Triangle Throwball Club
2026 Summer Throwball Tournament Rules (Indoor)
🏐 Toss
Team draws toss using the coin, The winner of the draw has the right to choose either a side or first service. In case the winner of the toss chooses service, the other team gets to choose the court side.
🏐 Toss Decision
Prior to the toss, captains are expected to have predetermined their course of action for both winning and losing the toss. Following the toss, the winning captain must immediately communicate their decision.
🏆 Game Format
League Matches
- League-stage matches will be conducted for best of three sets - 25-25-25 cap at 27 or may be conducted in single set to 25 points (cap at 27 points).
- The League stage format will depend on the number of participating teams and the available schedule time.
- The final format for league matches will be determined by TTC based on the tournament schedule and the time that can be accommodated.
Knockout Matches
- All knockout matches will be played in a Best of Three Sets format.
- Set scores: 25 - 25 - 25.
- Each set will be capped at 27 points.
📌 Court Change Guidelines – League Matches
Single-Set League Matches
No court change will take place during the match. Teams will continue on the same court for the entire set.
Best-of-Three League Matches
Teams will change courts after the completion of the first set.
Third Set Toss Procedure
If the match proceeds to a third set, a fresh toss will be conducted to determine the choice of serve or court.
Third Set Court Change Rule
During the third set, teams will change courts when either team reaches 13 points.
1) Court Dimensions
Court Dimensions (Indoor Courts) : 36ftx60ft (Varies from 36ftx60ft to 40ft x60ft - Please read the note), Net Height : 7.5ft. (Refer To the note)
Note
- Although the standard throwball court size is 40 ft X 60 ft as per the International Throwball Federation(ITF), In the USA the court size, dead zone and zone areas will vary based on the width available between the poles and length as most of the facilities are made for volleyball in USA.
- Dead zone may vary from 4.45ft to 4.5ft.
2) Team Players
12 Players ( 7 Players + 5 Players) per team is allowed.
3) Age Rule
All players must be 18 plus (if players are between 12-18 yrs old, then parents must sign the waiver form).
4) Substitutions
5 Substitutions are allowed per game.
5) Substitution Timing
Substitution can be done only after the ball drops.
6) Substitution Player Rule
Substitution is strictly player A to player B and player B to player A.
For Example:
If Reena is substituted by Meena, then Meena can only be replaced back by Reena, and not by any other player.
7) Substitution in Serve Position
No Substitution is allowed in the serve (7th) Position.
8) Substitution Not Permitted During
Substitution shall not be permitted during a team time-out, technical time-out, or at any moment when the game is stopped for any reason. Once the players have returned to their respective positions and the game is ready to resume, substitution shall be permitted.
9) Substitution Box
Substitution shall take place through the substitution box, where the outgoing player must leave the court first, followed by the incoming player entering the court.
10) Red Card Substitution
Substitution is not permitted for a player who has been expelled from the set due to misconduct or a red card.
11) Penalties by the Referee
- Unnecessary delay during the substitution of players.
- Illegal substitution.
- Requesting a substitution after the maximum number of substitutions has been completed.
12) Exceptional Substitution
An exceptional substitution, within the limits of the rules, may be permitted by the referee in the case of a players injury or if a player is unable to continue due to health reasons.
The incoming player shall enter the court an position number one (i.e., the left side of the Front Zone), rather than taking the position of the player who left.
12.b) Exceptional Substitution Rotation
All other players shall rotate one position forward to maintain proper court alignment.
13) Time Outs
Each team gets two time outs per set - each time out : 30 seconds.
14) During Time-Out
During a time-out, players may go to the Free Zone and shall not make contact with the playing area.
15) Time-Out Request
Only the captain / coach should request the time out on behalf of the team.
16.a) Technical Time-out
A time-out may be taken by the referee as per the directions of the Technical Committee to ensure proper implementation of the routine rules of the game. The maximum duration of a technical time-out is 5 minutes.
16.b) Mandatory Technical Time-out
A mandatory technical time-out shall be taken in the deciding set when either team reaches a score of 20.
17) Shifting Rule
Shifting the ball (Hand Shift) and Shifting the Body (Body Shift) is not allowed.
18) Ball Release
The ball should always be released at the above shoulder level (Both left & right-hand throws)
19) Scoring
Scoring follows the point-a-rally system.
20) Service Box
Ball should be served without touching the court line or the serve box lines and should be served from the serve box within 5 Seconds after the referee whistles. The service box will be from the center of the end line of the court to towards on to the right side of the court and should be served within. At least one leg should be inside the service box area without touching the lines.
