BIG WEST LEAGUE
VOLLEYBALL RULES
2009
**New rules for the 2009 season
1. ** A school team must have a minimum of 6 permanent players to enter the league.
All rosters must be submitted to the league by the FIRST WEEKEND OF THE
SEASON. Rosters should include: first name, last name and uniform playing number.
2. ** A permanently rostered player must have played in 50% of that team’s matches in
order to be eligible to play in play-offs, with the exception of a medical exemption with
doctor verification.
3. ** BRINGING A PLAYER UP:
a. If a team has 5 players, one player may be called up.
b. If a team has 4 players, two players may be called up.
c. NO PLAYERS CAN MOVE UP FOR PLAY-OFFS. Exceptions to the this rule
must be brought before the league and voted on.
d. No “moved up” player can play more than the equivalent of one game (25 pts) in a
match in which said player had moved up.
4. All matches will consist of the best 2 out of 3 games. All games will be played rally score
to 25 points, with a 27 point cap. If the 27-point rule comes into effect, you do not have
to win by two points, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME,
of the playoffs, where there is no point cap. If a third game is NOT necessary, a fun
game MAY be played as determined by the host school. If a third game is needed, it will
be played to 15 points.
5. Players may substitute for the same player only. 18 substitutions per team per game are
allowed. A 19th substitution results in a point or side out. Teams with 12 or more
players may substitute in groups of 3 per slot. For example, player A starts the game
and player B subs for A, then player C may sub for B and either A or B may sub for C.
In any case, substitutions are to be conducted in the following manner: The coach
signals the official verbally while using the proper hand signal. The official will then
recognize the coach and allow the substitution. The changing players will then go to
the sideline between the net and spiking line. The incoming player should stand outside
the court and the outgoing players should stand inside the court until the official and
score keeper have recorded the change. When the official beckons, the players may then
leave or enter the court. The incoming player must play in the outgoing player’s
position in the rotation.
6. Foot faults will be called at the 7th/8th grade level from the regular service line. The
5th/6th grade level will be allowed to move up to a closer serving line, located and marked
5 feet from the backcourt line in the right back corner. If a player chooses to serve from
the closer line, foot faults will be called from that line. Also, any player who chooses to
serve from the closer line may not serve overhand.
7. Let serves (if the ball hits the net and continues over the net to the other side) will
be allowed at the 7th and 8th grade levels.
8. A ball that hits the ceiling and falls on the opponent’s side will result in a side-out or
point. If the ball falls on your side, it is considered in play, provided that you have not
used up your 3 hits.
9. Players may not touch the net or cross the plane of the net while the ball is in play.
If there are any questions concerning this rule, please consult your official prior to the
start of the game.
10. The 5th/6th grade league is for 5th and 6th graders only. 7th/8th grade is for 5th, 6th,
7th and 8th graders.
11. The league will play the basic 6 player, three hit volleyball. Back row players may not
jump to spike a ball in front of the 10-foot line.
12. Double hits are allowed on all FIRST hits each time the ball crosses the net during a
point.
13. Wristbands may be worn provided they are white or match the color of the uniform
top or short. Neon colors are NOT allowed.
14. NO jewelry or hair ornaments, temporary tattoos or face/hair paint is allowed. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
15. All players must have the same style shirts with legible numbers. There cannot be
two (2) of the same numbers on the same team.
16. It is the home court responsibility to:
a. supply a good quality, white volleyball, preferably of leather construction
b. secure and pay the official
c. supply an official scorekeeper with a score sheet and time clock
d. provide a properly marked court-the court shall include the closer serving line for
5th and 6th graders
17. A school must start a team of at least 5 (five) players, or forfeit. When a team starts
or is playing with fewer than 6 players, a side out shall be awarded to the opponent
each time the vacant position is in the right back position.
18. Line judges will be provided only at the request of the official.
19. All other rules not specified will follow IHSA rules.
REMEMBER THAT OUR #1 CONCERN IS THAT THE ATHLETES HAVE FUN PLAYING VOLLEYBALL. PLEASE MAKE THIS SEASON A POSITIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL PLAYERS ON YOUR TEAM!!