Jerseys

• Rule Change: All players are required to wear ACES jerseys during Week 1 and Playoffs.

• Players who did not receive jerseys in Week 1 or subs filling in are exempt.

• Wearing another adult league’s jersey at any point will result in a 5-point deduction in the 1st set.

• Refunds will not be issued for ejections, suspensions, or jersey violations.

Team Requirements

• Teams start with 6 players on the court, but may begin a match with a minimum of 5 players (including at least 1 female).

• When playing with 6, a team must have at least 2 females on the court at all times.

• There is no maximum number of females that may play.

• Liberos are allowed (no iron middle).

• Female Libero exception to ACES 2-girls rule: if a team has two girls with one of the girls playing Libero. There will be one rotation where only 1 female is on the court — specifically when the middle is serving. After that serve rotation is over (receiving team side out), the female libero must rotate back in so that 2 females are on the court for the next serve receive and all other play. This rule only applies for only 1 middles serve rotation, not both. Teams may designate which middle that is each set.

• Failure to meet the 5-player minimum at the ref’s first serve notice:

  • Within 5 minutes: 1st set will result in starting the game down 7 points.

  • Within 10 minutes: 2nd set will also result in being down 7 points.

  • Within 15 minutes: Match will be a forfeit.

• See “Indoor 6’s Sub Rules” below for substitution/roster regulations.

Playing Rules

• USAV Double Contact Update: As of 2026, USAV is enforcing no doubles on second contact. ACES will begin enforcing this immediately.

  • If a double contact goes over the net, it will be called a double.

• Net Contact: Any net touch is illegal → side-out for the opposing team.

• Foot Crossing: Contact across the centerline is allowed if part of the foot remains on/above the line and does not interfere with play.

• Intermediate/Beginner Exception: Doubles will not be called on handsets. Lifts and throws will still be called.

Match Format & Procedures

• At the start of each match, teams play rock–paper–scissors. Winner chooses either serve/receive or side of court.

• Before the 3rd set, rock–paper–scissors is replayed. Teams switch sides at 8 points.

• Matches are best 2 out of 3 (rally scoring):

  • Sets 1 & 2: to 25 (cap at 27).

  • Set 3: to 15 (cap at 17).

  • Must win by 2 in all sets.

• Warm-up: 5 minutes shared before the first match (shortened to 3 minutes if schedule is behind).

• Timeouts: 1 per set, 30 seconds.

• Intermissions: Maximum 1 minute between sets.

• Court Use: After matches, teams must clear the court. If finished early, you may stay until 5 minutes before the next scheduled match.

Warm-Up, Timeouts, & Breaks

• 7:40 PM Matches: Bump/pass before 7:40. At 7:40, each team gets 3 minutes for hitting/serving. First serve at 7:45.

• 8:00 PM Matches: Bump/pass before 8:10. At 8:10, each team gets 3 minutes for hitting/serving. First serve at 8:15.

• If a prior game runs late: 3-minute warm-up, match begins 5 minutes after previous game ends.

• Timeouts: 1 per set, 30 seconds.

• Breaks: 1 minute between sets.

Reffing Responsibilities

• Each team is required to provide 4 players at designated times:

  • 2 line judges

  • 1 scorekeeper

  • 1 up-referee (R1)

• Teams may recruit volunteers to help cover duties.

• Failure to provide refs: If a team does not supply the required 4 players by the start of a match:

  • A 5-point penalty will be assessed to that team’s first set of their next match (if they’ve already played that night).

  • If they have not yet played, the penalty will be applied that same night.

• It is the responsibility of the teams playing to notify ACES staff of a reffing violation the same night. Penalties may carry over into playoff matches.

Respect for Referees

• Always be respectful to refs — ACES is all about having fun and good energy!

• Only the team captain may speak to the ref or ACES staff about a call, and only after the play is over.

• Continue playing until the whistle; points will count even if play is stopped early.

Waivers

• Rostered Players: By accepting a roster invite or signing up as a free agent, players complete their waiver during registration.

• Subs: All substitute players must also sign a waiver separately before playing.
  👉 Sub Waiver Link

Conduct & Violations

• All players are expected to maintain good sportsmanship. Violations may result in:

  • Point awarded to the opposing team

  • Expulsion of individual players

• Jersey Requirement:

  • Players should wear ACES-assigned jerseys (if registered on time) or a plain shirt.

  • Wearing another adult league’s jersey will result in a 5-point deduction in the first set.

• Refunds will NOT be issued for ejections or suspensions due to unsportsmanlike conduct.

*Refunds will NOT be issued for ejections or suspensions for unsportsmanlike conduct.