PSAL

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Updated for the 2010-2011 season

1. SPORT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

1.1. Season Start Date - March 1, 2012
1.2. Season End Date - June 10, 2012
1.3. Tryout dates - January 3, 2012-January 20, 2012
1.4. Date that all make-up games must be completed - May 1, 2012
1.6. Minimum number of players required to start a game - 6 players
1.7. Times of games
1.7.1. Games will start promptly, unless a change in time is mutually agreed upon by the schools, and is included in the official league schedules, as posted on www.psal.org.
1.7.2. A forfeit will be declared if a team does not show up within 30 minutes of game time.
1.8. All teams are required to complete their league schedules, and all games must be completed by May 1, 2012. 
1.9. Games that are not played by May 1, 2012 will be counted as forfeits for both teams involved. 

2. TRYOUTS & PRACTICE

2.1. Approved tryout dates for all students are allowed between January 3, 2012 and January 20, 2012
2.2. A school may not conduct organized practices prior to March 1, 2012.
2.3. A minimum of six (6) practices are required before a student-athlete may participate in any match.

3. TEAM ROSTERS

3.1. All coaches must electronically submit a Team Roster with Jersey Numbers to www.psal.org ONE WEEK prior to the first scheduled contest of the season (league or non-league). 
3.2. No PSAL team is permitted to compete unless an approved team roster is posted on the website. 
3.3. Failure to submit a roster with jersey numbers will result in a forfeit for each contest played.
3.4. Minimum number of players required to start a game is six (6)

4. CHANGES IN SCHEDULE

4.1. The PSAL office will issue official schedules 
4.2. Coaches have an opportunity to request adjustments or corrections to dates, times, and locations. 
4.3. Any changes in the schedule must be made prior to Thursday, March 8, 2012. 
4.4. The procedure for making any changes prior to Thursday, March 8, 2012 should go to Yolanda Alford, Scheduler via email at Yalford@schools.nyc.gov and with your date requests. 
4.5. Please include the original game number, new date, time and location. 
4.6. All parties involved must be in total agreement, so please contact the opposing coach and agree on a new date before making your request. 
4.7. Everyone must be aware that site availability is a major concern when rescheduling a contest. Your requests will be carefully reviewed and if possible the change will be made 
4.8. AFTER Thursday, March 8, 2012 ONLY EMERGENCY REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER OR SPORTS COORDINATOR.
4.9. NO CHANGE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CHANGED ON THE SCHOOLS SCHEDULE POSTED ON THE PSAL WEBSITE.

5. NON-LEAGUE GAMES

5.1. All coaches are required to email or fax a copy of their team's non-league schedule to, Brenda Morgan at bmorgan2@schools.nyc.gov or fax (718) 707-4224/5 prior to the first scheduled contest (league or non-league).
6. SEVERE WEATHER DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS
6.1. INDOOR SPORTS-ONLY
6.1.1. All games will be played as scheduled, unless cancelled by the PSAL. Check www.PSAL.org after 1:00 PM on game day.
6.2. NO CHANGE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE SCHOOLS' SCHEDULES AND ON THE PSAL WEBSITE.

7. STUDENT- ATHLETES 

7.1. Each student-athlete must have a signed parental consent form on file for each sport before the first day of participation in that sport (tryouts, practice). 
7.2. Each student-athlete must have a current (within one calendar year) medical certificate on file before the first day of participation (tryouts, practices).
7.3. No players may be added to the roster after April 20, 2012. 
7.4. On days of normal school attendance, a student-athlete must be present in school in order to participate in any team practice, scrimmage, league or non-league game, meet, match, contest or tryouts on that day.

