alvl regulations, policies and procedures
2025-2026 Season

 PREMISE OF LEAGUE 

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 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 may 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.

 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 to join the league.  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.
• Waitlisted members must attend an ability assessment session, prior to being placed on a team. 

 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.

• 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. 

• Each team will have a minimum of one executive member / team lead (assigned by the executive). Some teams may choose to add an additional team lead.

 TEAM LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES 

• If assigned by the executive, assist in drafting the teams.

• Serve as a leader for the team

  • Set the team's mood, promoting good sportsmanship and fair play.

  • Ensure team contact information is shared amongst teammates.

  • Ensure a line-up is planned each week.

  • Ensure any duties assigned by the League are met. 

  • Track and report attendance weekly.

  • Ensure a captain is appointed each week to act as spokesperson for the team in discussion with the referee during game play.

• Work with the executive committee to resolve any team problems or conflicts and address any attendance concerns.

• Be familiar with the league rules, consulting with an executive member if there are questions regarding their interpretation.

• Understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

 PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Ensure the league has your correct/current contact information.

• Understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

• Understand and adhere to the Player Safety and Participation Policy.

• 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.

• Arrive on time and be ready to play, before the designated start time. 

• Adhere to the attendance requirements:

  • You must play in a minimum of 75% of the games scheduled for your team.

  • You must notify your Executive Member or Team Lead if you will be absent or late, with as much notice as possible.

  • Exceptional circumstances to attendance (e.g. illness, injury, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. At the discretion of the Executive, if the situation warrants it, a replacement player may be assigned.

  • If attendance becomes a concern the issue will be addressed by the Executive Committee and the player will be given a warning. If attendance continues to be an issue, the player will be replaced and forfeit their position in the league.

• Perform duties assigned by the league, as required.

 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.

• Understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct.