Game Format

1. GAME FORMAT

• Matches will follow FIVB and Volleyball Canada rules, unless otherwise specified by PSL.

• Match formats may vary depending on the tournament structure (e.g., best of 3 sets, single-set round robin, timed matches).

• A team must have at least five (5) players present to start a match.

• A forfeit will be declared if a team is not ready to play within 10 minutes after the scheduled game time.
• One (1) timeout per set - 30 seconds.

2. GHOST PLAYER RULE

If a team starts a set with only five (5) players, the following will apply:

• A “ghost player” will occupy the 6th rotational position.

• When the ghost player rotates to the service position, the serve is forfeited and a point is automatically awarded to the opposing team.

• The team will also lose the rally when the ghost position rotates to the front row and cannot legally participate.

• If a 6th player arrives during the set, they may enter the match on the next dead ball (after the completion of a rally).

• The incoming player assumes the rotational position of the ghost player.

• The player may join mid-set.

3. LIBERO RULES

3.1 Designation

• Teams are permitted to designate up to two (2) Liberos per match.

• Only one (1) Libero may be on the court at any given time.

3.2 Libero Replacements

• Libero replacements are not counted as regular substitutions.

• A Libero may only replace a back-row player.

• All Libero replacements must occur between rallies (when the ball is out of play).

If two (2) Liberos are designated:

• The two Liberos may replace each other.

• The exchange between Liberos must occur during a dead ball.

• Standard Libero replacement procedures must be followed.

• Proper Libero tracking must be recorded at the score table and monitored by the referee.

3.3 Libero Restrictions

A Libero may NOT:

• Complete an attack hit if the ball is entirely above the height of the net at the moment of contact.

• Block or attempt to block.

• Serve

• Perform an overhand finger set while positioned in front of the attack line if the subsequent attack is completed above the height of the net.
  
  

  4. WARM-UP POLICY

  To maintain the tournament schedule and ensure games finish within the allotted facility time, PSL organizers reserve the right to adjust or eliminate warm-up periods.

  If the event schedule is running behind, the following may apply:

  • Standard warm-ups may be reduced.
  • Teams may be given a maximum of five (5) minutes of shared warm-up time immediately after the previous match concludes.
  • In extreme schedule delays, warm-ups may be completely eliminated at the discretion of the organizers.

  All teams are strongly encouraged to arrive early and warm up off-court prior to their scheduled match time.

  Failure of a team to be ready when instructed by officials may result in delays being charged to that team and could lead to penalties or forfeits.

  PSL reserves the right to enforce this rule in order to keep the event on schedule and ensure all matches are completed within the facility booking time.

Uniform/Jersey

Uniforms

• Teams must wear matching jerseys with visible numbers (1–99).

• Libero players must wear a contrasting jersey color for clear identification.

• No player may participate without the correct uniform unless approved by officials.

Tournament Uniform Guidelines

• Matching jerseys are recommended, but not mandatory during tournaments.

• Players may wear different tops if necessary, as long as numbers are visible and easily identifiable.

League Uniform Guidelines

• Teams are expected to have proper matching jerseys throughout the season.

• If a player does not have their jersey for one match, they may still play as long as:

  • They wear a shirt with a visible number, and

  • The officials approve their participation.