Intermediate Plus (B+) Volleyball Rules

Intermediate Plus (B+) Division Overview

Players in this division have advanced beyond intermediate skills, demonstrating consistency, strategic play, and a strong grasp of team dynamics. They exhibit technical proficiency in all key volleyball skills and contribute to team success through well-rounded abilities.

1. Team Composition & Eligibility

• Roster Size: 4 to 5 players per team with a possible 6th player but a request must be submitted.

• On-Court Players: A maximum of 5 players are allowed on the court during play. A minimum of 2 is required to avoid a forfeit.

• Player Status: No team may include players classified as Rec-Beginner. Teams with Rec-Beginner players will be moved to the Intermediate (B) Division. Rec-Beginner players wishing to "play up" must submit a request for status review.

• Dual Rostering: Players are not allowed to be on two different teams within the league, as this causes scheduling conflicts, delays, and competitive disadvantages.

2. Gameplay & Rotation Rules

• Rotation (5-Player Teams): Teams with 5 players may choose either a fixed position (no rotation) or a rotating system.

  •     This decision must be declared to the opponent before the set begins and cannot be changed mid-game.

  •     If NOT rotating: The serving order must be maintained throughout the set.

  •     If rotating: Standard transition rules apply.

• Setting Over the Net:

  •     Illegal: You may not intentionally direct the ball over the net with an open-handed "push" or "throw" (a lift).

  •     Legal: You are allowed to "bump set" or use a tomhawk/hands together technique to direct the ball over the net on the first, second, or third contact.

3. Key Violations

• Net Violation: Any contact with the net by a player during play is a violation and results in a point for the opponent.Lift (Illegal Contact): A lift occurs when the ball is caught, held, or thrown, primarily due to improper underhand contact.

  •     Legal Underhand Contacts: Forearm platform pass, single forearm pass, or a closed-fist pass.

  •     Illegal Underhand Contacts: Using an open palm or having the arms separated (not together) on a platform attempt. This does not apply to overhead receives (hands).

  •     One-Arm Touches: Are permitted only with a closed hand.

  •     Result: A lift violation results in a point for the opposing team.

4. Scoring & Match Format

• Regular Season Games:

  •     Play to 21 points.

  •     No point cap.

  •     Must win by 2 points.

• Tournament Play:

  •     Winners Bracket: Play to 25 points (capped). Win by 2 is not required; first to 25 wins.

  •     2nd Chance Bracket: Play to 15 points (capped). Teams switch sides at 8 points. Win by 2 is not required; first to 15 wins.

5. Game Timing & Procedures (Only When Instructed)

• Game Duration: All games are strictly 40 minutes of running time.

• Timer Start: The clock starts with the first serve and runs continuously (timeouts do not stop it).

• Timer Enforcement Penalty: Failure to start the timer promptly results in a 3-minute deduction for every 5 total points scored by both teams at the time of discovery.

  •     Example: Score is 7-10 (17 total points). 17 ÷ 5 = 3 increments (15 points). Penalty = 3 min x 3 = 9 minutes deducted. New game time = 31     minutes.

• End of Time: If the timer expires mid-rally, finish the rally. No new serves may be made after time expires, and the game ends regardless of the score

6. Grace Period & Delay

• A 5-minute grace period is granted from the scheduled game time or court availability.

• Following this, the delaying team has 10 additional minutes to field a legal team or they forfeit.

• If a team is not ready to play within the initial grace period, the opposing team may be awarded one point per minute of delay.

7. Substitutions & Forfeits

• Substitution Rule: To avoid a forfeit, a team must have at least 2 original rostered players present and may substitute up to 2 additional players.

• Forfeiture Policy:

  •     Advance Notice: To avoid fines, forfeit notices must be emailed to diego@diablosoutsports.com by the Friday before Sunday/Monday games.

  •     Same-Day Forfeit: Results in a $25.00 fine.

  •     "No Call, No Show": Results in a $50.00 fine applied to the team captain.

  •      All fines are non-negotiable.

• Multiple Forfeits: Teams with multiple forfeits or "No Call, No Show" occurrences may be removed from the league without a refund.