COACHES CORNER

ROAR 2026 U8 Soccer League Rules

OVERVIEW

- 8 teams with 10-11 players per team
- 6 vs. 6 with Small Silver goals (goalkeepers)
- Four 10-minute quarters
- 1 minute break between quarters
- 3-minute break (halftime) between 2nd and 3rd quarter
- Games start at 8:30am (Arrive at 8:15am)
- U8 will use size 3 balls
- Wristband system

PLAYING TIME AND GENERAL GAME RULES

All Games will start at or before 8:30am
Each Game will start with prayer 5 minutes before start of game; Both teams will meet in the middle of the field
Home Team will open in prayer
Every child must play equal time providing he/she is able and willing. When a quarter is over, all players on the bench must come in to play the next quarter!
No off-sides rule enforced
Hand balls are enforced if the ball is touched with the hand/arm on purpose, but it will not be enforced if the ball is kicked into the hand/arm and it is touched on accident.
No penalty shots!
At the beginning of each quarter, the ball will be placed in the middle of the field. Quarter’s #1 and #3, the ball will start with home team. Quarter’s #2 and #4, the ball will start with the visiting team
At half-time, teams will switch sides to attack the opposite goal. (same bench)
Can use head – need to teach proper technique.
Goalkeeper: May only touch the ball with hands inside the arc.
Goal Kicks: are awarded when attacking team kicks the ball over the end-line (also called the goal line). Ball can be placed anywhere on the half circle to be kicked in to start play again. Opposing players must be behind the semi-circle near midfield.
Corner kicks: are awarded if defensive team kicks ball over their goal line. Opposing players must be five yards away from the ball.
Kick-ins: Balls that travel across the sideline will be put back in play by use of a kick-in. At this age they need to get familiar and comfortable with the ball at their feet. More touches means better technique!
Play continues until whistle blows. Coaches please blow whistle when ball goes out of bounds and have team kick it in.
No pushing with hands or arms.
No kicking, slide tackles, or dangerous play allowed – penalty will be an indirect kick for opposing team. Note: no direct kicks will be given under any circumstances for our league.
After a goal, to start the game, or to start a quarter the ball returns to centerline. A proper start includes 2 players in the semi-circle with everyone else outside. One player must kick/tap the ball to begin play. After a goal, the ball returns to centerline and kicked off by team that was scored upon.
Games will be refereed by the coaches.
After game, teams line up and shake one another’s hands and pray.
Please leave the field clean with your team

U8 Wristband System Addendum

-For the purpose of teaching our players to spread out and play positions, we will be implementing a wristband system for our U8 league this year.

-At the start of the year, each coach will be given two red wristbands, two green wristband, and two yellow wristbands. These are to be put on the wrists of your players during the game to encourage them to remain in their assigned area of the field.

-Each team will play 2-1-2 system.

-The defenders will each have a red wristband. Red means “Stop them from scoring!” The left back will wear a red wristband on his/her left wrist. The right back will wear a red wristband on his/her right wrist.

-The attacking players will each have a green wristband. Green means “Go for the goal.” The right forward will wear a green wristband on his/her right and. The left forward will wear a green wristband on his/her left wrist.

-The midfielder will wear two yellow wristbands. “Mello Yello stays in the middle.” The midfielder will be reminded to stay centrally (as opposed to in the wide areas of the field), and has two wristbands because they are supposed to both attack and defend.

-The below diagrams are meant to be used as teaching aids for you and your players.

