YOUTH VOLLEYBALL
2013
The National Federation of State High School Association Volleyball Rules
(www.nfhs.org) will be followed with the following exceptions:
DIVISIONS
C.A.R.A Youth Volleyball will offer the following divisions:
A- 2nd-5th/6th grade teams that are working on basic skills. Ball handling is inconsistent and most serves are
completed from 10-20 feet from the end line.
B- 2nd-5th/6th grade teams that are working on achieving 3 touches on each ball. Most serves are completed
from near the end line.
C- 6th- 8th grade teams that are working on basic skills. Ball handling is inconsistent and most serves are
underhand
D- 6th- 8th grade teams that are constantly working on achieving 3 touches on each ball. Teams are beginning to
serve overhand.
E- 6th- 8th grade teams that have solid ball handling skills, and are able to get 3 touches on most balls. Team is
mostly serving overhand. Team is working on offensive and defensive strategies. This division will play by
high school rules.
Grades listed are suggested grades. Coordinators should place teams based more on skill level than
grade level.
Teams may NOT play down to a younger divisions, younger teams may move up to meet their skill
level.
Players or teams with advanced skill levels for their current division should be moved up to teams
with matching skill levels no matter the age. However, we realize some organizations do not have
this possibility so please be fair and honest with team placement in tournaments.
Rules
ROSTERS
 All grade divisions play with 6 members on the court.
 Maximum of 12 players on a roster.
 Teams may play with 4 players without forfeiting.
 Teams are not allowed to share players between different teams during a tournament.
 Coaches should have rosters available at tournaments. Please have names and date of birth
available on the roster.
 Roster changes may not be made after the 4th week of tournaments.
LENGTH OF GAMES
All divisions will use the basic U.S.A.V. pool format
This may vary depending on how the host sets up a tournament in order to maximize playing with
facility time. Every team will play the same amount at all tournaments but state.
All Divisions
4 Team Pool (one court): Two set minimum per match with a third set if necessary. First two sets
to 21 points with a 23-point cap. Third set to 15 points with a 17-point cap.
6 - 8 Team Pool (two courts): Two set minimum per match with a third set if necessary. First two
sets to 21 points with a 23-point cap. Third set to 15 points with a 17-point cap.
Tie Breaker:
1. Head to Head Competition between the two teams tied
2.
3.
4.
Least Points Allowed (in first 2 games of match only)
Most Points Scored (in first 2 games of match only)
Coin Toss
Tournament Regulations:
Teams must play a minimum of 2 regular season tournaments to qualify for the State
Tournament. Be sure to register teams early and in the correct division to avoid confusion in
tournaments. Teams are allowed to play a maximum of 3 regular season tournaments (not
including the State Tournament).
Regular season tournaments consist of pool play with no winner determined.
State Tournament Play Off Format
State Tournaments will be a single or double elimination tournament depending on the number
of teams registered in each division. Double elimination is preferred.
Seeding will be determined by random draw.
There will be a two set minimum per match with a third set if necessary. First two sets to 21
points with a 23-point cap. Third set to 15 points with a 17-point cap. This is allowed to change
in order to have a double elimination instead of a single elimination.
UNIFORMS
All teams are required to wear matching shirts that display their agency logo or information.
SCORING
All Divisions will use RALLY scoring for tournament play. The given point is never considered to be
one of the 5 (five) points used to calculate the 5 (five) point scoring run. Each player is allowed to serve a
maximum of 5 balls as long as they continue to win each point.
Rally Scoring: Points are awarded each time a team commits an error, which results in loss of play. If
the serving team errors, the receiving team gains a point and the serve. If the receiving team errors, the
serving team retains the serve and is awarded a point.
RULES AND EXPLANATIONS
Player Contact of Equipment: It is illegal for players to touch the net.
Centerline violations: If any part of the body completely crosses the center line and contacts the floor
it is illegal. IF the body part in question is still touching any part of the center line, there is no violation.
Time Outs: All divisions are allowed one-30 second time out per set. No extra time outs will be given
for overtime play.
Substitutions:
Divisions A, B, C and D MUST rotate EVERY side out and substitute one player out and a new player
in out of Middle Back. Officials do not have to whistle in substitutes in these divisions. Officials can
monitor playing time and hold coaches to the expectation that every player plays the same amount.
Division E will rotate player for player while still giving players equal playing time. Proper subbing
procedures for Division E should be practiced (i.e. subbing from 10 foot line, calling for the sub, etc.).
