NYC Social Sports Club Rules

• Remember, this is a social league. Keep a relaxed attitude, meet some new people, and have a good time.
• There should be equal playing time for all players, regardless of gender.
• You always need your Team T-Shirts. They are our only way of identifying you and not wearing them could affect your standings!
• Our Referees are not professionals. They are people just like you, so please treat them with respect.
• Referees will be judging your Sportsmanship; it’s best to be gracious whether you’re winning or losing.
• Any aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion from our leagues; let’s avoid that.
• Please be on time. We recommend showing up at least 15 minutes early to avoid any confusion and the chance of forfeiting.

Number of Players

A team consists of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 14 players. 6 Players will play at once; at least 2 of which must be women.

A minimum of 4 players from your roster and/or pre-registered substitutes is needed to start or continue a game.

If a team is short of the required number of women, they may play down at 4 men/1 woman or down 2 Players at 3 men/1 woman. Teams may not play with 4 men/0 women. Teams may also invite Substitute Players to join them as per below:

Substitutions

If a team is short the required number of players in a regular season game, they may invite players from other teams within the division. Subs from within the division are subject to the Referee’s discretion. Teams can only invite enough Subs from within the division to meet the maximum number of players allowed on the court (6) plus one additional player to rotate in. Substitute players from within the division must be the last one to cycle into the game (barring gender requirements). If players from a team’s roster arrive late, the Subs from within the division must rotate out.

Substitutions from outside the division are allowed; for more info and to register as a Sub, CLICK HERE. Substitutions during the Playoffs are not permitted. Teams using pre-registered substitutes may not exceed the headcount of their original roster, and individuals may not serve as a pre-registered substitute player more than 3 times during a Season.

Substitute players must check in with the Game Coordinator onsite to receive a league issued pinnie to wear in the Game. Substitute players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator in exchange for the participation pinnie. The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

Game Length/Structure and Scoring

Each match consists of 3 games played to 15 points. Points can only be scored by the serving team (exception: rally scoring). The server will continue to serve until the Referee calls a 'side-out'. Regular scoring will be used for the first 10 minutes of each game, after which games will switch to rally point scoring (point is awarded for each side-out, regardless of which team served). Teams must win by 2 points.

GENERAL VOLLEYBALL RULES

Beginning the Game/Serving

Service of the first game will be determined by a coin toss. The team that did not begin serving the first game will begin serving the second game. The winner of the second game will begin serving the third game.

The serving player shall not serve until signaled to do so by the referee. Service may be either underhand or overhand with either a closed or open hand. If a player serves before the whistle is blown, the serve shall be replayed. If a player is serving and catches a bad toss, the serve shall be replayed. A served ball must pass over the net (and can hit the net) as long as it lands within the out-of-bounds lines. A served ball may not be blocked or attacked by the receiving team. The server will continue to serve until the referee calls a “side-out”.

Playing the Game

1. When a team is awarded the serve, the team will rotate one place clockwise.
2. A ball hit into the net, other than a serve, may be recovered provided a player does not make contact with the net or cross the centerline.
3. A player may not play the ball twice in succession unless the initial contact is a block.
4. A team must return the ball across the net with three or fewer contacts. A block does not count as contact.
5. When the ball lands on the boundary line, it is considered in the court. It is legal for a player to run out of bounds and play the ball; however, a player may not enter another Volleyball court to play the ball.
6. Any ball that makes contact with the backboards or ceiling fixtures on the opponent’s side before crossing the net will be considered out of play and a point or side-out should be awarded. However, a ball can be played off of the back board or ceiling if it is still on the same team's side.

Fouls/Violations

If a foul is committed, penalty will be side-out point (dependent upon scoring structure at the time).

1. Contacting the ball in an underhand motion with open hand or hands (slapping or scooping).
2. Failure to return ball over the net in three or fewer contacts.
3. Serving illegally, or out of turn.
4. Touching the net or reaching under the net to interfere with an opponent playing the ball.
5. Stepping over the centerline into the opponent’s court, a player may step on the line.
6. Spiking or blocking the ball in front of the 10’ line when playing the back row position.
7. Contacting the ball twice in succession, unless the first contact is a block.
8. Catching or holding the ball while playing it.

Timeouts

Each team may call one one-minute timeout per match, if needed.

Substitutions

Substitutions can only be made into the server position upon rotation. There is no limit on the number of Substitutions per game.

The Court

No player may have a foot entirely over the centerline at any point. A foot on the line is legal.

Equipment

All game equipment will be provided on site.

Defensive Rotation

There must be a fair rotation of all players through court positions. This means both men and women get time both on the bench and on the court. Referees may require Substitutions to ensure this.

Forfeits

Teams should report to the gym at least 15 minutes before their scheduled starting time of the match. A game will be ruled a forfeit if any of the following occur:

• No one from one of the teams is present at game time
• The minimum number of players are not present (4)
• Not enough female players are present (2)
• Improper conduct by one or more players on any team

Teams will receive a forfeit loss of 3-0 in the official standings, if they have not shown up by the scheduled game time.

Teams will forfeit the first game of the match if they have not shown up by their scheduled time. After 10 minutes from start time, if the team still cannot meet the minimum requirement, the entire match will be called a forfeit. Exceptions can be made if a team is waiting on a couple of players (e.g. transit issues) with the understanding that the delay will cut time from the end of their match, and that the final decision is subject to the Referee’s discretion.

Sportsmanship points will be deducted from teams that forfeit a game due to a 'no-show' or a 'low-show.' Teams can minimize the deduction by Contacting Us ahead of time. Teams will receive:

• 3.5 Sportsmanship points when contacting us before a forfeit of any kind.
• 3.0 Sportsmanship points when not contacting us before a 'low-show' forfeit.
• 2.5 Sportsmanship points when not contacting us before a 'no-show' forfeit.

