Volleyball isn’t just about winning; it’s about respect, teamwork, and fair play. A solid code of conduct ensures every player, coach, and spectator enjoys the game. Here’s what you need to know:
By following these principles, volleyball becomes more than a game - it’s a way to build character, lifelong friendships, and a sense of community.
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The positive atmosphere in volleyball thrives on three key principles that shape player behavior and approach to the game. These principles ensure that every match, whether casual or competitive, is enjoyable and respectful.
Sportsmanship goes beyond simply following the rules - it’s about how you conduct yourself on and off the court. Brian G. Phelps, FWCD Director of Athletics, puts it this way:
"Sportsmanship is an understanding of and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity, and general goodwill toward an opponent."
This shows up in small but meaningful actions, like shaking hands before and after matches or celebrating great plays together. Integrity also means owning up to touches on the ball, respecting officials' decisions without argument, and showing simple gestures of goodwill - like helping a fallen opponent or acknowledging a great play with a thumbs-up or applause. The legendary football coach Knute Rockne captured the essence of this perfectly:
"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it".
Your behavior sets the tone for others, influencing teammates, opponents, and spectators alike. A personal commitment to fair play helps create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
Volleyball is a team sport, but it also involves other groups, all of whom deserve respect.
"Teaching your team good sportsmanship and respect for officials, teammates, opponents and volunteers will carry over to when an actual competition takes place".
While respect is universal, the expectations can shift depending on the level of play.
The principles of sportsmanship and respect remain constant, but the intensity and focus differ between recreational and competitive volleyball.
"We ask our athletes to compete, every day and at every moment in training".
Commitment is also crucial in competitive environments. Showing up consistently and on time reflects respect for teammates and coaches.
No matter the level of play, the same core values of sportsmanship and respect should guide every match. Whether it’s a casual game at the park or a high-stakes tournament, treating everyone with respect and maintaining integrity are non-negotiable.
Having clear behavior guidelines ensures that games and practices remain enjoyable for everyone. Below, you'll find an outline of actions to avoid, practices to encourage, and tips for effective communication - all aimed at fostering a respectful and competitive environment.
Certain actions have no place in sports. Unsportsmanlike conduct, like trash-talking, over-the-top celebrations that humiliate opponents, cheating, or intimidation, undermines fair play. As Javelin Sports puts it:
"Avoid trash talking, excessive celebrations, or any behaviour that may disrespect or undermine the opposing team."
Cheating is another major issue. This includes intentional fouls, faking rule violations to mislead officials, or trying to sway referees dishonestly. Verbal or physical misconduct, such as using offensive language, intimidation, or attempting to injure another player, is equally unacceptable.
More serious infractions include possession of weapons, fireworks, or ammunition; vandalism or theft of facilities; violations of anti-doping policies; or breaking federal, state, or local laws. These actions carry immediate consequences and could lead to legal repercussions.
Respect is the cornerstone of good sportsmanship. Simple gestures like high-fives, congratulating opponents, or offering constructive feedback to teammates, coaches, and officials go a long way. i9 Sports® highlights this perfectly:
"Sportsmanship is an attitude and behavior that shows respect for other players and the rules of the game."
Win or lose, handle outcomes with grace. Congratulate your opponents, shake hands with coaches, and stay composed whether you're celebrating a victory or learning from a loss. Respect the rules and accept penalties with dignity - this reinforces the integrity of the game. Additionally, clear and supportive communication on the court strengthens teamwork and fosters a positive atmosphere.
Good communication plays a key role in gameplay. Use short verbal cues like "mine" or directional calls, paired with eye contact or hand signals. Non-verbal communication is especially useful in noisy environments.
Irene Pollock, a professional volleyball player and Wilson Advisory Staff member, emphasizes the importance of strong communication:
"A beach volleyball partner is like another marriage, so just like in a relationship, you have to have such a great line of communication."
Keep the dialogue positive during games by using phrases like "great shot" or "nice block", and practice active listening with your teammates. Like any skill, communication improves with practice. As one coaching resource notes:
"Communication is a skill just as much as serving and passing. It's something that must be taught and practiced every day."
