Community Circuit Player Handbook

1. League Format & Structure

The Community Circuit runs for 9 weeks of regular season play (except for condensed leagues), followed by playoffs, with a grand prize awarded to division winners in qualifying brackets.

Every team is guaranteed a minimum of 12 matches, including playoffs.
Each match consists of 2 sets to 15 points (win by 2). No third set unless playoffs.
Regular season set caps of 21

Each location may differ in divisions offered, match schedules, and court times.
Visit your city’s registration page for full details.

2. Match Procedures & Reffing

Teams must be ready to play at their scheduled match time, or immediately after a 5-minute on-court warmup, which begins as soon as the previous match ends.
If a team is not ready to begin, they will be penalized 1 point per minute of delay.
If a team is 10 minutes late, they automatically forfeit the first set (15–0).
After the first set forfeit, the point-per-minute penalty restarts for the second set until play begins.
After a total of 20 minutes, the full match is forfeited.

Player Reffing Responsibilities

Reffing assignments are scheduled online in advance.
Each team is responsible for fulfilling their assigned matches.
Referees must keep score and call violations accurately.
Missed reffing assignments may result in point deductions or playoff disqualification.

3. Standings & Playoffs

Game Play Format

Matches consist of 2 sets to 15 points, rally scoring, win by 2.
In playoffs, matches are best 2 out of 3 sets to 15, win by 2.

Point Structure

Win 2–0 = 3 points
Split 1–1 = 1 point
Lose 0–2 = 0 points
Standings are determined only by total points earned.

Tiebreakers

Set ratio (sets won / sets played)
Point ratio (points scored / points allowed)
Head-to-head result

Playoff Seeding

The top 6 teams in each division qualify for the Gold Bracket.
All remaining teams are placed in the Silver Bracket.
Only Gold Bracket champions are eligible for the grand prize.
Playoffs are single elimination, with matches played best 2 out of 3 sets to 15.

4. Substitution Policy

Teams may submit unlimited substitutions by May 31 at 11:59 PM (must be approved for level of play).
Each team is allowed one late substitution after May 31 without penalty.
Additional late subs result in the team earning 50% of the standard points in matches played with that sub.
Injury-related substitutions are accepted at no penalty, but the substitute is locked in for the rest of the season unless otherwise approved.
No substitutions are allowed in playoffs—only rostered players may compete.

Submit substitutions at: communitycircuit.org/substition-form

5. Code of Conduct & Sportsmanship

All participants are expected to uphold the values of respect, fairness, and professionalism.

Unsportsmanlike conduct (arguing, profanity, threats, or physical altercations) will result in:
- First Offense: Verbal warning
- Second Offense: One-match suspension
- Third Offense: Expulsion (no refund)

Alcohol & Substance Policy

All facility rules regarding alcohol and substances must be followed.
Violations result in immediate removal from the league.

6. Prizes & Grand Prize Eligibility

Division Winners:

Gold Bracket champions receive airfare, hotel accommodations, and tickets to the AVP League Championships.
A division must have at least 10 teams for the grand prize to be awarded.

Additional Prizes:

Local sponsors may provide prizes, giveaways, or discounts throughout the season.

7. League Administration & Dispute Resolution

The league director has final authority on all rulings and disputes.
Rule changes will be communicated via email and social media.
Feedback and questions can be submitted via the league website or directly to the facility manager.