Rules and Regulations

Rule 1 - Players must be aged 16 and above and be of above-average swimming ability

Rule 2 - Games can be between 1 to 5 players per side (although 3 per side is generally perceived as the best version of the game)

Rule 3 - Players may hold onto the side of the pool at any time although doing so for long periods is frowned upon

Rule 4 - Net height should always be between 6 inches and 7 inches

Rule 5 - Games are the first to 21 points. If the score is equal after 20-20 the winner must win by two clear points

Rule 6 - The first team to win two games wins the match (unless when both teams decide to play on)

Rule 7 - The object of the game is to get the ball over the net and to win points by either hitting the water on the other side, forcing the opposing team to hit the net, make a ‘scoosh’ when their ball and hand hit the water or forcing them to play the ball out

Rule 8 - The serving team must serve to one other player before the ball goes over to the opposing side. Sides can only score points when they are serving

Rule 9 - If the ball is out, but it touches a part of the receiving player’s body, that team loses that point. This is known as ‘fingering’

Rule 10 - If the ball is out and HAS hit a part of the receiving player’s body and that player refuses to admit it and found guilty, they will be banned from Sallyball for life

Rule 11

• If a ball hits the edge of the pool and rebounds into the pool the ball is still in play
• If the ball hits the edge and rebounds over the net it is still in play but the opposing side must play it
• If the ball bounces twice on the edge the team that played the ball wins the point

Rule 12 - The ball can be played over the net with any part of the body but the palm of the hand is used 95% of the time

Rule 13 - The game can be played in the sea but permission needs to be obtained by the Sallyball committee

Rule 14 - Players can only use one hand at a time, although new players can use two hands for their first couple of games

Rule 15 - A Sallyball player can only call him/herself a real player if they play in the middle at least once a week

Rule 16 - Without exception 16th March Rules apply.