Not your classic game of hooverball.
AT A GLANCE
Games are played with a 6-10 lb medicine ball.
Each team consists of 3-5 players.
“Let” rules are observed on service.
Players can hold the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds each play, and cannot run with the ball.
The ball may be passed once per side, but passing is not required.
Play continues as long as players maintain ball control and body separation between the ball & the ground.
FULL RULES & REGULATIONS
Basics
Games are played with a 6-10 lb medicine ball, between 3-5 players per side.
Women’s games are played with a 6 lb ball, and men’s with an 8 or 10 lb ball.
At least 3 players must be present on the court in order for a team to compete, otherwise the team forfeits that game.
Unlimited substitutions can occur in between rallies, regardless of which team is serving. No subbing during gameplay.
Only certain equipment is allowed.
No sharp jewelry/accessories whatsoever (e.g. engagement rings, athletic bands) or hard helmets/pads.
Other jewelry & face/eye protection is worn at player’s own risk. Soft knee/elbow/head pads (e.g. rugby skullcap) are permissible, as are sand socks/shoes.
Gloves are not permitted at this time.
We enforce sportsmanlike conduct at all times.
All players are expected to show respect, and more importantly kindness to one another. HOOV NATION will set a strong example for sportsmanship in the industry, strengthening & expanding our sacred brotherhoods & sisterhoods.
Players pick each other up off the ground, including between team. Shit-talking is acceptable ONLY as long as it’s between good-faith consenting players and NEVER from outside coaches, managers, or referees.
Blatant violence against another person will result in offending player being suspended for the rest of that day. The second occurrence by the same player will trigger a permanent suspension from the league.
Service & Scoring
A coin toss awards the choice of service.
Winner of the coin toss may choose whether they serve or receive first. The other team then chooses which side they will start on.
The serving player must announce the serve.
For all players’ safety, the serving player must express their intent to release the ball, either by yelling “service” or “ready” or “HOOV!” or similar. It is still the responsibility of all players to pay full attention during the entire course of the game.
Service occurs from within the blue service area, no closer to the net than half the court’s length.
Scoring on service results in 1 point if the player served from inside the court area (called an “ace”). If the player served from behind their baseline, the ace is doubled, and 2 points are awarded (a “deuce”).
Points & service are awarded to the winning team of each rally, regardless of which team served.
During the rest of the game, 1 point is awarded for scoring within the court lines, and 2 points are awarded if the ball hits the backline without defensive contact.
Additionally, if a defensive player’s block attempt is deflected out of bounds, the point is awarded to the offensive team.
Whichever team scores is the team that serves the following rally.
The final point must be won on the winning team’s service.
In order to win the game, the winning team must score their final point on their own service. As long as they fail to score on their own service, the losing team has a chance and the game continues.
Possession is established when a player has full control of the ball.
Play continues as long as players maintain full control of the ball, even if it touches the sand.
Ball control is defined via body separation between ball & ground. (At least one hand, foot, or arm must be under the ball, with no movement.)
So, for example: a player can make a diving catch, gain control of the ball before it lands in the sand, and then get up to continue the play.
Each team gets one pass, and two possessions.
Each team may make one pass (compared to 2 in volleyball). For examle, Player A receives the ball, and can either throw it back over, or pass it to Player B, who then must throw the ball back over the net.
In games of 5-on-5, a second “alley oop” is permissible where the ball must be received AND played while player is in the air (player’s feet cannot touch the ground while handling ball).
Players can hold the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds.
Once a player has possession of the ball, they must release it (pass or shoot) within 4 seconds. This clock resets for every player, every time the ball changes possession.
Steps with the ball are limited.
Movement with the ball is very similar to basketball and ultimate frisbee. Players must come to a complete stop after receiving the ball, and may only pivot on one foot while holding it. Players may take 1 “gather step” when preparing to shoot the ball over the net.
If a player falls to the ground during a legal catch with control, that player is allowed to stand up while holding the ball (within 4-second hold clock).
A diving catch below the net, in which the player ends up on the opposition’s court, is permission and all above rules apply—but the ball must be returned to play over the top of the net.
If a player throws the ball into the net, and it bounces back and is caught by that same player or another player on the same team, it is deemed a travel & change of possession is awarded, but no point.
Defensive play cannot occur below the net on the offensive team’s side.
Defensive maneuvers can only happen above the net. Any interference through or below the net from the defending team will be considered a defensive interference, and result in a point awarded to the offensive team.
Defensive players are only allowed to block offensive players’ forward-motion scoring attempts—they cannot interfere with passing or the wind-up motion of an offensive player.
If a legal block is made, and the offensive player maintains control of ball, passing count resets and the play continues.
If a defensive player’s block attempt is deflected out of bounds, offensive team is awarded the point.