U10

ROAR 2026 U10 League Soccer Rules

OVERVIEW

8 teams with 10-12 players per team
6 vs.6 (goalkeepers)
Four 10-minute quarters
1 minute break between quarters
3-minute break (halftime) between 2nd and 3rd quarter
Games start at 10:00am (Arrive at 9:45am)
Size 4 balls

PLAYING TIME AND GENERAL GAME RULES

All Games will start at or before 10:15am
Each Game will start with prayer 5 minutes before the start of the game; Both teams will meet in the middle of the field. Home team will open in prayer.
Every child must play equal time providing he/she is able and willing. When a quarter is over, all players on the bench must come in to play the next quarter!
No off-sides rule enforced. (No camping out at the goal from the opposing team).
No hand balls which includes arms except for the goalkeeper. Hand balls are enforced.
No penalty shots!
At the beginning of each quarter, the ball will be placed in the middle of the field. Quarter’s #1 and #3, the ball will start with home team. Quarter’s #2 and #4, the ball will start with the visiting team
At half-time (after 2nd quarter), teams will switch sides to attack the opposite goal. (same bench)
Can use head – need to teach proper technique.
Goal Kicks: are awarded when attacking team kicks the ball over end-line (also called goal line). Ball can be placed anywhere on the goal box to be kicked in to start play again. Opposing players must be behind the semi-circle near midfield.
Goalkeeper: must perform a punt, drop-kick, or throw in when a save is made. (ball does not go down like a goal kick; if the ball is placed on the ground by the goalkeeper, it is considered a live ball and may not be picked up by the goalkeeper without being touched by an opponent)
Corner kicks: are awarded if defensive team kicks ball over their goal line. Opposing players must be 7 yards away from the ball
Throw-ins: Balls that travel across the sideline will be put back in play by use of a throw-in. You’ll need to teach proper skill and technique for a throw-in. Ball must go behind players head and come straight over the top to perform a legal/successful throw-in. Let arms follow through. Both feet must stay on the ground and may not step over or on the line.
Bad Throw Ins will be enforced. Child will get a second chance to throw in again but if this results in another bad throw in, the ball must be turned over to the other team.
Play continues until whistle blows. Coaches please blow whistle when ball goes out of bounds and have team throw it in.
No pushing with hands or arms.
No kicking, slide tackles, or dangerous play allowed – penalty will be an indirect kick for opposing team. Note: no direct kicks will be given under any circumstances for our league.
After a goal, to start the game, or to start a quarter the ball returns to centerline. A proper start includes 2 players in the semi-circle with everyone else outside. One player must kick/tap the ball forward first to begin play. After a goal, the ball returns to centerline and kicked off by team that was scored upon.
Games will be refereed by referees.
After game, teams line up and shake one another’s hands and pray.
Leave field cleaner than you found it.

U13

ROAR 2026 U13 League Soccer Rules

OVERVIEW

6 Boy and 4 Girl teams with 10-12 players per team
8 vs. 8 (One of whom is the Goalie)
(Two) 25-minute halves
5-minute halftime
Free substitution with exceptions (Look at Substitution Rule) Every player must play at least 10 minutes of each half of the game unless injury does not allow them to do so
Regulation U9 Goals and Field Dimensions
Games start either at 9:00am, 10:15am or 11:30am (Arrive 15 mins early)
Boys on MLS/Premier Field 1; Girls on MLS/Premier Field 2 for games
Coaches must stay in “Coaching Box”- Details Below
Off-Sides will be enforced
Penalty Shots (Look at rule below)
All Parents must sit on the opposite side of the field from the benches to ensure quality of play for coaches and parents
Size 4 balls

