sva rules of competition 2014 15

SVA Rules for National Competition 43rd Edition (amended)

Date Published: 31/3/14

Rules of The National

Volleyball Competitions



Contents Page

Page 3 - Title & Management/Entry to the Leagues

Page 5 - League Format

Page 6 - Player Registration/Transfer Regulations

Page 10 - Fixture Procedures

Page 12 - Match Procedures

Page 14 - Match Officials

Page 15 - Playoffs

Page 16 - Cup Competitions

Page 17 - League Trophies/Sanctions

Page 20 - Disciplinary Procedures

Page 21 - Complaints Procedures/Right of Appeal



1. Title and Management

1.1 The Scottish Volleyball Association (SVA) organises each season a National League and Cup competition for

men’s and women’s volleyball teams. These Rules of National Competition are ratified by the SVA Board under the

Articles of Association of the SVA and are the rules, unless otherwise stated, which govern all matters arising from the

organisation and management of all National League, Cup and Playoff Competitions, governing all matters arising from

the organisation and running of the National League and Cup Competitions. Any uncertainty arising from the Rules shall

be exclusively open for interpretation by the CAG.

1.2 The National Competitions are managed by the Competitions Advisory Group (CAG) which is administered by

the Competitions and Performance Administrator. This administrator is responsible to the SVA Chief Executive and

the SVA Board.

1.3 With respect to all the following Rules, contact with the Competitions Administrator and Competitions

Advisory Group should be made in the first instance by e-mailing [email protected] failing which,

through the SVA office ([email protected]).

2. Entry to the Leagues

2.1 Clubs affiliated to the SVA are entitled to enter a team into one of the National Leagues and must signify

their wish to do so by returning their league entry form together with the annual SVA affiliation and league entry

fee. Fees and team details must be returned by the date set by the Competitions Administrator. A club who is late

with their entry will receive a Level 1 sanction (see Section 11) to cover administration costs.

2.2 Late entries may only be accepted at the discretion of the CAG, which reserves the right to allocate a late

entrant into the highest possible division which has spaces, regardless of the team’s league status in the previous

season.

2.3 Each club must send the following details with its confirmation entry;

Name, Address, Email address and Contact number of:

Secretary of each team,

Club Administrator,

Child Protection Officer,

Press Officer,

Nominee for the SVA Appeals & Disciplinary Commission.

2.4 Each team registering for the National League must submit a squad list of 6 players to ensure they can

satisfactorily fulfil their obligations to the competition. Special requests can be made to the Competitions Advisory

Group.

2.5 University teams must ensure their club administrator can be contacted during summer vacation.

2.6 A team changing the name of its secretary after the fixture list has been agreed must inform the

Competitions Administrator immediately. A Level 1 sanction will be made to cover administration costs.

mailto:[email protected]



2.7 All teams entering the National Leagues must submit the name of one suitably qualified referee who is

willing to be associated with that team. Referees named as taking part in the appointment system must not be

named as the suitably qualified referee,

2.8 A team wishing to change its name after the fixture list has been agreed must pay a Level 1 sanction to cover

administration costs.

2.9 In entering a team into the National League, a club undertakes to abide by the rules and conditions of the

competitions and to abide by the decisions taken by the CAG. Applicants to the league must ensure they meet all

administrative tasks set by the CAG. Continued participation in the league is dependent upon this and the

Competitions Advisory Group has the right to request any club to change their club administrator or team secretaries

if they feel they do not meet the obligations of the role. Failure to comply with this request will result in a Level 3

sanction being imposed on the club.



3. League Format

3.1 There shall be one First Division, one Second Division East and One Second Division West for Men. There

shall be one First Division and one Second Division for Women. The Competitions Advisory Group has the right to

restructure the leagues annually dependent on the number of entries into the National League.

3.2 All leagues shall consist of a maximum of 10 teams and a minimum of 5 teams. The Competitions Advisory

Group has the right to restructure the leagues if the minimum is not achieved in any leagues.

3.3 In each league, each team will play every other team a minimum of twice and all fixtures shall be single

matches. All matches shall be played to FIVB rules. All matches shall be best of five sets. Matches outside Division

One shall play all five sets but will only count ‘Live Sets’ for the purposes of the league table. Matches in Division One

shall be best of five sets and stop when one team has won the match.

3.4 League Tables shall be compiled as follows:

3 Points for a Win, 1 Point for a Loss, 0 Points for a forfeit.

The Competitions Advisory Group has the right to restructure the points system dependent on league structure and

consultation with clubs.

3.5 When a match is declared Null and Void, the CAG may award 1 point or 0 points to both sides. Decisions

taken on this matter will be at the exclusive discretion of the CAG. Where league points for two teams are equal,

their positions in the table shall be decided on set difference and then points difference. The team which has won

the higher percentage of the total number of sets it has played in the competition shall be placed higher. Where

these percentages are equal, the same calculation is applied to match points.

3.6 The team who are top of the league after the Regular Season will be declared the National Champions of

that Division.

3.7 The teams winning the First Division National League gain the title of “Scottish Champions” and are entitled

to enter CEV Challenge Cup of the succeeding season. Teams intending entering the CEV Challenge Cup and having

earned the right to do so must inform the CAG by no later than 30th April. Where neither of the Champions elects to

enter the CEV Challenge Cup, the eligibility for entry will be offered to the team finishing in 2nd place in the National

League.

3.8 There will be one team promoted and one team relegated from all men’s and women’s divisions where

applicable.

3.9 Teams not willing to take promotion for the following year, should notify CAG prior to 1st March in the

season of the competition. A team who does not wish to take promotion will not be permitted to take part in the

end of season playoffs. Any team who wins their division will still be named the National Champions of that division

but forfeit the right to play for an upper division space.

3.10 No team may apply for Voluntary Relegation from any division.

3.11 Teams who win the National League titles will, where feasible, receive their respective trophies at the final

National League match of the season from an SVA Representative.



4. Player Registration/Transfers

4.1 Players participating in the National Leagues must be members of and registered with the SVA, in

accordance with SVA Byelaw 3.2, prior to the first match in which they participate. Exceptionally a maximum of two

players may register on the day of the match and only if they do not require a transfer from a Non-UK Federation of

Origin. This registration requires the sending of the National League Player Registration Fee, the Same- Day

Registration form and an additional Level 1 sanction per player (payable by cheque, BACS or cash) to cover the

administration costs. The player should also provide the scorer with a photo to ensure the details are all comparable.

Same-Day Registrations should be noted in the ‘Remarks’ box on the scoresheet. Failure to provide this with the

scoresheet will result in a Level 1 sanction being levied against the club.

4.2 It is the responsibility of the team captain & coach to ensure the shirt numbers, team member names and

registration numbers are correctly recorded on the scoresheet, and Same-Day Registrations are correctly noted,

prior to signing it. Failure to check and sign the scoresheet will result in a Level 2 sanction being levied against the

club. Please note, in accordance with the FIVB’s Official Volleyball Rules, match results may be altered

retrospectively by the Competitions Advisory Group if a player takes part in a match without being properly recorded

on the scoresheet.

4.3 A team or individual failing to provide a valid collective licence with which they have been issued prior to the

match shall be liable to a Level 2 sanction. A team which fails to produce a valid collective licence more than twice in

the same season will be liable to a Level 4 sanction.

4.4 No National League player may play for two clubs in any one season unless he/she is officially transferred.

Players registered outwith the National League (District League, University League and Junior National League) may

play for a National League team of another club if their own club does not have a National League team. Such a

player may play for any one National League club in one season and for a maximum of 10 sets after which they must

register as a National League player under article 4.7. A team playing a player which has not been correctly

registered, whether in advance or using the Same-Day Registration process before the start of the match, shall

forfeit the match in question and be liable to a Level 4 sanction.

4.5 A player transferring from another Volleyball National Governing Body and registering for a team of a

member club of the SVA will be subject to conditions of Rule 13, with particular reference to paragraphs 13.4 and

13.8.

4.6 It is possible for a club to have more than one team in the National Leagues.

i. Where a club has two teams in the same Division of the National League, no movement of players

between these teams will be allowed.

ii. Where a club has two or more teams in different divisions of the National Leagues, they shall be

referred to as higher and lower teams according to the division they are in (NL1 – Higher Team, NL2 – Lower

Team). In such cases players may move freely between teams within the club subject to the following

restrictions:

a) No player may be recorded on the scoresheet for two teams on the same fixture date. For the purpose of

this article, matches which are scheduled for the same day, as published in the SVA Fixture List are regarded as

being on the same fixture date, regardless of when the match is actually played. Where a player appears on the

scoresheet of both fixtures, both teams shall incur a Level 4 sanction.

b) Any player who appears on the scoresheet in more than seven National League matches played by a higher

team within their club may not then participate in any post-season playoffs involving any lower team within

their club.



c) It should be understood that subject to a) and b) above, players may play for any of their club’s teams in the

playoffs.

4.7 Except with the express written permission of the SVA Board or agreement with the Competitions Advisory

Group, and only in exceptional circumstances, no player under the age of 14 years may play in any National League

match.

4.8 A team shall forfeit all points for a match should one of their players have found to be ineligible and a Level 4

sanction will be imposed.

4.9 All coaching personnel must be members of the SVA and registered coaches for the current season.

Exceptionally one coach for each team may be registered on the day of the match. This registration requires the

sending of the National League Coach Registration Fee, the Same- Day Registration form and an additional Level 1

sanction (payable by cheque, BACS or cash) to cover the administration costs. The coach should also provide the

scorer with a photo to ensure the details are all comparable. Same-Day Registrations should be noted in the

‘Remarks’ box on the scoresheet. Any team which is being coached by a non-registered coach shall forfeit all the

points for the match and are liable for a Level 4 sanction.

4.10 The terms of Rule 4 are only applicable on players entering, leaving or moving between teams in the

National League. The applicability of Rule 4 to other competitions is at the discretion of the competition

organiser, and if deemed applicable, taken as read.

4.11 A player has the right to be released from a club of which he/she is a registered player and thereafter to

transfer to another club.

4.12 Procedure for transfer of player within Scotland 4.12.1 A player wishing to be released from the club of which he or she is a member must notify the Association requesting to be released. 4.12.2 On receipt of this written request the Association will send a Player Transfer Form to the player’s club for completion and return by the Club Administrator. 4.12.3 The Club Administrator must complete and return the Player Transfer Form to the Association within fourteen days of the date on which the Association received the written request to be released from the player. 4.12.4 If the Association is not in receipt of the completed Player Transfer Form within fourteen days the player will automatically be released from the club concerned and will be informed that he/she is free to transfer to and register for another club, with no further obligation to the original club. In such cases the club will be subject to a fine of £25 for failing to comply with Byelaw 6.4. 4.12.5 The Club Administrator must indicate at the time of the notification of transfer that the club (i) approves the release of the player or (ii) refuses to release the player stating reasons for this.

4.12.6 If the club approves the release of the player, the Club Administrator should notify this to the Association.

The player will be informed by the Association that he or she has been released and is free to transfer to, and

register for, another club.

4.12.7 If the club refuses to release the player the reasons for this must be intimated. Clubs may refuse to release a player only on the grounds that: (i) The player owes the club money, (ii) The player owes the club goods such as strip, tracksuit, balls, etc. (iii) The player is subject to disciplinary action within the club.



The club must inform the Competitions Administrator of the reason(s) why they have declined this transfer request. 4.12.8 In such cases, the player’s request to be released will be considered and a decision made, by a Player Transfer Subcommittee formed by the Competitions Advisory Group plus a Director of the Association. 4.12.8.1 Should the player’s request to be released be upheld, the club and the player will be informed. The player will then be free to transfer to, and register for, another club. 4.12.8.2 Should the club’s decision to refuse to release the player be upheld this will be communicated to the club and the player who will also be informed of the reasons why release from the club has been refused. The player will be free to transfer when his obligations to the club are fulfilled. 4.12.9 No request for a transfer made by a club or a player will be granted by the Association if either club or player are, at the time of the transfer request, the subject of any disciplinary proceedings by the Association. The transfer request will be suspended until such time as said disciplinary proceedings, and any appeal relative to said proceedings, have been completed. 4.13 Procedure for transfer of player to Scotland from another federation 4.13.1 A player wishing to be registered in Scotland must notify the Association of this intent in writing, providing their full name, date of birth and federation of origin, via the Club Administrator 4.13.2 On receipt of this written request the Association will contact the federation of origin to ascertain that the player is free to be registered, and is not currently registered for a club within that federation, or subject to any pending disciplinary action. 4.13.3 The federation of origin will have 14 days from the date of application by the player for a registration to defend their rights to the player. If there is no response from the federation of origin within 14 days of application, the player will be deemed eligible to be registered in Scotland. 4.13.4 In such case, or in the case that the federation of origin agrees to the player being licensed in Scotland, the Club Administrator of the club for which he/she wishes to play will be notified, and the player licence issued. 4.13.5 In the case that the federation of origin indicates that the player is not free to be registered, the club and the

player will be notified, and no licence will be granted until the reasons for refusal are moderated.

4.13.6 The only suitable grounds for refusal of registration on the part of other federations are (a) that the player is currently licensed in their or another federation (b) that the player is in debt to a club within their federation, or owes the club goods or money or (c) the player is subject to disciplinary action on the part of the federation or one of its member clubs. 4.13.7 If 4.13.6 applies, the player may only be licensed in Scotland on completion of (a) release from the club holding the player’s registration, (b) settlement of debts owed to the other club or (c) fulfilment of the terms of the disciplinary action. 4.13.8 If a player is playing in Scotland as an amateur player then no transfer fee will be applicable to the federation of origin, but the receiving club must be prepared to pay any reasonable administrative costs associated with processing the transfer, in addition to the standard registration fee. However, if a club elects to play in organised CEV or FIVB competition, then any players who are from another federation of origin will be require to be formally transferred from their original federation.



4.14 Having been released a player is free to transfer to and register for another club. (a) The Club Administrator of the club to which the player is transferring should notify the Association that the player concerned is now a playing member of that club. The appropriate fee must be paid to the Association. (b) On receipt of the letter and the appropriate registration and transfer fee, the Association will process the new registration, thereby verifying that the player has transferred to, and is now a playing member, of the club concerned. 4.15 Date of Release - this is determined by one of the following:

(i) Fourteen days after the date on which the Association received the request to be released from the player, should there be no reply from the Club Administrator, as in Byelaw 4.12.3 (ii) The date of receipt by the Association of the notification of transfer indicating that the player has been released, as in Byelaw 4.11. (iii) The date on which the player’s request to be released is upheld by the Player Transfer Subcommittee, as in Rule 4.11. (iv) The date on which the releasing club notifies the Association that a disputed transfer has been resolved and the player is free to transfer. (a) If the date of release falls between May 31 and December 31 inclusive, the player is eligible to register and play for another club immediately without penalty.

(b) Players released between January 1 and April 30 inclusive will not be allowed to transfer registration to, and play

for, another club except in exceptional circumstances. The Competitions Advisory Group and the Board of the

Association reserves the right to grant such exceptional circumstance transfers.

4.16 Date of Transfer This is the date on which the Association receives the letter from the Club Administrator of the club to which the player is transferring, indicating that the player is now a playing member of that club, and the appropriate registration and admission fee. The Board reserves the right to refuse any transfer it considers may not be in the interest of the Association. In that event the relevant fees would be returned. 4.17 A club seeking to obtain the service of a player from his current club may initially Approach either the player’s current Club Administrator or the player himself. If the player is willing to transfer, a request for the release of the player should be communicated to the current Club Administrator and the procedures outlined in Rule 4.12 should be followed. 4.18 (a) If a player is subjected to repeated unwelcome approaches by players, officials or office bearers of another club to join that club, the player should report the matter to their Club Administrator who shall seek clarification from the club concerned. (b) If the Club Administrator is unable to resolve the situation the matter should be referred to the Board for

deliberation and, if deemed appropriate under Byelaw 10, Disciplinary Action.



5. Fixture Procedures

5.1 The CAG fixes the dates of all National League and Cup matches. All match venues must previously have

been approved by the CAG. A list of venues are available upon request from the SVA Office. Should a club wish to

play at a venue which has not yet been approved, the club must be prepared to meet the cost of an inspection by a

member of the CAG. If a club competes at a venue that has not been approved by the Competitions Advisory Group,

a Level 4 sanction will be levied against the club.

5.2 A fixture list shall be forwarded by the Competitions Administrator to all team secretaries at least 6 weeks

prior to the first match of the season. The fixture list shall be available from this date on the SVA website or by

request to the Competitions Administrator. In all divisions, the team listed first shall be the home team.

5.3 All teams must submit the venues and hall time available for their home league fixtures on the SVA website

at least 14 days prior to any fixture. Once submitted, this information may not be altered without the prior consent

of the CAG and any opponents affected by the alteration.

5.4 The scheduled day for a National League fixture shall be Saturday. However, by mutual consent, teams may

play the match during the week leading up to the Saturday. In this instance, teams should be aware of Rule 5.7.

5.5 It is the responsibility of the home team secretary to communicate to the opposing team details of the

scheduled match 14 days in advance, including an address for and clear directions to the venue and what time ‘first

ball served’ shall be. An SVA Fixture Sheet should be used for this purpose and an extra copy should be sent by email

to the Competitions Administrator. Failure to provide a fixture sheet within 7 days of the fixture will result in a Level

1 sanction being imposed. Failure to provide a fixture sheet within 48 hours of the fixture will result in a Level 3

sanction being levied against the club.

5.6 The home team must take into account when selecting a match time (i) the transport available to the visiting

team, (ii) that, unless previously agreed, the visiting team should not be required to leave their home town before

8am and (iii) that, unless previously agreed, the visiting team should be able to arrive back at their home town by

8pm. Wherever possible, matches should be played between the hours of 12 noon and 6pm. For the purposes of this

article, the ‘home town’ of a team shall be that in which their home match venue is situated.

For matches played midweek, either by mutual consent, or through rearrangement (5.9) no away team should be

required to leave their home town before 5.30pm, unless previously agreed.

5.7 In certain circumstances a team may be allowed to bring forward a fixture. In this case the team should

request this in writing to the CAG two weeks prior to the date on which they wish to play, sending with their request

a written agreement from the opposing team. When a request is granted, normal fixture procedures will apply and

may also result in Rule 5.10 being invoked. Requests received later than 2 weeks prior to the proposed new fixture

date will not be considered.

5.8 No team may apply in advance for the postponement of a scheduled fixture unless the request meets one of

the following circumstances:

(i) Inclement weather preventing travel or making travel dangerous

(ii) Cancellation of the hall hire within 48 hours of the fixture (written confirmation from letting

authority required)

(iii) Where a player or coach is required for official SVA Business, that is to say European Cup Ties or any

other SVA Business from time to time determined by the CAG

(iv) The Competitions Advisory Group reserves the right to allow for a postponement to take place if

they deem the club has reasonable grounds for this request.



Postponed matches must be played within 4 weeks of the original fixture date. For the purposes of these rules, the 4 weeks shall be 4 fixture weeks. The home team must offer a minimum of three dates within 5 days of the postponed match within the four week time frame in which to play the postponed match, at least one of these dates MUST be a weekend. These three dates must be offered at the same time. The away team must, within 14 days of the original fixture, accept one of the three dates offered, and this arrangement must be communicated to the CAG.

Failure to comply with this rule will result in a Level 2 sanction, and may result in the match being declared forfeit. CAG can use their discretion to shorten the time allowed to play the match if the re-arranged fixture will have a knock-on effect to important end of season matches (playoffs, cup semi finals or cup finals). 5.9 Where a team withdraws from a fixture for any reason, other than those outlined in 5.8, the match shall be declared forfeit against them and a Level 4 sanction will be levied. A full statement of the reasons for cancelling the fixture must be submitted to the CAG by first class post or by email on the day of the match or, if earlier, the day of withdrawal. Failure to immediately contact the CAG will result in a Level 2 sanction. Any team withdrawing from a fixture will result in the team receiving 0 points and lose the match 25-0, 25-0, 25-0. Their opposition will receive the 3 league points and a 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 scoreline.

5.10 Teams wishing to withdraw from a fixture after having received the SVA Fixture Sheet, or within 14 days

before the match, whichever is the shorter, must immediately communicate this to the CAG and to the opposing

team. If the opposing team incurs expense as a result of the cancellation, the cancelling team may be required to

meet these costs. Failure to contact the opposing team and the CAG at least 24 hours prior to the match start time

will result in a Level 4 sanction and the expenses of the home team.

5.11 Where a team cancels or fails to appear without notifying the opposing team and the CAG a Level 4 sanction

will be applied. A proportion of this sanction will be paid to the opposing team to cover any unavoidable cost

incurred.

5.12 A team withdrawing (at whatever notice) without good reason from three fixtures in the same season may

be relegated from their division. Any team relegated from their division under article 5.12 shall be liable to a Level 4

sanction.



6. Match Procedures 6.1 As per Rule 3.3 all matches must be played to the FIVB rules. All matches must be played with the Mikasa MVA200 match ball of correct inflation, type, colour and texture as according to FIVB rules. Antennae must be used for all matches. In cases of doubt the referee’s decision as to whether the equipment and venue is suitable for play shall be final. If equipment and venue are not suitable then the referee must record in the remarks box on the scoresheet the reasons why the above were not suitable. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a sanction at the CAG’s discretion. The venue must be approved by the Competitions Advisory Group.

