Rec-Beginners Volleyball Rules

Overview of the Rec-Beginners Level

The Rec-Beginners level is designed for players who are new to volleyball or still developing their foundational skills. This level emphasizes learning the rules, gaining confidence in gameplay, and having fun while improving basic abilities. 

1. TEAM STRUCTURE 

Teams may have a minimum of 6 and a max of 12 registered players all must be recreational status players. 

NO PLAYERS WITH THE STATUS OF INTERMEDIATE ARE ALLOWED TO PLAY ON ANY REC TEAM (SUNDAY OR MONDAY)

2. SERVICE RECEIVE 

The serve and/or any first hit of the team, may be received with close hands, open hands or be bumped. You cannot attack the serve meaning your feet may not leave the ground when receiving a serve causing the ball to be returned to the serving team, but if it stays on your side that is legal and can be played. The ball can be hit with a close hand, knuckle or pushed over with closed or open hands. If you push over with open hands the ball must have very minimal rotation or it is considered a double and illegal, causing your team to lose the point (2nd or 3rd touches only).  

3. Net 

In volleyball, a net violation occurs when a player touches the net with any part of their body while the ball is in play: 

• During active play: Players can't touch the net while trying to block or hit the ball. 

• Between the antennas: Players can't touch the net between the antennas while playing the ball. 

• Crossing the centerline: Players can't step over the center line while the ball is in play. 

4. SETS

• The ball must not be caught and/or thrown. A set can be done with a bump or open hands (fingers). If a set is done with open hands (fingers), the set must be clean meaning minimal rotation and your hands make a single contact and not a double. Heavy spins are not allowed and cause your team to lose a point.

5. Rotation

• A team with more than 4 players must rotate and maintain that rotation throughout the game. If a team is caught out of rotation that team loses their serve and gives a point to the opposing team. Before the serve, you must be in the correct service rotation. This means that you must be in the correct relative position to your teammates, although your absolute position does not have to be fixed. You may begin to transition once the ball has been served.

6. Rotation Order/Player entering the game.

• Players can only enter the game when it's your team’s turn to serve. 

• Players must be substituted in accordance with the established rotation order, meaning they will take the position of the player rotating out and or be the next server.

• Substitutions should only happen between points and not in the middle of the game.

• Entering at any other time is illegal and will cost your team a point.

• This rule applies only to teams of 5 or more players.

7. Lifts 

• A lift is when a player makes contact with the ball using an open palm or a passing platform that has the arms not touching (this does not include the overhead receive which is legal) and the result is basically throwing the ball into play. Underhand contact with the ball should be with your forearm platform pass, single forearm pass and a closed palm pass. If you're going to make the pass or touch on a shank ball make sure you use one of the methods stated. Any contact with arms not touching or open hands when passing underhand is illegal. One handed/arm touches are allowed with closed hands. Not making proper contact with the ball as stated your team loses the point. 

8. Attacking the Serve 

• In volleyball, attacking a serve is when a player on the receiving team contacts the ball above (jumping) the net during the first contact between the teams forcing the ball to return to the serving team. This is a violation. The serve must be returned with a bump, not a set or an attack. Attacking the serve Explained. This is done when a player on the receiving team jumps and hits the ball back to the serving team. This move is illegal. The legal way to contact a served ball is with your feet remaining on the ground or stay on your side if you jump to make contact.

9. Game Grace period/Delay infraction

• You are given a grace period of 5 minutes from the game time and or the court becomes available then another 10 minutes before you forfeit if you are the team causing the delay. If a team is not ready to play within the grace period, the opposing team may be awarded a point for each minute of delay.

10. Forfeiture Policy

As a participant in the league, you understand the importance of sportsmanship, fairness, and commitment to the games scheduled. In light of ensuring a fair experience for all teams, this waiver outlines the league’s policy on "No Call, No Show" and “Forfeitures” instances.

1. No Call, No Show: Defined as any instance where a team fails to notify the league in advance of their inability to attend scheduled games.