PLAYING TIME AND GENERAL GAME RULES

All Games will start at or before 9:00am or 10:15am or 11:30am
Each Game will start and end with prayer
Off-side rule enforced
Hand balls are enforced. A hand ball includes arms and hands. The ball may not be touched with either one of these whether it is on accident or on purpose. The only exception to this rule is the goalkeeper, and the goalie can only touch the ball with their hands inside the penalty area.
Penalty shots will be assessed on intentional fouls inside the penalty area.
Can use head – need to teach proper technique.
Goal Kicks: are awarded when attacking team kicks the ball over end-line (also called goal line). Can be placed anywhere on the 6yrd box to be kicked in to start play again.
Corner kicks: are awarded if defensive team kicks ball over their goal line.
Balls that travel across the sideline will be put back in play by use of a throw-in. You’ll need to teach proper skill and technique for a throw-in. Ball must go behind players head and come straight over the top to perform a legal/successful throw-in. Let arms follow through. Both feet must stay on the ground and may not step over the line.
Correct Throw Ins will be enforced. Child will get a second chance to throw in again but if this results in another bad throw in, the ball must be turned over to the other team. After the 2nd game there will no longer be second chances and a violation will result in the other team getting the throw in.
Play continues until whistle blows. Referee will the blow whistle when ball goes out of bounds and have team throw it in.
No pushing with hands or arms.
No kicking, slide tackles, or dangerous play allowed – penalty will be an indirect kick for opposing team.
Indirect Kick: must be touched by another player and make a full rotation before it can go into the goal – that is the kicker and a second person (including the goalie). Note: no direct kicks will be given under any circumstances for our league
After a goal has been scored, ball returns to centerline and kicked off by team that was scored upon.
Games will be refereed by officials (high school and adults)
Every child must play at least 10 minutes of each half of the game unless injury does not allow them to do so. ROAR strongly encourages each player to learn other positions but not mandatory
After game, teams line up and shake one another’s hands.
Please leave the field (clean) with your team ASAP as the next game starts immediately.
Coaches Box: All coaches must stay inside the “Coaches Box” during the whole entire game. The “Coaches Box” is a blue lined box that is surrounded by the mid field line to the end of your bench and from the side line in front of the bench and behind the bench. Coaches are NOT allowed to go onto the field or stand behind the goalkeeper. This will be enforced by the referee, commissioners, and ROAR Staff.
Substitution Rule for U13 League: Free substitutions are allowed on dead balls at the approval and discretion of the referee. The player coming on must wait on the sidelines until the player coming off steps off the field, then the player may step onto the field unless otherwise instructed by the referee. A team may not make a substitution on a direct penalty kick. Substitutes may be made freely during the half time break. If player is injured and unable to play, the referee will stop play and only a substitution for the injured player may be made. Coaches are NOT allowed to stop play or send a player in until referee has blown the whistle.
Substitution at End of Game: during the last 2 minutes of a game, neither team will be allowed to make a substitution unless there is an injured player. The center referee will alert coaches when the 2-minute mark arises.
Goalkeeper “Pinnies”: All goalkeepers must wear a pinnie or shirt that makes them clearly distinguishable from their teammates and opponents.
Referee Table: Between the two fields, there will be a referee table. There will be a Field Marshall for most of MLS/Premier games to help ensure the quality of the referees!
Play-offs Overtime Rule: In the event of a tie during the boys\girls playoff games there will be a “golden goal” 5 minute overtime. The first team that scores during this overtime period will be the winner. Substitution rules will be the same as during the game.
In the event of a tie after the overtime period the game will proceed to penalty kicks. Each team will have 5 representatives who must have been on the field at the end of the overtime period. Goalies are eligible to kick. Once a goalie is selected they must remain in goal until the series of 5 shots has concluded.
In the event the game is still tied, penalty kicks will then resume with a new kicker each time. This will continue in sneaker fashion until one team converts their penalty kick and the other does not. Goalies are eligible to kick as well.

U13 Tournament and Character Awards

ROAR is excited to have a tournament at the end of the soccer season. All U13 teams will be seeded into brackets for game 7 from season records. Teams that do not move on to the Championship Game will play for consolation match and will receive character awards. Teams that move onto the Championship Game will receive placement medals for 1st and runner up along with character awards.

Character Awards
Character Awards are certificates that coaches will fill out and give to players at the end of the season. All certificates will be handed to coaches half way through the season for them to start thinking about who they’d like to give the certificates to

Championship Game Medals

Both teams that will be participating in the Championship game will receive a medal for 1st place and runner up. This is not a time to show off or throw it in the face of the team that did not win. Please make sure to use this as a teachable moment.Tournament

Rules:
All teams will follow league rules in tournament. Games cannot end in a tie, so after regulation time there will be two 3-minute overtimes (no sudden death). If game is still tied, game will go into PK’s. 5 shooters from each team will alternate shots and game will be determined from the best out of 5. If game is still tied, then we will go into sudden death shootout. You cannot have a player kick twice until your whole team has kicked once.