6.2 It shall be the responsibility of the home team to provide the visiting team with a minimum of six warm up balls. A team failing to do this shall be liable to a Level 1 sanction. 6.3 All players in a team must have correctly numbered uniform jerseys and shorts according to the following criteria.

Men Division I, Women Division I Jersey and shorts of the same colour, style and make.

Men Division II, Women’s Division II, Jersey and shorts of the same colour and style

Match officials, and only match officials, are required to record the details of any discrepancies in the remarks box. Teams failing to comply with the above will be subject to a Level 1 sanction. 6.4 For the benefit of Articles 6.5 to 6.12 the game shall be deemed to commence at the start of the warm up over which the referee has control. 6.5 Clubs should allow for a minimum of two hours in which to play a match. A home team must ensure that matches start as close to the scheduled start time as possible. If, however, the start of the match is delayed due to a prior game, the away team should wait until the preceding game has been completed (or terminated at the discretion of the home team). Where possible, every effort must be made by both teams to then play the subsequent matches in the remaining hall booking for those games. In the event that the hall booking expires without the game being completed the home team must contact CAG detailing the reasons for the delay. The CAG will then make a ruling on the result of the match. 6.6 Where a hall let time is reduced due to circumstances outwith the control of the home team and the match is not completed as a result, the match will be replayed in accordance with article 6.7. 6.7 Where both teams are ready to start play at the scheduled starting time, two hours have elapsed since the start of play and the hall booking for that game has expired without the game being completed, then the game shall be completely replayed at the same venue with all costs of the replayed match being equally divided between the two teams. 6.8 Subject to Rule 6.5 and 6.6, where both teams are ready to start play at the scheduled starting time and the

hall booking expires before 2 hours have passed since the scheduled start time, then the match shall be awarded to

the visiting team. The home team shall be awarded one league point and shall retain any points and sets already

won. The away team shall retain the sets already won and be awarded 25 points (or more if necessary to gain a 2

point advantage necessary to win an incomplete set) in all remaining sets, whether incomplete or as yet unplayed.

6.9 Where a team without good reason fails to appear on court ready to play 15 minutes or more after the

agreed start of play, the match may be forfeit and a Level 2 sanction will be imposed. The team who are not ready

to play must inform the CAG of the reasons on the day following the match at the latest. However, where possible

every effort should be made by both teams to play the match in the remaining hall booking for that game. If the

game is not completed and hall booking expires 2 hours or more after the scheduled start time then the team that

was not ready shall forfeit the match.



6.10 Where a team without good reason is not ready to start play at the scheduled start time but is ready less than 15 minutes after the agreed start of play, the match shall be played, but, in the event of the hall booking expiring without the match being completed, the match shall be awarded to the team which was ready to start play at the agreed time. Article 6.8 applies as regards the awarding of game and league points to the winning and losing team. A team arriving late under the terms of this Article shall be liable to a Level 2 sanction. 6.11 In all matches the referee shall ensure that, while normal warm-up times and breaks are allowed to both sides, there is no deliberate time-wasting by either team. All reasonable attempts should be made by a home team to extend a hall booking if this is necessary to complete a game. Any extra expenditure incurred by a team due to the late arrival of their opponents shall be covered by these opponents. 6.12 A team reduced to less than six players during the game, due to injury or to a player or players being sent off the court, shall lose the match but shall retain any points and sets already won. A team losing a match in this way shall be awarded one league point. 6.13 At the end of the match the secretary of the home team must send the top (white) copy of the scoresheet to the SVA office (Scoresheet Administration), 48 The Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ This must be posted first class on the day of the match. Failure to do this will make the home team liable to a Level 2 sanction. A second copy should be given to the visiting team. 6.14 After every National League match, the home team secretary must notify the full result to the Press Officer Roddy Mackenzie (0131 665 1557) and the Competitions Administrator (07815533236) before 8pm. The team secretary can communicate via telephone, text message (full result must be given), email and voicemail. Roddy Mackenzie – email - [email protected] - Telephone – 0131 665 1557 Competitions Administrator – [email protected] – Telephone - 07817754646 The home team secretary must also make contact if the match has not been played for any reason regardless of whether this has been previously communicated to the CAG. 6.15 A home team failing to make contact as required on the scheduled day shall be liable to a Level 2 sanction unless a suitable reason is provided. 6.16 All National League matches shall be open to the general public, media personnel, photographers and any person using a video recorder, subject to the following:

(a) Any person not directly involved with the match shall at no time be on the court area. (b) No person should be behind the service zone. (c) No person or equipment should be positioned and/or used in such a way that they present risk of

injury or obstruction to players or officials. (d) Cameras should be manned at all times so they can be moved quickly. (e) Any photographs or film must comply with the SVA Child Protection Policy (f) The match organiser has the right to ask any spectator to leave the hall, should this be deemed required.





7. Match Officials

7.1 For all SVA matches the status of the match officials MUST conform to the following rules:

Division 1st Official 2nd Official Men’s First Grade II at least Grade III at least Women’s First Grade III at least Grade III at least Men’s Second Grade III at least Grade IV at least Women’s Second Grade IV at least Grade IV at least Men’s Third Grade IV at least Grade IV at least

The home team is responsible for ensuring that officials are of the correct grade. It is permitted to officiate as 1st or 2nd referee in a higher league than is stated above, provided that it is under the direct supervision of an SVA approved assessor/ mentor, who must sign the score sheet in the Remarks Box.