Officials can monitor playing time to make sure teams stay in rotation.
If applicable, CO-ED teams (having more than one male) must rotate boy – boy and girl – girl OR make
sure males and female’s alternate positions on the court.
All teams may be penalized if they incorrectly substitute or rotate players or delay the game due to slow
substitutions. Penalty is a side out and will award 1 point and the ball to the opponent.
Modified Reverse Co-Ed Rule: For all Middle School Upper Recreation teams having at least
TWO male players, the following REVERSE co-ed rule set will apply:
Males and females must alternate positions on the court.
Net will stay at 7’ 4 1/8”
No male player can participate in a block. If only one female player is in the front row at service,
one back row female player may come forward for the purpose of block participation.
A male player may attack from the back row. As long as the attack is started and completed
from behind the 10 foot line (variation of standard reverse coed rules).
If there is more than one touch on a side, a male player must touch the ball.
Passing: A serve may be received with a forearm (bump) pass or overhead pass. Although double
contact on any first ball over is legal, the ball may never be held or lifted.
Double Contact is penalized when a player hits the ball twice in succession or the ball contacts
various parts of his/her body in succession.
The ball may touch any part of the body. Provided that the contacts take place simultaneously.
Setting: All divisions are encouraged to set the ball. When judging a legal or illegal set the division
should be taken into consideration:
Divisions A, B and C should only be called for an illegal set when the player contacts the ball in
one body quadrant and release the ball into a different body quadrant.
Divisions D should be called illegal when an obvious lift or double contact is present; Division E
should have for all lifts, carries or double contacts called. This division should have clean sets.
Blocking: Blocking is encouraged for all divisions. A block must be contacted no further than a foot
and a half from the net.
A block is not considered to be one of the three touches allowed on each side. A serve may not be
blocked or attacked.
Let Serve: Let serves are allowed in all divisions and is defined as a serve that touches the net while
crossing into the opponents’ court and remaining inside the boundaries of the court.
2 Hit Rule:
The 2 hit rule requires a team to hit the ball 2 times before returning it to the opponent, regardless of
where the ball is hit or where the player is when they hit the ball. The 2 hit rule is in effect for divisions
B-D. The 2 hit rule is NOT in effect in the following situations:
The ball is successfully blocked. The players feet need to be no further than a foot and a half
from the center line when they leave the ground or contact the ball. Division B,C, do not have to
leave the ground but it is encouraged. Division D has to jump. The setting motion is ok for
divisions B-D.
The ball is successfully attacked at the net. Player must start their approach for the attack 3 feet
from the net, and contact the ball as close to the net as possible. The ball must be contacted
above the players head, with one hand. Division D must jump.
The ball is a hard driven when: On a serve or attack the ball is below the height of the antenna
AND there is some power behind it. The amount of “power” is at the discretion of the referee.
The ball must be contacted with one hand. The ball has very little arch on it and if it is passed by
the defending team there is a good chance the player will not have enough control on the ball to
keep it on their side.
Service Run Rule: The number of serves one server may serve in a row. No point is awarded when
the ball changes sides due to the Service Run rule. This rule exists to help keep matches fun and
exciting for both players and spectators. There will be no catch-up rule.
Libero: Since the recreation philosophy is to encourage equal play and learning opportunities for
everyone, the use of a Libero and other specialized positions are not allowed in Divisions A, B, C and D.
Specialized positions may be used in Division E but all players must be allowed to try any specialized
position they wish to try and players must still receive equal playing time.
Liberos should bring a different shirt or jersey to wear for identification. Proper Libero procedures
required.
Serving: All coaches are required to move players back as far as they can and still maintain success.
Referees may move a player back. This includes over hand servers who are stepping into the court for
execution. Each server has 5 seconds to complete the serve after the 1st referee blows the whistle and
motions for serve. Servers are allowed 2 total tosses for an over hand serve. They must contact the
second toss or a side out will be called.
Each division must stay behind their appropriate service line as mentioned above in the rule breakdown
section. A good rule of thumb is that if you server is serving beyond the middle of the opposing team’s
defense, than your player should move back.
The additional service lines should never be used as an advantage.
Foot faults: A player may not step on or over the serving boundary at the moment the ball is contacted
for serve. When a jump serve is executed, the player must TAKE OFF from behind the serving
boundary; ball may be contacted INSIDE the boundaries of the playing area.
