Indoor Rules

2D Sports Volleyball tournaments will be conducted under AAU Rules as modified by the 2D Sports Committee below:

Special Age Exceptions / Age Waivers / Boys Divisions

Special Age Exceptions

1. 18U & UNDER – Players who were born on or after July 1, 2006 OR players who were born on or after July 1, 2005 AND a high school student in the twelfth (12th) grade or below during some part of the current academic year.
2. 17U & UNDER – Players who were born on or after July 1, 2007 (who are defined as 18 & under by Age Definition Chart) and are in the 11th grade for the current academic year are waivered to compete in 17 & Under.
3. MALE ONLY DIVISION 15 & UNDER – Players who were born on or after July 1, 2009 OR players who were born on or after July 1, 2008 (15 years or younger) who shall neither have completed nor are in a grade higher than the eighth (8th) grade during the current academic year are eligible to play in the 14 & under division. This exception is based on the net height difference of 7’4 1/8* to 7’11 5/8* between the 14 and Under Division and the 15 and Under Division in the men’s indoor division.
4. MALE ONLY DIVISION 14 & UNDER – Players who were born on or after July 1, 2010 (14 years or younger) who shall neither have completed nor are in a grade higher than the seventh grade (7th) during the current academic year are eligible for a Region approved waiver to compete in the boys 13’s age group.
5. MALE ONLY DIVISION 13 & UNDER – Players who were born on or after July 1, 2011 (13 years or younger) who shall neither have completed nor are in a grade higher than the sixth grade (6th) during the current academic year are eligible for a waiver to compete in the boys 12’s age group.

Age Waivers

For play in 2D Sports tournaments — sometimes a player’s birthday will require them to compete on an older team than their same-grade peers. Because of this, 2D Sports Volleyball has decided to allow junior club directors the opportunity to request an AGE WAIVER so that a player who is in this position can be placed on a roster of players who are in the player’s grade but are in a younger age bracket. Each club makes their own policy on if they will accept a waivered player. Each tournament director makes their own policy on accepting grade teams and will notify all teams in division if an age-waivered player is accepted in their division.

Age / Grade Criteria

18s: 2025/12th grade
17s: 2026/11th grade
16s: 2027/10th grade
15s: 2028/9th grade
14s: 2029/8th grade
13s: 2030/7th grade
12s: 2031/6th grade
11s: 2032/5th grade
10s: 2033/4th grade

All waivers must be submitted before each tournament by emailing the Tournament Director. Failure to do so will result in sanctions handed down by the Tournament Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Click here to submit Age Waiver

Note: Not all outside tournaments not hosted by 2D Sports Volleyball allow age waivers. So please be mindful of this rule when competing outside of 2D Sports Volleyball tournaments.

Boys Divisions

Boys Divisions

Boys/Co-ed teams ages 10U & under may play in a girls pool in their respective age group. Boys/ Co-ed teams age 11U must play in 13U girls pool (with approval from Tournament Director). Boys/ Co-ed teams age 12U must play in 14U girls pool (with approval from Tournament Director). 

Boys/ Co-ed teams age 13U must play in 15U girls pool for Jamboree only (with approval from Tournament Director). Boys/Co-ed teams age 14U must play in 16U girls pool for Jamboree only (with approval from Tournament Director). 

Boys ages 15U & up must play in a boys division. They are not allowed to play in a girls pool.

Note: The tournament director, at their discretion, has the ability to promote a boys/co-ed team to play in a higher age division bracket before the tournament if deemed by the 2D Sports Volleyball committee the skill level/previous tournament success would create an unfair advantage for other participating all-girls teams at that same age level.

The Game

Sets

A match shall consist of best two-of-three sets to 25 (no cap) & win by two unless otherwise specified by Tournament Director. A deciding 3rd set shall be 15 points (no cap) & win by two.