7.2 All First or Second Officials taking charge at any match under the auspices of the SVA must hold a valid SVA licence. The licence card confirms the official’s qualifications for the current season. The card number of both officials must be recorded on the scoresheet prior to the match - failure to record the licence numbers of officials on the scoresheet by the home team will be subject to a Level 1 sanction. 7.3 The correct licence fee, existing card, and any change of address for any official must be sent to the SVA office to arrive at least 2 working days prior to the match. No referee can register on the day of the match. Any club who registers a referee on the day of the match will receive a Level 4 sanction. 7.4 The home team shall pay (prior to the match) to a qualified referee, whether acting as First or Second Official, the following fees and expenses:

Appointed Official £20 per match plus travel expenses

(Division 1, Top Teams Cup, and Scottish Cup)

Other Matches (Lower Leagues and matches outwith Appointments System Grade 1 SVA Referee £ 18 per match plus travel expenses Grade 2 SVA Referee £ 16 per match plus travel expenses Grade 3 SVA Referee £ 14 per match plus travel expenses Grade 4 SVA Referee £ 12 per match plus travel expenses

7.4.1 Travel Expenses - The official shall be paid the current cost of a gallon of petrol for every thirty miles travelled and/or a proportion of the cost for a lesser distance. The cost of public transport shall be fully reimbursed. 7.4.2 The Referee Commission will appoint referees to all Division 1 matches subject to availability. 7.5 A home team who, without good reason, fails to provide a first and/or second Official in accordance with Articles 6.1 and 6.2 and/or a competent scorer will be subject to a Level 2 sanction and may, upon the discretion of the CAG, forfeit the match. 7.6 A letter explaining their failure to fulfil the requirements of Article 7.1 must be forwarded to the CAG on the day of the match. Failure to contact the CAG will result in a Level 1 sanction. 7.7 A home team failing to provide a minimum of two competent line judges shall be liable to a Level 2 sanction. 7.8 A player who is listed on the scoresheet as part of a team cannot line judge the same match. A team using such a line judge will be sanctioned under Article 7.6. 7.9 The remarks box on the scoresheet is to be used by the officials for an immediate and specific protest about



the Referee’s interpretation of a rule. It must not be used for the latter situation when the team captain has not at the time expressed his/her protest and the intention to have it recorded in the remarks box at the end of the match. 7.10 The scorer must ensure that the players’ names, shirt numbers and registration numbers are recorded on the scoresheet. Failure to comply will result in a Level 1 sanction being issue and, in accordance with the FIVB’s Official Volleyball Rules, may lead to the match result being altered retrospectively by the Competitions Advisory Group. The scoresheet must be correctly headed (e.g. match number, first/second team, men/women, first/second Division, etc.) and completed (e.g. all registration numbers, shirt numbers and substitutions shown). Failure to ensure the scoresheet is completed correctly will result in a Level 1 sanction being levied against the club. The scoresheet must be an SVA National and International Scoresheet and no other, however similar. A home team failing to provide and use an SVA Scoresheet shall be liable to a Level 2 sanction. Scoresheet Pads can be ordered from the SVA by contacting the Scottish Volleyball office.

8. Playoffs

Division 1 Final 4

8.1 All playoff matches in Division 1 will be played over one weekend in a neutral venue, known as the Final 4

Weekend. Seeding for these matches will be taken from the National League final positions. The team seeded in First

Place will playoff against the team finished in Fourth Place. The team finished in second place will playoff against the

team finishing in third place. The winners of both matches will proceed to the final, with the runners up competing

for third place. The winners of the Playoff competition will be offered the place to represent Scotland in the Celtic

Cup. Each team are required to provide the minimum number of officials stipulated by the Competitions Officer in

line with the playing/officiating schedule provided prior to the competition.

Division 2 Women Final 4

8.2 Women’s Division 2 will now have a final 4 playoffs at the end of the regular season. The team winning the

division will automatically qualify for Division 1. Team finishing in 7th place in Division 1 will play a Semi-final match

against team finishing in 3rd place in Division 2. Team finishing 2nd in Division 2 will play team finishing in 4th place.

The playoffs for Women’s Division 2 will be held at the Final 4 weekend in cross over semi-finals on the Saturday and

Final on the Sunday. Each team are required to provide the minimum number of officials stipulated by the

Competitions Officer in line with the playing/officiating schedule provided prior to the competition. The

Competitions Advisory Group reserves the right to alter the playoff structure dependent on the structure of the

regular season.

Division 2 Men Final 4

8.3 Division 2 and 3 Men will now be consolidated into one Division 2 East and one Division 2 West. The actual

division of the league shall be decided by the Competitions Advisory Group once registration has been completed.

There will be cross over Semi Finals on the Saturday of the Final 4 weekend with the final being played on the

Sunday. The Division 1 team finishing 7th will playoff against the runner up of the playoff final 4 weekend and this will

be a 2 Match series. If a tie at 1 game each, there will be a golden set played to 15 at the 2nd match. The first tie will

be played at the home court of the Division 1 team and the 2nd match at the Division 2 team. Each team are required

to provide the minimum number of officials stipulated by the Competitions Officer in line with the playing/officiating

schedule provided prior to the competition. The Competitions Advisory Group reserves the right to alter the playoff

structure dependent on the structure of the regular season.



