UNITY GAMES DUBAI 2019 GENTS VOLLEYBALL
BY-LAWS

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules will be strictly enforced by the UGDXB19VB organizing team and in order to avoid any confrontation or unpleasant exchanges, you are requested to comply with these rules at all times. Should you have any concerns with these rules, you may contact the UGDXB19VB organizing team directly.

Participants shall ensure that the sports are played in a competitive but fair manner, in adherence to the rules and regulations stipulated and in a manner that fosters brotherhood and respect across communities and all brothers.

Participants shall remember that they are first and foremost ambassadors of their respective teams, therefore considering this; you are all urged to act in a manner that befits and adheres to all the tenets and principles of sportsmanship that allows for a successful event.

Indiscipline or inappropriate conduct, abuse either verbally or physically, whether on the field or outside, shall not be tolerated in any way throughout the duration of the games. The UGDXB19VB Organizing Team reserves the right to suspend or disqualify any participant/team/spectator/official, guilty of such behavior, from the games.

Any and all communication with the officials/referees should be carried out by the respective captains only and the decision of the UGDXB19VB organizing team and its marshals and officials is final. Each team shall appoint a ground captain who shall be the only spokesperson during the entire tournament. The ground captain cannot be changed during the tournament, unless due to injury or some other justifiable reason rendering the ground captain unable to play.

Participants are requested to familiarize themselves with these by-laws and timings as well as the format and timings of the games.

These by-laws are subject to change at any time. Any changes shall be communicated to the respective captains in good time. In case of any confusion or misunderstanding, the UGDXB19VB organizing team shall have the final authority to decide on the rules.

All teams and participants are welcome to reach out to any of the UGDXB19 organizing committee for additional information.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO DUBAI!!

FORMAT

We will separately send you the full fixtures including the referee fixtures for the entire tournament. It is important for you to note that each team may be required to referee and provide linesmen for certain games. The rules relating to the provision of such officials are set out in more detail below.

For purposes of the draw of the second round of the CUP tournament only (there is no second round in the PLATE tournament) the teams will be seeded based on their position after the first round (round robin) and we will ensure that, using the formula used in the majority of international tournaments, the winner of the first round (round robin) will benefit from a relatively “easier” draw in the second round.

For any games where there is a best-of-two format, the following scoring will be adopted:

2 STRAIGHT WIN = 3 POINTS
1 – 1 TIE = 1 POINT EACH

Kindly note that all times, game durations, formats and fixtures are provided to you for indicative purposes only and while the UGDXB19VB organizing team will do their best to retain the information as set out in herein, this information will be at the sole discretion of the UGDXB19VB organizing team to change in case of time constraints.

In the First Round (Round Robin) each game won by a team will earn that team 1 point. In the Cup Second Round (two group Round Robin – the above scoring format for a best of two will be adopted). For the avoidance of doubt, quarterfinals, Semi-finals and Finals (for both Cup and Plate) will of course be knock-out rounds.

OUTDOOR TOURNAMENT FORMAT AND FIXTURES

Please follow the format and fixtures sent to you in the separate document.

VENUE
Games will be played at the Iranian Club Outdoor Grass Ground. Please note that two of the outdoor courts will be on grass while one will be on artificial grass (astro-turf). Players are therefore recommended to bring appropriate footwear. Please note that football studs or footwear with any type of spikes will not be permitted, as such the recommended footwear for the outdoor courts is astro-turf shoes. Also, given the time of year and with games being played during daylight hours, you can expect to be exposed to direct sunlight. Appropriate eyewear is therefore recommended.

The outdoor court and net dimensions are as follows (this is a best approximation):

Court width: 34 Feet

Court length: 34.5 Feet (this is the length of one side of the court)

Net height: 8.25 Feet

This is a reminder that smoking, including E-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited in and around the sports premises. In the outdoor venue, designated smoking areas will be set up near to the grounds. In the designated smoking areas, please do not throw cigarette ends except in ashtrays provided.

GENERAL RULES

TEAM

• All teams will be required to have paid their registration and/or accommodation fees according to the rules of the main Unity Games 2019 and in any event, prior to the first game for that team to be considered a registered team.
• Only players registered from the start of the tournament will be allowed to participate in the tournament.
• Each team will be allowed to have up to 11 registered players. A minimum of 4 players per team shall be required to start a game and there shall be no more than a maximum of 10 players per team on the ground at any one time. That means that one player will be a substitute that will be required to wait off the court at any time.
• Player substitutions will only be allowed during a timeout (of any team). Substitutes will be required to be kitted and ready and on the sideline of the court from the start of the game.
• No player shall play or register for more than one volleyball team.
• During the game, only registered players may join the respective team (subject to compliance with all other rules). Joining a game will only be permitted when the ball is dead and following approval of the match referee.
• It is the team Captain’s responsibility to ensure that players are on the court at the scheduled time and/or when called for their games.

The following rules shall apply to absent teams at the start of any matches:

• 1 team absent: At the scheduled start of a game, should one of the teams not be present to start at the referee's whistle, there will be a grace period of 5 minutes for that team to arrive (such 5-minute grace period will NOT be counted towards the duration of that game). If after 5 minutes the team has still not arrived, they will be deemed to have lost that game 21-0. This rule will also apply in the event that one team arrives during the 5-minute grace period and the other team fails to arrive within that 5-minute period.
• Both teams absent: At the scheduled start of a game, should both teams not be present to start at the referee’s whistle, there will be a grace period of 5 minutes for the two teams to arrive (such 5-minute grace period will NOT be counted towards the duration of that game). If after 5 minutes both the teams have still not arrived, then each of them will be awarded zero points and the games will be treated to have finished 0-0.
• The Captain winning the coin toss has the right to elect whether to serve or choose the side of the court for the first game of the match (one choice only). After each game in a particular match (if it is more than best of one game), the teams will cross over the net and play on the other side of the court. To be clear, the next game of the match will commence with the other team serving.
• For the avoidance of doubt, in a best of one game, the teams will NOT switch sides during the game.
• When requested, teams may be required to provide the following officials for certain matches throughout the tournament:

• Referee
• Scoring official
• A minimum of 2 linesmen

Captains must use their best efforts to provide the officials listed above within sufficient time of the start of any match for which they have been requested to referee (for the avoidance of doubt, such time being no later than 5 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the game).

TIMEOUTS

• A timeout may be called at any time during a game.
• No more than, one timeout per team per game can be called. The timeout will last no longer than 2 minutes and will not be included in the game time.
• Teams may request a time out regardless of which team is holding serve.
• A time out may not be called after the referee has blown his whistle for service.
• A time out can only be called on a dead ball and not during a rally.
• In all rounds, for the last one minute of the game, time will be “actual time”. This means, the time will be stopped at the end of the rally and restarted when the referee signals that the team is ready to serve.

SCORING

• Teams can only score points when they hold the service.
• 21 to love (0) marks the end of a game.
• In the event of 20 – 20 score or “game all”, the game score will go to 17 -17 or “seventeen all”. If the game goes to 20 – 20 or “game all” again then the game score will go to 18 – 18 or “eighteen all”. If the game goes to 20 – 20 or “game all” again then the game score will go to 19 – 19 or “nineteen all”. If the game goes to 20 -20 or “game all” again then the above process will repeat itself from 17 – 17 or “seventeen all”.
• In the event of a tie in points in the First Round (Round Robin) and Cup – Second Round group stages, the following rules will apply (in this order) to determine the standing of the relevant tied teams:
  

  1) Points Difference (Points Scored less Points Conceded) for that particular round of group matches.
  2) Points total score in all games of that particular round of group matches.
  3) Points conceded in all games of that particular round group matches.
  4) If there is a two – way tie, Head to Head result will be taken into account.
  5) Coin toss.

IN-PLAY GAME RULES

• The games will be played based on 3 touch rules. 3 touch rules shall be as follows:

  Touch 1: ball played into the net during the rally by any player (1st touch).
  Touch 2: ball played/lifted by any player from the net on that same side (2nd touch).
  Touch 3: ball played by any player on that same side (3rd touch) – which must go over the net for play to continue.

  Please note, for the avoidance of doubt, the 2nd touch in the above scenario may be played directly over the net for play to continue.

• Direct spiking on the first ball to cross the net is permissible.
• No spiking is permitted on the 3rd ball, unless it is to reach to salvage the 3rd ball and played in a non-aggressive manner. The referee’s determination in this regard will be final.
• Playing the ball with a closed fist over one’s head when near the net while reaching to get the ball over the net – IS PERMITTED.
• Ball hitting the net poles is out.
• A third ball hitting any object, such as, among other things, the net pole, the referee’s chair, the net surrounding the court or the bleachers – shall be considered out.
• A player crossing the net line or touching the net is foul during the game.
• If the ball touches any part of the player’s body apart from the hand/wrist or forearm up to the elbow, it is considered a foul.
• For a ball to be considered out, it must land without any player touching it. If the ball is going out, players should not catch the ball before it bounces out however far it is from the court. If a player catches the ball outside the court before it bounces or if the ball touches a player, the point will be given to the other team.
• Ball pressure: at the beginning of each game, the ball pressure will be around 18 – 20 Psi.

The referee will make the judgement call on the pressure of the ball to avoid any disagreement on the exact Psi of the ball. Once the game has started, teams will not be permitted to request for the pressure of the ball to be checked unless in very extreme circumstances rendering the ball unplayable.

• Any part of the ball dropping on the line during service or regular play is valid.
• The ball must cross the net to be considered in.
• Once the time ends and the ball is in play, the referee will use his best endeavors to indicate that it is the last rally, the game will end at the end of that particular rally (i.e. the ball will not be caught at the end of time). In case of a tie, the team holding service wins the game.
• In case of an injury to a player, the time and rally will continue and the player will be required to remove himself from the court if possible. After the point has finished, if required, the referee will stop the game and the game time and the player will be attended to off the court. As little injury time as possible will be called by the referee, only if absolutely required; once the player is ready to continue play, he can join the game once the ball is dead and the then ongoing rally has ended.

DIGGING

• Digging/Lifting with the single hand using the back of the hand (not the Palm) as well as with both hands clasped and using just the area of the hand up to the inside elbow is VALID.
• Digging on service return is permitted.
• Open underhand where the ball is deemed to be carried in the palm or being pushed is a foul.

SERVICE

• Service shall be underhand only.
• Service ball touching or grazing any part of the net, including the top tape of the net is a foul
• Return of service touching the net is allowed.
• The service man must wait for the referee’s whistle before serving the ball. Failure to do so will result in the service being given to the opposition team.
• Any player in the team can serve and go back to his position and does not have to return to the service position if they lose the service point.
• Serviceman must have at least one foot completely inside the service box and one foot outside the court prior to striking the ball for the service. It is also fine to have both feet in the service box while serving.
• Subject to the rule directly above, the service man will NOT have to wait for the ball to cross the net before he enters the court after serving.

DISCIPLINE

As a reminder, given that we are professional sportsmen we must ensure that we exhibit the best values and behavior at all times. The objective of this tournament is to create brotherhood and a friendly competition across all communities. We should aim to behave with respect and compassion foremost.

• Players are not allowed to cross their feet, hand or any other part of their body across the middle line AT ANY TIME DURING THE GAME. Should a ball not be in play and a player crosses the middle line or steps out of the match perimeter of the court to confront a member of the public/spectator or player from the opposition team, the point will automatically be awarded to the opposition team. In the event of such a circumstance the referee will be empowered to take whatever action that he deems necessary to reprimand the player, included, if considered appropriate disqualifying that player from the game. Should the player argue with the referee or refuse to leave the game, that game will be abandoned and the full amount of points will be awarded to the opposition team.
• Abusive language will NOT be tolerated under any circumstance. A player who swears will be cautioned appropriately by the referee.
• All communications with the referee to be carried out by the respective captains only. In case any player needs any clarification from the referee, players are advised to inform their captain to speak to the referee so any issues can be dealt with using the appropriate protocol.
• In case of time wasting, the referees may penalize by awarding the opponent a point or service (as the case may be) and such decision shall be binding.
• Referees’ decision is final and ALL players must respect the decision of the referee and linesmen.
• Please ensure that your team has a copy of the game schedule and these Rules handy at all times as you will be required to referee according to the referee schedule and make sure your designated referee game starts on time.

Captain’s Meeting

The Captain’s meeting will TENTATIVELY take place as follows:

• 9:00pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2019 AFTER the opening ceremony AT THE INDOOR DINING AREA AT THE IRANIAN CLUB.
• All captains are urged to be at the meeting in good time so that the meeting can commence promptly.
• We cannot stress enough the importance of everything taking place and all matches starting on time.
• Should a captain not arrive on time, the meeting will still go ahead as scheduled.
• All captains should make their attendance at the designated hotel known to the UGDXB19VB Organizing Team on arrival so that we are not searching for you to commence the tournament. You may inform us by sending a message to the Volleyball Captain’s WHATSAPP Group.

Specific FAQs

Q: If the ball comes over the net during a rally and a player puts the ball into the net and the netty lifts it too far back, resulting in the need for the backline player to one handedly hit it overhead – is this permitted?
A: Yes, this is permitted.

Q: Is it permissible to spike on the 3rd ball?
A: Aggressively spiking the 3rd ball is not permitted.

Q: If time runs out during a rally, does the rally finish or is the ball caught mid-rally and game considered finished as soon as time runs out?
A: The game is considered finished when the final rally following the end of time is complete i.e. when the time is finished the ball will NOT be caught if in mid-rally. This final point will count and in the case of the score being a tie at the end of this rally, the team that held the service is considered to have won that game.

RULE CLARIFICATIONS

• Timeouts will be allowed any time during a game and THE CLOCK WILL BE STOPPED FOR THE TIMEOUT - time out will be maximum of 2 minutes as per the current rules.
• PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED DURING A TIMEOUT. Substitutes will be required to be kitted and ready and on the side line of the court from the start of the game and identified to the referee.
  However, to accommodate this Maximum of 10 players will be allowed on the court at any time & A MAXIMUM OF 11 PLAYERS PER SQUAD AS PER THE CURRENT RULES
• In all rounds for the last minute of the game, time will be actual time. This means, the clock will stopped at the end of the rally and restarted when the referee signals that the team is ready to serve.
• The current rules state that:
  

  "For the purposes of the draw of the second round of the CUP tournament only (there is no second round in the PLATE tournament) the draw will be picked randomly after the teams progressing into this round have been seeded based on their position in the first round"

  THIS WILL BE CHANGED so that the draw will not be picked randomly. Instead, we will seed the teams based on their position in the first round (round robin) and ensure that, using the formula used in the majority of international tournaments, the winner of the first round (round robin), will benefit from a relatively "easier" draw in the second round.

  With respect to the rules governing teams arriving late to the court for their fixtures, regardless of whether it is 1 team or BOTH TEAMS, the 5 MINUTE GRACE PERIOD afforded WILL NOT BE COUNTED as part of the game time. The game time will only commence once both teams are available and ready to start. As per the current rules, if a team arrives after the 5 minute grace period the game will be awarded to the other team.

  Playing the ball with a closed fist over one’s head when near the net while reaching to get the ball over the net - IS PERMITTED.

  In the CUP SECOND ROUND, wherein matches will be played in a “best of 2 format”, the following points system will be implemented:

  2 STRAIGHT WIN = 3 POINTS
  1 - 1 DRAW = EACH TEAM GETS 1 POINT

  We would like to wish you the best of luck and hope you have an exciting and memorable tournament. Your support and participation is highly appreciated, as without you all there would be no tournament.

Note: The final interpretation of the by-laws shall be done by the Unity Games Dubai 2019 Organizing Committee.