T-BALL

ROAR 2026 T-Ball League Rules

OVERVIEW

6 Teams with 10 players per team
Games should start on or before 9:00am with a prayer before start time.
Games are not based off of 3 outs but that both teams get equal times of batting and fielding within an hour (Typically 2 or 3 Innings)
For the First 2 Games of the season, players are required to advance one base at a time and one base only (no doubles, triples or homers).

Starting with Game 3, players may advance up to two bases, with coach’s approval at the beginning of the game.

Hitting: Players in T Ball can get “out” but the three out rule does not come into effect during the T Ball season. All players will bat every inning. Once out, players are asked to sit back on the bench. All players hit and play in field every inning. When the last hitter gets to bat, the coach should yell out, “last hitter.” This hitter will abide by the same baserunning rules mentioned above. They should not try to run around all bases. Coaches are to create a batting lineup before each game. Whatever the order is on the lineup is the order you must follow the whole game. You MAY NOT have the same lineup for every game! For example, the last batter for Game 1 will not be the last batter for Game 2.
Fielding: Switch player positions each inning and each game. Don’t have the same pitcher, same 1st baseman etc. for every inning. Try to let each player get a feel for every position on the field. They will not be able to play every position every game but making it a cycle throughout the season will work best. If a player that fields the ball can throw or advance the ball back to the infield and a player, not a coach, yells out “time” any runner that is not at least half way to the next base must return to the previous base (the fielding coach makes all umpire calls in the field). Remember, if a runner is thrown or tagged out, he will be called “out” by the fielding coach and must return to the bench.
Starting with Game 3, players may advance up to two bases with coach’s approval at the beginning of the game. Remember coaches to error on the encouragement side of your team as well as the other team. Instruct your base coaches not to take advantage of the other team and players!
TBall should teach the basics of hitting, running, fielding, and throwing. It is very important, but hard to teach at this level to only go after the ball if it is hit in your direction. Most often at this level, all players chase the ball every time. You may want to start teaching this by using cones like fielding zones, and instruct your players to only go after the ball if it is hit in your “zone”.
No catchers are used in this division. As a matter of fact, no one (parents included) should stand behind the batter…. bats get thrown in Rookie Ball!
No helmets are used in TBall
The Bases should be placed on the big “X” along the base lines. There will be 2 “X”’s but the “X” closest to home plate will be for TBall.
Each team will have a small black bag full of equipment for each practice and game. At each practice you will either pick up this bag at the equipment room by the concession stand OR you will bring the bag back to the equipment room after your practice with the correct equipment inside.
Please use incredi-balls.
When finished with practice or games, please help ROAR staff by making the field look like it has not been used (clean/pick up the field and area around).

COACH PITCH

ROAR 2026 Coach Pitch League Rules

OVERVIEW

4 Teams with around 10 players per team
Games should start on or before 10:15am with a prayer before start time.
Games should last no longer than 60 minutes
For the first Game, each batter will get a maximum of 7 pitches
Starting with Game 2, each batter will get a maximum of 5 pitches.

Starting with Game 3, the three-out rule does come into play. Each ½ inning will be considered complete when either three outs have occurred, or all batters have hit, whichever comes first.