   1. To avoid fines, forfeiture notices must be submitted via email to diego@diablosoutsports.com by 5:00 PM the day before (Friday for Sunday games).

2. Same Day Game Day Forfeitures: Any forfeiture on game day, regardless of the situation, will result in a fine.

Fines

• $50.00 fine for a "No Call, No Show," applied to the team captain.

• $25.00 fine for game day forfeitures.

• All fines are non-negotiable and will be enforced.

Multiple Forfeiture Rule

Teams with multiple forfeitures or "No Call, No Show" occurrences may be removed from the league, with no refunds issued.

 11. Substitution Protocol

• Teams must have at least 3 of their original rostered players present if they have 6 or more players and can only pick up a max of 3 subs to avoid forfeiture of the game. Teams of 4 or 5 players must have 2 original team players and can only pick up 2 subs to be able to play and not forfeit (no more than 2 subs). Remember same day game forfeits will be accessed fines of $25.00.

12. Diablos Issued Shirt

• It is mandatory for all players to wear the current season Diablos issued shirt during gameplay. Excluded from the rule are League Coordinators and League Representatives who wear a Neon Green Shirt.

• Failure to wear the issued shirt will result in the player being unable to participate, and may also lead to a forfeit of the game for the team.

• Players are not permitted to swap shirts with others who do not have their issued shirt. Each player must wear their own shirt to play.

13. Point System Rules for Regular Season and Tournament Play.

1. Regular Season:

   • Games are played to 21 points.

   • There is no point cap.

   • A team must win by a 2-point difference.

2. Tournament Play:

   • Games are played to 25 points.

   • The points are capped at 25.

   • There is no requirement to win by 2 points; the first team to reach 25 points wins.

14. Points system explained 

• Rally style scoring with the winner winning by 2 more points during the regular 7 week season. This means there is no CAP for the win. In the tournament/Playoffs games are capped if a win by 2 situation is not possible.

15. PLAYER REPLACEMENT

• IF YOU HAVE PLAYER DROP FROM YOUR ROSTER AND YOU WANT TO REPLACE SAID PLAYER THE CAPTAIN IS TO REPORT THE REPLACEMENT IMMEDIATELY AND BEFORE THE NEW PLAYER IS TO PLAY. ALL PLAYER REPLACEMENTS AFTER THE 3RD WEEK OF GAMES WILL NEED TO BE DISCUSSED AND ALLOWED ON CASE BY CASE.

16. Any Intermediate Player

• Players with an Intermediate status will no longer be allowed to play or substitute in any Recreational division. That includes Sunday Leagues. Any intermediate player caught subbing in the recreational division will cost that team that set.

17. Players are not allowed to be on 2 different teams as this will cause scheduling problems, unnecessary delays and disadvantages to both teams. 

 18. Volleyball Game Time Rules:

1. Game Duration:

   - All games are strictly 40 minutes long.  

   - The timer starts with the first serve and runs continuously without stopping for timeouts or delays.  

2. Timer Enforcement:  

   - Teams must start the timer immediately with the first serve.  

   - Failure to start the timer on time will result in a penalty of 3 minutes deducted for every 5 total points scored by both teams.  

   Example Penalty Calculation:  

   - If the score is 7-10 (total points = 17):  

     - 17 ÷ 5 = 3 full increments (15 points).  

     - 3 minutes x 3 = 9 minutes deducted.  

     - Adjusted game time: 31 minutes remaining.  

3. Timer Monitoring:  

   - Officials will verify timer usage.  

   - Any delay in starting the timer will result in the penalty being applied immediately upon discovery.  

Note: Manage time efficiently— If the timer expires mid rally you need to finish the rally but no new serves may be made and the game has ended, regardless of score.

19. CHANGING DIVISIONS

• If you want to be considered for a higher division, you'll need a proven track record—top 2 finishes or multiple divisional wins with 90% of the same players will only be considered (2025).