YMCA YOUTH SPORTS Rule Book YMCA Of Greater Omaha Spring Volleyball 2015 1
Table of Contents YMCA Information Page(s) Directors Information 3 Sports Pledge 3 Youth Sports Mission 3 Parent Information 4 YMCA Staff & Codes of Conduct 5 Rules that Apply to Recreational and Spirit Leagues Purpose of the League 6 Court & Equipment 7-8 Officials and Their Duties 8-9 Coaches Rules 9 Fan Conduct & Sportsmanship 9-10 Recreational YMCA Volleyball Rules 11-13 Competitive YMCA Volleyball Rules 14-17 2
Important Phone Numbers Y Branch Sports Director Phone Email Sarpy Brett Gebhardt 402-339-9861 bgebhardt@metroymca.org SW Ben Wittrock 402-334-8487 bwittrock@metroymca.org Maple Tom Stubby 402-393-3700 tstubby@metroymca.org Armbrust Pam Peetz 402-896-4200 ppeetz@metroymca.org Twin Rivers Ben Wittrock 402-359-9622 bwittrock@metroymca.org BG/Downtown Tom Stubby 402-393-3700 tstubby@metroymca.org YMCA of Greater Omaha Sports Pledge Win or lose, I pledge before GOD To accept and demonstrate the following positive values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility. I will do the best I can to be a team player. To respect my teammates, opponents, coaches and officials. And to improve myself in Spirit, Mind, and Body. YOUTH SPORTS MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the YMCA Youth Sports Program is to provide children of the Greater Omaha area an opportunity to participate in various physical activities and to: *Have Fun*Develop Sportsmanship*Make New Friends*Promote Teamwork*Learn Lifetime Fitness*Strengthen Self-Confidence*Learn Skills. 3
YMCA of Greater Omaha Parent Information Registration: All sport seasons will have a registration begin and end time. Refer to the sports calendar to see the specific dates/times of each season. Each branch will accept registrations after the deadline with a late fee depending on availability. Uniforms: All teams in grades 1 st -8 th are required to wear YMCA Jr. Mavs jerseys; all teams in grades 9 th -12 th are required to wear a YMCA sports jersey. Practice/Game Times: Practice spots are offered through each branch. Coaches are responsible for picking the time that best suits their schedules and that of their team. The YMCA does not guarantee a specific practice night. The majority of our games are played on Saturdays, but depending on the season or number of teams, games could occur during the week or Sunday. Weather Policy: In case of bad weather, a decision on whether to play will be made one hour prior to game time. This information is available on our website: youth-sports.metroymca.org/armbrustschedules. Sports Hotline at 402-661-7150 Facebook: www.facebook.com/armbrustymca. Twitter/Text: Text follow armbrustysports to 40404. Open Doors: Financial assistance is available. Please contact your local branch for more information. YMCA Website: www.youth-sports.metroymca.org, This site will hold registration information, rules and season updates. Refund: Participants may request a refund (minus a $15 processing fee) should they drop from the league prior to the first scheduled game. After the first scheduled game has been held, a pro-rated credit on their YMCA account minus a $15 processing fee will be given. After the second game, no refunds/credits will be given. Credits available expire after one year. Pictures: Modern Images will be here each season to take team and individual pictures. Each coach will receive a picture time from them. Should a problem arise with your order, please call Modern Images @ 402-991-7786. 4
YMCA Staff YMCA personnel shall be present and visible at all games. If you encounter any problems or have suggestions, please contact the supervisor. If you have a question or suggestion concerning the game or league, please present it before or after the game to the supervisor, not during the game. Site supervisors have the final decision at all sites. YMCA Coaches Code of Conduct 1. Model and Teach the YMCA Core Values to Your Players. Caring Providing positive support, care and encouragement for all athletes that play YMCA sports. Honesty YMCA Coaches will be honest with players, parents, and YMCA officials in all situations. Respect - YMCA Coaches will respect the game by never cheating. YMCA Coaches will respect the decision of the officials and will never display demeaning or derogatory actions. Responsibility YMCA Coaches will be responsible by showing good communication with their parents, players, and YMCA league officials. YMCA Coaches will be organized and follow through with their responsibilities to the end of the season. 2. Build Strong Kids.. Build kids up through positive feedback and support. Reward effort not just good outcomes. Teach strong fundamentals of the game. Playing all of the kids at least 50% of the game. Continue to learn as a coach. 3. Build Strong Families.. Encouraging parent involvement with their child and with the team. 4. Build Strong Sports Communities.. Team huddles required every game and practice to talk about core values and sportsmanship. YMCA Sports Pledge to be said with parents and players before the game. Drinks and Snacks provided to the officials after the game. 5
