Volleyball Game Management Manual

1. Balls

The home team will provide game balls for all conference matches. Match balls shall be the Tachikara SV5W, the Baden 15-0, or the Spaulding Ultima TL 4000.

2. Conference Champion

  1. Volleyball is considered a conference sport in which a champion is declared so long as eight or more Conference representatives sponsor teams.
  2. The Conference champion shall be the team winning the conference tournament at the end of the season. In the event, there is no conference tournament, the Administrator Coordinator shall determine the conference champion by reviewing all member’s records.

3. Conference Schedule

  1. The Conference schedule shall be a maximum twelve-week double-round robin. The schedules shall consist of home and away schedule for each team played during tournament play on weekends or home/away matches.
  2. Conference matches with opponents in each division shall be played as scheduled. Each team is responsible for scheduling a home and an away match with each member team within their division.
  3. Conference match play shall be the best three best of five games. All games, other than the deciding game, shall be twenty-five (25) points, rally scoring. The deciding game shall be fifteen (15) points rally scoring. There is no cap on any games.
  4. Matches between Conference members that do not count towards divisional play are not considered part of the Conference schedule.
  5. The Administrative Coordinator will consider request for changes in the Conference schedule based upon final examination conflicts. Request for special accommodations in the Conference schedule, such as a regularly bye based upon final exam conflicts should be considered at the time schedules are developed. If such requests are approved, the institutions shall not schedule non-Conference matches for the re-arranged Conference matches.

4. Contracts

  1. The Conference volleyball schedule shall be verified by a written contract from the host institution.

 

5. Facilities and College Management

  1. Any game, whether Conference, divisional, non-divisional or non-collegiate opponents, shall be conducted under college management on the home grounds of one of the competing teams, or on ground which, during the game, are under the control of a collegiate institution, except as authorized by the Administrative Coordinator.
  2. The term "games" shall include every character of athletic contest included by the university among its club sports. The term "ground" shall include every kind of place capable of being used for playing any games as defined above. The term "home grounds" shall mean the grounds on which one of the competitors customarily and regularly plays its home games.

6. Financial Settlements

Each conference member shall pay its own expenses for scheduled contest unless otherwise mutually agreed.

Any school not meeting their financial obligations shall be subject to the following penalties:

  1. Member school shall maintain a deposit of not less than $100 and not greater than $300 with the Administrative Coordinator for a period of two years after the occurrence.
  2. Any team that does not meet officiating responsibilities must pay immediately to the Administrative Coordinator or its designate a deposit as outlined in 6.1 above.
  3. Any member school that defaults during the year must immediately pay to the Administrative Coordinator or its designate a security deposit as outlined in 6.1 above. This security deposit will remain on hand for a period of three years after the occurrence. The Conference Administrative Coordinator will pay any travel expenses, via ground transportation, incurred by opponents and the expenses reimbursed by the offending institution.

7. Game Administration

  1. The "playing area" shall include the court a minimum of six feet clearance surrounding the court and both bench areas. No one other than players, coaches, staff and officials shall be allowed within this area during play.
  2. The host institution shall be responsible for securing the "playing area" from spectators before, during and after the match. (Team should have an opportunity to warm-up, cool-down and meet briefly following the match without being approached by spectators.)
  3. The court manager should insure that the serving area remains free of spectators during play. (In some arenas, the serving area extends beyond the six foot clearance.) Spectators should not be allowed to walk through this area while a player is preparing to serve.

8. Home and Travel Squad Limits

  1. The travel squad size for volleyball shall be limited to 18. The home squad size shall be unlimited.
  2. An athlete who is not eligible for competition shall not travel with the team in any capacity to an off-campus site, regardless of whether the athlete offers to pay an appropriate share of the travel expenses.
  3. If less than the permissible number of athletes travel to a contest, the club may transport a replacement for an injured or ill athlete.
  4. In an extraordinary situation, a petition for waiver of a travel limitation may be submitted to the Administrative Coordinator.
  5. Total number of members of an official party, beyond the squad size, shall be at the discretion of the individual team.
  6. Only members of the official travel squad shall be eligible to compete in an intercollegiate club competition.
  7. It is permissible for two sections of the same team to compete as separate teams at contests so long as the total number of participants does not exceed the Conference travel squad limit.