Pre Match

• Teams may warm up on their respective side of the court before timed warm ups.
• Prior to the pre-match warm up, a coin toss shall be conducted by the match official with BOTH teams captains AND coaches in attendance.
• For the first match of the day on each court, teams may receive warm up times of 6 minutes each.
• For all subsequent matches (even if a match ends early or in forfeit), teams will receive 4 minutes each of warm up times.
• Team serving first will warm up first, followed by the receiving team.
• It is not required, but highly suggested, to help the opposing team shag errant volleyballs during the their warm up time. This encourages safety between courts and helps keep games on pace.
• Teams are allowed, but not required, to shake hands at the net after the match official(s) beckons the starting whistle.

Home/Away

• Teams for home and away are determined by the coin flip. The winner of the coin flip has the decision to choose a side or serve, not both. If there is a distinct game playing difference from one side of the court than the other (sun light, building shape, ceiling closure, short serving space) it is the head coach’s responsibility to make known of the concern before the first point of the game to the up Ref. Teams may switch sides between each set for fairness is ref/ official agrees the difference is a playing setback or distraction to the team. If a complaint is made after any point has been awarded, there will be no switching of sides between sets.

During Match

• The match official(s) shall conduct the game and be in charge of the flow of the game & all calls on the court with the help of the line judges.
• All sets (besides the deciding set) are played to 25 (no cap); the deciding set shall be played to 15 (no cap). All sets must win by two. (Unless special Pool Play procedures are in place).
  • Exception: Pools with 3 teams will play 3 sets to 25 points, regardless of the first 2 set results.
• Teams are allowed 2 timeouts per set, including the deciding set. Timeouts are 30 seconds.
• A team is allowed to film live action given that the filming equipment does not interfere with the playable area and nearby spectators.
• Teams WILL NOT switch benches between sets or during the deciding set. If the match official(s) deem there is an unfair advantage given, they will discuss and agree upon switching benches at the pre-match conference.

Post Match

• Teams are allowed, but not required, to shake hands after the conclusion of the game.
• After the conclusion of the game, we highly recommend coaches and players to conduct post-game meetings outside of the playing court so that following games may stay on pace and the next teams can have adequate room to warm up.

Late Arrival Penalty

A team arriving late for its match will be assessed a penalty if they have not arrived after the scheduled game time with 6 eligible and a Certified Coach.

1st Penalty = 1 point lost in Set 1 for every minute late, up to 10 minutes
2nd Penalty = Lost of Set 1 after 10 minutes
3rd Penalty = 1 point lost in Set 2 for every minute late, up to 10 more minutes
4th Penalty = Forfeiture of match & $50 fine

Games will be scored 25-0, 25-0 if game is forfeited.

The Court & Team Benches

The court dimensions shall be 60 feet long and 30 feet wide, measured to the outer edge of the boundary lines. Court markings shall be clearly visible with no tear. Please alert a Tournament Director if court marking are damaged/not visible.

Overhead Obstructions

Each facility and venue is different in size, shape, and complexity. This may result in obscure overhead objects that may affect play.

Any overhead object ruling will be at the discretion of the match official(s).
This judgment call cannot be challenged by a coach. An unsporting conduct penalty may be assessed for arguing a judgment call.

Net Height

The net shall be at least 31’ 6” to 33 feet in length when stretched. Nets shall be taught in stiffness and antennas shall be properly straightened and aligned.

Division Of Play | Net Height
Ladies’ Indoor – Ages 15 & Up | 7ft 4-1/8in (2.24m)
Ladies’ Indoor – Ages 13-14 | 7ft 4-1/8in (2.24m)
Ladies’ Indoor – Ages 11-12 | 7ft (2.13m)
Ladies’ Indoor – Ages 10 & Under | 6ft 6in (1.98m)
Men’s Indoor – Ages 15 & Up | 7ft 11-5/8in (2.43m)
Men’s Indoor – Ages 13-14 | 7ft 11-1/8in (2.24m)
Mens’ Indoor – Ages 12 & Under | 7ft (2.13m)

Team Benches

• The Head Coach and a maximum of one (1) Assistant Coach are allowed to stand in the free zone during play. The free zone is defined by the 10ft attack line and the baseline. All other coaches/players must be seated inside the free zone unless standing to cheer after a dead ball.
• Players are allowed to stand outside of the free zone beside the team benches. This area is defined by standing outside the playing area past the team’s baseline beside the team’s bench.
• Team’s are responsible for safety around benches. All bags/equipment must be under/behind chairs, and all tripods must be outside of the playing area to record games.

Game Equipment

A game ball will provided for each court. Teams will need to supply their own warm-up balls.

Match official(s) shall check each game ball for:

• Spherical ball with a laceless molded cover with rectangular-shaped panels of equal size and genuine or simulated smooth leather.
• All panels of the ball shall be solid white or a maximum combination of three colors (each panel being a solid color), and at least one-third of the panels shall be solid white.
• It shall measure 4.3-4.6 PSI

Scoring Sheets & Scoreboard

A third team shall be designated to R2, scoring & libero tracking for each match. It is advised for each team to have a designated person also scoring in case a dispute occurs.

Team Benches

Facilities and venues will vary with the amount of seating and benches available for fans and players. Players may stand on the sideline as long as they are at the end of the bench.

When facing a situation where no team benches are available, please be mindful of surroundings and stand no closer than 6 feet from the sideline opposite the first referee. Please be mindful of the match official(s) judgment when helping keep players away from the playing area.

Players Uniforms & Equipment

Legal Equipment

The playing uniform consists of a jersey plus shorts/briefs/spandex, pants or culottes (one- or two-piece). Gym shoes are a required equipment.

Player Uniforms

• With the exception of the libero, teammates’ uniform top shall be like-colored and uniform bottoms shall be like-colored.
• Uniforms must be numbers 1-99, 0 & 00 is not a valid number combination.
• Uniforms shall be free of hard & unyieldings items (buttons, zippers, snaps, fasteners, etc.)
• Players are highly encouraged to wear knee pads and any supporting braces on the knees and ankles in order to prevent injury/re-injury. Unless altered from the manufacturer’s original design/production, these items do not require additional padding.
• Each player must wear the same number throughout the event, with limited exceptions (approval by the tournament director).

Libero Uniform

• Libero uniform top must clearly contrast from the predominant color(s) of the team uniform top, excluding trim. The libero’s uniform top cannot be made solely of the same predominant color(s) of the team’s uniform top, even if the like color(s) are placed differently on the uniform top.

Illegal Equipment

Safety

• It is illegal to wear any object that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player, including, but not limited to, headgear, jewelry, and unsafe casts or braces. An exception is made for religious medallions or medical identifications. Such medallions or medical identifications must be removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform.
• A guard, cast, or brace made of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, pliable plastic, metal or any other hard substance shall not be worn on the hand, finger, wrist or forearm, even though covered with soft padding
• Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, etc.) on the elbow, upper arm, or shoulder shall be padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less that ½ inch thick. An elbow brace shall not extend more than halfway down the forearm.

Jewelry

• All jewelry must be removed except small secured jewelry (stud or posts). No jewelry will be allowed below the chin and no hoop earrings are allowed. This rule has been adopted by the NCAA, and is highly encouraged to be passed down to lower levels.
• String bracelets, commemorative bracelets, and any body jewelry are considered illegal jewelry and are not permitted.
• Taping over other jewelry is not permitted.

Headgear

• Hair-control devices and other adornments in the hair must be securely fastened and do not present increased risk to player, teammates, and opponents. Hair barrettes are permitted as a means of securing the hair; it is not necessary that the barrette be taped.
• Claw clips & banana clips are not permitted.
• A headband, head tiebacks or bandana worn as a sweatband is permitted; however, hats and other obscure headbands/bandanas are not permitted.
• Braided hair with beads must be secured so as not to present a safety hazard to the player, teammates, or opponents. If the beads are not secured, the team member may not play.