Foot faults will be called in the Divisions D and E only. Players should be given a warning first, and
then they will be called for the foot fault. Ideally the coaches should be reminding players to move back
but refs can also ask players to move back or foot faults will be called resulting in a point and side out.
Re-Serve: A re-serve shall be called when the server releases the ball for service, then catches it or
drops it to the floor. The referee shall cancel the serve and direct a second and last attempt at serve.
The server is allowed a new five seconds for the re-serve. One re-toss is allowed for each service
attempt.
Jewelry: Jewelry is never allowed in any form unless it is a religious medallion taped to the chest of
the player or a medical alert bracelet. Hair clips, bobby pins and headbands less than 2” in width are
allowed.
Officiating Duties: All teams will be required to officiate during the regular season and at State
tournaments. Each team is required to provide the following:
1st Referee --------------------------------------- Mandatory - Adults Only
2 Line Judges ------------------------------------ Mandatory – Players allowed
Scorekeeper -------------------------------------- Mandatory – Players allowed (no more than 2)
While the official has ultimate judgment for game calls, coaches are encouraged to help move players back on
serves, accurately monitor and utilize player substitutions, address unruly spectators or parents from their team
and help control the sportsmanship of everyone involved. The head referee has elastic power over each game
and rule interpretation. They may make reasonable rulings on all areas of the game and their decisions are final.
If you have a concern about a referee’s fairness and consistency, please address the site supervisor so they can
discuss with that referee directly.
RULE OVERVIEW BY DIVISION
Ball
Net Height
Underhand
Service Line
Overhand
Service Line
Time Outs
Service Run Rule
Catch Up Rule
2-Hit Rule
Substitution
Libero
Modified Reverse
Co-Ed
Division A
VolleyLite
6’6”
10’ Spiking
line
5’ in from end
line
1 – 30
second/set
5 points
None
No
Middle Back
No
No
Division B
VolleyLite
6’6”
20’ Spiking
line
5’ in from end
line
1 – 30
second/set
5 points
None
Yes
Middle Back
No
No
Division C
Standard
7’4”
5’ in from
end line
5’ in from
end line
1 – 30
second/set
5 points
None
Yes
Middle Back
No
No
Division D
Standard
7’4”
Regulation
Line
5’ in from end
line
1 – 30
second/set
5 points
None
Yes
Middle Back
No
Yes
Division E
Standard
7’4”
Regulation Line
Regulation Line
1 – 30
second/set
None
None
No
Player for Player
Yes
Yes
No Compete Clause
No outside agencies may attend any CARA tournaments to recruit any
CARA players. If an agency is caught doing this they will be asked to
leave the premises and if it is necessary the authorities will be notified.
REGISTRATION
HOW TO REGISTER A TOURNAMENT
About 2 months prior to the season start date the Volleyball Chair will request hosts for upcoming
tournaments. Agencies need to contact the Volleyball Chair to notify them they are interested in hosting
a tournament or multiple tournaments.
Typically, the spring volleyball season is April through May & the fall volleyball season is September
through November.
Agencies that host tournaments have first priority to register their teams into all tournaments before
those agencies that do not host a tournament. Hosting agencies do not have to pay a registration fee for
the teams who play in their own tournament. The Volleyball Chair will work with CPRA staff to
determine the amount each hosting agency is owed for hosting tournaments. That amount will be paid a
minimum of 3 weeks after the State Tournament.
HOW TO REGISTER A TEAM(S) FOR TOURNAMENT(S)
The Volleyball Chair will notify each agency coordinator when teams are allowed to register for
tournaments. Each agency will receive a copy of the tournament schedule at least 2 weeks prior to the
first tournament. Agencies that host tournaments will have a priority registration window before all
agencies are allowed to register.
Teams must register their teams online using the CPRA registration site. A link will be provided to
agency coordinators. It’s the agency coordinator’s responsibility to register each of their coaches for the
appropriate division.
Teams are officially registered as long as they receive a receipt from the online system.
Registration Rules & Reminder:
 Teams are required to pay $45/tournament, which is due either at checkout during online
registration or to be invoiced. All invoices must be paid no later than 2 weeks after the state
tournament.
 Teams that are late to the coaches meeting may be charged a $10 late fee (subject to the
tournament host).
 Teams that fail to provide a 48-hour cancellation notice to the tournament host will be charged
$45 and must be paid prior to their next scheduled tournament.
 Teams that fail to officiate any and all tournament matches may be subject to a fine of $20/match
and must be paid prior to their next scheduled tournament
 Teams are required to play in 2 regular season tournaments to qualify for the state tournament
but cannot participate in more than 3 per season (state tournament excluded).
