SLPS GAAM Volleyball Tournament & Expo 2024

The number of teams will be limited to 216 (we may increase it at a later date). All teams will be asked to report to the venue at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Teams not present at the start of their games as per schedule will be given a loss for the game they are to play (It will be a 5-0 loss).

1. There are 216  teams divided in 36 brackets. Each team will play 5 games before playoffs.
2. All players in a team representing their gaam, have to be from the gaam. Jamais and Bhaniyas of a gaam are not from the gaam. Violating teams may be disqualified.
3. Punctuality is key. We plan to play without breaks between games. If sufficient team members (minimum 5) are not present to play within 2 minutes of their assigned time, it is implied that they forfeit their game. The score will be 5-0 in favor of the team present. In the event that both the teams are not present, the result will be recorded as a loss for both teams with 0-0 score.
4. All games (with the possible exception of finals) will be 9 points or 9 minutes whichever comes first. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game shall be completed by a sudden death playoff. The sudden death playoff will consist of a coin toss to determine which team will serve. Regardless of which team wins the serve, the team that wins the point will receive the win. If a point matters to determine a winner or tie a game at the 9 minutes mark, the point gets played out beyond 9 minutes.
5. If time permits, finals will be best of 3 games and each game will be 11 points or 11 minutes whichever comes first.
6. After each team has played 5 games, up to 96 (or 64) teams will advance to playoffs. Playoffs will be in knock-out format. Play-off teams will be selected according to: 
7. Win-loss record
8. Point difference (net difference)
9. Total points scored 
10. Total points allowed 
11. Via “coin toss” if teams end up in tie
12. Via “number drawing” if three or more teams tie 
13. During the game each team will be allowed 2 time-outs of 30 seconds.
14. After serving, no switching, either front or back, will be allowed.
15. Timeout should be used to substitute. Substitution of players is permitted only during time-outs. Only players listed on the team's roster are permitted to play.
16. A player may only serve after the head referee has blown the whistle. The service has to be clearly tossed or it will be considered a foul and side-out will be awarded.
17. Fingering, attacking or spiking is only permitted on the first hit. Fingering, attacking or spiking is NOT permitted on the second or third hit. 
18. Unless 1st hit touches the net or opponents ball clips net upon coming over, no 2nd or 3rd ball hitting will be permitted. If this does not occur, it will be considered a foul.
19. Crossing completely over the centerline is a foul; merely stepping on the center line is not. 
20. If at any time the ball lands on the boundary line the ball is considered in. 
21. Only the captain from the team may question a call. The head referee's decision is final. Players other than captain questioning calls may be given a warning or may be penalized at the discretion of the Tournament Committee and/or game's referee; penalty may include a point loss or loss of service.
22. A technical foul may be assessed by a referee, if in his opinion; a player conducts himself in an unsportsmanlike manner. Upon such assessment, the referee shall award a point to the opposing team plus a loss of service to the guilty team if it had the service at the time of the foul. Repeated or willful violations of the rules may result in a loss of game, or a player’s or his team’s disqualification at the discretion of the Tournament Committee and/or referee. 
23. At the conclusion of each game both captains must sign the score form. It is the referee’s responsibility to return the score form to the main scoring booth  immediately. 
24. If the ball hits any fixed obstacles during play, it will be ruled as a side out for the other team. 
25. Only the extra players from the playing teams will be allowed on court-side.
26. No practice between games is permitted. 
27. NO FOOD OR DRINKS INSIDE THE PLAYING AREA IS PERMITTED.
28. NO CHEWING SUBSTANCES (MANIKCHAND, PAN PARAG, OR ANY TOBACCO PRODUCTS) WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES.
29. The game shall adhere to the rules as interpreted by the tournament committee, and at its sole discretion, may add, delete, or modify any rule(s) if it is in the best interest of all teams.