
OFFICIAL RULES
Download Rules and Regulations Document HERE
BASICS
BEFORE GAME
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The ball should be inflated to 12in circumference.
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The tension of the net should be consistent throughout. A ball dropped from 3 feet above the net should bounce up approximately 12-18 in.
DURING GAME
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All players except the receiver must begin the point at least 6 feet from the net.
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The receiver may stand at any desired distance
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Once the server strikes the ball, players may move any where they choose.
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Possession changes when the ball contacts the net.
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Each team has up to 3 touches per possession.
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Determine a serving order which alternates players from the two teams (e.g. Player 3 follows Player 1, etc.).
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To equalize sun and wind effects, rotate starting positions 90 degrees counter-clockwise every 5 points if desired.
Scoring
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Roundnet is played using rally scoring; points can be won by serving or receiving team.
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Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21. In tournament play, the tournament director specifies the winning score.
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Games must be won by two points unless otherwise agreed upon or specified.
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The rally ends and a point is awarded when:
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The ball contacts the ground or otherwise isn't returned onto the net within 3 touches.
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The ball is hit directly into the rim at any time, including on a serve.
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The ball bounces and falls back onto the net or rim.
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The ball clearly rolls across the net
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Serving
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If the receiving team wins the point, the next designated player serves according to the initial sequence. Otherwise, the server switches places with his/her partner and serves to the other receiving team member.
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The receiving team sets their position first. The server stands 180 degrees across the designated receiver--the only player allowed to field the serve.
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Serves may be struck with any amount of force; short serves are allowed.
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If a server serves two faults, the receiving team wins the point. Violation of ANY of the following rules is a fault:
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The server must toss the ball upward at least 2 inches.
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If the server tosses the ball, he/she must hit it. Dropping, catching, or swinging at and missing a toss all count as a fault.
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Rallies
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Touches must alternate between teammates. Consecutive touches by one player result in a loss of a point.
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The ball must be contacted cleanly, not caught, lifted, or thrown. Players may not hit the ball with two hands, even if placed together "volleyball style".
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Players may use any individual part of their body to hit the ball.
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After the serve, any unusual bounce (i.e. pocket) that does not contact the rim is legal and playable.
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A shot which lands on the net, rolls into the rim and then off the net (i.e. roll-up) is played as a pocket, not a direct rim hit.
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If teams cannot determine the legality of a hit, replay the point.
Infractions
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Remember: Player safety is paramount
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Defending players must make an effort not to impede the offending team's possession or play on the ball.
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If an offender collides with a defender, or a defender's position prevents a markeable offensive play on the ball, the infracted player may call "hinder" to force a replay of the point.