8. TEACHER/COACHES

8.1. All coaches MUST attend one of the mandatory coaching clinics. 
8.2. Failure to attend will result in a 2 hour coaching allocation reduction.
8.3. Games cannot proceed unless both coaches are present and the required AED unit is present. All coaches MUST bring their AED unit to all games, practices and scrimmages.
8.4. If the AED unit is NOT present, a coach cannot practice, scrimmage, or play a game. 
8.5. If it is a game situation and neither team has an AED unit, the game will be declared a forfeit and each coach will have 4 hours deducted from his/her allocation.
8.6. Coaches must be present in the gymnasium (field, court) when his/her team is practicing.
8.7. Only the head teacher/coach may speak to the referee in the case of a dispute.
8.8. Each teacher/coach must actively supervise team members, until they are safely away from the site of competition at "away" games. 
8.9. Only a licensed teacher with current First Aid/CPR/ AED may substitute for the assigned teacher coach.

9. VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACHES

9.1. Up to two (2) volunteer assistant coaches are permitted to be on the bench during a game, provided that they are duly authorized by the school principal.
9.2. A letter of authorization from the principal must be affixed to the official scorebook, for inspection by officials and coaches. NO WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PSAL IS REQUIRED.
9.3. If an assistant is to substitute at any time for the Head Coach, the assistant must be in possession of a six digit Department of Education file number and fully certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.
9.4. All pertinent regulations regarding the use of volunteers in the schools must be adhered to. 
10. OFFICIALS 
10.1. All officials will be assigned by the PSAL.
10.2. The PSAL Assignor for Boys Volleyball can be found on the PSAL website.
10.3. Notify the commissioner, sports coordinator and the appropriate assignor by email or phone when an official is late or not present.
10.4. Only officials who have been approved by the PSAL, and whose names appear on the officials' roster may be hired for non-league (as well as league) games.

11. COURTS & FIELDS

11.1. All courts and fields must be approved by the Sports Commissioner and the PSAL, prior to its first usage.
11.2. Teams not using their school sites will designate the sites for home games and notify the PSAL prior to the season by January 20, 2012.
11.3. All courts or fields must have the following (which are the responsibilities of the home team):
11.3.1. In-floor anchored system
11.3.2. Padded net poles
11.3.3. Padded exposed cables
11.3.4. 20' or higher ceiling
11.3.5. Padded referee's stand
11.3.6. Visible scoreboard
11.4. Schools that do not provide the above mentioned items may forfeit their games while in violation.
11.5. Any violations of the above must be reported to the PSAL and the sports commissioner or coordinator immediately.

12. EQUIPMENT

12.1. The volleyball commissioner or coordinator must approve all courts for PSAL league games.
12.2. Regulation Net: The net must be strung taut at 7' 11 5/8" and should be 32' long; poles are outside the court. Vertical tape side markers and net antennas must be properly affixed to the net and are considered to be part of the net.
12.3. Volleyball: Regulation seamless, leather volleyball, Tachikara #SV5 and Mikasa IVBF Official VL2000 are recommended.
12.4. Official Scorebook
12.5. Scorer's table
12.5.1. Scorer's table must be placed at least six (6) feet away from the court and on the same side as the team benches.
12.6. Safety Equipment
12.6.1. AED Unit MUST be present at ALL practices, scrimmages and games
12.6.2. The PSAL recommends that all coaches travel with a team medical bag, which includes the following items:
12.6.2.1. absorbent compress dressings 
12.6.2.2. adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
12.6.2.3. adhesive cloth tape 
12.6.2.4. antibiotic ointment packets 
12.6.2.5. antiseptic wipe packets
12.6.2.6. instant cold compresses
12.6.2.7. non-latex gloves 
12.6.2.8. scissors
12.6.2.9. sterile gauze pads 
12.6.2.10. first aid instruction booklet

13. UNIFORMS

13.1. All players must be in appropriate school uniforms according to the USAV Volleyball Rulebook 
13.2. Officials will be instructed that no player shall start or enter the game unless they in proper uniform.