Injuries

• If an injury occurs, stop the game immediately and tend to the injured player. A replay is called. A player with a hard cast on, should not be allowed to play volleyball, even if they pad the cast. Only a small finger splint or cast, padded, which does not gain the player an advantage in contacting the ball, is allowed. Spirit of the Rule: Volleyball is a very safe, non-contact sport. Still a sprained ankle and jammed fingers can happen. Should the team size drop below six players, due to injury or a no show, it is fine to let the team play that short a player. If an injured player is unable to play and a legal or exceptional substitution cannot be made, the referee must grant a special time-out of up to three minutes.

Blood

• If a player incurs an injury that causes bleeding, the 1st or 2nd referee shall immediately stop play. The player shall leave the court for evaluation/treatment. If the player cannot continue play and must be replaced, this should be done within the guidelines. If a player’s uniform becomes saturated with blood, a change of uniform will be authorized. This change should be accomplished as quickly as possible to cause no additional delay to the resumption of play. The replacement uniform should be of a similar color and style. If the referee observes blood on the playing surface or equipment, play shall be stopped immediately and measures taken to clean any contaminated area or equipment using universal precautions.

Team Composition & Rosters

All teams must have coach and player rosters submitted online.

A team shall consist of minimum six (6) players (no more than fifteen (15) on roster) to begin the first set of the match. If a team has fewer than five (5) players to begin the match, a forfeit shall be declared unless Tournament Director discretion says otherwise.

• If a team has five (5) eligible players to start the match, the match shall be played with a loss of rally point being given to the opposing team when the 6th server is set to serve.
• If a team has fewer than six (6) eligible players due to illness or injury after the start of a match, it shall continue play with discretion of loss of rally points given to the match officials.

The roster must be set and verified before a team’s first set of the tournament. No additions may be made to a team’s lineup after the first set of play on the weekend.

• No player may play on 2 different teams in the same event under any circumstances as this will result in a team forfeit for both teams.

Captain:

• A playing captain shall be designated by each team, and this is the only player who may communicate with the match referee(s). If this player is replaced by a substitute, the coach shall designate a player as captain who shall remain as such until substituted for or until the original playing captain returns to the set.
• During a dead ball, a captain may request a timeout, verification of time-outs used, and verification of own team’s serving order.

Play at the Net & Double Contact

Net

Contact with the net or antenna by a player is not a fault, unless it is made during an action of playing the ball, or it interferes with the play. Playing the ball may include actions in which the player(s) does not actually touch the ball.

• If the ball is driven into the net with such force that it causes the net or antenna to contact a player, no fault is committed.
• It is not a fault if a player’s hair contacts the net.

Center Line

Encroachment into the opponent’s side of the court with the foot, feet or hand(s) is permitted, provided some part of the encroaching extremity remains in contact with or directly above the center line, and there is no interference with the opponent. If any body part completely crosses the center line, it is a fault.

• A ball will be considered OUT if it completely crosses the center line extended outside of the antenna. A ball may NOT be played outside the antenna in the opponent’s free zone on any number attempts (no running around pole/under outside of net to other side to save a ball)

Double Contact

Double contact is a judgment call in volleyball in which a player (typically the setter) contact’s the ball twice in one attempt. Judgment calls are to the discretion of the match referee(s) and may not be disputed by a coach or captain – no exceptions.

• Spin does not mean double contact.
• Double contact may only happen on the second or third hit. There is no double contact on first contact.
• Double contact can be called on any player. Match referee(s) will not give leeway for non-setters, third hits, or on set points.
• This is a judgement call. No judgement calls may be argued with the match official(s). An unsporting conduct card may be issued for arguing a judgement call.