When players break the code of conduct, organizations need to act swiftly to maintain fairness and integrity. The process usually involves a structured system that balances education with accountability, ensuring that the response fits the severity of the offense.
Many volleyball organizations follow a step-by-step approach to discipline, escalating responses based on the seriousness and frequency of violations. For example, minor issues like excessive arguing with referees might result in a verbal warning, while more serious offenses lead to immediate action.
USA Volleyball enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for abuse and misconduct through its SafeSport program. This program addresses serious issues such as sexual, emotional, and physical misconduct, as well as bullying, hazing, and harassment. Other organizations adopt similar zero-tolerance policies to ensure safety and fairness.
Disciplinary actions often progress through several stages, including verbal and written warnings, temporary suspensions, longer suspensions, and permanent bans. Consistency is critical - players should face the same consequences for similar violations, regardless of their skill level or reputation. This fairness helps create a reliable system for resolving disputes.
After disciplinary actions are taken, a clear and fair appeals process ensures players have the opportunity to challenge decisions they believe are unjust. Vienna Youth, Inc. (VYI) provides a strong example of how to handle disputes. Their process begins with the following step:
"Parents first must contact their league commissioner and detail the complaint and the remedy they desire".
The commissioner is expected to respond within two business days, preferably in writing. If this initial step doesn’t resolve the issue, VYI offers a formal appeals process. Those still dissatisfied can escalate their complaint to a member of the VYI Executive Committee and request a hearing before the VYI Appeals Committee. This committee includes at least four sports commissioners (excluding anyone involved in the dispute) or, if needed, at least two members of the Executive Committee, along with the VYI President or their appointee, who chairs the meeting.
The committee convenes within a week to hear the case, allowing parents to present their arguments. Additional personnel may be involved at the committee’s discretion. Deliberations are private, and the chairman votes only to break ties. A final decision is issued within 24 hours. For international competitions, rules specific to those events are applied as needed.
Disciplinary actions are not just about punishment - they’re an opportunity for players to learn, grow, and rebuild trust within the community. Accountability requires players to acknowledge their mistakes, take responsibility, and demonstrate lasting change. This means not only saying, "I’ve learned", but also showing consistent improvement over time. As Kim explains:
"You can't just say 'I'm learning' or 'I've learned.' You have to show that you are a different person altogether".
For skill-related issues, players need to prove their improvement, while moral violations demand deeper, more meaningful change. Demonstrating accountability often involves consistent actions over time to rebuild trust with teammates, coaches, and the broader volleyball community.
Restorative justice can also play a role in accountability by encouraging players to help those affected by their actions. As Kim puts it:
"There's a sense of restorative justice, not just reforming yourself, but helping those you might have harmed".
A well-known example is former NFL quarterback Michael Vick. After being convicted for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring, he worked with animal shelters and advocated for stronger animal cruelty laws.
Players can show accountability in various ways, such as mentoring younger athletes, participating in community service related to their violation, attending additional training or counseling, and consistently modeling positive behavior both on and off the court. The goal is to encourage genuine transformation that benefits not just the individual but the entire volleyball community.
Organizations also have a role to play. They must apply rules consistently, clearly communicate expectations and consequences, support players in their efforts to improve, and regularly update conduct policies to address new challenges and improve practices.
A well-defined code of conduct does more than just prevent problems - it lays the groundwork for vibrant volleyball communities. When teams and organizations embrace respect and inclusivity, they create spaces that thrive both on and off the court. This approach encourages teamwork, diversity, and long-term volunteer involvement.
Volleyball brings people together, and intentional efforts to ensure inclusivity make the sport accessible to everyone. Respect on the court naturally extends into building a welcoming community where every contribution is valued. Sports have a unique power to unite people, regardless of their background or skill level. By embracing diversity, teams benefit from a wide range of skills and perspectives that strengthen their collective performance.
Building an inclusive environment takes deliberate effort. Studies show that sports participation can significantly improve mental health and academic outcomes for LGBTQ youth. Brooke Rundle, a sports performance consultant, underscores the importance of clear and supportive messaging:
"One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your support for LGBTQ inclusion is to create a code of conduct that strictly prohibits anti-LGBTQ language, attitudes and behaviors. Specify that homophobic, transphobic and heterosexist dialogue or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated on your team, within your club, at your tournament or in your gym. This clear messaging sends a strong signal to LGBTQ youth that they are welcome in this space."
Beyond policies, teams can visibly show support by displaying symbols like rainbow flags, using inclusive language in all communications, and ensuring equal opportunities for all players. Leadership diversity also plays a critical role in fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
The sense of community in volleyball emphasizes why inclusion matters. Donna Friesen Wigton, 2020 Nancy S. Sharpless Scorekeeper Emeritus, explains:
"The concept of 'bettering the ball' – volleyball is a team sport. Each person's touch affects and is affected by the others. No one wins alone. Even your opponents can make you better. Achieving success in playing and officiating gave me confidence, wonderful opportunities and lifelong friends."
Volunteerism and mentorship go hand in hand with building strong volleyball communities. Experienced players can guide newcomers, teaching them essential skills, court etiquette, and positive behavior, while fostering a sense of belonging.
Katie Holloway, from the U.S. Women's Sitting National Team, highlights how mentorship builds confidence and strengthens community bonds:
"Volleyball is a community sport. You need others to play with you in order to have fun with it. I've built a lot of self-confidence and character by going out and exposing people to the sport of sitting volleyball. I love to teach people how to play, but it takes a lot of guts and spunk to run around a convention center full of indoor standing girls and encourage their participation in sitting volleyball. But once they do, they love it. It's that immediate laughter they have when they first butt-lift that makes me love this sport."
Volunteering isn't limited to coaching. Players can contribute by helping organize tournaments, managing equipment, planning fundraising events, or engaging in community outreach programs. These activities not only strengthen connections within the volleyball community but also teach valuable life skills.
Technology has become a powerful tool for building volleyball communities, connecting players across skill levels and locations. Platforms like Javelin Sports simplify game discovery, registration, and payments while fostering a sense of community through group messaging and data-driven insights. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, Javelin Sports connects over 30,000 players.
Jennifer Brathol, Co-director at Kokoro Volleyball, explains how digital tools enhance community building:
"I think it's a great way to engage in different ways and create a culture of community outside of just your 11 families or athletes on a team, so we've really created more strength because of this."
A strong code of conduct is at the heart of volleyball's growth and integrity. When players prioritize respect, honesty, and teamwork, they create a space where everyone can excel, build meaningful relationships, and develop character that lasts a lifetime.
These values go beyond the court, encouraging personal growth and resilience. By sticking to these principles, players and teams enjoy better communication, deeper trust, and stronger bonds, all while fostering a positive environment that promotes satisfaction and personal development. According to research published in the International Journal of Sports Psychology, teams that focus on fair play often experience higher levels of mutual respect and stronger connections. Athletes who consistently practice fair play also develop greater empathy and a sense of civic responsibility - qualities that benefit them far beyond the game. As Jenő Kamuti, President of the International Fair Play Committee, beautifully puts it:
"Fair play gives sport the character of beauty. Fair play is a common language, the cement of sports that is capable of gathering together the whole sports world. There are many champions, but the champion of champions is the one who trains, competes and lives in the spirit of fair play".
Every interaction on and off the court reinforces these values. Players should respect teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials, maintain self-control, and play within the rules. Coaches and parents also play a crucial role by setting a positive example and consistently supporting these principles.
Platforms like Javelin Sports help connect players and uphold these shared standards, creating stronger and more inclusive communities. With over 30,000 players in the Greater Toronto Area alone, such platforms demonstrate how maintaining high standards of conduct allows volleyball communities to thrive.
Ultimately, it’s up to every player to commit to these values. Volleyball is more than just a game - it’s about enjoyment, health, and building connections. When players uphold these principles, they contribute to a sport that fosters character, lifelong friendships, and meaningful participation. While the scoreboard may reflect the outcome of a match, the true victory lies in honoring the values that make volleyball a sport worth playing.
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