Frequently Asked Questions

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 Small Bar/Anne Springs *Include directions from the interstate*

-Small Bar Fort Mill

3415  SC-51, Fort Mill, SC 29715

-Anne Springs - Lake Haigler entrance

2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

 Parking is free at Small Bar.

*add screenshot of parking lot from Google maps with parking circled* 

• Blind Draw
• COED
• REVCO 
• David v Goliath

-Blind Draw

You can sign up as a free agent or with a COED partner. When you arrive at the facility you will check in and pay. Once everyone has checked in, we’ll call you all together for the players meeting/drawing teams/review of rules. We pair up anyone that came as a free agent, then split you into two groups. One group will be written in on the pool sheets, then the other group will draw for a number to determine who your other two teammates will be. We’ll announce teams, court assignments and game durations. Every team makes it to the playoffs. The winners receive a cash prize.

To sign up simply go to the “Discussion” tab under the Facebook event and post your name, your partner’s name (if applicable), what division, and which day (if this is a multi-day event) you want to play. Selecting “Going” at the top of the Facebook event does NOT reserve your spot. Walk-ins are allowed, but if you do not post on the discussion tab or at least contact a director to confirm your attendance we cannot guarantee you a spot. 

Sometimes we will offer one combined division or split into lower and upper. This is determined on a weekly basis and is specified on the event page. If there are not enough sign ups to fill out one of the divisions, we will combine them and draw as one. When we play as one combined division the playing rules are more lenient to cater to lower-level players.

Rules for a combined division: 

-We do not call doubles on 1st or 2nd contact

-We do not call lifts or carries

-If you set over it needs to be square(parallel) to your shoulders in front of or behind you (judgment call by the ref)

-No open-handed tips

-Block does not count as a touch and it can be redirected

-No pursuit onto another court

-No touching the net

-If another ball comes onto the court during a rally the point will be replayed

-You can step under the net if it does not interfere with your opponents (judgment call by the ref)

-No player referee- refs get final call

Rules for upper division- all rules for the combined division apply except: 

-Refer to AVP rules for doubles, lift and carries

-If you set over it needs to be square(parallel) to your shoulders in front of or behind you AND you cannot double

We encourage players of all skill levels to attend from recreational-open level. This is a great way to socialize, network, exercise, practice and just have a great time! 

There  can be some confusion about the specifications surrounding divisions in amateur volleyball. There are a lot of factors that come into play including collegiate experience, format, age, gender, athleticism and health. Sometimes it can be tricky determining  what division you should play in, especially when considering your partner/teammates. Sandbagging is prohibited. Tournament directors reserve the right to move you up if you are found to be sandbagging. A good rule of thumb is to play to your main offensive  player’s skill level. Here's some general guidelines to determine what level you should play in:

-Recreational:  Still learning basic skills.

-BB:  Ability to pass, serve and attack. Skills may be somewhat inconsistent but can complete a rally. Calls on hand setting tend to be more lenient.  

-A:  Proficient in serving, passing, setting and attacking. Solid defensive passing and/or blocking. Can consistently side out. Rallies are faster paced.

-AA/Open:  Highest level of play. Likely have collegiate experience and/or extensive training. Adept at passing, setting, serving, blocking/defending and attacking. Can accurately and consistently place a ball. Advanced defensive and offensive plays. 

Typically, our outdoor season runs from late February-early November. If the weather is nice outside, we may occasionally run a few outdoor events in the winter. From mid-November-mid February we’ll run indoor leagues and tournaments.

During the outdoor season we typically have opportunities to play every day of the week to include leagues, pickup and tournaments. Mondays-Thursdays are league nights, Fridays are Blind Draws, Saturdays/Sundays are tournaments and/or Blind Draws. If we have an open weeknight for whatever reason we may occasionally put on a week night Blind Draw or leave the courts open for pickup. Refer to the calendar for our schedule and be sure to check often as it is updated often.

To sign up for our events, leagues, and tournaments you will need to visit our Facebook page. From there go to events, select the event you’re interested in, read the sign-up instructions on the “About” tab, then go to “Discussion” tab and post your entry. 

Interested in playing but need help finding a partner/team? Reach out to us! The fastest way to get in touch is to reach out to a director (Sam Asis/Cat Overstreet) via Facebook messenger. You can also reach out via email to *insert email*.

The weather in the Carolinas can be unpredictable and it’s not unheard of for the forecast to change daily or hourly. Directors review the local and regional forecasts/radar daily and will announce inclement weather delays/cancellations with ample time prior to events. 

We will usually communicate any announcements via Facebook league chats or the Facebook event page (for tournaments). We will not play in severe downpour or lightning, but sometimes we will play through the rain. Please trust that we have your safety in mind and will make the best call we can.

Rule #1 is don’t be an a**hole. Please be sure to conduct yourselves with respect towards other players, directors, bar staff and spectators. If you have an issue with an individual(s) please communicate that with a director. Discrimination against anyone for their ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, etc. will not be tolerated. We want to cultivate a safe and friendly environment.

Timeliness is very important to ensure events run smoothly. If you have extenuating circumstances feel free to contact us and we can see if we are able to provide accommodation. If you are late to a league and have not provided notice you will be subject to a potential forfeiture. If you are late to a Blind Draw or Tournament you may lose spot or be subject to a $5 late fee. 

If you have to drop for any reason, just contact the director and there will be no penalty. If you no call/no show, we may require you to pay your entry fee in advance going forward or we may not hold a spot for you in future events.

Dogs are allowed on the deck and in the back of the courts, but they need to be well mannered and must always remain on a leash. If you would like to take them to the back of the courts, we ask you not to walk them directly on the courts, instead, to walk around the side using the parking lot. This is just to ensure we don’t have any accidents on the courts as that could pose a health hazard. If your dog is very reactive to people, loud noises, food, or other dogs we strongly suggest leaving them at home. Please bring your own poo bags, a water bowl and leash. 

Small Bar serves food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), so we do not allow outside food or drinks onsite. You may bring water, but we do not allow coolers. If you have a dietary restriction related to a health condition, please reach out to the director and we can discuss exceptions. If you bring your own alcohol, we will ask you to leave, and you will be subject to a temporary or permanent ban with no refund.

Interested in making a donation or getting a banner for your business placed at Small Bar Fort Mill? Contact us directly at *insert email* for details and pricing.