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Rules of the Game

Updated July 21, 2022
  • Format:

    • Winner of pre-game coin toss decides whether their team will serve or receive
    • Each match consists of 3 sets to 21 rally points, meaning you can win a point on an opponent's serve. Must win by 2 points (23 point hard cap)
    • Games will start on time, regardless of whether teams are ready. Games will end on time, regardless of what time they started or if they've been completed
  • Team Composition:

    • 4s Leagues: Teams must have 4 players on the court, with a minimum of 1 male and 1 female player on the court at all times
    • 6s Leagues: Teams must have 6 players on the court, with a minimum of 2 men and 2 women on the court at all times
    • All players must be present on the online roster at time when game sheets are printed
    • Substitutes:
      • Substitute players are allowed, however they must be added to the roster by noon on the day of the game
      • Any substitute players are expected to be of a similar skill level to the remainder of the team
      • Substitute players deemed too advanced for the team/division may not be permitted to play by the referee or convenor
      • In order to be eligible for playoffs, all players must have attended a minimum of 1/3 of the games, unless given express and demonstrable permission from league administrators
  • Substitutions:

    • A player of the starting line-up may leave the game once and re-enter the game once in the same set and to his or her previous position. The player leaving the game may only re-enter the game in place of the player that substituted them.
    • A team that is unexpectedly short during game time (regular season only) may ask players from previous games to substitute for them under the following conditions:
      • The opposing team and referee must be notified before the start of the match and must give permission
      • The substituting player must be an appropriate skill level for the team/division
      • The substituting team may only invite enough subtitutes to field a team
  • Defaults:

    • Teams must be ready to begin the game at their designated time. Players who come early to warm up must respect groups using the gym before them.
    • If after 10 minutes a team does not meet the minimum player and gender requirements, they will forfeit the first set
    • If after 20 minutes they do not meet the minimum player and gender requirements, they will forfeit the match
    • Forfeited matches will be inputted as 21-0
    • Teams that defaulted more than one match may be subject to removal from the league without refund
  • Service:

    • The server must complete the serve within 5 seconds after the whistle, as judged by the referee
    • Ball is considered in play if it touches the net and goes over to the opponent's side
    • Serves may not be blocked or immediately spiked
    • Each server will be capped at five consecutive serves (advanced leagues excepted)
    • Players on the serving team may not obstruct the opponent's view of the serve/server/ball trajectory
  • Net Play and Attacking:

    • A blocker may touch the ball beyond the net as long as they do not make contact with the net or interfere with the opponent's play
    • Players are permitted to touch the opponent's court with a foot, as long as the front foot is touching the centre line and does not interfere with the opponent's ability to play the ball
    • A block contact does not count as a hit. Attacking team is entitled to 3 additional hits
    • Players may attack-hit the ball from any position/location on the court

General Guidelines

July 20, 2022
  • Team Captain Responsibilities: Team captains must know and enforce league guidelines, ensure their teammates are aware of league guidelines, and ensure their roster is up-to-date before every game
  • Unsportsmanlike Behaviour: Any unsportsmanlike behaviour, including but not limited to trash talking, overly aggressive play, verbally abusing referees or staff, sexist/racist comments, threats, instigating fights, or fighting will not be tolerated. Offending teams and players will be suspended or banned from the league without refund.
  • Spectators: Spectators and their actions are the responsibility of the team and will abide by all rules discussed herein. Children must be closely monitored and are not permitted on the court. Dogs are not permitted in the venue. Any spectators not abiding by rules will be asked to leave.
  • Equipment: Knee pads are recommended. Teams may provide their own ball, given that it is better than the league's ball and properly inflated/kept
  • Drugs/Alcohol: No drugs or alcohol are permitted anywhere in the facility or parking lot, including, but not limitted to, cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes. Players and spectators are not permitted into the venue while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and will be asked to leave.
  • Defaults: More than one team default may result in removal of team from the league without refund.
  • Age Requirements: All players must be at least 18 years of age in order to participate in leagues.
  • Disciplinary Action: Teams or players who've been ejected, suspended, expelled, or banned from the league are not permitted on site in any capacity (player, spectator, coach, manager, etc.) until their suspension is lifted.
  • COVID-specific Guidelines: All government- and league-issued COVID precautions must be followed at all times. This may include reduced roster sizes partway through the season.
  • Venue Rules:
    • Players are required to respect other gym users
    • Only clean, non-marking shoes permitted in the gym
    • The league is not responsible for any lost or stolen items, including players' balls used during the game. Leave valuables in your car and write your name on your ball
    • There is to be no drinking inside the facility or in the parking lot
    • Only water is allowed on the court
    • Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted in the venue
    • Alcohol consumption is not permitted in the venue, parking lot, or surrounding school area
    • Players must clean up their own garbage
    • No dogs permitted in the venue
    • No bicycles permitted in the venue
    • No spitting anywhere inside the venue

League Format

July 20, 2022
  • Results: Standings will be decided by number of matches won
  • Divisions:
    • Grading/Placement Games: Seasons may include one (1) to three (3) placement games which help assess teams' division placement. These games count toward mininum games played. The following will be taken into consideration during these games: win/loss, margin of victory, matchup difficulty, team composition, etc.
    • Relegation/Promotion: At the league's sole discretion, teams may be relegated or promoted partway through the season to ensure balanced divisions.
    • Tie-break Rule: Ties in the standings will be resolved in the following order:
      • 1) Matches won
      • 2) Sets won/lost differential
      • 3) Points for/against differential
      • 4) Head to head winner

FAQ

July 19, 2022
  • What is the refund policy?
    Registrations are fully refundable until 5 business days prior to the first game or once schedules are posted, whichever comes first. In case of province-mandated shutdown, refunds will be issued pro-rata to account for any unplayed games remaining in the season.

  • Can my team request to play games exclusively at a certain time?
    We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate such requests, especially if doing so would result in an unfair schedule for others teams. Please email your request to [email protected] to find out more.

  • I missed the registration deadline and/or the league has started -- can I join the waitlist?
    Shoot us an email at [email protected] to discuss your options or join the waitlist.


  • I registered as an individual player - what can I expect?
    Individual players will be placed on a team with other players who also registered individually. We generally aim for 8-9 players per team for 6s 5-6 players per team for 4s. You can register by yourself or with a small group of friends. Included in your registration is a jersey (individual registrations only).


  • I'm registered as an individual; can my friend be on my team?
    We are able to accommodate this as long as there is space on the team or the league has not started yet! Please ensure that you note this request during the registration process or email us your request at [email protected].

  • What is the maximum team roster size?
    Currently, no player maximum is being enforced, though this is subject to change with COVID-19 guidelines. All players must be registered and present on the roster to be eligible to play. Staff will be taking attendance at the door.

  • The weather is bad (rain, heat, wind, etc.) - are games still on?:
    All games are played rain or shine. When there are any cancellations due to weather, we will ALWAYS notify teams via email.

  • What skill level can I anticipate in Mississauga Volleyball League?
    We always strive to divide teams into divisions based on skill level. We run as many as four divisions per night, ranging between advanced, competitive, and recreational divisions.


  • Are grading/placement games and playoff games calculated in the season length?
    Placement games are used to determine in which division teams belong. Both placement and playoff games are calculated in the season length.