Team INFO

Click on the photo below to watch the Spikeball Captain’s video.

Welcome to the Captain’s Corner for Guelph Spikeball. This page can answer some questions about general league operations, and hopefully – with your help – we can make the league run as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to contact us. Have a great season!

Waivers

At the start of each season (one per year), everyone must sign a ‘Release of Liability Waiver’. If you add a player during the year, get them to sign a waiver as well, even if it is only for one game. The waivers can be signed online by clicking on ‘Waivers’ under ‘Registration’.

Score Reporting

Following each game, the captains will submit the scores online using the online score reporter within 24 hours of finishing.

Spirit

At the end of each game, a Spirit Score is to be awarded to the opposing team on a scale from 1-5 (half scores are permitted). The team as a whole should have input on what Spirit Score should be awarded to the other team. For a guide on how to award Spirit Scores consistently, click on ‘Spirit Score Info’. At the end of the season, there will be a spirit trophy and prizes awarded to the team with the highest spirit average.

Schedules

All schedules will be posted on the website and can be found by clicking on ‘Schedules & Standings’.

Perpetual Motion works with a large variety of restaurants and pubs located all over the city to give you and your team great options to socialize and eat great food in locations that are convenient for you. Take a look to see which restaurants are offering which specials to find the best fit for you and your team.  We hope to see you and the rest of your team sometime soon! Go to our Post Game Social Page.

Recreational (Tier 2)

This division include teams or players that are new to the game itself or just play at a rec level. Teams in this division must have a “fun first” approach to every game and generally enjoy the sunshine and atmosphere as much as they do the game itself.

Intermediate (Tier 1)

This division is for teams that have some experience playing Spikeball. Players can serve and return with accuracy, and the team is looking for more of a challenge than the Recreational level.

 

At the end of each season the Playoff and Spirit Champions are presented with the league trophy. Each teammate on the winning teams are awarded a choice of a T-Shirt, Hat, Visor, Toque or a Water Bottle. Have a look below to see what you can win (or buy) below under “Swag.”

Here is a video on how to play Spikeball Ball

Rules

Guelph Spikeball relies upon a spirit of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play. Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct from the spikeball court. Actions such as taunting opposing players, dangerous aggression, belligerent intimidation, intentional infractions, or other “win-at-all costs” behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.

At the end of each game, a spirit score is to be awarded to the opposing team on a scale from 1 to 5 (half scores are permitted). The team as a whole should have input on what spirit score should be awarded to the other team. At the end of the season, there will be a spirit trophy and prizes awarded to the team with the highest spirit average. In addition, if two teams are tied in points at the end of the season, then the team with the highest spirit point average will be placed higher. All teams should try to follow the guidelines set out below in order to keep the system equal for everyone.

Spirit rating = 5

The other team was a great team and we really enjoyed playing against them. They showed up on time and showed great sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game they played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were open to discuss. This was one of the best spirited teams we have played against, and we are really looking forward to playing against them again.

Spirit rating = 4

The other team was a fun team and we enjoyed playing against most of their players. They showed up on time and showed decent sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game they generally played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were pretty receptive to discuss. Not a bad team to play against.

Spirit rating = 3

The other team was an O.K. team and we enjoyed playing against only a few of their players. They showed up late and/or showed poor sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game, they really didn’t play by the rules and really didn’t want to learn them either. The captains should discuss what happened so it doesn’t happen again. This wasn’t a fun game and our captain will add a brief comment to the score submission explaining the low spirit score.

Spirit rating = 2

The entirety of the other team was not fun to play against. They showed up very late and/or showed very poor sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game they didn’t play by the rules and didn’t want to learn them either.  The captains should discuss what happened so it doesn’t happen again. This wasn’t an enjoyable game and our captain will explain what happened in the score submission.

Spirit rating = 1

The other team was terrible to play against. We did not enjoy playing against any of their players. They showed up very late and/or showed horrible sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game, they were very negligent of the rules and of the safety and enjoyment of our team. They had no desire to learn the rules. This is the least spirited team we have ever played against. Our captain is going to send a report to the league convener explaining what happened.

Any team that defaults a game (because they do not have enough players) will receive a spirit score of 4 for the game and the non-defaulting team will not receive a spirit score (their spirit average will not be affected).  

  1. Equipment/Field Set-Up
  • Teams will be provided with a portable Spikeball net and balls for the season.  The home team (according to the schedule) will be responsible for bringing and setting up the net before each game.
  • For games played on the turf field, cleats are allowed but no bare feet or metal spikes are permitted. Shoes must be closed-toe.
  • Each player must sign a waiver before the first game. If you add a player to your team throughout the year, the player must sign a waiver before they play, even if it is only for one game.
  • It is the responsibility of both team captains to submit the score of the game and spirit score online by 5:00pm the following day.
  1. Start Time/Default
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to warm up and to start your games on time.
  • Games are played rain or shine (but not during lightning). See cancellation policy below.
  • All teams are to play 2 vs. 2 having no gender requirements.
  • If a team does not meet the minimum player requirement 10 minutes after the official match start, they will default the first game by a score of 21-0. If the minimum player requirement is not met 20 minutes after the match begins, then they will default both matches (all 4 games).
  • You will play 2 games against 2 teams per night (4 games in total).
  • Each game is played to 21 points with rally point scoring (i.e. a point is scored on every serve). A team must win by at least 2 points, with a 25 point hard cap. Two points will be awarded for each game won.
  • Teams may call one (1) minute time-out per match if needed.
  • The serving team should call out the score prior to each serve
  • If teams have the same number of points (winning percentage is to be used instead of points in the event that teams have played an unequal number of games) at the end of the season, the tiebreaker is as follows:
    • Highest spirit score average
    • Head to head (If the two teams tied played each other, the winner of the games places higher)
    • Wins and losses counting only games against common opponents
    • Flip a coin
  1. Service Rotation
  • Captains will play rock, paper, scissors to determine who serves first
  • Service alternates between teams for the start of each game
  • If a third game is played in the championship playoffs, teams need to re-determine who gets to serve first
  • In the event that sun or wind are a factor, rotate starting positions 90 degrees every 5th point
  • If the serving team scores a point, they keep possession and the server switches positions with their teammate, serving to the other player on the team
  • If the receiving team scores a point, they receive possession, and the player who did not serve last becomes the server
  1. Service
  • All players except the receiver must begin the point from at least 6 feet from the net
  • The server must stand 180 degrees across the from the receiver who is the only player allowed to field the serve
  • Please ensure the receiver is ready prior to the serving of the ball, no quick serves allowed
  • Players are free to move anywhere once the server strikes the ball
  • Serves may be struck with any amount of force and short serves are allowed
  • If the server serves two faults, the receiving team wins the point
    Service Faults
    • Failure to hit/serve the ball after the initial toss
    • Failure to “toss” the ball prior to serving (at least 2 inches upward)
    • The server does not have at least one foot remain in contact with the ground
    • The ball is hit within 6-feet of the net
    • Serves may not bounce higher than the receiver’s straight-up extended hand.  If it does the receiver must call “let” before their teammate touches the ball.
    • A pocket serve or hits the rim
    • Serves that miss the net altogether or bounces more than once on the net
  1. Rallies
  • Each team has up to three alternating touches per possession
  • Possession changes every time the ball contacts the net
  • The rally ends and a point is awarded when:
    • The ball hits the ground or isn’t returned to the net within 3 touches
    • The ball makes direct contact with the rim
    • The ball bounces twice or rolls across on the net
  • Players may use any individual part of their body to hit the ball
  • Players cannot contact the ball twice in a row regardless of what part of your body it touches
  • The ball must be cleanly contacted, no lifts, scoops or throws
  • Players cannot hit the ball with two hands
  • A ball that rolls along a player’s body is an illegal hit
  • After the serve, any unusual bounce (Pocket) that does not contact the rim is legal and playable
  1. Interference
  • Defending players must make an effort to get out of the offensive team’s way.  
  • If a member of the defensive team is in the way of a play on the ball, the player being blocked must call “Hinder” and replay the point.  The offensive team must have a legitimate play on the ball to call “Hinder”
  • If the defensive team get hit with the ball, call “Hinder” and replay the point.  The offensive team must have a legitimate play on the pass to call “Hinder”.
  • If a player hits a shot off the net then the ball hits their teammate or themself, they lose the point.
  • If any player makes contact with the Spikeball set that moves the set or affects the trajectory of the ball, they lose the point.
  • All games are self-officiated. Any disputes will be discussed amongst the two team captains. Please play honestly and call your own infractions. If a dispute cannot be settled, just simply replay the point.
  1. Playoff Eligibility
  • Championship games are played as best 2 out of 3 games. The tie-breaker or third game is played to 15 points, but you must win by at least 2 points with a 17 point hardcap.
  • All teams outside of the championship bracket play 4 games as in the regular season.
  • Playoff Eligibility: Each player must play at least half of the regular season games in order to be eligible to play in the playoffs, unless it has been cleared with the league convener. This prohibits teams from adding “ringers” to their teams for the playoffs.
  1. Spirit of the Game
  • Guelph Spikeball has traditionally relied upon the Spirit of Sportsmanship, which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. 
  • Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of the bond of mutual respect between players, adherence to the agreed upon rules of the game, or the basic joy of play.
  • Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate adverse conduct from the Guelph Spikeball field. Such actions as the taunting of opposing players, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling, or other “win-at-all-costs” behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.
  • If a foul is committed and not called, the player who committed the foul should call it on themselves.
  • When a novice commits a violation out of sincere ignorance of the rules, it is common practice to stop play and explain the violation. It is our hope that more experienced teams will assist in the promotion and clarification of the Spirit of the Game and the rules. If a team or person is unclear on something, explain it to them in order to enhance the Guelph Spikeball experience and not to put them at a disadvantage. This will ensure that all games that are played are heading to a higher and more enjoyable level!  At the end of each game, each team will vote on a spirit score for the opposing team (See Spirit of the Game). Half scores are permitted.
  1. Weather Conditions
  • Always show up to the game even if it’s raining as the weather can change very quickly. At the start of the game the captains are to make the decision if the games are to be cancelled. If lightning cancels any game, the rest of the games are cancelled for the night.
  • LIGHTNING POLICY: If thunder is heard within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, games will be postponed. All participants must leave the playing area and seek shelter in a building or an automobile. Never stand under trees, in an open field or under an umbrella. Games will resume 15 minutes after the thunder and lightning have moved away. If thunder and lightning are still present 15 minutes after, the game will be cancelled and the score is as it was when the game was stopped. Halfway point of the game must be reached (11 points by one team) in order for the game to count towards the league standings.
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event that games are cancelled due to field closures or poor air quality, the following policy will be applied:
      • First Cancellation: Games are not rescheduled or refunded.
      • Second Cancellation: Games will be rescheduled as extra games on the night that they play or on another available date. If neither of these scenarios is viable, a partial team credit will be applied in the following season.
      • Third Cancellation or more: Games will be rescheduled as extra games on the night that they play or on another available date. If neither of these scenarios is viable, a partial team credit will be applied in the following season.
  1. Abuse/Alcohol:
  • Any abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, or mental is not acceptable in any manner. If any of these types of abuse are reported, the player or team will receive a verbal warning. If a second incident occurs, the player or team will be asked to leave the league or tournament without refund. Teams are responsible for other teammates’ actions; as a teammate, please encourage good sportsmanship at all times. Perpetual Motion Sports & Entertainment Inc. reserves the right to eject a player or team without a warning and without a refund. The Guelph Spikeball League is to be enjoyable and fun for everyone, let’s keep it that way!
  • Alcohol is not permitted at any game or event, and offenders will be asked to leave the league without refund. Playing while intoxicated is also prohibited.

