Set and Spike Sundays: Your chance to give volleyball a go

Denzil Pinto 14:01 15/01/2014
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  • Great fun: The league is open to players of all abilities.

    A new and fun volleyball league is set to kick-off at Duplays and its director of Abu Dhabi operations Ray Gibson is urging people to try out the sport.

    ‘Set and Spike Sundays’ is a six-week long league beginning on January 26 at Gems World Academy in Abu Dhabi. Players above 18 years and of all levels can sign up for the league.

    And there will be medals and trophies on offer for the champions and runners-up. Also, each player of the eight member winning team will receive a voucher for a three-course meal at the Noodle Houses run by Jumeirah Restaurants in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

    If you fancy playing this mixedteam sport, which has been part of the Olympic programme since 1964, then the entry fee for a team is Dh2,400.

    If you have no team then don’t worry. The price of an individual spot is Dh400 and all such participants will be combined to form a team in the first week.

    Registration is simple. Just visit www.duplaysabudhabi.playpass.com and select the ‘Set and Spike Sundays’ volleyball league where you can sign up and receive a free Adidas Climacool T-Shirt.

    All matches will be played on Sunday evenings with each team playing two best-of-three set matches a week indoors. Six players are permitted to play in a match, while the two-half games will last 25 minutes.

    In case of a tie, the first team to score the next point wins the match. Depending on the number of teams participating, it will be a robin-round league. The number of teams to progress to the play-offs will depend on the numbers participating. 

    To make sure the game is fair, a minimum of one female participant must be on court at all times, unless the captain of the other team allows play with six men.

    There are a couple of rules that you should be aware of before you sign up for the league. Firstly, punctuality is crucial. As in everyday life, being late for anything can be annoying and disrespectful. It’s no different in the volleyball league as well. If your scheduled match does not start 10 minutes after the stated kick-off time, then the team causing the delay will forfeit the match.

    Also, it’s worth noting that a minimum of four players must be on the pitch to avoid forfeiture. To ensure players turn up consistently during the league, individual players must play at least two regular matches during the group stage should their team qualify for the play-offs.

    Secondly, the sport requires hardly any contact with opponents. The only thing you hit is the ball with your hands and arms, whilst aiming for precision in winning the point.

    But in the unfortunate case where a player does make any serious offence such as fighting or verbal abuse, then referees will impose a two-match ban that could hamper his or her team’s chances in the tournament.If the same person repeats the offence, he or she will be disqualified.

    Gibson said: “This is a league to help people get into sports in the UAE. Volleyball is one of the most accessible sports available. Anyone can come and have a good time. It’s very recreational and open to everyone.”

    So what are you waiting for? Get set and spike.

    What: Set and Spike Sundays volleyball league

    When: January 26 to March 2

    Where: Gems World Academy in Nadja Street, Abu Dhabi, organised by Duplays

    Contact: Visit www.duplaysabudhabi.playpass.com to sign up for the league.

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