• Each team will play 3 sets to 21 (23 point cap) – Rally scoring.  
• All matches will be 50 minutes in length (5 minute warm-up time included).  Whichever team is up by 2 points after alotted match minutes will be declared winner of that set.
• Only 2 minutes are allowed in between sets.
• We provide TWO volleyball per court to use for Game Balls.  Please bring your own volleyball for warmups.  
• NO uniform requirement (unless noted).
• Teams will be allowed a 10-minute grace period before forfeiting the first set; another 10 minutes before forfeiting the rest of the match.  All matches subject to a forfeited set are still on the 50 minute time limit, regardless of when the match actually starts.
• Each team may take two “Time Outs” per set, each limited to 30 seconds.
• Indoor 6s Teams:  Teams may play with a minimum of 5 players for results to be counted towards standings.  Teams may also play with 4 players, however, the match will be recorded as a forfeit.
• The league standings will be based on the percentage of sets won out of the total sets played. In the event of identical records, the tiebreaker will be based on head-to-head matches, win-loss, then point differential.
• League winner is based off round robin league standings unless the league has a seeded playoff tournament scheduled at the end.  (Varies per league).
• Forbidden Objects (USAV Rule 4.5.1):  It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury or give an artificial advantage to a player (IE casts, jewelry, earrings).  An exception will be made for religious or medical medallions that are removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform.
• Players must register and complete waivers before they are allowed to participate.
• Forfeits - If you will not be able to field a team for whatever reason, please call/text 314-398-5495 to allow us to inform the other team.

• Let serve is legal (a serve that hits the net and goes over).
• Touching the net is illegal at all levels of play.
• Attacking or blocking a serve is illegal.  Setting a serve is legal in 6s format.
• A lift will be called according to level of play at the referee’s discretion.
• Contact is legal on any part of the body as long as the ball is not lifted.  The ball can be kicked any time except while serving.  
• It is a side-out or opponent’s point if you pursue the ball on to the court of an adjacent match.
• If a ball from the other court enters your court and disrupts the play, the play is stopped and the point will be replayed.
• Foe 12u, 11u/12u, & 11u (6th grade, 5th grade) - players can use "step-in" (service line is 6'6" into the court).
• For 9u, 10u & 10u/11u combo Pools (3rd grade, 4th grade, 4th/5th grade) - players can use "step-in" (service line is 10' into the court; if floor unmarked - they will serve immediately in front of the marked 6'6" step-in line).
• For 9u, 10u & 10u/11u combo Pools (3rd grade, 4th grade, 4th/5th grade) - there is a 5 point service limit.  After a single player serves 5 points, a sideout is awarded (no points lost).  
• 14 & Under divisions - One service tossing error is permitted for each service attempt. 
• Teams may follow USAV substitutions OR rotate players out of the middle back position.
• OUTDOOR RULE:  Poles serve as antennas and ropes are the boundary.
• OUTDOOR RULE:  Back Row Attacks – it will be the referee’s discretion as to whether a player is behind the “assumed” 10’ line in order to jump and attack the ball legally.

• Open-hand "tips" are not allowed.
• Setting a serve is illegal.
• Indoor setting rules apply relative to the level of play.  (Exception of Open 2s division)
• A hand set intended for a teammate that travels over the net is not legal.
• Players' shoulders must be "square" with ball when "pushing" the ball over with open hands/fingers (forward or backward motion). Ball cannot be a double hit.
• A hard-driven attack (downward trajectory) may be defensively played in any manner, as long as the action is not a lift (i.e. double hits allowed, including actions with open hands/fingers).
• An off-speed hit or bump (with upward or downward trajectory) may be played defensively in any manner; however, if open hands/fingers are used, the action must be clean (i.e., no spin, no double hits).
• A player may block a ball in any direction (the ball may be blocked quickly in one direction, with one motion).
• "Joust" (simultaneous contact above the net) between opponents is legal.  Any player may make the next play, as their team's 1st contact.
• FOURS (4s):  A "touch" on a block does not count as a hit.
• DOUBLES (2s):  A "touch" on a block counts as one hit, and the team must play the ball over the net in the next two contacts after such block.
• DOUBLES (2s):  In Open 2s only, clearly distinct and separate contacts of the ball constitute a "double hit".  Spin is not a fault but spin may be an indication that a "double-contact" fault has occurred.
• DOUBLES (2s):  Refs are not provided.  Teams will self-ref.

• Team qualify for playoffs based on winning percentage.  In the event of identical records, the tiebreaker will be based on head-to-head matches, win-loss, then point differential.
• Number of teams taken to playoff bracket depends on number of teams registered and court availability.
• Playoffs will be match play (best 2 out of 3 – first 2 sets play to 21 points; 3rd set - if needed - plays to 15 points & switch sides at 8 points. No cap in playoff matches).
• Teams that don’t qualify for playoffs will play bonus matches.  Bonus matches will be match play (best 2 out of 3 – first 2 sets play to 21 points; 3rd set - if needed - plays to 15 points & switch sides at 8 points. No cap in bonus matches.)
• Only substitute players that have played in the regular league play are permitted to play in playoffs.  Opposing teams must protest before match begins.

