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Rules
Game rules for each event, and the rules everyone follows on the day. Captains, please share these with your team.
Indoor volleyball
Teams
- 6 players on court. Rosters of 6 to 12 players.
- A team may start a match with 5 players; with fewer than 5 at the scheduled start, the match is forfeited after a 5-minute grace period.
- Players may only appear on one team’s roster. Rosters lock when pool play begins.
- Every player must have a signed waiver before playing.
Format
- Pool play: each team plays every other team in its pool. Pool matches are one set to 25 points, win by 2, unless the organizers announce otherwise on the day.
- The top teams from each pool advance to knockouts (quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final).
- Knockout matches are best of three sets: sets one and two to 25, a deciding third set to 15, all win by 2.
- Rally scoring: a point is scored on every serve.
Pool rankings
- Teams are ranked by matches won, then set ratio, then point ratio, then the result between the tied teams.
- Rankings are calculated automatically on the live scores page.
Play
- FIVB indoor rules apply unless stated here.
- Underhand or overhand serve from behind the end line. One serve attempt per rotation.
- Teams rotate clockwise when they win back the serve.
- Net touches during play are faults. Crossing the centre line is a fault if the whole foot crosses.
- Libero use is allowed in knockout matches if declared to the scorekeeper before the match.
- Each team gets one 30-second timeout per set.
- Teams switch sides after each set. In a deciding set, teams switch at 8 points.
Referees and scoring
- Each match has a referee and a scorekeeper. Off-duty teams may be asked to supply a line judge.
- The referee’s call is final. Only the captain may ask the referee for a clarification, calmly and between rallies.
- Scores are entered courtside and appear live online. Captains confirm the final score with the scorekeeper.
Women’s throwball
Teams
- Women’s teams only. 7 players on court, rosters of up to 10.
- A team may start with 6 players; with fewer than 6 at the scheduled start, the match is forfeited after a 5-minute grace period.
- Every player must have a signed waiver before playing.
Format
- Pool play followed by knockouts.
- Pool matches are one set to 15 points; knockout matches are best of three sets to 15, all win by 2, unless the organizers announce otherwise.
Play
- The ball is caught with both hands and thrown back over the net with one hand, within 3 seconds.
- The ball may not be passed between teammates; the player who catches it throws it.
- A point is lost if the ball is dropped, thrown into the net, thrown out of bounds, held too long, or caught by two players together.
- Service is a one-handed throw from behind the service line. Service changes when the serving team loses a point.
- Players may not touch the net or step over the centre line.
Referees
- The referee’s decision is final. Captains may ask for clarification between points.
Kids fancy dress competition
Entry
- Free entry for children aged 2 to 14, registered online by a parent or guardian.
- Age groups: 2 to 5, 6 to 9, and 10 to 14. Groups may be combined if entries are low.
- Check in at the kids desk at least 30 minutes before the parade. The parade time is announced the week before.
On stage
- Each child gets up to one minute on stage. A short line, pose, dance or dialogue is welcome.
- A parent or guardian stays nearby throughout and helps the child on and off stage.
- Props must be safe and handheld: no sharp edges, real weapons, open flames, glitter bombs or confetti.
- Costumes should be family friendly.
Judging
- Judges score creativity, effort, confidence and presentation.
- Winners in each age group receive prizes, and every child receives a participation gift.
- The judges’ decisions are final.
Event rules
Check-in
- Team check-in opens at 7:30 AM. The first serve is at 8:00 AM.
- Captains check in their team at the desk. Every player’s waiver must be signed before their first match; players can sign online or on a phone at the desk.
- Match times are estimates. Stay near your court and watch the live scores page or your email for “you’re up next” alerts.
Fees and refunds
- Your spot is confirmed when your entry fee is received.
- Full refund if you withdraw before November 1, 2026. After that, fees are refundable only if we can fill your spot.
- If the event is cancelled by the club, all fees are refunded in full.
Conduct
- Respect referees, scorekeepers, volunteers, opponents and spectators. Abuse of any kind can lead to removal from the tournament without refund.
- No alcohol, smoking, vaping or drugs anywhere on school property.
- Indoor non-marking shoes only on the courts. Outdoor shoes stay off the playing surface.
- Food and drinks other than water stay in the food area, away from the courts.
- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Leave the venue as you found it. Use the bins and recycling.
Safety
- First aid is available at the organizers’ desk.
- Tell an organizer immediately about any injury, however small.
- Play stops at once if anyone enters the court during a rally.
Disputes
- Raise any issue with the referee first, then the tournament director at the organizers’ desk.
- The tournament director’s decision is final.
The organizers may adjust formats on the day to keep the schedule on time. Any change is announced to captains before it applies.