Match Format

• All matches are self-officiated.
•  Matches are 50 minutes long.
• Each match consists of 3 sets.
• Sets are played to 25 points (win by 2). Cap at 27 points.
• If time remains after 3 sets, teams may continue playing for fun; however, additional scores will not count.
• All matches must end on time.
• Teams switch sides after each set.

Game Timing

• All games are timed.
• If time expires and the score is tied, play continues until one team scores the next point.

Team Composition & Rosters

• Teams play with 6 players on the court.
• Minimum 2 women and 2 men must be on the court.
• A match may begin with a minimum of 4 players.
• Players may only play on one team and in one league.
• No players may be added in the final week of league play.
• To be eligible for playoffs, players must have participated in at least 2 weeks of play.
• Each team must have a minimum of 6 players on their roster and 6 eligible players for playoffs.

Gameplay Rules

• Rally point scoring is used.
• Serves may be taken from anywhere along the baseline.
• Net serves are live.
• No blocking or spiking a serve.
• Ball may be played with any part of the body.
• No touching the net during play.

Timeouts

• Each team is allowed 1 timeout per game.
• Timeouts are 20 seconds.
• No timeouts in the final 2 minutes.

1. League Format & Scheduling

• Matches are 50 minutes in length
• Matches consist of best of three (3) games
• All three (3) games must be played for standings purposes
• Games are time-capped and must end at the scheduled time

1.1 Defaults

• A team will default if they are unable to field a full team 15 minutes after the scheduled start time
• Default scores will be recorded in accordance with league procedures

2. Team Composition

• Teams compete in a doubles format (2 vs. 2)
• No gender requirements unless specified by league format
• Only players present at the start of a game may participate in that game
• Substitutions are permitted between games only

3. Playing Area & Equipment

3.1 Playing Area

• All games are played on a regulation pickleball court
• Where applicable, outer badminton lines may be used

3.2 Equipment

• Participants are encouraged to provide their own paddle but one will be provided if not available
• Game balls and court setup are provided by the facility
• Participants are encouraged to assist with setup and takedown where possible

4. Game Rules

4.1 Scoring

• Games are played to 11 points
• Games are win by 2, unless limited by time
• Only the serving team may score points

4.2 Reporting Scores

• Match results are reported as games won (e.g., 2–1)
• All game scores must be recorded, regardless of outcome

4.3 Calling the Score

The server must announce the score prior to each serve using the format:
Serving Team Score – Receiving Team Score – Server Number

5. Serving

5.1 General Serving Rules

• Serve must be:
  • Underhand
  • Contact below the waist/hips
  • Initiated with both feet behind the baseline
• The ball must be served diagonally into the correct service court
• One serve attempt only

5.2 Service Rotation

• Both players on a team serve during each rotation (except to start the match)
• At the start of the match, the first serving team receives one serve only (0–0–2)
• After the first side out, teams receive two serves per rotation
• Serving always begins from the right-hand service court
• When a point is scored, the server switches sides and continues serving

6. Double Bounce Rule

• The receiving team must allow the serve to bounce once
• The serving team must allow the return to bounce once
• After two bounces, the ball may be volleyed (outside the NVZ)

7. No-Volley Zone (NVZ / “Kitchen”)

• The NVZ extends 6.5 feet from the net on both sides

7.1 NVZ Restrictions

• Players may not volley the ball while in the NVZ
• Players may not step on or over the NVZ line during a volley
• Momentum carrying a player into the NVZ after a volley results in a fault
• Players may enter the NVZ only after the ball has bounced

7.2 Serving Restriction

• A serve landing on the NVZ line is considered a fault

8. Faults

A fault results in loss of serve or point. Faults include:

• Improper serve (overhand, above waist, incorrect positioning)
• Ball landing out of bounds
• Serve landing on the NVZ line
• Failure to observe the double bounce rule
• Volleying from within the NVZ or contacting the NVZ line
• Ball contacting a player (except paddle hand below the wrist)
• Ball bouncing more than once before return

9. Officiating & Conduct

9.1 Self-Officiated Play

• All games are self-officiated
• Participants are expected to make honest and fair calls

9.2 Disputes

• If players cannot agree on a call, the point will be replayed

9.3 Sportsmanship

Participants are expected to:

• Demonstrate respect toward opponents and staff
• Adhere to all intramural policies
• Promote a positive and inclusive playing environment

Failure to meet sportsmanship expectations may result in penalties, removal from the game, or further disciplinary action.

10. Additional League Policies

• Teams are responsible for knowing and adhering to all rules
• Games may be shortened or modified due to time or facility constraints

Our Community Sport Leagues are open to everyone, not just Brock students. Community members, alumni, staff, and the general public are all welcome!

No. You do not need to be a Brock student to participate of have a membership. Anyone can sign-up!

You can register as a full team or as an individual. Individuals will be placed on a team.

Sports vary by season but typically include volleyball, pickleball, and ultimate frisbee.

Leagues range from recreational to intermediate/competitive, with a focus on fun and inclusivity.

Most leagues run for 6–9 weeks with one game per week throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Games are played at Brock University facilities, including the Walker Sports Complex and outside on our grass fields beside Alumni Field.

Games are typically scheduled on weekday evenings between approximately 6:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

Registration includes organized games, scheduling, standings, and on-site staff support.

Most leagues are self-officiated, while others may have staff or supervisors present.

Participants should bring athletic clothing and appropriate footwear. Equipment is typically provided but participants are welcome to bring their own (volleyballs, pickleball paddles, ultimate discs).

These leagues are beginner-friendly and a great way to learn and stay active.

Yes. You can register as a team or request to be placed with friends when registering individually.

Games follow a fixed schedule and are typically not rescheduled.

Yes. All participants are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship, respect, and follow league rules.

If you are having issues registering you can contact our Welcome Desk via phone:905 688 5550 x4060 or email: [email protected]

Our Community Sport Leagues registration can be found here 

Paid parking is available in Lot P, D, and along University Road West. More information about paid parking can be found in our paid parking section.

If you purchased a multi-week recreation program, see the FAQ below.

Multi-week recreation programs, including multi-week Community Sport Leagues, include access to parking in Lot B during your programming time.
Within two business days of registering for your multi-week recreation program, you will receive an email from [email protected] with instructions on how to register your license plate(s), and the rules and regulations about parking.

Additionally, starting May 1st, the spring/summer rate will come into effect (i.e., $4/hour or $6/day) and complimentary parking will begin at 4pm in all HONK visitor lots (These lots would include lot ‘D’ and lot ‘P’.). A valid permit is still required in all other lots.