Hitting/fielding/lineup: At the start of the season, players can get “out” and will be asked to return to the bench. For the first 2 Games, the three-out rule will not come into effect; when the last hitter comes to the plate, the coach will yell out “last hitter”. The last hitter in the lineup will go through a regular at bat and try to get a hit, but once they are either safe or out, time will be called, and the inning will change over. The last batter of the inning should not try to make it around all bases. Coaches are to create and fill out a batting lineup before the start of each game. That line up does not need to be the same every single game, but it should be followed in order for a complete game. For example, maintain the order of batters the entire game. Don’t switch the order whenever you please. Your last batter for Game 1 does not need to be your last batter for Game 2. Change the order of batters each game. If you have a player who really struggles with hitting pitched balls and there is a batting tee at your field, you may allow them to use it at your discretion. But, please don’t let this be become a normal thing. Hopefully those players will progress through the season and eventually begin to hit a ball that is pitched.
Fielding: Coaches must change the positions of players each inning. Just because a player is in a different position doesn’t mean that the batting order must change during the game. If a player that fields the ball in the outfield can throw or advance the ball back to the infield and a player, not a coach, yells out “time,” any runner that is not at least half way to the next base must return to the previous base (the fielding coach makes all umpire calls in the field). Remember, if a runner is thrown or tagged out, he will be called “out” by the fielding coach and must return to the bench.
A strikeout will be recorded after the maximum number of pitches is reached without a hit. Strikeouts are hard, but they are a big part of baseball. Go over a strikeout in practice.
Umpires: One coach from each team will umpire the game from the field while their team is fielding. The assistant will need to stay on the bench to help with bench security and help with any substitutions. The bases should be placed on the big “X” along the base line. There will be 2 “X”’s and you will place the base on the “X” further from home plate.
Helmets: Each player hitting, running or on deck to hit should have a helmet on. You may need to share with the other team during games. Coach Pitch division should teach the basics of hitting, running, fielding, and throwing in front of the baserunner.
Coaches Pitching– As a pitcher for coach-pitch, try pitching from one knee. This is uncomfortable, but you will find that it is more effective because the ball is not traveling down to the hitter. The pitcher is essentially on the same level as the hitter. No catcher is used in this division; no person (including parents/coach) should be behind the hitter. This can cause injury due to a fouled ball or swung bat.
Each player should be in the batting line up, but each team should only put 9 with the maximum of 10 (4 or 5 outfielders) in the field. NO MORE THAN TEN ARE ALLOWED IN THE FIELD. And a player should NEVER sit out more than one fielding inning during a game.
Each team will have a small black bag full of equipment for each practice and game. At each practice you will either pick up this bag at the equipment room by the concession stand OR you will bring the bag back to the equipment room after your practice.
We will have all games prepared for you the best way we can but might need help with moving benches for players.
Please use Riff level 5 balls.
When finished with practice or games, please help ROAR staff by making the field look like it has not been used (clean/pick up the field and area around).

3rd-4th

ROAR 2026 3rd-4th Grade Volleyball Rules

OVERVIEW

4 teams with 10 per team (Games: 6 vs. 6)
Shorter service line can be used the whole season, unless a player has obviously accomplished the goal then they will need to use the back service line.
No net violation unless it interferes with safety.
The Lite Volleyballs will be used during games.
For the first 4 games, on each player’s service rotation, if their first serve is a fault (fails to cross the net, or hits out of bounds), they are allowed a second serve. After a team scores a point while serving, the serving player gets only one attempt on subsequent serves during that service rotation. For all remaining games, there will be no second serves allowed.
Players are encouraged not to carry (lift) the ball but will be given grace in effort not to carry the ball for the first 4 games. For all remaining games, carries/lifts and doubles will be called.
Rules are subject to change because of age and ability.
Coaches are encouraged to coach players during games as well, as long as it does not cause a delay of game, or interfere with the play.

– Please try your best to not get on the court during game play and staying on bench side during the game. This is simply a safety matter. Assistant coaches please do your best to stay seated most of the game.

– Please remind your players to wait for the whistle before they serve. If they serve and the whistle is not blown they can redo it and it will not count towards their serves or the chance to do a redo.

– If the ball goes over and out the player will not get a redo because the ball went over.

3rd-4th Specific Rules (March 20 – March 30-31)

If your player is wanting to overhand serve they have to be able to overhand serve from the short line and back.
If a player is truly struggling (with underhand) they have the opportunity to move past the short line and serve. If this is needed please let the opposing coach know that this is happening and the referee for the game.
They will get 2 chances to serve the first 3 games.
We will NOT be calling foot faults for this age group.