 Teams last opportunity to register for a selected tournament is one week prior to tournament.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Tournaments should be fairly uniform as teams travel to various host sites. Agencies should receive a
confirmation email and a brief description of all facility rules, which may change at each agency. Here is
what teams should expect:
1 Net Hosts: Minimum of 3 teams with maximum of 4 teams.
2 Net Hosts: Minimum of 6 teams with maximum of 8 teams.
o Please note that if your agency is hosting a 2 net tournament and 5 or less teams register,
that agency will still be required to host the tournament. The 5th team registered for the
2 net tournament, may be required to move to another tournament.
No awards will be given except for the State Tournament.
All tournaments should be on a rolling schedule except for State Tournament IF an agency is
utilizing multiple locations.
Hosting sites are not required to keep track of a team’s overall placement after a tournament,
however they should have an area that posts all wins and losses for each team. Exception: The
State Tournament all hosts will be required to keep standings.
Hosting agencies ONLY provide game balls. All other agencies are required to bring their own
balls to warm up with IF hosting agency allows any type of warm-up.
Please remember, most gyms do not allow unaccompanied children in the buildings. Be sure
coaches remind parents to stay with their children at all times. Please adhere to all other facilityspecific rules.
TOURNAMENT HOSTING INFORMATION
HOSTING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
To help establish unity within our volleyball section, this area notes all duties and responsibilities that
accompany hosting a volleyball tournament.
PRE – TOURNAMENT DUTIES
Hosting agency will receive a list of teams registered by Friday, the week before, the scheduled
tournament. On Monday the host site should send out an email to all registered teams that includes the
following information:
 Tournament facility, directions and contact information
 Verification of tournament start time and coaches meeting
 Facility Rules & Regulations
 Rules regarding warm-up
 Requiring teams to verify by Wednesday their entry into the tournament
TOURNAMENT DUTIES
The responsibilities are broken down in sections to give an appropriate timeline of events.
A. Preparation Period
1. Setup your facility as mandated by your agency.
2. Antennas must be attached to the nets.
3. Flip scores or electronic scores must be available.
4. Game Balls for each court.
5. Master board that should include tournament brackets for each court and win/loss sheet
for each pool. Each agency should have received an excel document which provides
templates for all items needed. If not, contact the volleyball chair for the document.
6. Print off rules, brackets and win/loss sheet for each team to have. Cheat Sheet for
parents.
7. Plenty of toilet paper available, especially in women’s restrooms.
8. Plenty of trash cans available.
9. Have cones available to mark the serving lines for each division except middle school
upper rec.
B. Coaches Meeting
1. Make sure all teams have a coach or team representative present.
2. Receive payment from all teams and note agencies that need invoiced.
3. Verify all facility rules – include gym, hallways, practice areas, snack/food area, etc.
4. Review all rules within the correct division. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Not every
team representative will be the head coach and each tournament may be a first
tournament for one or more teams.
5. Handout printed bundles for each team representative. Review the bracket and schedule.
Make sure each team understands how to read the bracket and where to find the master
schedule and win/loss sheet.
6. Discuss officiating responsibilities and how to know when each team is designated to
officiate. It is a good idea to talk about any obstructions in the gym, boundary lines,
spectator vs court room, etc. Remind teams the officiating roles they are responsible for
and to keep matches rolling without too much delay.
7. Hand out garbage bags for each team. Ask coaches to take them to specific dumpster or
area at the end of the tournament.
C. Tournament Responsibilities
1. Verify each team is following all facility rules.
2. Keep track of the win/loss record after each match and post on master schedule.
3. Watch matches and note any teams that may be in the wrong division and note the
reasoning that draws you to that conclusion.
4. Keep track of infractions by teams during the tournament – make sure to note the coach,
agency and the problem.
POST – TOURNAMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Clean your facility as mandated by your agency.
2. Provide a report to your agency coordinator that includes the following information:
a. Financial report with teams that paid and those that need invoiced.
b. Win/Loss record for each team.
c. Note(s) regarding teams that may be registered in the wrong division and the reasons
why.
d. Note(s) regarding any infractions, comments, or suggestions regarding the
tournament or teams that is important for future records.
AGENCY COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Complete the Tournament Report and include any notes that you or your supervisor
noted regarding infractions, teams in wrong divisions, suggestions, comments, etc and
send that to the Volleyball Chair.