9. National Club Championship Automatic Qualification Representative

  1. Upon implementation of the National Club Championships regional play-off system, the Conference champion shall be the Conference designee for automatic qualification into the National Club Championships.
  2. In the event of a tie, the Conference representative to automatically qualify for the National Club Championship shall be determined by:
    1. Head to head Conference match results
    2. Percentages of games won or lost between (among) tied teams during Conference competition if still tied.
    3. Game percentages in all Conference matches if still tied.
    4. Point differential or head-to-head competition (between) and /or among tied teams) if still tied. This is the International Volleyball Federation System. It requires that all points won in head-to-head competition by divided by all points lost.
    5. Using the International Volleyball Federation System against all Conference teams, if still tied.
    6. Flip of the coin if still tied.

10. Officials

  1. Appointment and Assignment
    1. Conference registered officials shall be used for all Conference Divisional volleyball competitions.
    2. A person shall not be appointed or retained as a volleyball official if that person's other employment or conditions might affect the efficiency or quality of the person's officiating.
    3. The Conference shall use the USAV to train and evaluate officials for volleyball competition.
    4. Only USAV/NAGWS rated and registered officials shall be used for divisional matches.
    5. Each club will send a list of potential officials to the Administrative Coordinator for approval.
  2. Fees and Expenses
    1. The Administrative Coordinator shall establish the fee and rate of expenses for volleyball officials.
    2. A minimal fee of $25.00 per match for the first official shall be paid for all Divisional matches.
    3. The Conference office shall not pay any fees for volleyball officials. Each institution must pay volleyball officials for services rendered on its behalf.
    4. The Conference office shall pay all fees for volleyball officials for the Conference tournament.
  3. Officials Attire
    1. Volleyball officials shall wear an all white shirt that tucks in, navy blue slacks, white shoes and white socks.
    2. Line judges and scorekeepers are considered to be a volleyball official and must also be dressed appropriately.
    3. This item is waived when participating in tournament play and the officials are being utilized from the teams.
  4. Standby Officials
    1. Each Conference institution shall identify in writing to the Administrative Coordinator the names, addresses and telephone number of standby (emergency) officials for volleyball. This is to take place prior to 01 January of each year.
    2. If standby officials are used to officiate a match, a written explanation must be submitted to the Administrative Coordinator within 48 hours after the match has been played.
  5. Non-Conference Tournament Officials (Season Tournaments)
    1. Each team will be responsible for providing registered officials during non-conference tournament play. Officials must become registered and pass current certification requirements as established by the NCR USAV or by the Conference. All officials are required to attend an annual clinic sponsored by the NCR USAV or the NIVC Conference.
    2. Each team must have a minimum of three registered referees and three registered scorekeepers
    3. Any additional officials are up to the discrepancies of the team.
    4. Officials must meet all certification requirements (See attached protocol sheet.)
    5. Teams not meeting certification requirements will immediately be fined $100.00 and further participation in the league will not be allowed until fine has been paid. Teams will also pay $35.00 per match for each match scheduled to play to pay approved certified officials to handle officiating responsibilities.
    6. Teams will forfeit all pre-paid tournament registration fees and be held financially responsible for any tournaments pre-registered.
  6. Annual Certification Requirements
    1. The league office in conjunction with requirements set by North Country Region USAV volleyball association will establish annual certification requirements.
  7. Registration Procedures
    1. Each team pays $20.00 for each registered official
    2. Attend clinic and pass USAV test by 31 Jan of the current conference playing season.
    3. Complete certification process by 28 Feb of the current conference playing season.
    4. Commissioner registered officials with USAV.
    5. Administrative Commissioner must approve exemptions or exceptions.

11. Playing Rules

  1. USAV rules shall be used for all Conference competition.
  2. All matches will be three of five unless in tournament the Administrative Coordinator has approved play or triangular play or a different schedule.
  3. All games will be rally scoring.
  4. Proposals for rules interpretations and modifications recommended by the Conference coaches shall be subject to approval by the Conference Administrative Coordinator.
  5. Any exception or deviations from the rules must meet the approval of the Administrative Coordinator.

12. Policy and Protocol for Match Conduct

  1. The competition facility shall comply with standards for nets as outlined in the Official United States Volleyball Rules.
  2. Consistent protocol shall be used as follows: (for a match starting 7:30 p.m. Modify for the appropriate time to ensure match starts on time) See NIVC Protocol sheet for additional instructions.

Times

  
6:30 - 7:05 Latest times for teams to arrive at facilities
6:45 Shared Court
7:00 Coin Toss
7:05 - 7:12 Shared Hitting
7:12 - 7:17 Serving Team Hitting
7:17 - 7:22 Receiving Team Hitting
7:22 - 7:24 Serving
7:25 Starters on End Line
National Anthem
Introduction of Non-Starters Visiting Team
Introduction of Starters Visiting Team
Introduction of Non-Starters Home Team
Introduction of Starters Home Team
Captains shake hands at net
All players shake hands at net

Match begins
  1. A visible timing device will be at the scorer's table or on the scoreboard for pre-game protocol.
  2. Two line judges are to be supplied by the home team. Line judges shall be dressed in white shirts, navy pants, and white socks and white tennis shoes.
  3. One hour of closed practice time may be available (preferably at playing site) on the day of the match if it can be arranged by the institution. Visiting teams must request practice time a minimum of two weeks prior to the match.
  4. All Conference matches can utilize a five to ten minute intermission between games two and three if mutually agreed upon prior to the start of the match. This time is to be used for special events, promotions, etc. If this has not been decided prior to the match, the three minute intermission time period will be utilized.
    1. The five minute intermission shall begin with the officials whistle which ends game two.
    2. If the court is not being used for promotional activities, team members may practice on the court providing their warm-up activities are directed towards their bench or end of the court area.
    3. If the teams leave the bench area, the court manager shall notify each team when one minute remains in the intermission.
    4. Official box scores shall be available no later than 30 minutes following the match.

13. Protest of Officials' Decisions

Protest will be considered only as designated by the USAV Rules and must be submitted in writing to the Administrative Commissioner.

14. Responsibility of the Host Institution

The host institution shall provide the following:

  1. Information packet to the visiting team which shall include:
    1. Parking arrangement, parking information and directions
    2. Time which the arena will be available for entrance and which door the visitors should enter
    3. Arrangements for meeting the visiting team to show them locker rooms and meeting rooms
    4. Time which the arena will be available for warm-up
    5. Practice time arrangements (if possible, if requested two weeks prior to the match)
    6. Area of the arena where videotape equipment may be set up.
  2. Designated locker/shower facilities and parking arrangements for officials at all matches.
  3. Private locker rooms and/or meeting rooms for the visiting team. If the locker room is an area of a large locker room which is open to the public, a private meeting room should be available for team meetings.

15. Safety Regulations

Jewelry shall not be worn during practice or competition.

16. Score sheets

Official score sheets to be utilized for all Conference matches must be purchased from the Conference Office.

17. Unsporting Conduct

  1. It shall be the responsibility of each member to ensure that all of its players and all individuals directly associated with it comport themselves in a sporting like manner when representing their university, especially at intercollegiate athletic contest.
  2. Unsporting conduct shall subject the individual disciplinary action. The member institution with which the offending individual is associated may also be subject to disciplinary action if it is found that the member institution's policies, actions, or failure to act substantially contributed to the individual's misconduct.
  3. Acts of unsporting conduct and individual penalties

Acts of unsporting conduct shall include, but not be limited to:

    1. Striking or attempting to strike or otherwise physically or verbally abusing an official, opposing coach, spectator or athlete. Any person committing such an act shall be subject to a public reprimand and suspended for up to five (5) contests, as the Administrative Coordinator deems appropriate, for the first offense, suspended for such number of additional contests, not to exceed ten, as the Administrative Coordinator deeps appropriate, for an additional similar offense.
    2. Intentionally, or with careless disregard for one's conduct, inciting participating or spectators to violent or abusive action. Violators shall be subject to a suspension and no less than two contest and no more than ten contests for an additional similar offense, as the Administrative Coordinator deems appropriate.
    3. Using obscene gestures or profane or unduly provocative language or action towards an official, student, coach or spectator. Violators may be subject to a game disqualification for the first offense, and a suspension for two contests for an additional similar offense.
    4. Publicly and unduly criticizing a game official, conference personnel, another member institution, or any of its personnel. Violators shall be subject to disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the Administrator and/or team officials.
    5. Committing any act or unsporting conduct not specifically described above. Violators shall be subject to any of the described penalties that the Administrative Coordinator determines most suitable addresses the conduct involved. In addition to any penalty that may be assessed, the Administrative Coordinator may take such remedial action believed to be proper to deter any future unsporting conduct.
  1. Discipline.
    1. Any player that receives three or more individual yellow cards for unsporting conduct during the season will be suspended immediately by the league. Player(s) can no longer participate until a written letter of re-instatement has been issued by League. Player(s) may appeal in writing within 10-calendar day to League for reinstatement or explanation for removal of sanctions.
    1. Reinstatement letters will be sent to Team Representatives and Player(s).
    2. Suspension letters will be mailed to all Team Representatives.
    1. Any player that receives two or more individual red cards for unsporting conduct during the season will be suspended immediately by the league. Players(s) may no longer participate until the League has issued a written letter of reinstatement. Players(s) may appeal in writing within 10 calendar days to League for reinstatement or explanation for removal of sanctions.
    2. Any team that allows a player to participate while suspended will forfeit all matches and be subjected to a fine not to exceed $100. Fines must be paid prior to further participation in the League.

18. Theft

  1. Any individual found guilty of theft from institutions, individuals, teams or any personnel connected with the Conference shall be immediately dismissed from further participation in the Conference for a period not to exceed one year from the date of dismissal.
  2. A letter of reprimand shall be sent to the individual and Office of Student Life at the appropriate institution.

19. Starting Time for Matches

  1. The host institution shall establish the starting time for all home Conference matches.
  2. Conference matches should not be played earlier than 7:00 p.m. during the week, where possible.
  3. The Administrative Coordinator must receive written notification of any contest time changes from the original submitted schedules. Unless the time changes are a deviation from the policies set forth in this section, it is not necessary for them to be approved by the Conference.
  4. Matches during the weekend should not start prior to 10:00 a.m. unless they are matches during tournament or triangular play.
  5. None of the above mentioned starting times are applicable to tournament play or the conference tournament.

20. Uniforms

There shall be specific color jerseys for home and away. If teams are utilizing two uniforms, light uniforms should be used for home teams and dark uniforms for visitors. If the institution chooses to use a different system, it must be stated in writing as part of the initial contract with the visiting institution.

21. Unspecified Policies

If there is not stated Conference policy relative to a specific item or question covered in this Manual, it should be directed to the Administrative Coordinator for interpretation.

Conference Awards and Honor System for Volleyball
 
Team Championships One team award for the Conference Champion. Conference Champion will be refunded Conference entry fee if not participating in the NIRSA Tournament.

One team award for each Division winner at the Conference Tournament

One runner-up award for the Gold Division

Third & Fourth Place awards at Conference Tournament
Individual Championship Awards: Awards provided by the Conference for members of Conference Championship Team
All-Conference Team: 12 players, including two setters are voted by the coaches. (Honorees receive conference certificates)
All Tournament Team: 12 players, as voted on by the coaches at the conference tournament. (Honorees will receive certificates)

 

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Last updated 30 Jan 2000
by Jose' Jones