PURPOSE OF THE LEAGUE 1. For every boy and girl between the grades of 1 st and High School a chance to have fun playing volleyball in a game situation. 2. To teach volleyball skills, starting at the youth s level of ability and progressing from there. 3. To teach boys and girls sportsmanship how to accept winning and losing situations. 4. To promote new friendships, encourage working together as a team and provide for the family interaction. TEAM ORGANIZATION All boys and girls register through open registration and are placed on teams at or near their neighborhood school. Specific requests for coaches and/or teammates are also accepted. Every child registered during regular registration will be placed on a team. NOTE: The Youth Sports department does have final jurisdiction over team division and the number of players placed on each team. LEAGUE INFORMATION 1. No practices may begin prior to the 1 st date for practice. 2. The YMCA furnishes game equipment and officials. Practice volleyballs will be given out by the YMCA. 3. The YMCA goal is to give EVERY boy and girl in grades from 1 st through High School a chance to play in every game. Our basic guideline is for each player to participate in approximately half of every game. The coach may make allowances; however, depending on players enthusiasm, attendance, sportsmanship and interest displayed both in practice and game situations. 6
YMCA STAFF YMCA personnel shall be present and visible at all games. If you encounter any problems or have any questions, please contact the site supervisor, official or the Youth Sports Director. If you have any questions or suggestions concerning the game or league, please present it before or after the game to the site supervisor, NOT during the game. This can be distracting to the coaches, officials, and other fans. PRACTICES Once the coaches meeting has taken place a coach can schedule two practices per week before the season begins. Once the season begins only one practice per week is allowed. CANCELLATIONS The YMCA will not reschedule games cancelled by coaches. In case of rain or bad weather, please contact our cancellation hotline at: 402-661-7150. Other places information will be posted: Armbrust website, Armbrust Facebook page, and Armbrust Twitter accounts. Note cancellation information will be updated at 7:30 am on Saturdays 4:30pm for weekday games, and 12:00pm on Sundays. BEGINNING OF PLAY The official shall call both teams to the center of the court to conduct the Youth Sports Pledge prior to the game beginning. At the end of the game the teams shall shake hands. Court & Equipment BALL SIZE 1 st -6 th Grades Volley-Lite will be used. (official size; weighs 7 to 8 ounces) 7 th -High School Regulation size volleyball will be used. YMCA furnishes game equipment. 7
RECOMMENDED COURT SIZE 1 st -2 nd Grades 30 feet by 30 feet (marked off by cones or tape) 3 rd -4 th Grades 30 feet by 50 feet (marked off by cones or tape) 5 th -HS 30 feet by 60 feet NET HEIGHT 1 st -4 th Grades 6 feet 6 inches 5 th -6 th Grades 7 feet 7 th -HS 7 feet 4 1/8 inches Court size may be altered slightly for space and safety issues. PLAYING TIME **Each player should play half of every game.** No player should play more than the other players consistently. Allowances can be made by the coach based on attendance, enthusiasm, sportsmanship and interest displayed at practices and games. Officials and Their Duties REFEREE 1. The referee has jurisdiction from the time she/he enters the area of play until signaling the end of the game. The referee s decisions are final. 2. The referee shall enforce the rules of the game. 3. The referee can suspend or terminate a game whenever it is deemed necessary; for example, interference by spectators or coaches. 4. A referee can caution a player and eject from play any player guilty of violent conduct, using foul or abusive language, or persistent infringement of playing rules. 5. The referee shall officiate the coin toss for the choice of serve or side of court, to winner of toss. 8
