University of Chicago

Revised: Fall 2021

Match Format

• Match = Best of 3 games
  • If only 2 games are needed, teams may choose to play a 3rd set for fun (time permitting).
  • Captains will shoot-it-out to determine serving team for 1st (and, if necessary, 3rd) games.
• Games will be played to 21 points. 3rd games, if needed, will be played to 15 points.
  • Teams must win by 2 points.
    • Or first team to 27 points (games 1 & 2) or 21 points (game 3)
• 45-minute time limit for all matches.
• One 30-second timeout per team, per game.

Teams/Rosters

• 6 players on the court per team.
  • Coed = At least 3 female-identifying players on the court
• A team may begin/play with as few as 4 players.
  • Coed = At least 2 female-identifying players on the court (when playing with 4/5)
• Players must be listed on the online/printed roster to play.
  • All players will check in with the IM Official or Supervisor prior to game time.
• Only the team captain should address an official regarding a call/question/clarification.
• Proper attire (tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirt, etc.) is required.
• Substitutions may be made during any dead ball situation.
  • Once a player loses the serve, they may not serve again for a full rotation (6 spots)
  • Substitutions should enter in the same, predetermined court position
• Following a side out, team members will rotate one position clockwise.

Scoring & Game Play

• Rally scoring will be used, meaning teams can score points regardless of which team served.
• Maximum of three hits per side, per possession (a block is not considered a hit).
• A player may not hit the ball twice in succession (a block is not considered a hit).
• A back row player may not attack/block from in front of the 10-foot line.
• No switching positions between front row and back row players.
• A serve that hits the top of the net and goes over is in play.
• A ball landing on the boundary line is considered in-play.
• A ball that contacts a basketball backboard is considered out-of-play and a point shall be awarded to the other team.

Serving

• Each team member should serve (in turn) and has only one try to hit the ball over the net; a full side out rotation (6 spots) must be made after loss of service before a player serves again.
• Server must be behind the end line when contacting the ball.
• Serves may be underhand, overhand or sidearm.  A serve may not be blocked.
• A serve may hit the net as long as the ball continues over to the other side.
• At serve, all participants must hold their respective court positions.

Fouls/Violations

• Illegal serves and/or serving out of turn.
• Touching the net or reaching under the net to interfere w/an opponent.
• Stepping over the center line.
• Spiking or blocking the ball in front of the 10-foot line when playing in the back row.
• Catching, lifting or holding the ball (while in play).
• Contacting the ball in an underhand motion with a completely open hand.
• Failure to return the ball over the net in three or fewer contacts.
• Interfering with the intended set of the opposing team.