IVL LEAGUE RULES

  • IVL Leagues run 8-10 weeks long depending on the format and number of teams playing.

    Each night consists of three rounds of matches on each court. A match is two straight sets to 25. Teams are expected to play two matches each night, and ref one.

    Leagues play with the Molten Flistatec ball. Unless otherwise noted, IVL leagues follow USA Volleyball rule handbook, which can be found here.

  • Levels run A → BB → B, from our most competitive division down to our developmental ones - each split into Gold, Silver, and Bronze so you find the right league for you.

    A - Advanced level. Many players have college/club volleyball experience and compete regularly in high-level competition and tournaments.

    BB - Intermediate level. Everybody knows the rules, positions, and strategy. Many have high school/club and tournament experience.

    B - Developmental level. Split into three tiers by experience:

    • Gold - Strongest B teams; pass, set, and hit with authority, no beginners.

    • Silver - Solid fundamentals, no beginners, not quite Gold-level yet.

    • Bronze - New or rebuilding teams still developing core skills.

  • At the end of each season, each league has a one-night playoff, which is typically a single elimination championship bracket, and consolation bracket.

    In order to qualify for playoffs, a player must play on two separate nights during the regular season, for at least two sets each night.

  • The intention of player level restrictions is to create the most competitive and fair environment for all of our leagues.

    Typically, players are allowed to play “down” one level from their highest ability in their primary position.

    For example someone that plays at the A level could play or sub in an A or BB league, but not a B league.

    Ultimately player/league fit decisions are reviewed on a case by case basis and we do our best to keep the leagues balanced and fun for all participants.

    • Played on a women's height net.

    • 3 men and 3 women per team, alternating in rotation. Men cannot attack.

    • There is no rule about either gender having to touch the ball before it goes over the net.

    • If there is only one woman in the front row, another woman is allowed to block at the net but not hit.

    • If a man is in front of the attack line and sends the ball over the net, it must travel in an upward trajectory, whether he's front row or back row.

    • Jump serving is legal.

    • You are allowed to have the following format of players

      • 4 women and 2 men, but only 3 of the women are allowed to play as hitters/blockers and the 4th woman must be identified to the other team and the officiating team before the match begins.

    • Played on a men’s height net.

    • Maximum 4 men, minimum 1 woman per team.

    • There is no rule about either gender having to touch the ball before it goes over the net.

    • Played on a women’s height net.

    • 2 men and 2 women on each team.

    • Men can attack behind the 10-ft line. Men putting the ball over in front of the 10-ft line must have a clear upward trajectory.

    • No open-hand passing on serves, hands must be together.

    • No open-hand tips, or setting the ball over.

    • Girl touch rule: if there is more than one contact on the rally, a woman must be one of those contacts.

  • We offer a range of gyms and venues across the Bay Area, including:

    • San Jose

    • Saratoga

    • Santa Clara

    • Cupertino

    • Sunnyvale

    • Mountain View

    • Los Altos

    • Menlo Park

    See Our Locations Page for more details