APRIL 17 – MAY 9 GAMES

We have decided that they can still get two chances to serve but may not be able to go above the short line.
We will only allow 1-2 players who can go a step above the short line. As long as they are not serving from the 10ft line.

Game Rules

Matches are Rally scoring – a point is scored on every serve and turnover, no matter which team served.
Matches are best of three games.
Must win by 2 pts. or be the first to reach the cap
2 games to 25 with 27 pt. cap
When necessary, a 3rd game to 15 with a 17 pt. cap will be played.
There must be at least 4 players on the court, if less than 4, a team must forfeit.
If 6 players are present, the team must play with all 6.
The first serve is decided by a coin toss for games 1 and 3, should a game 3 be necessary.
Players rotate one position when they acquire the serve.
Teams are allowed two 30 second time-outs per game.
The teams will switch sides of the courts between the first and second games, as well as the serve. The team that lost the coin toss may choose the side they prefer to start play on.
If third game is played, teams will stay on same side

Contacting the Ball during Play

Each team may have three successive contacts to return the ball to the opponent’s side. If the first touch is on a block, the team may have three additional contacts to return the ball.
The ball may contact any part of the body so long as it’s clean. “Lifts” and “double hits” will be called in all divisions. Younger groups will get a grace period during only the first 4 games.
When the ball comes to rest momentarily in the hands or arms of a player, it is considered held (or a lift) and the point is lost. Players will have more freedom the younger they are.
A double hit is when a player contacts the ball more than once with no other player touching it between these contacts. Double contacts are allowed during serve receive or when a player who attempts to block the ball then tries to make a play on the ball a second time without an intervening touch by another player.
If the ball is held simultaneously by two opposing players, as in a block, it is a double fault and results in a re-serve with no point awarded.
If two players from the same team contact the ball simultaneously, this is considered as being one contact for their team.
A player who places any part of the body above the height of the net is considered to have the intention to block; only front row players may block.
If two players contact the ball on a block, above the net, it is legal, and 3 more contacts are allowed.
Only front row players are allowed to hit or return the ball with their hands in a position higher than the top of the net from the front of the attack line.
Backrow players cannot block.
Backrow players can attack the ball when they take off (jump) from behind the 10ft line. After the hit, the player may land in front of the 10ft line. They may also complete an attack from in front of the 10ft line if at the moment of contact a part of the ball is lower than the top of the net.
Players cannot spike or block a serve.
A net violation is only called when the player’s contact with the net interferes with the play

Net Play

The ball must pass from one side of the net to the other between the regulation court lines.
The ball remains in play if it touches the top of the net and falls to the opposing side.
A player may not touch the net during play except for insignificant contact by a player not in the act of playing the ball.
If the ball is driven into the net with such force that it contacts an opponent, this is not a net fault.
The hands may legally pass over the net after a spike on the follow-through, but may not land on top of the net.
The only parts of the body allowed to touch the opponent’s court are the feet; however, some part of the foot or feet must remain on or above the centerline at the time of contact.

A player may not hit or touch the ball until part of the ball crosses the plane of the net on that player’s side.

5th-6th

ROAR 2025-26 U10 League Basketball Rules

OVERVIEW

4 teams with 10 per team (Games: 6 vs. 6)
Players will use the official size Tachikara ball during games
If players are learning to serve overhand, it is at the discretion of the coach whether or not they may serve from the white line or use the legal serving line.
After the 4th game of the season, players will not be allowed to use the closer line to serve. Coaches from each team, however, may decide before a match if (1) or up to (2) players still need the serving handicap. This does not apply for overhand servers, after the 4th game all overhand servers must serve from the end line.
For the first 4 games, on each player’s service rotation, if their first serve is a fault (fails to cross the net, or hits out of bounds), they are allowed a second serve. After a team scores a point while serving, the serving player gets only one attempt on subsequent serves during that service rotation. For all remaining games, there will be no second serves allowed.
Foot faults while serving will be assessed after the 4th game. At the moment of service hit, server may not touch the service line. After the hit, server may step or land inside the court or on the service line.
Coaches are encouraged to coach players during games as well, as long as it does not cause a delay of game, or interfere with the play.

