1.    The most important shot played in any level of volleyball is the DIG or PASS.  However, this must be played with the arms together, otherwise the action is deemed a DOUBLE HIT (this is a fault and the team loses the point).

2.    The first hit of a team in any rally may be played in any way (i.e. can be DOUBLE HITS) as long as it is done in the one action.

3.    The SET (second hit) is played from above eye level with the fingers apart.  This is also regarded as a DOUBLE HIT if contact with both hands is not simultaneous.  (Tell-tale signs are double noise or spinning ball.)  Leniency is given for novices and it is very rarely enforced at social level.

4.    Probably the strictest rule used in Social Volleyball is the LIFTED or CARRIED ball.  This is when the ball is played (in any direction) with open hands or palms facing upwards (from below head-height) or the ball is not hit.  This rule applies to SPIKES or SMASHES also, and is enforced to improve the standard of play.

5.    When serving, the ball must be tossed off the hand before contact is made by the serving hand (i.e. handballing is illegal).  The feet should remain behind the service line.  Once again it is up to the discretion of the referee, but anyone consistently overstepping will be called for a FOOT FAULT.  Service can take place from anywhere along the base line, but inside the side lines.  The ball may touch the net.

6.    A serve may not be returned from above net height (i.e. SPIKED or BLOCKED).

7.    To return the ball from above the height of the net during a normal rally, a player must be one of the 3 ‘front court’ players OR jump from behind the attack line.  If a team has only 4 or 5 players, then 3 of them can be considered ‘front court’ players.  (The server cannot be a ‘front court’ player.)

8.    The ball may not be contacted if it is on the opposition’s side of the net (unless BLOCKING an ATTACK).

9.    Touches of the net are only illegal when the ball is being played in the front half of the court, especially when jumping at the net.  Net touches with the body at ground level may be up to the referee’s discretion.

10.The ball may be played with any part of the body (yes - feet inclusive!) so long as the play does not result in a dangerous situation for any other person.

11.If a play is deemed to have resulted in a dangerous situation, the rally may be awarded to the opposing team by the referee.