FAQs

Where can I find a list of all of the leagues that are offered?

You can find a list of all the leagues that we offer by clicking on “Registration” in the toolbar, on the main page.

I am unsure what skill level I am. Which division should I choose?

You can find our recommendations for which division you should choose in “Registration” under “Suggested Skill Levels”.

How much does it cost to play?

At Perpetual Motion, we strive to make playing sports very affordable for everyone in our community. Our fees vary by sport and information on the cost for each sport and division can be found by clicking on “Registration”.

What are the payment options?

Perpetual Motion accepts cash, cheque and email transfer. Cheques and cash can be sent to or dropped off at: 78 Kathleen St, Guelph, ON, N1H 4Y3. Email transfers can be sent to dave@perpetualmotion.org.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up simply by clicking on the “Registration” tab. From there, you can choose whether you would like to sign up as a team, small group, or as an individual. If you choose to sign up as a team, you will need to Login, or create an account in order to be able to access your team’s information later on.

Do I need a full team to sign up?

Absolutely not. Apart from signing up as a team, you can sign up as an individual, with a friend or as a small group. Either way, we will make sure to get you on the same team!

I missed registration deadline but I really want to play! What can I do?

After the registration deadline, there still may be a few spots available in some of the leagues. Therefore, sign up, and we will let you know if there is any room.

Can I still sign up as an individual if I am going to be away for a couple of weeks?

Yes you can. Once you find out what team you are a part of, it would be helpful to let your new teammates know which dates you will be away so that they can find a replacement, if necessary.

What is the minimum age requirement to play in Perpetual Motion leagues?

Players must be of high school age to play in the leagues and tournaments, but to sign up as an individual or small group, players must be out of high school.

When will I find out my team’s schedule? All of the schedules should be posted by the Sunday night before the first week of games. However, schedules will be uploaded as they are completed, so keep checking back! I signed up as an individual. When do I find out what team I am playing on? In the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter seasons, you will receive an email the week before you start playing letting you know what team you are on.

What is the cancellation policy?

In the rare event that games are cancelled due to field closures or poor air quality, the following policy will be applied:

  • First Cancellation: Games are not rescheduled or refunded.
  • Second Cancellation: Games will be rescheduled as extra games on the night that they play or on another available date. If neither of these scenarios are viable, a partial team credit will be applied in the following season.
  • Third Cancellation or more: Games will be rescheduled as extra games on the night that they play or on another available date. If neither of these scenarios are viable, a partial team credit will be applied in the following season.

What is the rain and lightning policy?

It is up to the discretion of the City of Guelph to decide if the fields are too wet to play on. They will decide by 3:00 on the day of the game and we will put an update on the website if the fields are closed. Large storms that occur at game time may also cause a cancellation. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, games will be postponed. All participants must leave the playing area and seek shelter in a building or an automobile. Never stand under trees, in an open field or under an umbrella. Games will resume 15 minutes after the thunder and lightning have moved away. If thunder and lightning are still present 15 minutes after, the game will be cancelled and the score counts as it was when the game was stopped. However, halftime must be reached in order for the game to count towards the league standings.

What is the policy for when teams don’t show up or don’t have enough players?

When a team does not show up, the game will count as a forfeit win for your team, and a spirit score of 4 will be given to the other team. When a team shows up without enough players, discuss the game with the other captain. It is your right to claim the game as a forfeit, but it is also your right to have the games count. Whatever the case may be, make your intentions clear to the other captain. Agreeing to play does not mean that the game will count towards the standings unless both captains agree prior to the game.

What is the policy for getting contact information of another player?

We are not allowed to give out a player’s information, so if you would like to get a hold of another player, we can forward your email address to them.

What is the policy for getting substitute players for our team?

You are allowed to get substitutes for any regular season game. However, for a player to be eligible to play in the playoffs, they must have played at least half of the regular season games. This is to keep teams from adding ‘ringers’ to their team for the final games.

Are there any deals set up with restaurants or bars within the city?

Glad you asked. Absolutely. Perpetual Motion is connected with a large number of restaurants and bars around the city of Guelph to ensure that you have somewhere nearby to hang out after your games.
Are there prizes for winning?
Yes. At the end of each season, trophies and prizes are awarded to the top team and the team who played with the most spirit as voted by the other teams in the league. Prizes include t-shirts, water bottles, hats, toques, visors, and discs. 
Are the games all at one location, or all over the place?
This depends on the number of teams in the league and the availability of fields/courts at a given time. We do our best to have the locations in similar areas, but can not always guarantee this.
How do I get to a certain field or court?
You can find maps to all the fields and courts by clicking on “Maps” on the main toolbar.

SWAG

Grey, white, black, pink and red Toques

Toques: $20.00

Orange, black, white and green visors

Visors: $20.00

Trucker Hats: $20.00

Hats: $20.00

Orange, Green and Red waterbotltes

Water Bottles: $10.00

Spikeball Tees: $20.00