6. Teams shall change sides at the completion of each game. 7. Prior to coin flip the referee will have a pre-game meeting with the coaches/captains from both teams to discuss the basic game rules and procedures. 8. Volunteers needed for the Competitive Volleyball division: two line judges (one from each team); home team will provide the scoreboard operator. 9. Volunteers needed in the 3 rd -HS Recreational division: two line judges (one from each team); home team will provide the scoreboard operator. 10. The referee shall officiate the coin toss. The choice of serve or receive shall be awarded the winner of the toss. COACH S RULES a. 1 st HS: One (1) Head Coach and one (1) Assistant Coach will be allowed in the bench area on their sideline during games. b. 1 st 2 nd Grades: Coaches may stand in their bench area on their sideline to instruct players. c. 3 rd Grade & Up: Coaches must remain seated at all times. d. The Head Coach is the only coach allowed to address the officials before, during, or after the game. The assistant coach may confer with players; not officials. e. If a player is injured, an official or YMCA staff person will call the coach on the field. This is for the safety of all the players that could be injured by anyone running on the court unexpectedly. f. Under no circumstances shall any coach confer with another player or coach unexpectedly. FAN CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP All parents and spectators shall remain seated on the sidelines. Parents and spectators will be given a warning for a first time offense and play will be stopped until the individual returns to the sidelines. PENALTIES FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR 1. Any player participating in a fight will be ejected from the game and banned permanently from participation in any further games and leagues at any YMCA of Greater Omaha. You will also be banned from becoming a spectator during any youth sport game at any of our locations. 9
2. Any coach participating in a fight will be ejected from the game and relieved of his/her coaching duties for the remainder of the season. You will not be allowed to coach a team in any YMCA of Greater Omaha youth league from this point on. 3. Any player receiving a red card for unsportsmanlike conduct must sit out the remainder of the game and the next scheduled game. A coach receiving 1 red card in one game will be ejected from the game; asked to leave, and will not be allowed to coach or attend the next scheduled game. If a coach receives two red cards within the season, the coach will not be allowed to coach the rest of the season. Fans need to remember only positive comments are appropriate in a youth sport setting. Fans need also remember that vocal instructions during a game can be confusing to young athletes; please let the coach handle this. Many times you may see calls the officials make that are different than what you would make. The officials are in charge of the game and we ask the decisions be left to their judgment. Any concerns about officiating can be discussed after the game. Coaches are responsible for their fans behavior. Know the YMCA s rules and policies. Be courteous to opposing players, coaches and fans. Enjoy the game! That s what our league is about. These rules will be enforced: Step 1 Warning Step 2 Spectator Asked to Leave 10
YMCA of Greater Omaha Jr. Mavs Volleyball Recreational Rules NUMBER OF PLAYERS All grade levels will have six players on the court. (May play with 5 registered players) TIME LIMIT All games will have a 45 minute time limit with a 10 minute warm up. One time out of 30 seconds will be allowed each game/set. PLAYER ROTATION Grades 1 st -6 th : All players present at the game should be allowed to play in each game. Players sit along the end line in a team rotation order. Players rotate into the game at the center back position and rotate out after service rotation. Rotating occurs after a side out and only the serving team rotates. Team rotation should remain the same for each game. Players who finish game one on the court will start game two, etc. Grades 7 th -HS: Coaches will have the option to rotate players into center back position (like 1 st -6 th grade), or request for substitutions by signaling to the official. The official must acknowledge the subs before the players enter the game. Whichever option the team chooses to begin a match, it must stay with that same option for the entire game. Each player must play half of every game and serve. SCORING Grades 1 st -2 nd : All games will be rally scoring. A game will consist of 25 points (2 point margin for winning team). The third game will be limited to 15 points. Grades 3 rd HS: All games will be rally scoring. A game will consist of 25 points (2 point margin for winning team). The third game will be limited to 15 points. All games are best of 3 games. If a team has won 2 games, teams may keep playing at the discretion of the coaches, if time permits. 11
SIDE OUTS Grades 1 st -4 th : A side-out will occur after a team has scored three consecutive points while serving. Grades 5 th -HS: A side out will occur after a team has scored five consecutive points while serving. *No rally score points will be given on the change of service for 1st Grade & Up. SERVICE Grades 1 st -4 th : Underhand or overhand service may be used. The server will be given two chances on their first serve only to serve a playable ball. A three-foot serving line inside the court may be used. No let serve for 1-4 grades. During weeks 1 & 2, servers may straddle the service line. Beginning in week 3, both feet must be completely behind the service line. Grades 5 th -6 th : Underhand or overhand service may be used. 5 th -6 th graders should serve behind a service line which will be 6 6 in from the endline as in the 12 & under division for club volleyball. 1 attempt only for serving is given for 5 th -HS. Foot faults during serving will be called. The let serve will be allowed in the 5 th -6 th grade rec division. (The let serve allows the continuation of play if a served ball touches the net and then crosses into the opponent s playing area.) Grades 7 th -HS: Underhand or overhand service may be used. The server will serve behind the regular serving line. Foot faults during serving will be called. We allow the use of the let serve in 7 th grade-hs Recreational league. (The let serve allows the continuation of play if a served ball touches the net and then crosses into the opponent s playing area.) RECEIVING SERVE Grades 1 st -4 th : Receiving team may NOT catch the serve with both hands. A forearm pass (bump) is required on the first contact from the serve. Grades 3 rd -HS: Regulation volleyball rules will be used. A forearm pass is required on the first contact from the serve for 3rd-4th grades. Overhead passes will BE ALLOWED on the first contact from the serve for grades 5 th -High School. DURING PLAY Grades 1 st -4 th : - As the ball crosses the net, it may NOT be caught for the first hit. Grades 5 th -HS: Regulation volleyball rules apply. SPIKING & BLOCKING Grades 5 th -HS: Spiking and blocking will be allowed on any ball crossing the net with the exception of the serve. 12
VIOLATIONS Foot Faults - on service will be called in all 5 th -HS leagues. Net Violations - will be called for all grade levels. Illegal Hits - will be called liberally in the 1 st -4 th grade league. No open palm underhand hits will be allowed in any grade. CHANGE OF COURTS Teams will switch sides immediately at the end of a game/set. The team that did not serve first in the first game/set shall serve first in the second game/set. If a determining third game is necessary, the home team shall call the coin toss to determine first serve or choice of side of the court. FIELD OF PLAY OBSTRUCTIONS If the ball hits a basketball hoop or ceiling on a team s own side (and stays on their side), it is a playable ball. If the ball hits a basketball hoop or ceiling and goes onto the opponent s side, a side-out and point will be awarded. 13
YMCA of Greater Omaha Competitive Volleyball Rules LEAGUE INFORMATION 1. All boys and girls must register and have fees paid or have scholarships to be eligible. 2. No practices may begin prior to the 1 st date for practice. 3. The YMCA furnishes game equipment and officials. 4. The YMCA goal is to give EVERY boy and girl in grades from 5 th to 8 th a chance to play in every game. Our basic guideline for the Competitive League is that each player gets to play in at least one full game of each match. The coach may make allowances: however, depending on players enthusiasm, attendance, sportsmanship and interest displayed both in practice and game situations. EQUIPMENT 1. No black soled shoes will be allowed on the playing court. 2. A YMCA Jr Mavs jersey must be worn and can be picked up at the time of registration. All players on the court must have matching YMCA jerseys. 3. Kneepads are not required, but may be worn. 4. Players shall not wear anything, which is dangerous to another player or themselves, i.e. necklace, rings, watches, dangling earrings, etc. BALL SIZE Grades 5 th and 6 th Grades 7 th and 8 th PLAYING RULES Volley-Lite will be used (official weight 7 to 8 ounces) Regulation size and weight volleyball will be used. 14
NET HEIGHT Grades 5 th and 6 th Grades 7 th and 8 th 7 feet 7 feet 4 1/8 inches Warm Ups: Warm Up Time will be a total of 5 minutes prior to the game beginning. NUMBER OF PLAYERS 5 players minimum are required to start the game. A team will default the game if only 4 registered players are present to begin the match at game time; as stated on the schedule. After a team defaults the first game, 10-minutes will be allowed for the team to wait for the other arriving team. After those ten minutes have passed, the second game will be declared a default if there are still only 4 players present. (Defaulted games are for record keeping purposes only). Whenever there is a default, we encourage to mix and share those present players to get games going (non-recorded scores). FIRST SERVER For a team serving first in a game (set), the first server will be the player in the right back position. If a team is on serve receive to begin a game (set), the first server will be the player in the right front position - the team will rotate clockwise one position prior to serving. PLAYER SUBSTITUTION Substitutes may enter the court only when the ball is dead. Either team (serving or receiving) may substitute during a dead ball. The incoming player may take position anywhere on the court. Substitutions are not limited but do not abuse the rule. Note: It is recommended that all players play at least 1 full game of each match. SERVICE LINE Grades 5 th -6 th : should serve behind a service line which will be 6 6 in from the endline as in the 12 & under division for club volleyball. Players are allowed to back up behind the regular service line as skills allow. Grades 7 th -High School: will utilize the normal service line from behind the endline. 15
SERVICE We will use the let serve. The let serve allows the continuation of play if a served ball touches the net and then crosses to the opponent s playing area. Receiving teams may not try to distract the server. The YMCA believes in sportsmanship and will not tolerate teams trying to distract the server. Teams will be warned once then a point will be awarded to the serving team for each incident after the warning. SERVICE TOSS OR RELEASE ERROR One service tossing error is permitted for each service. If the ball after having been tossed or released by the server, lands without touching the player, it is considered a service tossing error. The official will signal for the service again, and the server must execute the serve within the next 5 seconds. PLAY AT THE NET Blocking serve is not permitted. A player may not spike the ball on the opponent s side of the net. No player may, at any time, go under the net. We will follow the current club rule regarding net violations. 11.3 CONTACT WITH THE NET 11.3.1 Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, unless it interferes with the play. 11.3.2 Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play. 11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed. 11.4 PLAYER S FAULTS AT THE NET 11.4.1 A player touches the ball or an opponent in the opponent s space before or during the opponent s attack hit. 11.4.2 A player interferes with the opponent s play while penetrating into the opponent s space under the net. 11.4.3 A player s foot (feet) penetrates completely into the opponent s court. 11.4.4 A player interferes with the opponent s play by (amongst others): - touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm (2 7.49 ) of the antenna during his/her action of playing the ball, or - taking support from the net simultaneously with playing the ball, or - creating an advantage over the opponent, or - making actions which hinder an opponent s legitimate attempt to play the ball. SPIKING & BLOCKING Spiking and blocking will be allowed on any ball crossing the net with the exception of the serve. OVERHEAD PASSESS Overhead passes are allowed on serve reception and 1 st team contacts: Overhand receptions passes need to be clean. 16
SCORING Rally Scoring will be used any team can score a point when it wins the rally or the opposing team commits a fault. If the serving team wins the rally, it scores a point and continues to serve. If the receiving team wins the rally, it scores a point and gains the right to serve. Grades 5 th -8 th : Each match is limited to 50 minutes. A match consists of best 2 of 3 games, all using rally scoring system. Each game is played to 25 pts with a cap of 27 pts (2 point lead). In the 3 rd and deciding game, it is played to 15 points with no cap. If a 3 rd and deciding game is necessary, it will be played to 15 points regardless of the 50 minute time limit. Other 2 game match time limits will be adjusted to get back on schedule. TIMEOUTS Each team will have one time out per game/set that will last 30 seconds in length. CHANGE OF COURTS Teams will switch sides immediately at the end of a game/set. The team that did not serve first in the first game/set shall serve first in the second game/set. If a determining third game is necessary, the home team shall call the coin toss to determine first serve or choice of side of the court. FIELD OF PLAY OBSTRUCTIONS If the ball hits a basketball hoop or ceiling on a team s own side (and stays on their side), it is a playable ball. If the ball hits a basketball hoop or ceiling and goes onto the opponent s side, a side-out and point will be awarded. 17