Rules

6.1 Team Composition & Player Roles

• A maximum of 10 registered players per team.
• All players must wear matching jerseys. Liberos may wear a contrasting alternate jersey if used.
• A maximum of six (6) players shall be on the court at any time.
• One player shall be designated as the team captain.
• Coaching staff must remain within the designated bench area.

6.2 Match Format & Scoring System

• Matches are played to the best of five (5) sets (Grand Final Only).
• Round Robin & Semis: 1-hour timer.
• 10-minute warm-up before each match.
• 10-minute grace period for late arrival before forfeit.
• A set is won by the team that first scores twenty-five (25) points with a minimum two-point advantage.
• The deciding (fifth) set is played to fifteen (15) points with a two-point advantage; swap sides at the 7th mark point.
• Rally point scoring is used; a point is awarded on every rally.

6.3 Rotation, Positioning & Service Rules

• Players must maintain correct rotational positions at the moment of service.
• After the serve, players may move freely within their court.
• The server shall serve from within the service zone without touching or crossing the end line prior to contact.
• A rotational fault results in the opponent being awarded the point and service.

6.4 Faults, Violations & Penalties

• A fault is committed when a team fails to play the ball in accordance with the rules.
• Common faults include: four hits, double contact, held ball, ball out, net touch, or back-row attack fault.
• Service faults include foot faults, serving out of order, and failing to deliver the serve correctly.
• Any misconduct or delay of the game may result in sanctions as per the referee's discretion.

6.5 Role-Specific Rules

• Setter — directs play and second contact; subject to all ball-handling rules.
• Spiker — may attack from the front zone; back-row players may only attack from behind the attack line.
• Libero — a defensive specialist — cannot complete an attack hit above net height or serve, block, or attempt to block.

6.6 Captain & Coach Guidelines

• The team captain represents the team on the court and may request rule clarifications in a courteous manner.
• The coach controls team tactics and substitutions but must remain within the designated coaching zone.
• Unsporting conduct by either shall be sanctioned progressively: warning, penalty, expulsion, or disqualification.

6.7 Substitution & Timeout Procedures

• Each team is entitled to a maximum of twelve (12) substitutions per set, excluding Libero replacements.
• Substitutions must occur during dead balls and with the second referee's authorisation for the Grand Final, but for regular games, it's the first referee.
• Each team may request two (2) timeouts per set, each lasting thirty (30) seconds.
• Improper requests shall be rejected without delay and may be sanctioned if repeated.

6.8 Conduct & Sportsmanship Code

• All participants shall uphold integrity, fairness, and respect, reflecting the faith-based spirit of the Invitational.
• Players must demonstrate self-control, honesty, and respect toward referees, opponents, and spectators.
• Coaches are responsible for promoting ethical behaviour and ensuring team compliance with the rules.
• Spectators shall maintain decorum and refrain from disruptive behaviour.
• Acts of aggression, discrimination, or profanity shall result in immediate disciplinary action.
• The Committee reserves the right to impose further sanctions as deemed appropriate.
• SMYM Adelaide South is not liable for theft, equipment damage, or any medical injuries sustained during the event.
• No external food or drink inside the court area.