Season Abandonment

Registered teams that miss two weeks of play will be considered to have abandoned their place in the league. Teams in this category will be contacted by a NYC Social Sports Club staff member to confirm their status. Teams failing to respond within two business days will be removed from the Season schedule and will forfeit their registration fees. Teams that do respond will be required to supply reasoning for lack of attendance and petition the league for reinstatement. Season abandonment and reactivation decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the league management and must be resolved before returning to play in the current Season or in subsequent Seasons.

Team T-Shirts

Each player on an official team roster will receive a league-issued Team T-Shirt at the start of the Season. The shirt must be worn and visible during each and every game of the Season. Players who forget their Team T-Shirt will cause their team a 0.5 point deduction (each) from that week's Sportsmanship Rating. Players who forget their Team T-Shirt or wear an illegally altered shirt (see below) to the game will be made to wear a pinnie in order to participate in the game.

Players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator to receive the participation pinnie.  The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

Team T-Shirts are also used by staff at the sponsor bar to determine whether a player is eligible to receive league discounts.

While shirt customization is allowed, teams/players must abide by the following rules when personalizing shirts:

• No company names or logos
• No offensive language
• No design that obscures or alters the NYC Social Sports Club logo

Names, nicknames, numbers, and team logos are all welcome additions to the Team T-Shirts. Please also feel free to bedazzle, tie-dye, or apply patches to them, if you are so inclined.

If a player's shirt no longer fits into the guidelines above, the player will be charged $10 and issued a replacement shirt.

Alcohol, Controlled Substance, and Safety Policy

Individuals (players, fans, or friends of players) will, at the discretion of NYC Social Sports Club, be ejected immediately if any of the following are true:

• found bringing alcohol, weapons, or controlled substances to any venue or sponsor bar in use by NYC Social Sports Club
• suspected of excessive pre-game alcohol consumption
• suspected of abusing a controlled substance
• deemed unruly or a danger to themselves or others at any time

Anyone who is ejected from one of our venues or sponsor bars will be required to petition the Club for reinstatement before participating in or attending any subsequent NYC Social Sports Club event. Team(s) associated with the offending player, friend, or fan will lose 2 Sportsmanship points from its Sportsmanship Rating.

These policies are in place for the safety, enjoyment, and continued camaraderie of all players, the sponsoring venues, sponsor bars, and the entire Club.

Sportsmanship Score

A Sportsmanship score (SP) is given to every team after every game, and is factored into overall league ranking. Teams (and their fans) begin with a ‘5.0’ and are deducted for policy infractions, poor attitudes, low attendance, or absence as described below.

Any Team receiving a score below 3.5 must email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to explain their actions and receive official approval prior to participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events.

• 5.0 – Exemplary Conduct - Always cooperative with Gamestaff and other players. Rule interpretation and call discussions always polite. Captain has full control of players & fans.
• 4.5 – Good, Not Great - Minor taunting, running up the score, excessive celebration, or other actions which diminish overall fun.
• 4.0 – Passable Conduct - Team complains about Gamestaff decisions and/or shows minor dissent.
• 3.5 – Needs Improvement, Without Penalty - Team frequently complains or is unpleasant, but no penalties are assessed. Teams alerting the office by 3pm the day of a forfeit (Friday for weekend games) will receive a ‘3.5’.
• 3.0 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty - Team verbally argues or is disrespectful. Captain helps control team. Teams not providing timely notice prior to 'low-show' forfeits receive a ‘3.0’.
• 2.5 – Two Penalties, No Ejection - No more than two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Captain attempts to help. Teams not providing timely notice prior to no-show forfeits receive a ‘2.5’.
• 2.0 – Single Ejection - Team has multiple unsportsmanlike penalties and/or player gets ejected.
• 1.5 – Single Ejection (Involving Captain) - Captain is ejected or is part of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
• 1.0 – Multiple Ejections - Captain has no control of team and/or is unwilling to work with staff. Team receives a forfeit loss.
• 0.5 – Multiple Ejections (Involving Captain) - Captain has no control of self or team. Team receives a forfeit loss.
• 0.0 – Game Discontinued - Physical confrontation, multiple ejections, or poor behavior resulting in discontinuation of game.

Note: Players must wear appropriate colored, league-issued Team T-Shirts during games. Half a point (.5) will be deducted from a team’s Sportsmanship Rating for each missing shirt.

Ejected Participants

Any ejected individual must get approval by NYC Social Sports Club prior to attending or participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events, including Post-Game Parties. Attempted participation without approval is subject to further penalties. Rulings may include, but are not limited to, probation, game/league suspension, or permanent expulsion.

PLAYOFFS

Regular Season team standings are determined by 1) number of wins, 2) Sportsmanship, and 3) point differential.

Teams not advancing to the Playoffs will be awarded a Consolation Game.

Top teams will advance to the Playoffs – typically a single elimination tournament – where they will compete for Gold Silver and Bronze medals and prizes. Please note: Spirit and Bar Awards are given to deserving teams, regardless of ranking.

To be eligible for Playoffs, teams must have an average Sportsmanship rating of at least ‘4.0’ and cannot have forfeited more than one game during the regular Season. Sorry, no substitute players are allowed in the Playoffs. Any team receiving less than ‘3.5’ Sportsmanship in a Playoff game forfeits its spot in the bracket, plus they must receive approval from NYC Social Sports Club prior to participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!

THIS IS A SOCIAL LEAGUE: Have fun and make new friends. The game may or may not go your way, but the beer is still cold and cheap afterwards!