating Responsibilities
* Each team will be assigned refereeing duties throughout the season.
* During assigned matches, two players from the scheduled team must serve as line judges.
* Line judges are responsible only for making in/out line calls.
* The teams playing the match are responsible for calling their opponents' faults, including net violations, lifts, doubles, rotation faults, and other rule infractions.
* If players and line judges cannot reach a clear decision on a play, the rally will be replayed.
Timeouts & Rotation
* Each team is allowed one 60-second timeout per set.
* Players must rotate clockwise after winning the right to serve. Every player is expected to participate in the rotation unless unable to play due to injury.
Late Policy
* Teams are allowed a 10-minute grace period after the scheduled match start time.
* Teams that cannot field the required minimum number of players within the grace period may forfeit the match.
Sportsmanship
The Open Net League is built on respect, competition, and fun.
Players are expected to:
* Treat opponents, teammates, officials, and league staff with respect.
* Practice honest self-officiating.
* Display good sportsmanship at all times.
* Accept league staff decisions respectfully.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language, or repeated rule violations may result in penalties or removal from league play.