14. COMPETITIONS

14.1. Home Team
14.1.1. The second team named in the schedule is the home team.
14.1.2. The home team's teacher/coach must confirm the match with the assigned official at least three (3) days prior to the match. The name of the official is listed on the official schedule on www.psal.org.
14.1.3. The home team must provide a safe and private dressing room for officials.
14.1.4. The home team must provide a safe and private dressing area for visiting team members.
14.1.5. The home team must explain any special requirements for their school. They may include: time visiting team may report, appropriate entrance, spectator regulations, etc.
14.1.6. It is recommended that each home team provide written information to visiting schools. 
14.2. Bench Area
14.2.1. The only people permitted in the designated bench are:

• The teacher coach (Varsity and/or Junior Varsity)
• Assistant teacher/coaches (2) authorized by the Principal and published on www.psal.org.
• Student Managers (4 maximum) , only as listed on the team profile
• Team Members, only as listed on the official roster published on www.psal.org
• All other persons and spectators must be seated in the stands.

14.3. Violation of this rule can result in penalties to be determined by the PSAL

15. SCORING AND TIME KEEPING

15.1. Scorer's Responsibility
15.1.1. To keep a running score of all players involved in the game.
15.1.2. Keep track of all time-outs
15.1.3. Must be informed of all substitutions during the game and must list all the substitutes on the score sheet
15.1.4. Notify the official immediately upon determining if a rotational (serving) error has occurred.
15.2. Rally scoring will be used in all games. 
15.3. The teacher/coach must submit the team line-up to the scorer no later than two (2) minutes before the start of a game.
15.4. All 3 games (2 non-deciding games and the 1 deciding game) are won when a team reaches 25 points and in case of a tie, the team must win by two (2) points. 
15.5. The format of a play-off game (to break a tournament tie) will be decided in the same manner as a deciding game. 
15.6. If a protest involves a possible score sheet recording error, the protest must be decided before the next service.
15.7. Each team must supply two line judges.
15.7.1. Line Judges Responsibilities
15.7.1.1. Call balls hit over the end and side lines
15.7.1.2. Call balls hit over the net but outside the antennas
15.7.1.3. Call touches on balls that touch a player before going out of bounds
15.7.1.4. Call foot faults on the serve

16. REGULATION GAME

16.1. Both team's lineups are due at the end of the final timed warm-up period on the court, for game one. The toss for service must be contacted within 8 seconds after the beckon for service. 
16.2. The server is NOT allowed a second toss for service. A served ball that contacts the net and continues to the opponent's side of the net will remain in play. 
16.3. Warm-up areas must be behind the end lines. 
16.4. A team is allowed a total of 18 substitutions and unlimited player entries.
16.5. Players may not change numbers at anytime during a match, once the line-up for the first game has been submitted. 
16.6. The server must be in the service zone or the free zone beyond the end line to serve
16.7. All volleyballs used in a match must have the same specifications.

17. BOX SCORES

17.1. Following each PSAL league contest, coaches are required to complete and submit box scores, within 24 hours, to www.psal.org.

18. FORFEITS

18.1. FOUR (4) hours of pay will be deducted from the teacher/coach's allocation for each forfeit on non-played PSAL League game.
18.2. A forfeit will be declared if a team does not show up within 30 minutes of game time.
18.3. A forfeit will be declared for any team having less than six (6) players suited up for a contest. Under no circumstances are teams to compete with less than six players.
18.4. A forfeited match must be recorded as follows: The first two games on the score sheet must be listed as Game 1:2-0; Game 2:2-0.
18.5. All forfeits must be reported to the Sport's Commissioner and the Assignor within 24 hours of the contest.
18.6. The box score for a forfeited contest will be entered by the Sport's Commissioner.
18.7. Coaches may be subject to further disciplinary action, based upon the circumstances surrounding the forfeit.

