The Minnesota State High School League oversees the administration of all high school sports played by public schools in the state. This includes ninth grade volleyball -- also called sub-varsity -- that uses many of the same rules as varsity high school volleyball players. These rules include the game format, number of players on the team and state high school tournament eligibility.
Match Length
A ninth grade MSHSL volleyball match consists of best-of-three games played to 25 points. The rally scoring method is used in the match, meaning points can be scored by both the serving and receiving team. If one of the two teams wins the first two games, the third game may be played if both sides agree. Statistics from the third game will count and are official as long as referees and scorekeepers are in place.
Warm-Up Period
Each team shall get an opportunity to warm up prior to every match. The warm-up period is 20 minutes. Each team will share the court for five minutes. The home team will hit for six minutes by itself and the visitor will also hit for five minutes. Each team will get the opportunity to serve for five minutes.
Additional Games
Players that compete in ninth grade volleyball are eligible to compete on varsity teams as well. If a player competes in a ninth grade match, she can play for the varsity team on the same day. However, no player may compete in more than five games on a particular day. So if a player competes in two games in a ninth grade match and then plays in a best-of-five varsity match, she may only compete in three of the varsity games on that day.
Number of Players
An MSHSL team consists of 15 players, three coaches, two student managers and one faculty representative. Teams may compete with fewer players and coaches, but they cannot have more. Student managers and faculty representatives are optional and do not have to be present at all matches.
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