21) Service Follow-Through
The server cannot take a follow-through from outside(Sides) the serve box area, while serving.
22) Service Dotted Lines
The server cannot touch the dotted lines of the service box area while serving, it's considered foul if touched.
23) 5 Seconds Serve Rule
If the server takes more than 5 seconds to serve after the referee's whistle, it results in delay and shall lose the service and point will be given to the opponent. 5 Seconds will be counted as 1001,1002,1003,1004,1005
24) Early Serve Warning
One Warning per game is allowed if a player serves before the referee whistles and will be given a RE-SERVE. Will be called for a foul if the team repeats it in the same game.
25) Jump Service
Jump allowed during the service.
26) Net Touch Service
A service ball touching the net is foul.
27) Pole Touch
A Service ball / Rally ball touching the pole is foul.
28) Side Lines
A Service ball on the side lines is allowed.
29) Dead Zone
A Service ball / Rally ball on/in the dead zone is foul.
30) Antenna
A Service ball touching the antenna is foul. (Due to the available length of the net - we do not use antenna).
31) Server - Entering the Court
The server can step into the court immediately after serving the ball, need not wait for the ball to cross the net.
Service Ball
The service ball : When the server releases the ball for service.
Service Ball Ends
Once the receiving team successfully receives the serve and returns the ball to the serving team, the service ball ends and the play transitions into a rally ball.
Zone Division
The court will be divided into three zones:
Front Zone – Centre Zone – Back Zone
2-3-2 Formation
- 2 players in Front Zone
- 3 players in Centre Zone
- 2 players in Back Zone
Service Time Formation
Players are required to maintain the 2-3-2 zone formation during service time only.
Service Action Formation
The 2-3-2 formation must be maintained from the start of the service action until the ball is released from the server’s hand.
After Ball Release
Once the ball is released from the server’s hand, players are free to move and are not required to maintain the 2-3-2 zone formation.
Note
Any violation of the Zone rules during service may result in the point being awarded to the opposing team, subject to referee decision.
33) Net Rebound
A Ball rebounding or bouncing from the net can be received by another player in rally, but not in the service ball.
34) Slipped / Rebounded Ball
A ball slipped or rebounded unintentionally from a player's hand; another player can catch the ball and send it across. Only 2 passes are allowed. This rule applied only to rally balls and does not apply to the serve ball.
35) Players Rotation
Rotation results only from a service break.
36) Rotate Within 5 Seconds
When a team loses the serve, the respective team should rotate within 5 seconds.
37) Players Position During Service - Zones
During the service, players shall be in their respective positions in their respective zones only, if any of the players in the receiving team is not in the respective position then the serving team will be awarded a point. If the player of the serving team is not in the respective position, the team will lose the service. However, the players of both the teams are not in respective positions; a RE-SERVE may be given.
38) Zone Line Touch
During the Service, all the players must remain completely inside their respective zone. Any player touching the zone line is considered a foul.
39) Missed Rotation
The team should rotate within 5 Seconds after the serve break, and a point will be awarded to other team, if rotation is missed. 5 Seconds will be counted as 1001,1002,1003,1004,1005
40) Service on Wrong Rotation
If a service is made on account of wrong rotation, then the serving team shall lose the service and the opponent will be awarded with a point and service.
41) Position of Players
The Position of the players shall be as follows.
Note
- All players from both teams must remain in their respective zones at the moment of service.
- No player is allowed to step on the zone lines while the server is serving the ball.
- Any violation results in a foul, and the point is awarded to the opponent.
42) Serve Position
The player in the 7th position shall serve the ball.
43) Z Fashion Rotation
The rotation of the players should be in the Z Fashion, moving to the right from the position 1. Rotation happens clockwise.
44) Player - Net Touch
A player touching the net is foul at any time.
45) Rally Ball - Net Touch
Rally ball touching the net is allowed.
46) Ball - Rebound/bouncing back in Rally
A ball rebounding or bouncing back from the net can be received by another player in rally, but not during the service.
47) Ball - Touching Roof
Ball touching the roof during the service or in rally is a foul.
48) Ball Pause
No significant pause is allowed before sending the ball.
49) Player - Touching the Dead Zone
At any given point in time, a player cannot enter the dead zone or touch the dead zone box line, whether the ball is in hand or not.
50) Collision / Simultaneous Touch
Players can collide, but can never touch the ball simultaneously.
51) Catching the Ball
The player should receive the ball firmly, only above the trunk level. The player shall not receive the ball below the trunk level.
52) Hand Shift / Body Shift
Shifting the ball (Hand Shift) and Shifting the body (Body Shift) after catching the ball is not allowed.
53) Catching the ball in centre
Catching the ball on the center and then shifting the ball to any side is a foul.
54) Sliding With Ball
Sliding on the floor with the ball is not allowed, if the referee feels the slide is equivalent to more than 2 steps after catching the ball, it's considered as too many steps - is a foul.
55) Catching the OUT ball
If the player by chance caught the OUT ball by completely stepping out of the court, the ball can be returned back.
56) Illegal Catches
Double touch - Juggling - Rolling - Body touch - Below waist and slipping the ball while receiving is not allowed.
57) Illegal Throws
Underarm Throw - Side throw - Hook throw - Push throw - Crocodile catch are not allowed.
58) Tapping
Tapping (Any movements with the fingers on the ball) while catching the ball, or after catching the ball is not allowed.
59) Double Touch
- Ball caught by two players at the same time.
- Same player catching the ball twice.
60) Dub's Sound
Dub's sound is considered a foul.
61) Stretching
Stretching is considered foul unless there is a bent in elbow(any angle) – For side stretch atleast single hand with a minimum of 60% bent is allowed else it will be considered a foul.
62) Body Touch
Body Touch is not allowed. While catching or throwing the ball, the ball shall not touch any part of the body., or outfit/hair/cap/jersey etc. except the palm, if so, it’s considered as body touch and is considered foul.
63) Fingers Catch
A ball caught on fingers is considered FOUL.
64) 3 Seconds Rule - Ball
Once the ball is caught, the ball should be sent within 3 seconds in a single action, without pausing the ball - otherwise it will be called for a delay which is considered foul. 3 seconds will be counted as 1001,1002,1003.
65) 2 Passes
If a ball in rally (Except a SERVICE BALL) and it slipped or rebounded unintentionally from the hands of any player, another player can catch the ball and throw it. Only 2 passes are allowed. This rule is applicable only for rally balls.
65) Net Point
When the ball hits the net during the rally and falls in the same court, another player can catch the ball befoe it hits the floor and throw to the opposing team and will be considered valid..
67) Throwing to Net - Intentionally
No player can throw the ball to the net intentionally, so that anotherteam player from the same team can catch the ball and return it to the opponent team..
68) One step - After receiving the ball
Only one step is allowed after receiving the ball, taking more than one step is considered too many steps and foul.
69) Jump and Catch
Jump and Catch is a foul. One leg must always be in contact with the grounf when catching the ball..
70) Jump and Throw
Jump and throw is allowed before stepping
71) Under Arm and Hand Parallel
Underarm and hand parallel to the ground when releasing the ball and throwing the ball is a foul, the ball should alwaysa be released above shoulder level.
72) Palms Parallel to the ground
Palms parallel to the ground facing up while catching the ball is foul.
73) Below Waist Level - Catch
Catching the ball below the waist level is foul.
74) Two Hand - Throw
Throwing the ball with two hands is not allowed.
75) Same Player - Second Catch
The same player cannot catch the ball for the second time or twice at the same time.
76) Dead Zone ot Box Line
Any ball on/in the dead zone or on the box line is foul.
77) One Hand - Catch
Catching the bann with one hand is foul.
Note:
The ball should be caught with twi hands and then should be released with ine hand. A ball caught with only one hand and supported with another hand is not allowed.
78) Opponent Fouls
Players/Coaches/Manager cannot call on opponent fouls.
79) 180 degree/360 degree - Turn
Players cannot make a 180 or 360 degree turn holidng the ball or releasing the ball in 180 degree position
80) Player Stop / Pause - Game
Players cannot stop/pause the game in any situation until the referee stops the game with the whistle.
81) Decisions
At any given point of time, Referee decision is final
82) Referee - Techical Time out
A Referee may call a technical time-out at anu point during thr game if they deem it necessary.
83) Warning Cards for Challenging Officiating Decisions
Calling fouls or arguing with Referee decisions by any of the respective team Player, Captain, Coach, or Manager may result in warning cards being issued to the respective Player or Team.
84) Permitted Protective Gear
Knee pads, elbow support, ankle support, finger splints, and athletic tape applied to the fingers are permitted and may be used by players during matches.
85) Prohibited Equipment and Artificial Aids
The use of gloves, chalk powder, casts, or any other equipment or substance that provides an artificial advantage is strictly prohibited. Any team found engaging in such conduct shall be subject to disqualification from the tournament.
📌 86) Communication With Referees
86.1 No Communication During the Match
During a match and in between sets, no Team Captain, Player, Coach, or Manager shall communicate with or approach the Referee under any circumstances. Any such action will be considered a violation of tournament regulations.
86.2 Communication Permitted Only After Match Completion
To ensure fair competition and maintain the independence of officiating, Captains, Players, Coaches, and Managers may communicate with the Referee only after the completion of the match.
86.3 Clarifications and Feedback for Own Team Only
86.4 Independence of Referees
Referees are expected to make decisions independently based on their knowledge, experience, and judgment. Any attempt to teach, influence, pressure, or interfere with the Referee's decision-making process will not be permitted.
86.5 Fair Play and Respect
These regulations are established to uphold the spirit of fair play, impartial officiating, and respect for match officials.
87) Injury Time
Two minutes shall be given to the injured player to regain and commence the match, otherwise substitution shall be enforced by the referee.
88) Injury Re-Serve
If a player is visibly injured and the referee observes the injury, the referee shall stop the game and give a Re-Serve. If the injury is not immediately apparent, the team captain or player may signal the referee by raising their hand or verbally inform the referee of the situation.
89) Opponent Fouls / Officials
Abusing or calling fouls on the opponent team is not allowed. No Player can call the opponent team fouls. Addressing or questioning the officials repeatedly, Making unpleasant or actions to influence others is not allowed.
90) Leaving Court
Leaving the court without informing the referee except between the timeouts and sets is not allowed.
91) Addressing Opponents
Players cannot address the opponents while they are serving or when the ball is in rally.
92) Abusing
Team members abusing - opponents, referees, spectators is not allowed.
93) Tampering
Tampering or damaging the playing surface or play related equipment is not allowed.
94) Team Discipline
It is the responsibility for discipline and proper conduct of team members and is the only player who may address the referees and shall be the spokesperson of the team.
95) Schedule Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the team captain to monitor the schedule and ensure their team is present at the court for the next game.
96) Referee Decision
No Player can communicate/question the referee decisions. If they do so, a point can be deducted.
97) Arguments
No arguments with the referees or organizers are allowed. During the game, a point can be deducted for this.
98) Walkout
A team cannot walk out from the game, if they do so, it is considered as a walkout from the tournament and the team will not be allowed to continue playing the tournament. The team stands disqualified. No further discussions will be entertained.
99) Referee Decision - Final
The referee's decision is final, even if it seems wrong from the player's perspective, the referee's decision stands.
100) Organizer Support
The organizers shall stand by the referee’s decisions.
101) Yellow Card
If any kind of misconduct as stated under the rule, exhibited by the player, shall be warned with the yellow card by the referee.
102) Red Card
If the same player exhibits misconduct for the second time, shall be expelled from the particular set indicating the red card by the referee.
103) Yellow + Red Card
If the same player repeats any kind of misconduct for the third time, shall be expelled from the remaining part of the match indicating both Yellow and red cards by the referee.
104) Severe Misconduct
In case, if players exhibit a severe unforgivable misconduct, even at once the player shall be expelled from the entire set / match / tournament indicating yellow and red cards by the referee. However, the decision can be executed by the referee in consultation with the technical committee.
105) Manager / Coach Misconduct
If the manager/coach exhibits any kind of misconduct, shall be warned with a yellow card for the first time and for the second time red card shall be shown and expelled from the play area.
106) Red Card Player Substitution
If one or more players are expelled from playing due to a red card, then no substitution shall be permitted for such players for that particular set and the remaining part of the set shall be completed with left out active number of players only.
a) 6 Players Position
Then the position of 6 players shall be 2-2-2
b) 5 Players Position
The position for 5 players shall be 2-1-2
🏐 Spartan Balls
SPARTAN balls will be used for the tournament.
👟 Indoor Facility Shoes
It’s essential that all players wear suitable indoor facility shoes for safety and performance. Proper footwear ensures better grip, reduces the risk of slipping, and protects the court surface. (Non-Sports Footwear, Flip-flops are not allowed).
Final Note
Triangle Throwball Club (TTC) reserves the right to modify or change the rules of the game at any time as necessary.
Prepared by
Prathyusha Rudraraju