5th-6th Specific Rules (March 20 – March 30-31)

If your player decides they want to overhand serve during the game they have to serve from the short line or behind the white line.
If a player is truly struggling (with underhand) they have the opportunity to move past the short line and serve. If this is needed please let the opposing coach know that this is happening and the referee for the game. *Please limit this to 2-3 players per game.
If overhand serving and the toss is not good they will have 2-3 chances to get the toss right, on the 4th toss they need to serve or forfeit a point.
They will have 2 chances to serve the ball and foot faults will not be called.

April 17 – May 9 GAMES

We will be calling foot faults.
They will only get one chance to serve the ball. There will be no redo’s.
Only 2-3 players can go to the short line if needed; all other players have to serve from the serving line and back. Please notify the ref when they player is serving so they do not make the player back up to the serving line.
If overhand serving they will have two – three chances to get the toss right. On the 4th toss they have to hit or forfeit a point.

Game Rules

Matches are Rally scoring – a point is scored on every serve and turnover, no matter which team served.
Matches are best of three games.
Must win by 2 pts. or be the first to reach the cap
2 games to 25 with 27 pt. cap
When necessary, a 3rd game to 15 with a 17 pt. cap will be played.
There must be at least 4 players on the court, if less than 4, a team must forfeit.
If 6 players are present, the team must play with all 6.
The first serve is decided by a coin toss for games 1 and 3, should a game 3 be necessary.
Players rotate one position when they acquire the serve.
Teams are allowed two 30 second time-outs per game.
The teams will switch sides of the courts between the first and second games, as well as the serve. The team that lost the coin toss may choose the side they prefer to start play on.
If third game is played, teams will stay on same side

Contacting the Ball during Play

Each team may have three successive contacts to return the ball to the opponent’s side. If the first touch is on a block, the team may have three additional contacts to return the ball.
The ball may contact any part of the body so long as it’s clean. “Lifts” and “double hits” will be called in all divisions. Younger groups will get a grace period during only the first 4 games.
When the ball comes to rest momentarily in the hands or arms of a player, it is considered held (or a lift) and the point is lost. Players will have more freedom the younger they are.
A double hit is when a player contacts the ball more than once with no other player touching it between these contacts. Double contacts are allowed during serve receive or when a player who attempts to block the ball then tries to make a play on the ball a second time without an intervening touch by another player.
If the ball is held simultaneously by two opposing players, as in a block, it is a double fault and results in a re-serve with no point awarded.
If two players from the same team contact the ball simultaneously, this is considered as being one contact for their team.
A player who places any part of the body above the height of the net is considered to have the intention to block; only front row players may block.
If two players contact the ball on a block, above the net, it is legal, and 3 more contacts are allowed.
Only front row players are allowed to hit or return the ball with their hands in a position higher than the top of the net from the front of the attack line.
Backrow players cannot block.
Backrow players can attack the ball when they take off (jump) from behind the 10ft line. After the hit, the player may land in front of the 10ft line. They may also complete an attack from in front of the 10ft line if at the moment of contact a part of the ball is lower than the top of the net.
Players cannot spike or block a serve.
A net violation is only called when the player’s contact with the net interferes with the play.

Net Play

The ball must pass from one side of the net to the other between the regulation court lines.
The ball remains in play if it touches the top of the net and falls to the opposing side.
A player may not touch the net during play except for insignificant contact by a player not in the act of playing the ball.
If the ball is driven into the net with such force that it contacts an opponent, this is not a net fault.
The hands may legally pass over the net after a spike on the follow-through, but may not land on top of the net.
The only parts of the body allowed to touch the opponent’s court are the feet; however, some part of the foot or feet must remain on or above the centerline at the time of contact.

A player may not hit or touch the ball until part of the ball crosses the plane of the net on that player’s side.