Rules & Policies

POWERHAUS VOLLEYBALL – GAMEPLAY RULES

(Based on FIVB Outdoor Rules with League Modifications)

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DISCLAIMER:

These rules are a summary of gameplay rules used in the Powerhaus Volleyball League. They include selected modifications to the official FIVB Outdoor Volleyball Rules to better suit our recreational 4v4 beach format. This is not a comprehensive rulebook.

For any situation not addressed or modified below, refer to the official FIVB Outdoor Volleyball Rules, available at:

https://www.fivb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FIVB-BeachVolleyball_Rules2025_2028-EN-v01.pdf

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GAME FORMAT

• 4v4 format (4 players on court per team)

• Minimum 4 players (6 recommended) per team roster

• Beach volleyball court dimensions only

• Rally scoring

• Set 1: to 21, win by 2 (cap at 25)

• Set 2: to 21, win by 2 (cap at 25)

• Set 3 (if needed): to 15, win by 2 (cap at 17)

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BLOCKING

• A block does not count as a team hit.

• The blocker may make the next contact immediately.

• Example: block → self-set → attack = legal.

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SETTING

• You may set the ball over the net only if:

• The contact is clean (no lift or double).

• Your shoulders are perpendicular to the net.

• Sideways dumps or directional overhead sets across the net are not allowed.

• Spin is not judged — only whether the contact was clean.

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ATTACKING

• An attack-hit is any action that directs the ball toward the opponent’s court (except for a serve or block).

• You may not complete an attack-hit on the opponent’s serve if the ball is entirely above the top of the net at the time of contact.

• Attacks may be made with any part of the body but must be clean, controlled hits — no catches, lifts, or prolonged contact.

• Tip attacks must follow legal contact rules (see Tipping section).

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PASSING & RECEIVING

• Forearm (platform) passes are always legal.

• Open-hand receives must follow setting rules (clean contact only).

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TIPPING

• Open-hand fingertip tips are not allowed.

• Legal tip methods include:

• Knuckles

• Closed hand, firm finger tips

• Heel or side of the hand

• All tipping must be clearly a hit — not a catch or redirect.

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NET & BOUNDARY RULES

• Touching the net during play is a fault.

• Crossing under the net is allowed if it does not interfere with the opposing team.

• Balls touching any part of the boundary line are in.

• No center line violations that create danger or interfere with opponents.

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SERVING RULES

• Let serves (net + over) are legal.

• No screening: teammates must not block the receiver’s view of the server or ball.

• Attacking a serve is not allowed if the ball is above net height.

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ROTATIONAL RULES

• Teams must rotate the server each time they win the serve back (side-out).

• Rotation follows a clockwise order, but players do not need to stay in front/back court positions.

• Once the ball is served, players may move freely.

• Only the serving order matters. There is no positional fault as long as players serve in the correct sequence.

• Substituted players may enter the next server spot or rotate in while preserving the team’s order.

• Serving out of order is a fault and results in a point for the other team.

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SUBBING RULES

• Teams may substitute players between points or between sets.

• Subbing is open — players may rotate in freely as long as the team remains within its roster and does not delay the game.

• Teams are encouraged to give all rostered players fair playing time.

• Substitute players not on the team’s official roster must be approved by a league admin before the match begins.

• These players must have signed the waiver and be cleared to play by the league.

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CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

• Good sportsmanship is required at all times.

• Players may be removed for repeated violations or unsafe play.

• Respect teammates, opponents, and officials.

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NOTE FOR RECREATIONAL DIVISION:

While these rules apply to all divisions, the Recreational Division will be officiated with a more relaxed interpretation of certain rules (such as setting and hand contact) in order to prioritize fun, inclusivity, and the enjoyment of newer players.

Referees and admins may use discretion when calling technical infractions in recreational play to help foster a welcoming and positive game environment.

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Substitute Player Policy – PowerHaus Sports

At PowerHaus Sports, subs help keep games competitive, prevent forfeits, and make sure everyone has a great time. This page outlines how subs work, what they need to do before playing, and the fees involved.

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Eligibility

• Subs must be 18 years or older.
  
• All subs must agree to league rules and sign the Sub Waiver before participating.
  
• Subs may only join with the approval of the league and the team captain they are subbing for.
  

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Sub Fee

• $10 per night (plus applicable fees) – no matter how many games are played that night.
  
• Payment is due before playing via Credit Card, Cash App or other approved ACH.
  
• Repeat subs may pre-pay for multiple weeks.
  
• No refunds unless the match is canceled due to weather before it begins.
  

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Team Responsibility

• Teams are responsible for ensuring their sub is registered at least 24hrs before game day and has paid before the match.
  
• If a sub has not paid and signed the waiver, they are not eligible to play.
  

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Playoff Rules

• Subs cannot participate in playoffs unless pre-approved by the league.
  

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How to Sub

1. Get Approval – Coordinate with the team captain and the league to confirm your spot for the night.
   
2. Register – Complete the Sub Waiver & Agreement Form online.
   
3. Pay – Submit the $10 sub fee via one of our payment methods (Found at the end of the Sub Waiver & Agreement Form) before stepping onto the court.
   
4. Check In – Arrive at least 15 minutes early and check in with the league organizer.
   

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Important Notes

• Subs must play in a way that matches the league’s culture of respect, inclusion, and fun.
  
• The league reserves the right to remove any sub for rule violations or poor sportsmanship.
  

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Quick Links

• Sub Waiver & Agreement Form
  

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WEATHER POLICY

• Postponements: Games may be postponed if conditions are unsafe due to heat, rain, or other weather-related factors. Each season includes one (1) makeup week built in for rescheduled games.
• Cancellations: If more than one week of games is lost to weather, any additional cancellations will not be rescheduled and there will be no refunds.
• Communication: Team captains will be notified through the official WhatsApp group chat about any postponements, cancellations, or reschedules. Captains are responsible for sharing updates with their teams.

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