Team

6-a-side

• Each team fields Six (6) players on court.

• Teams must include:

  • Minimum two (2) male players.

  • Minimum two (2) female players.

  • Remaining players may be any gender, including gender diverse participants.

• Teams may play the entire match with a minimum of four (4) players, provided at least one (1) player is female, without resulting in a default or forfeit.

• Please refer to the Urban Rec Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy for player eligibility requirements.

Substitutes

• Substitutes are permitted provided they:

  • Have created an Urban Rec account.

  • Have signed the current Urban Rec waiver.

• Substitutions may be made at any time during play, provided the League Host is notified.

GAME SPECIFICS

Game Time

• Matches are played within a 40-minute timeslot.

• Teams will play as many sets as possible within the allocated time.

Court Boundaries

• Indoor Volleyball is played on a standard indoor volleyball court divided by a centre net.

• Court dimensions may vary depending on the venue.

Starting the Game

• Captains will play Scissors, Paper, Rock.

• The winner chooses:

  • First serve, or

  • Which side of the court to start on.

Scoring

• Rally point scoring is used.

• Sets are played to 15 points, win by 2 points.

• Teams play as many sets as possible during the allocated timeslot.

• The team winning the most sets wins the match.

RULE SPECIFICS

Serving

• Serves may be taken from anywhere behind the baseline.

• The server should wait until both teams are ready before serving.

• The ball must be struck cleanly before it touches the ground.

• The serve must pass between the antennas.

• The serve may touch the net provided it crosses successfully.

• A serve may not be blocked or attacked.

Team Hits

• Each team has a maximum of three (3) hits to return the ball.

• The ball may be played using any part of the body, including the feet.

• A player may not hit the ball twice consecutively unless following a block.

• A blocked ball does not count as a team hit.

Playing the Ball

• The ball must be contacted cleanly.

• Holding, catching, throwing or carrying the ball is not permitted.

• Hand sets should be controlled and released in one continuous motion.

Net Play

• The ball may touch the net while crossing.

• Players may not:

  • Touch the net between the antennas during play.

  • Use the net for support.

  • Interfere with an opponent while crossing under the net.

• Players may cross beneath the net provided they do not interfere with the opposing team's play.

Attacking

• Players may attack the ball from their own side of the net.

• Players may not:

  • Attack an opponent's serve.

  • Reach over the net before the opponent has completed their attack.

• Please be mindful when spiking the ball and avoid unnecessarily striking opponents at close range.

Blocking

• Players may block an opponent's attack.

• Players may not block a serve.

• After a block:

  • The blocker may play the next ball.

  • The team still has three available hits.

Simultaneous Contact

• If teammates contact the ball simultaneously, it counts as two team hits.

• If opponents simultaneously contact the ball above the net, play continues.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

Safe Spiking

• Power is part of volleyball, but safety comes first.

• Avoid deliberately spiking directly at opponents from close range, particularly towards the head or face.

• League Hosts may intervene where aggressive play is inconsistent with the spirit of Urban Rec.

Net Safety

• Avoid running into, pulling or leaning on the net.

• Respect both the equipment and the players on the opposite side.

Calling the Ball

• Players are encouraged to communicate by calling:

  • "Mine"

  • "Yours"

  • "Help"

• Good communication creates better rallies and safer play.

Self-Officiating

• Urban Rec Indoor Volleyball relies on players making honest calls.

• Players should call:

  • Net touches.

  • Double hits.

  • Carries.

  • Balls in or out.

• League Hosts are available to assist if teams cannot reach agreement.

Host Discretion

• Not every situation can be covered by the rulebook.

• League Hosts may intervene where an action is technically legal but clearly unsafe, unfair or against the spirit of the game.

Fun First Policy

• All Urban Rec leagues are fun-first, regardless of skill level.

• Our League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed.

  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play.

  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship.

• Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation.

• Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

Discipline

• League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

• If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

  • Ask the player to sub off and take a break.

  • Issue further warnings.

  • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues.

• We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

INCLUSION

• Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

• Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome.

• Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported.

• Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.

Note that the above details are generic Indoor Volleyball rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.