Sand Volleyball Rules

Intramural Indoor Volleyball is self-officiated, meaning no referees will be provided. For an un-officiated sport to be successful, the highest degree of integrity is expected from all. The general rules shall be that players call their own violations (net violations, back row attacks, touches, etc.) Any personal can make a call. Please remember that you are playing for the enjoyment of the game and play loses value when sportsmanship is compromised.

Facilities

All matches will be played at the Athletics & Recreation East Sand Courts or West Sand Courts (Rachel Carson College) unless otherwise stated. Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted at the facilities or in the parking lot.

Player Eligibility

1. All UC Santa Cruz Intramural Sports eligibility rules apply. Please check the Intramural Sports Policies & Procedures carefully to see more details.
2. All players must have a valid, original UC Santa Cruz or state-issued photo identification to participate.

Team Composition

The game will be played between two teams of six players (two players for 2v2) each and at least two are needed to start the game. There are no gender requirements.

Equipment

1. All loose jewelry (dangling/hoop earrings, loose bracelets, necklaces, etc.) are strictly prohibited while playing inner-tube water polo.
2. Intramural Sports staff will provide game balls. Teams must bring their own equipment to warm up.
3. If they so choose, captains can agree to use their own balls during the captain’s pre-game meeting.

1. Boundary lines will be black nylon installed on sand courts.
2. A ball is permitted to hit the net on serves.
3. A ball that strikes the boundary line is still considered in bounds.

1. A match is best two of three games.
2. Games are to 21 points; win by two, rally scoring, and no cap on number of points needed to win. Switch sides every 7 points.
3. Third game (if necessary) is played to 15; win by two, rally scoring, and no cap on number of points needed to win.
4. Each team is entitled to two, thirty-second time outs per game.
5. Substitutions can only be made before the start of each game or in between scores unless an injury occurs.

1. Team captains will meet with Intramural Sports Supervisors to discuss game rules prior to each game.
2. Each game will begin with ro-sham-bo for serve. The captain winning the ro-sham-bo will have the option to serve/receive or the playing area.
3. Matches going to a third game will require another volley for serve with the same options as above.

1. The server must hit the ball with 1 hand, fist, or arm while the ball is held or after the server releases it.
2. The server must serve from within the serving area and shall not touch the end line at the instant the ball is contacted for the serve.
3. The server’s body may be in the air over or beyond the serving area boundary lines, having left the floor from the serving area.
4. A replay of the serve will be called when the server releases the ball for service, and then drops it to the ground.
5. A team continues serving until it commits a foul or the game ends.

1. Off a serve, a player may not take the ball as a set. A player is to only use their platform to pass when receiving a serve.
2. When receiving a hard driven attack, a player may use their hands to set the ball up to their team. Though if playing a ball that was set, passed, or a roll shot (soft attack), a player cannot take it as their set.

1. Open hand tips across the net are not a legal attack
2. If setting the ball across the net a player must be facing their opponents. No set dumps not facing the court.
3.  The attack is considered complete when the:
   1. Attacking team has completed its three allowable hits;
   2. Attacking team has had the opportunity to spike the ball or directs the ball with the intent to return it to the opponent’s court.
   3. Ball falling near the net and no member of the attacking team could make a play on the ball;
   4. Ball is served.

1. When the team’s first contact is simultaneous contact by opponents, or an action to block, the next contact is considered the teams second hit.
2. When teammates contact the ball at the same instant, it is considered one hit (except a block which does not count as a hit) and any player may make the next hit
3. Recovery of a ball hit into the net is permitted
4. A player shall not contact a ball, which is completely on the opponent’s side of the net unless the contact is a legal block. A player may go fully under the net to the opponent’s side as long as it does not interfere with play of opponent.
5. Blocking a ball that is entirely on the opponent’s side of the net is permitted when the opposing team has had an opportunity to complete its attack.

1. The continuous substitution rule will be in effect. There will never be a case where player for player substitution will be used.
2. Once a service has been delivered no more substitutes may enter the game should the participant arrive late until after the late participant has checked in with the supervisor on duty, a point is completed, and the substitution is completed prior to the next serve.
3. EXCEPTION: Should a team begin with only two or three players, they may add the third or fourth any time during the match with this person entering as the server. In Co-Rec, males must sub for males, and women for women.