Serve, During Play & Substitutions

Serve

• After a dead ball, the first official (R1) will beckon for the next serve when ready for play.
• Serving rules per age group:
  • 14u & Under:
    • The server will receive 5 seconds to serve the ball.
    • A server will only be allowed one re-serve per service rotation.
  • 15u & Older:
    • The server will receive 8 seconds to serve the ball.
    • A server will NOT be allowed a re-serve at any point during their service rotation.
  • SPECIAL RULE 12U & Under:
    • All 12 & Under age divisions will follow the 14 & Under service rule unless otherwise communicated by the Tournament Director before the tournament.
    • If the special 12U & Under rule is in effect as communicated by the Tournament Director before the tournament, the special rule states as followed: a player in the 12U & Under division may take one step into the court for the serve if serving underhand. Player must start her body behind the line completely and only step into the court on the action of the serve.
    • If the player is serving overhand, she must stay completely behind the line while serving.
    • This is a modified rule from AAU rules to promote the growth & pace of play for younger age groups.
• A tossed ball that contacts a backboard or any supports hanging in a vertical positions over the serving area is an illegal serve and not eligible for re-serve.
• A re-serve is considered to be a part of a single attempt to serve. Therefore, after the first referee’s signal for service, no requests for time outs, service order, lineup, substitutions, libero replacement, etc. may be recognized until after the ball has been served.
• Libero Service Rule Application-Scoring and Libero Tracking, Two liberos will be allowed in a line-up. The liberos can be changed each set.  Either libero can serve, but only in one position, designated as the serving position, by replacing the player who is in position No. 1 at that time.  When the libero serves, the points scored are marked in the running score with a triangle rather than a slash.  The first time a team’s libero serves in a set, a triangle is placed around the Roman numeral (I-VI) listed in the SERVICE ORDER Section where the libero served. This indicates the only rotation where the liberos can serve for the rest of that set.  The Assistant Scorekeeper will place a triangle around the service order position where the libero served. 

During Play

• A back row attack is when one of three back row players contacts the ball. A back row attack is considered illegal when a back row player attacks the ball completely above the height of the net and the player’s last contact with the floor was on or in front of the ten foot line and its extension.
• A replay is considered to be a port of a single play action. Therefore, after the first referee’s signal for service, no requests for time outs, service order, lineup, substitutions, libero replacement, etc. may be recognized until after the ball has been served.

Substitutions

• A team is allowed maximum twelve (12) substitutions per set, including the deciding set, not counting libero replacements.
• A libero may only serve in one serving spot per serving order.
• Please be mindful of working teams by assisting with showing numbers to scoring table & waiting for the R2 to release you into the court.

Work Team Requirements

Each match will include a work team – a 3rd team that helps officiate a match.

Each team is required to provide the following

• 2 Line Judges
• 1 Scorekeeper
• 1 Scorebook Keeper
• 1 Libero Tracker
• 1 R2 / Down Referee
  • Note: 14U Age groups & under MUST have a coach R2 their match or the Tournament Director can hand down a punishment at a case-to-case basis. A player is allowed to R2 / Down Referee only if they are 15U and older – showing a training certificate is NOT required to do so, but highly encouraged.

Players working must have previous scorebook training.

Players are to work diligently with the Head Official and officiate the match fairly.

Bracket Play

Typically during Bracket Play, if your team loses its match, you will stay on the court to referee the next game. Please view the bracket to see your potential referee assignments.

Late Penalty

A team arriving late for its work match will be assessed a penalty if they have not arrived after the scheduled game time with 6 eligible players OR 5 eligible players and a Certified Coach.

1st Penalty = 1 point lost in next game Set 1 for every minute late, up to 10 minutes
2nd Penalty = Lost of Set 1 of next match if no show after 10 minutes
3rd Penalty = 1 point lost in next game Set 2 for every minute late, up to 10 more minutes
4th Penalty = Forfeiture of next match & $50 fine

Developmental Rules

Developmental Rules are only applicable to divisions labeled “Developmental”. They do not apply to regular tournaments/divisions.

Developmental Rules are in place in spirit of the game. Coaches, parents, & fans should be weary of the process players are going through to learn the game of volleyball the correct way in the safest way possible. 2D Sports’ goal is to develop and grow the game of volleyball for all ages and genders. These rules will be enforced on a tournament-by-tournament basis and will be clearly stated by the Tournament Director.

