Below are general guidelines for most of our tournaments. At the bottom, you can find skill level guidelines (including who can and cannot play at certain skill levels).
Please refer to the captain's package for the most accurate set of rules and guidelines. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via Instagram or at tsunamivolleyballgroup@gmail.com!
All volleyball rules other than those outlined here is according to the Volleyball Canada Rulebook 2025-2026.
TEAM COMPOSITION:
Teams are limited to a roster of 8 players. All players are required to sign the waiver in order to compete.
FOR CO-ED 5-1 TOURNAMENTS: There must be a minimum of 1 female on the court at all times. The female player MUST rotate to the front court.
Liberos are permitted - they must be designated at the start of the game are are required to notify the game official. Liberos are NOT allowed to serve (VC Rulebook - Rule 19.3.1.3, 2024).
​
PLAYING ACTIONS & FOOT FAULTS:
Foot faults will be observed. Players are not permitted to step into the court when serving.
Double contacts are permitted given that they are one complete action and the ball remains on the same side of the court.
Balls touching the ceiling are playable, as long as it does not cross into the opponent's side.
​
TIME OUTS:
Round Robin: No timeouts permitted.
Playoffs: Two, 30 second, timeouts per match.
​
SPORTSMANSHIP:
Please be respectful to all personnel attending and officiating the tournament. This includes referees, volunteers, event staff and facility workers.
Cheer positively and respect your opponents. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as taunting and verbal abuse will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal of individuals or teams.
During round robin matches, in the event of a discrepancy on a call, re-serve the point. Officials will be provided for playoffs.
SKILL LEVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Recreational
Tournaments are this level are designated to cater to volleyball players who are just picking up the sport and have only played in recreational level tournaments/drop-ins. Players at this level are still learning the general knowledge of the game and are picking up the skills and fundamental techniques like serving, passing, setting, hitting and blocking.
Jump serves and backrow attacks are not permitted at these tournaments. All double contacts are allowed permitted that they are in one complete action.
Players who have played in the following levels are not permitted at these tournaments:
Current and former: national, professional, semi-professional, varsity, club
Any current/former 9man players
Any current/former Tito's league players (except Rec league)
Any SMVA/TVDC players
MJEN/PANDAS tier 2 and above
Tsunami VB tier 2 and above
Low Intermediate
Tournaments at this level are designed to cater to volleyball players who have played for a while but have not been a part of any well-known volleyball associations in the competitive, semi-professional or professional levels. Players should have good knowledge of the game but do not have full mastery of the skills and fundamental techniques like serving, passing, setting, hitting or blocking.
Players who have played in the following levels are not permitted at this tournament:
Professional, semi-professional, varsity, ex-varsity, club players​
Bronze/silver/gold flight 9man players
Current/former Tito's diamond, platinum and gold division
Any SMVA players
Intermediate
Tournaments at this level are designed to cater to volleyball players who have played in higher level tournaments and have experience playing at the competitive level. Players will have mastered skills and fundamental techniques like serving, passing, setting, hitting or blocking and have incorporated strategy and plays into their gameplay.
Players who have played in the following levels are not permitted at this tournament:
Professional, semi-professional, national, ex-national, varsity, and Premier Club players
Ex-varsity/university/college players (case-by-case exceptions may be made - please message us to clarify whether they are eligible)
Current/former Silver/gold flight 9man players
Current/former Tito's diamond and platinum division players
SMVA/TVDC Tier 1-5 (case-by-case exceptions may be made - please message us to clarify whether they are eligible)
Open/Competitive
Tournaments at this level are designated to cater to volleyball players who have played in higher level tournaments and have some experience playing at the competitive level. Players will have mastered skills and fundamental techniques like serving, passing, setting, hitting or blocking and have incorporated strategy and plays into their gameplay.
Players who have played in the following levels are not permitted at these tournaments:
Current professional and national level players
Ex-professional & ex-national level players are allowed.
​
It is the team captain's responsibility to ensure that these guidelines are met. Doing so otherwise will result in the player or team being disqualified from the tournament.
Case by case exceptions are permitted as long as they are cleared with the tournament organizer.