19. PROTESTS 

19.1. Protests may only be made if a rule is alleged to have been applied incorrectly, or not applied. 
19.2. No protest of judgment calls may be entered. 
19.3. Coach must verbally inform the lead official of the protest before play commences or resumes. 
19.4. If no official is present, the protesting coach must inform the other coach of the protest before play commences or resumes.
19.5. The protesting coach must ensure that a written statement of protest containing all pertinent information and citing the exact rule or rules, as quoted from the USAV, is signed by both the school's Athletic Director and Principal and postmarked or faxed to the Commissioner within two school days of the infraction. 
19.6. No protest will be reviewed without the required signatures.
19.7. The Commissioner will render a formal decision within two school days of receipt. 
19.8. The protesting coach may appeal the Commissioner's decision by ensuring that a written statement of appeal, containing all pertinent information, signed by both the school's Athletic Director and Principal is postmarked or faxed to the PSAL within two school days of receipt of the Commissioner's decision. 
19.9. No appeal will be reviewed without the required signatures. 
19.10. The PSAL will render a formal decision within two school days of receipt. 
19.11. The decision of the PSAL is final. 

20. DEVELOPMENTAL TEAMS

20.1. A developmental team is as a new team entering the league for the first time or so designated by the PSAL.
20.2. Upon completing their first season, teams will be reviewed by the PSAL and have the option of petitioning the PSAL for "official" status.
20.3. Developmental teams must adhere to all of the rules governing PSAL teams.
20.4. The team record does not count in the Division standings.
20.5. The PSAL will assign a schedule for each developmental team.
20.6. Officials will be paid by the PSAL for each game assigned by the PSAL.

21. EJECTED STUDENT-ATHLETES

21.1. The minimum penalty imposed upon a student-athlete ejected from a PSAL league contest by an official will be a suspension from the next two scheduled PSAL contests (including league, post-season, or special events).
21.2. The official will notify the Sports Commissioner immediately after the contest.
21.3. The teacher/coach must post the student-athlete as INACTIVE on the PSAL website. 
21.4. The teacher/coach of the suspended student-athlete may appeal to the PSAL prior to the subsequent contest, only.
21.5. The PSAL may impose further sanctions if there is evidence that such sanctions are justified.
21.6. The PSAL will notify the teacher/coach of the decision prior to the next scheduled league contest.

22. EJECTED TEACHER/COACHES

22.1. Any teacher/coach who is ejected from the contest must leave the gymnasium (court, field).
22.2. If a certified replacement teacher/coach (Department of Education licensed teacher with current First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications) is not available, the ejected teacher/coach's team will forfeit the contest.
22.3. The Sports Commissioner will notify the PSAL of the ejection immediately after the game.
22.4. The ejected teacher/coach will be suspended:
22.4.1. 1st Ejection during current season- One (1) game suspension for the next scheduled league game (regular season or playoffs)
22.4.2. 2nd Ejection during current season-Two (2) games suspension and subject to further disciplinary action by the Principal, Superintendent and or the PSAL. 

23. BRAWL RULE

23.1. In the event of an altercation, if teacher/coaches lose control of their benches, and both benches clear to participate in the altercation-THAT GAME WILL BE DECLARED A DOUBLE FORFEIT AND BOTH TEAMS WILL FORFEIT A MINIMUM OF THE NEXT 2 SCHEDULED LEAGUE GAMES.
23.2. The PSAL Director may impose further sanctions if there is evidence that such sanctions are warranted.

24. DROPPING TEAMS FROM ACTIVE STATUS

24.1. If a team forfeits 3 games, during the season, for not having the minimum number of players available for a league contest, that teams schedule will be cancelled for the remainder of the season.
24.2. The team's status for the following season will be reviewed by the PSAL.

26. ADDITIONAL SPORT SPECIFIC RULES & REGULATIONS

26.1. It is illegal for a player to enter an adjacent court before, after or while playing the ball. 
26.2. The free space around an adjacent court is a playable area. 
26.3. Serving is not allowed between games. 
26.4. If a colored volleyball is used, at least one third (1/3) of the surface of the ball must be white or light. 
26.5. When the ball is out of play, the coach is allowed to address the referee for the purpose of quickly clarifying a ruling or confirming the number of substitutions or time outs their team has used. 
26.6. Coaches may not enter the substitution zone when instructing players on the court. 
26.7. If a coach enters the substitution zone while the ball is in play it may be considered disruptive coaching. 
26.8. An inadvertent horn is treated as an inadvertent whistle.