Serve

To encourage development of all players, 2D Sports will be implementing a ‘5 Serve Rule’ where a player will give up their serve after 5 serves in a row, even without service being broken. The serving team will rotate and the next player in rotation will serve. This will help develop players’ serving & serve receive skills without having one player takeover the game.

Players are allowed a “one step in” the court on a serve.

Substitutions

Substitutions are unlimited, and if possible, should be done as close to the normal substitutions rules & procedures as possible (inside 10ft line and wait for R2 whistle). Coaches – please take the time to show players how to properly substitute.

Ball Handling Faults

Prolonged contact and double contact should be given leniency during rallying.

Net Play

Players may not touch the net, unless the ball drives the net into them. The most common injury in volleyball occurs during play at the net. Emphasis will be given on teaching players how to be aggressive at the net while also being safe from injury.

Seeding / Tie Breaker

Seeding and Tie Breaker Rules

1. Pool play overall match record (match percentage)
2. Head to Head or 3-Way Tiebreaker
   1. If two teams are tied – Head to Head winner is higher seed. If neither teams played each other, go to #3
   2. If three teams are tied – the team that beat the other 2 teams is the higher seed OR the team that lost to the other 2 teams is the lower seed. If none of these occur, go to #3. (No head to head matchups of any kind are accounted for in a 3-way tiebreaker)
3. Pool play overall set record (set percentage)
4. Sets Won in Pool Play
5. Sets Lost in Pool Play
6. Points Scored in Pool Play
7. Points Allowed in Pool Play
8. If still tied – Points scored by tally until one team score more points than the other team at any given time.
9. If still tied – Coin flip

Second place teams will always be taken ahead of 3rd place teams for wild cards, 3rd place ahead of 4th place, etc.

Forfeit

Any forfeit in pool play will result in the forfeiting team being placed as the last seed in the tournament.

The tournament committee will rule on all forfeits. No team should benefit from the result of a forfeit in an unfair manner. This rule could result in a dispute and the tournament committee reserves the right to look at and rule in the fairest possible way. The committee’s decision will be final.

Official Protest

It is the coaches’ decision if he/she wants to protest a ruling during a game. The official rules of protesting a game must be adhered to for the protest to be considered. A coach/team cannot protest based on an official’s judgment call.

The Tournament Director and/or the Head Official will make the final decision on a protest.

Coach / Fan Ejection Policy

2D Sports ‘Back the Officials’ policies

1. Zero tolerance policy on verbal and physical abuse of the match officials; including profanity or consistent berating of officials during the game
2. Zero tolerance policy on verbal and physical abuse/altercations with opposing coaches and fans; including profanity or consistent verbal altercations throughout the game
3. Zero tolerance policy on verbal and physical abuse of event staff; including facility workers, directors, and event staff

In the event of an altercation

• One warning will be issued by match official(s) and/or director
• If behavior continues, fan will be ejected along with the head coach of the team

4. Zero tolerance policy on excessive ejections of coaches from games.

In the event of a coach ejection

The director and official will review the ejection; if deemed excessive, the coach will be suspended a minimum of 1 game (at the discretion of the director)

Insurance

Insurance bought by 2D Sports Volleyball to host tournaments will cover all teams, players, spectators, officials, etc. It is NOT REQUIRED and will be at NO EXTRA COSTS for clubs/teams to play in a 2D Sports Volleyball tournament if they have insurance under USAV/AAU/JVA. You WILL NOT need to purchase a new insurance policy for your club/teams if you play in a 2D Sports Volleyball tournament.

Questions? Contact stephanie@2dsports.org

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation Policy

If a coach/manager removes his team less than 2-week prior to a tournament, that team forfeits the full tournament entry fee.

Inclement Weather Procedure

In the event of inclement weather, an email and/or text message will be sent to the contact submitted online of each participating team; updated information will be posted on volleyball.2dsports.org and the mobile app regarding any changes in schedule.

Refund Policy

After a team has played one complete game, there will not be a refund/credit. If the tournament is canceled (or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances) and no games are played, the team will get a full credit towards a future event.