9. Scottish Cup Competitions 9.1 The Scottish Cup Competition includes the Plate and Bowl events and all references to “Scottish Cup Competitions” in the preceding and following Articles should be interpreted accordingly. 9.2 Teams defeated in the early rounds of the Cup events may compete in the Plate and Bowl events. Entry to the Cup events implies participation in the Plate and Bowl events. However, at the discretion of the CAG and if vacancies exist within the Plate competition prior to the First Round draw, direct entry to the Plate may be offered to interested teams. 9.3 The competition shall consist of a number of rounds. The first three rounds of the cup will be played in pools. Thereafter, teams compete on a knockout basis. All fixtures shall be single matches and all matches shall be played to FIVB rules to the best of five sets.

9.4 The teams participating in the First Division of the National League shall be exempted from participating in the pool rounds of the cup and shall join the competition at the first knockout phase.

9.5 Teams eliminated at the pool stage of the Scottish Cup shall participate thereafter in the Scottish Plate. 9.6 Teams eliminated at the first knockout phase of the Scottish Cup shall participate thereafter in the Thistle Bowl.

9.7 All draws will be made at random by the Competitions Administrator and Independent members of the Scottish Volleyball Association. 9.8 It is possible for a club to have more than one team in the Scottish Cup, but a player may only play for one team in Scottish Cup Competition. A player is deemed to be ‘cup-tied’ to a particular team once they have appeared on court for the first time. 9.9 In all matches prior to the semi-finals of the Cup and the finals of the Plate and Bowl, the first-named side shall be the home team. 9.10 All matches prior to the quarter finals must be officiated by an SVA Referee Grade IV at least. In the

quarter-finals of the Cup and Plate and semi-finals of the Plate and Bowl, the 1st official should be an SVA Referee

Grade III at least and the 2nd official should be an SVA Referee Grade IV at least

9.11 No player may participate in any finals unless they have been previously registered before the Semi Final

stage.

9.12 Each team are required to provide the minimum number of officials stipulated by the Competitions

Officer in line with the playing/officiating schedule provided prior to the Finals Weekend. This rule will only be

invoked if the Referee’s Commission are unable to fill all roles required for the matches.

10. John Syer Trophy

10.1 All matches in the Top Teams Cup must be refereed in accordance with the minimum specification applied to National League Division One matches. The Referees Commission will appoint First and Second officials to the Finals of the Competition. 10.2 A player will not be cup tied for the Scottish Cup Competitions if they participate in the John Syer Trophy. A player will be cup tied if a Club has 2 or more teams in this competition as per Rule 4.6.



11. League Trophies 11.1 Trophies and medals shall be presented to the winners of each league. 11.2 The trophies must be engraved at the winners’ expense and returned to the SVA office by February 28 of the following season. Teams who fail to return or engrave the trophy by this date will be liable to a Level 2 sanction. 11.3 Should a trophy be damaged or lost whilst under the care of a club, the club will be required to meet the cost of repair or replacement.

12. Sanctions 12.1 The Competitions Advisory Group is empowered to impose the penalties and sanctions set out in the preceding and following articles. All sanctions will be increased to the next level immediately upon failure to pay 28 days from date of notice. 12.2 Any team who fails to satisfy a sanction imposed on them after 56 days will be suspended from competition until that sanction has been paid in full or at the discretion of the Competitions Advisory Group. Subsequent sanctions, i.e., failure to complete match, shall accumulate from the date of suspension. 12.2 The Competitions Advisory Group will exclude from the following season’s National Leagues any club failing to pay outstanding sanctions from the previous season. 12.3 A team withdrawing from the National League after the season’s fixtures have been drawn up and prior to August 1 shall be liable a Level 1 sanction. A team withdrawing after this date shall be liable to a Level 3 sanction. 12.4 All matches involving a team eliminated or withdrawing from the National Leagues shall be null and void. That team shall be liable for any expenses unavoidably incurred by other teams in their division in preparation for games now not being played. 12.5 A player registered for a team eliminated or withdrawing from the National Leagues may not play for another National League team in the same season until the sanctions under Articles 11.3 and 11.4, or monies due to another member club of the Association have been paid and permission is given by the Competitions Advisory Group. If such permission is given, the player must re-register and pay the normal registration fee.

Sanction Levels

Level 1 - £10

Level 2 - £20

Level 3 - £50 and/or forfeit (at the discretion of the CAG on the circumstances)

Level 4 - £75 and/or forfeit (at the discretion of the CAG on the circumstances)

Rule Description of Breach Sanction

Level 2.1 Failure to register team for league by deadline 2

2.5 Changing a team’s secretary after printing of fixture list 1

2.7 Changing a team’s name after printing of fixture list 1

4.1 An unregistered player or coach participating in a game 4




Level 4.2 Failure to provide the Collective Licence at a match (1st offence Warning, 2nd

offence Level 2, 3rd offence Level 4) 2

4

4.7 An ineligible player participating in a game (this differs from an unregistered

player under 4.1) 4

5.5 Failure to provide fixture details to opponent 14 days in advance 2

5.8 Failure to re-arrange a postponed fixture 3

5.9 Withdrawing from a match; failing to advise Commission 4

5.10 Failing to advise opposition of withdrawal less than 24 hours before start time 3

5.11 Failing to appear for a match 4

5.12 Withdrawal from more than 3 fixtures 3

6.2 Failure to provide away team with 6 warm-up balls 1

6.3 Failure of players to wear correct uniform jersey and shorts 1

6.9 Failure to be ready to play later than 15 minutes after start time 2

6.10 Late, but ready to play less than 15 minutes after start time 2

6.11 Late arrival causing extension to hall let

6.13 Failure to use official SVA Scoresheet 2

6.14 Failure to send principal (white) score sheet to SVA 2

6.16 Failure to report game result to Roddy McKenzie and Competitions

Administrator 2

7.2 Failure to record referees’ licence numbers on scoresheet 1

7.5 Referee’ failure to wear navy blue shirt and carry cards 1

7.6 Failure to provide correct referees and scorer 2 & Forfeit

7.7 Failure to contact CAG timeously regarding failure to provide correct referees 1

7.8 Failure to provide 2 line judges 2

7.10 Failure to record players’ registration numbers correctly 1

10.2 Failure to engrave and return league trophy by 1st March 2

11.3 Withdrawal from League before and after Date set by Competitions

Administrator Before - 1

After - 3

12.1 Being sent off for remainder of match At Least 2

matches




Level 112.2 Being sent off for a set At least 1

match

12.3 3 or more penalties in one season 3 penalties

= 1 Match.

Each

penalty

thereafter

1 match

suspension

12.6 Playing a suspended player 3

4.12.4 Failure to respond to CAG request 2



13. Disciplinary Action A player who both plays and coaches, shall be regarded as a player with respect to the following rules. 13.1 A player or coach being sent off for the remainder of a National League match shall be suspended from all National League activity for a minimum of two matches. The match referee shall submit to the Competitions Advisory Group a signed statement giving details of the sending-off, either along with the scoresheet or separately by first class post or by e-mail on the day following the match at the latest.

13.2 A player or coach being sent off for the remainder of one set of a National League match shall be suspended from all National League activity for a minimum of one match. The match referee shall submit to the Competitions Advisory Group a signed statement giving details of the sending-off either along with the scoresheet or separately by first class post or by e-mail on the day following the match at the latest. 13.3 A player or coach receiving a third penalty in any one season shall be suspended from all National League activity for one match and shall also be suspended for one match for every other penalty subsequently received in that same season. A penalty received by a player who is subsequently sent off in the same match shall be disregarded for the purposes of this Article. 13.4 In all cases suspensions shall apply immediately to the next fixture date as scheduled in the calendar. (i.e. National League and Cup Competitions). Warning letters and letters confirming suspensions shall be sent out by the Competitions Advisory Group, but it is the duty of all teams to ensure that a player or coach does not play while suspended and that their name does not appear on the scoresheet. 13.5 A team playing a suspended player or being coached by a suspended coach shall forfeit the match in question and shall be liable to a Level 3 sanction. 13.6 A player or coach sent off more than once or receiving more than 4 penalties in one season shall automatically be referred to the Disciplinary Commission. The duties of the Disciplinary Commission can be found in Byelaw 10 of the SVA. 13.7 The home team/organisers are responsible for spectator control. Any spectator affiliated or not whose behaviour is, in the referee’s opinion, interfering with his/her control of the match may be asked to leave the hall by the home team/organisers. The referee has the power to suspend the match until the home team/organisers have restored order. The referee shall be required to submit a report on the incident to the Competitions Advisory Group by first class post or by e-mail on the day of the match.



14. Complaints Procedures

14.1 This section concerns official complaints made about matters falling within the scope of these rules.

14.2 All complaints must be sent using the Official Complaints Form appended to these rules to the Competitions

Administrator of the Competitions Advisory Group. Complaints made to anyone else will not be accepted.

14.3 Official complaints may be made by any member of the SVA.

14.4 Whenever possible Official Complaint Forms about a particular match should accompany the scoresheet.

Where a complaint relates to a match already played then no official complaints received more than seven days

after the match will be considered. Where a complaint does not relate to a match already played then Rule 13a

must be followed.

14.5 Within 2 working days of the complaint being received, the CAG shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint

and advise all other interested parties. At the same time the Group may request relevant information and responses

from anyone they deem appropriate. Failure to respond to this request will result in a Level 2 sanction being levied.

14.6 The CAG will report back to the interested parties within 10 working days from the date of acknowledging

receipt of the complaint. The decision will be issued using the Group Decision Form appended to these rules.

14.7 The Group, when considering a complaint, shall attempt to provide a solution where possible within the

terms of these rules. They may apply a sanction if necessary within the terms of these rules. If the CAG deem a

matter outwith the scope of these rules and the CAG remit, then the matter may be referred to the SVA Board as a

disciplinary matter under Rule 10 of the SVA Byelaws.

15. Referral to the Competitions Advisory Group

15.1 Where members are in dispute over the application of these rules, or the general organisation and running

of the National League Competition, and are unable to resolve the dispute then any member may make an

application to the CAG for a ruling on the matter.

15.2 Such a request shall, subject to Rule 13.1, follow Rule 13 in terms of method of advising the CAG of the

matter and timescales involved.

15.3 Where a referral to the CAG under this Rule does not relate to a match already played then the referral must

be made as soon as possible but only after the parties have attempted to resolve the matter between themselves.

15.4 Clubs should try and resolve issues amicably between themselves. They should never hesitate in bringing a

matter to the CAG’s attention to allow for an amicable conclusion to the problem.

16. Right of Appeal

16.1 Notwithstanding Article 2.8, clubs have the right to appeal against decisions taken by the Competitions

Advisory Group. The full schedule of appeals process and procedure is contained in Byelaw 11 of the SVA Byelaws.

This edition of the rules governing SVA National Competitions supersede any

other editions.

sva rules of competition 2014 15

Documents

national competitions

contents page page

cup competitions page

leagues page

competitions administrator

league trophiessanctions

league format page

rules of national competition