alvl regulations, policies and procedures
2026-2027 Season

The aim of the league is to provide enjoyment, recreation and friendly competition through the playing of volleyball.

There will be a wide variety of skill levels – we come together for a love of the sport and a camaraderie within the community.

The league is non-profit. Registration fees will be charged to cover the league's operating costs plus allow a small balance for increases in, or unexpected, operating costs.

 CODE OF CONDUCT 

• You are responsible for creating an atmosphere of positivity and excellent sportsmanship. 
• You must act with respect towards all players, referees, executive members, and spectators. 
• Applaud your teammates and your opponents. There is no harm in building each other up. 
• Play fair. All participants are expected to review the rules and ask for any necessary clarifications in a timely fashion. We expect that everyone is playing to win but the desire to win cannot take the place of respectful, sportsmanlike play.
• Negative comments, gestures and language towards any other person (teammate, opposition, referee, etc.) will not be tolerated. 
• Participants who do not follow the above points will be warned. If egregious enough and/or the behaviour continues, you will forfeit your position in the league.

 PLAYER SAFETY AND PARTICIPATION POLICY 

Our league is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for players of all skill levels.

Due to the physical nature of the sport, it is essential that all participants possess a minimum level of skill, physical agility and the awareness necessary to safely engage in team competition.

If a player's limitations consistently pose a risk of injury to themselves or others, the Executive Committee reserves the right to review their participation. 

At the end of the season, a player may be removed from the league in order to preserve the safety and well-being of all participants. This decision will not be made lightly and will be handled with respect, care, and consideration for the individual.

Highly skilled members must be mindful of the varying skill levels on the court and play in a manner that keeps the environment safe and enjoyable for everyone.

 CONSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION (24-HOUR RULE) POLICY 

This policy ensures that all communications regarding league activities, concerns, complaints, requests, and game-night situations/incidents are handled constructively, professionally and respectfully. It also allows executive members to focus on participating as players on game nights rather than managing league inquiries or disputes while games are in progress.

No league member may approach any other member regarding any of the above during a match or within 24 hours of its conclusion. This mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period gives all parties an opportunity to reflect before communicating, ensuring that temporary emotions do not cloud judgment and lead to unnecessary conflict.

After the 24-hour period has elapsed, all communications regarding league matters must be submitted to the league email address. Phone calls, text messages, social media messages, and in-person confrontations regarding league matters are not permitted.

Executive members are not required to respond to communications received through unauthorized channels and will direct members to use the league email address instead.

 LEAGUE LEADERSHIP 

The league will be administered by a volunteer executive committee. Executive roles and requirements will be governed by the Executive By-Laws. 

 COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION 

We collect personal information solely for use by the Ancaster Ladies Volleyball League in connection with its operations, communications, and activities. This information will be used for ALVL purposes only and will not be shared, sold, or disclosed to any third parties.

 MEMBERSHIP 

• The league is open to women aged 21 and older.
• We maintain a roster of 64 permanent players.
• We maintain a waitlist (in date order) of those who wish to join the league.
• New members must be Ancaster residents.  An Ancaster resident is defined as someone whose primary residence is located in Ancaster, Jerseyville or Glancaster.  At the discretion of the executive, residents of other areas may be accepted to fill rosters.
• Players must possess volleyball game knowledge and some playing experience.
• We accept individuals only. There are no opportunities to join as a team or in a group that wishes to play together.
• Women interested in becoming a member of the ALVL must visit the league website and complete the online form to be added to the waitlist. Interested players will hold a spot on the waitlist in order of the date of the online form completion.

 REGISTRATION 

• Registrations will be processed online, and payments will be accepted by e-transfer only, during the summer months. 
• Members will be notified by email when registration is open and must respond and pay by the deadline given. Members MUST respond to either claim their spot or select a one-year Leave of Absence (LOA). Non-responders will be removed from the league membership list.
• A Leave of Absence (LOA) may not be requested in consecutive years. Players requesting consecutive LOA’s will forfeit their spot and, if they wish, be added to the bottom of the waitlist.
• A player who has taken a full or partial Leave of Absence (LOA) in the preceding season is not eligible to request a full-season LOA in the immediately subsequent season. This is considered a consecutive LOA and will result in the forfeit of their permanent spot in the league. They may request to be added to the bottom of the waitlist.
• Spots not filled by permanent members will be offered to waitlisted players.
• All league members, including executive members, will pay the stated registration fee for the upcoming season by the deadline.
• Refund requests will be considered on an individual basis and will be prorated.
• Players filling spots which become available during the season will pay a prorated registration fee.

 TEAM STRUCTURE 

• Ancaster Ladies Volleyball League (ALVL) is made up of teams of eight (8) players each. 
• Teams will be drafted with the goal of being as equal and fair as possible.

 PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Ensure the league has your correct/current contact information.
• Ensure you have read, understand and adhere to all the policies listed in this document.
• Ensure you are in condition to safely participate in physical activity and game play.  
• Ensure you are appropriately attired for game play. This includes wearing suitable, indoor, gym clothing and shoes. The ALVL strongly recommends jewellery NOT be worn.
• Collaborate with your team to: 
  • Promote good sportsmanship and fair play.
  • Ensure team contact information is shared.
  • Communicate absences, ensuring a minimum of five players are present each week.
  • Ensure a line-up is planned each week.
  • Ensure any duties assigned by the League are met. 
  • Ensure a captain is appointed each week to act as spokesperson for the team in discussion with the referee during game play.
• Arrive on time and be ready to play, before the designated start time. 
• Adhere to the attendance requirements by playing in a minimum of 75% of the games scheduled for your team.

 REFEREE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Set-up and take down the net. 
• All calls, including balls which are close to the line, are the responsibility of the referee. The referee will call a re-serve if they are unable to make the call.
• Count and indicate when a server has completed 5 serves.
• Send the scores to the executive member responsible for the standings on a weekly basis.
• Notify the appropriate executive member promptly of any absences.
• Understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct.