RULES OF THE GAME
Adapted from the Interclub Challenge Rules

OFFICIALS

The game is controlled by an umpire who keeps score and who keeps track of the time. As in any sport, there are close calls where players will disagree, but the umpire's decision is always final. Any arguing with or abuse directed at the umpire will not be tolerated, and can result in a point reduction or a send off at the umpire's discretion.

TEAMS

An on court team consists of up to six players. In the case of mixed teams, there must not be any more than four males and not less than one female on court for each team at any one time.

SERVING

The ball must be served within a one metre square of the right corner of the rear net. The ball can be served over or under arm. The ball must be tossed in the air or released before being served.

The ball must not have contact with any net whilst being served. All players must serve. Players are to rotate clockwise on winning the serve.

REACHING

A player may only reach over the net when defending or blocking the ball. The ball must be on a path to cross over the centre net as if not contacted by the blocking player. If the umpire deems a player has reached over the net during an attacking shot, the player will be fouled at the umpire's discretion. If the ball touches a player's hand or arm during a blocking action, it is not counted as a hit.

CENTRE NET

Any contact with the centre net by a player when defending or attacking at the centre net will result in a foul. Any player reaching over the centre net when attacking the ball will be fouled at the umpire's discretion.

SIDE AND TOP NETS

All nets can be used in general play, except when serving, or contact with top net when the ball is returned over the centre net.

GENERAL PLAY

Any body contact or interference with a player on the opposing team may result in a foul. The ball may hit any part of the body above the waist to be deemed a "legal" hit.

BALL AND NET ABUSE

Any kicking of the ball will be an automatic deduction of two points at the umpire's discretion. Players unnecessarily abusing nets will be sent off.

FOULS

The point or serve is lost when:

•          The ball touches the ground

•          Team plays the ball more than three times in succession

•          The ball touches a player below the waist;

•          A player touches the ball twice consecutively (except on a block or simultaneous contact from a hard driven ball);

•          A player touches the centre net (hair touch not a fault);

•          The ball touches the top net while being returned over the centre net;

•          A player hits the ball back over the net off a serve;

•          The ball does not pass over the centre net on a serve;

•          The ball hits any net on a serve;

•          The umpire calls a carry, double hit, top net or net touch;

•          A player interferes with an opponent player;

•          A player intimidates or abuses another player or the umpire;

•          The serve is made from outside the serving area;

•          A player kicks the ball;

•          A player reaches over the net when attacking the ball.

POINTS SYSTEM:

The final team placing will be determined by a win and bonus points system. There will be 2 points awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss. If teams are tied in the preliminary finals and grand final teams will play 2 mins of extra time (change sides at start of 2 mins) until there is a result. One bonus point will be awarded on every 10 points scored per team per set, whether a team wins or loses.

PLAYERS LATE ON COURT

All teams must have a minimum of 2 registered players on the court at the start of their scheduled games. Teams will be penalised 1 point per minute the minimum number of players is late on court. If by the second set any team doesn’t have the minimum number of players, the game will be deemed forfeit and the 6 win points plus 5 bonus points will automatically be awarded to the opposing team, no matter what the final score.

FORFEIT

All teams must give a least 24 hours notice if they will be unable to play on a competition night. This is to give management time to inform the opposing team and organise alternate arrangements. If no notice is given than the forfeiting team will be penalised 6 competition points, which will be deducted from the leader board, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

REGISTRATION

All teams must submit their full team details at time of registration by the due date.  Teams will be made up of a minimum of 4 players to a maximum of 7 players (8 for mixed - 4 male/4 female). Only players specified on the registration form can play during the competition. Teams with 7 or 8 registered players can rotate players on/off court only between sets unless an injury occurs. A player can only be registered to one team at a time.

FILL IN PLAYERS

No fill in players between Divisions will be allowed during the competition. Management must be informed of any fill in players before they are allowed to play with any team during the competition. No more than two fill in players in a team per game.

FINALS PLAYERS ELIGABILITY

Each player must play a minimum of 6 games for a team during the season to qualify to play in the finals, unless approved by management.

Any players arriving late on finals night must be on court by the third set of the first game to qualify to play in any further finals matches, unless approved my management.

DISPUTES

Any disputes will be directed to management whose decision will be final.

DEFINITIONS

CARRY OR HELD BALL 

The ball comes to rest momentarily in the arms or hands of a player. The ball must be hit cleanly. Scooping, lifting or throwing shall be considered a hold or carry.

SET

A set must not be passed from below the chin and the pass must be in one fluid motion. Dragging the ball towards the body will be considered a hold or carry.

REACHING BEYOND THE NET

In DEFENCE - A blocker may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that he/she does not interfere with the opponent's play, before or during the latter attack-hit. Thus, it is not permitted to touch the ball beyond the net until the opponent has executed an attack-hit. THE BALL MUST BE ON A PATH TO CROSS OVER THE CENTRE NET IF NOT CONTACTED BY ANY PLAYER.

In ATTACK - A player is permitted to pass his/her hand beyond the net after his/her attack-hit, provided that his/her contact has been made, WITHIN his/her own playing area.

ATTACK-HIT

All actions to direct the ball towards the opponent except when serving and blocking, are considered attack-hits. An attack-hit is completed the moment the ball COMPLETELY crosses the vertical plane of the centre net or is touched by the blocker.

HARD DRIVEN BALL

The ball may contact various parts of the body consecutively, provided that the contacts occur during one action, and the ball has not rebounded of any net prior to contacting the player.

NET CONTACT

When the ball is driven into the net and causes it to touch an opponent, or bounce back into the attacker, no fault is committed. Subject to umpires judgement of players momentum.