RVSL Rules
Volleyball
Lower nets and a lighter ball for the youngest so every rally is a real rally.
Team size & setup
| Age range | Format | Net height |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 7 to 8 | Modified, larger/softer ball | 6' 6" |
| Ages 9 to 10 | 4v4 or 6v6 | 7' |
| Ages 11 to 12 | 6v6 | 7' |
| 13 & Up | 6v6 | 7' 4" (girls) / 7' 11" (boys) |
Game format
| Item | 12 & Under | 13 & Up |
|---|---|---|
| Match format | Best of 3 sets | Best of 5 sets |
| Serving | Serve from mid-court, one step in allowed | Full-distance serve |
| Rotation | Full rotation so everyone serves | Full rotation |
| Playing time | At least 50% of sets on court | At least 20% of sets on court |
How the game starts
- Each rally starts with a serve from behind the end line into the opponent's court.
- Rally scoring: a point is won on every rally, no matter who served.
- The team that wins a rally earns the serve and rotates one position clockwise.
Flow of play
- A team may contact the ball up to three times before sending it over, typically bump, set, spike.
- The same player may not hit the ball twice in a row (except on a block).
- Younger divisions allow a serve from mid-court so rallies actually start in play.
Fouls & faults
- A fault ends the rally: the ball lands out, hits the floor, is touched four times, or a player touches the net.
- No catching, lifting, or carrying the ball, it must be cleanly contacted.
- No reaching over the net except to follow through on a legal block.
- A second unsportsmanlike act by the same player results in removal from the match.
Equipment
- Age-appropriate ball (lighter/larger for the youngest) and net height (above).
- Court shoes with non-marking soles; knee pads recommended.
- No jewelry.
What technique looks like
Platform passing and footwork, hand-setting form, approach and timing on the attack, and communication on every rally.
Scored the RVSL way
Referees rate both teams on the five criteria: effort, technique, teamwork, fun, and sportsmanship.