• All calls made by the referee are judgment calls. Keep in mind - the referee is responsible for five positions - up ref, down ref, 2 line judges, and scorekeeper!  Because there are no line judges, the referee may be blocked out and cannot see the line.  If the referee needs help on a line call, he or she will ask both teams. If there can be no consensus between the two teams then a replay will be called.
• If a player is disrespectful, the referee is empowered to throw a player out of the match if necessary. Please note: Only captains may address the referees during the match.
• The referees are part of our staff and if one is ever late or you have a problem with one, please E-mail Tony Stratman at  tony@stratmansports.com!

• All partnered facilities are family friendly!  Unsportsmanlike conduct & foul language will not be tolerated!  Referees will use their discretion in issuing warnings and player/team expulsions.
• Absolutely no outside drinks or food allowed!
• All players must be registered and have completed the Waiver Form!
• Sand Facilities:  Shirt and shoes must be worn to go inside and please remove the sand off entire body (feet, legs, arm, etc.) before entering the facility.

• INDOOR Girls 13U-18U (7th grade-12th grade):  Tachikara Soft Touch SV5WSC3 (Default);  Alternate - Molten SuperTouch
• INDOOR Boys 13U-18U (7th grade-12th grade):  Molten Flistatec (Default)
• INDOOR 12U (2nd grade-6th grade):  Tachikara Volley-Lite (Default);  Alternate - Molten 12U
• OUTDOOR:  Spalding King Of The Beach
  
  Teams may vote to use an ALTERNATE game ball at the Captain's Meeting prior to the start of the match.  BOTH teams must agree, otherwise the DEFAULT game ball will be used.

Girl’s Division Specifications:

• 4th Grade & Under (10s & Under):  6’6”’ Net, 10’ Step-in Service Line
• 5th / 6th Grade (11s/12s):  7’ Net, 6’6’ Step-in Service Line
• 7th Grade & Above (13s-18s):  7’4” Net

Boy's Division Specifications:

• 4th Grade & Under (10s & Under):  6’6” Net, 10’ Step-in Service Line
• 5th / 6th Grade (11s/12s):  7’ Net, 6’6" Step-in Service Line
• 7th / 8th Grade (13s/14s):  7’4” Net
• 9th Grade & Above (15s-18s):   8' Net

Beginner:  Geared towards players that are new to the game with no experience. 

Recreational:  Geared towards players with little experience and limited set of skills.  Players at this level may have inconsistent serving (underhand and overhand) & inconsistent passing.  Players at this level may also struggle to get three contacts (pass, set, hit) and transition between defense & offense.

Developmental:  Geared towards players who have or are in the process of learning fundamental volleyball skills.  These players should have consistent underhand serve, however may have inconsistent overhand serve.  Players understand transition and can occasionally transition between defense & offense during play.

Experienced:  Geared towards players who are seeking a little bit more competition.  Players at this level should be able to pass and set with relative accuracy, serve overhand and should be prepared for hitting and blocking.  Players can consistently pass & dig to a target.  Players transition between defense & offense for most of play.

Advanced:  Organized team experience.  Players at this level have skilled fundamentals in all aspects of the game - serving, passing, setting, attacking and blocking.  Players have a good understanding of the game and its objectives.  Players can serve to a specific location/target.  Players can consistently get three contacts (pass, set, hit).  Players can effectively transition between defense & offense in every play.

• Below is our policy concerning inclement weather situations.  Please refer to the policy when making personal decisions for your family.
  1. Families should make their own decisions regarding league/practice based on the driving conditions in their area, and who will be driving. If you feel the driving conditions are unsafe for the individual/team driving to league/practice, please notify your coach or league director -  tony@stratmansports.com immediately.
  2. In the rare case we decide to cancel league/practice, we will communicate cancellations as follows:
  • Cancellation notice will be posted on the Stratman Sports website through our Venue Status Feed & Twitter Feed.  Decisions are made by 5:45 PM for league matches that start at 6:15 PM or later! Decisions are made by 4:00 PM for house team practices that start at 4:50 PM or later!
  • A mass e-mail notification will be sent to respective team/parent reps.
    The Venue Status Feed & Twitter Feed will only be updated if conditions change. As always if you feel it is unsafe to travel, please use your own judgment.
• For Outdoor Leagues:  RAIN:  We play in the rain, however, we do not play in heavy rain or lightning.
• Since weather is often unpredictable, please check our Venue Status Feed OR Twitter Feed before leaving for your match.