Roundnet Rule Revolution 2025
Unleash roundnet’s potential by testing significant rule changes
We invite you to contribute your ideas for rule changes to help shape the future of roundnet. Our primary goals for RRR25 are to improve gameplay by increasing rallies, reducing the dominance of aces, and lowering double fault rates. Your input is vital to making these improvements a reality.
What we need from you: Please propose specific rule changes (NO Equipment) that align with these objectives.
Additionally, we want to know what aspects of the current game you believe should not be changed.
Deadline: Submit your responses by October 31, 2024.
Objectives: Increase Rallies, Decrease Aces and Double Faults To Make A Game That's More Fun To Play and Watch
The Roundnet Rules Revolution 2025 (RRR25) is a year-long global project, led by the IRF.
Roundnet has huge potential, but its growth is severely limited by the current game dynamics. Hitting is overpowered, making defense nearly impossible - leaving serving as the only option. This results in a lack of rallies, an abundance of double faults, and a one-dimensional game that’s boring to the average viewer. It’s less fun and less marketable than we know it could be. And if you’re reading this, you’ve probably experienced a glimpse of what roundnet is at its best. In order for roundnet to expand beyond its current state and reach its full potential we need significant rule changes and now is the time to make that happen
Throughout 2025, different rule packages will be implemented at official tournaments at the highest level. So far, we have secured the support of the ETS from EURA and the Masterseries from Roundnet Germany in Europe. In the USA, we have the support of the USAR tour as well as the companies Spikeball with the STS and the tournaments from PremierSpike. Players will be informed in advance about the specific allocation of the rules to be tested. We welcome any additional tournament series that would like to support us here. For more info and ways to get involved check out the resources below!
2024 Men's Worlds Finals
ORGANIZATIONAL UNITS
RRR25 Team
Members: 5-10 people led by the IRF Board, with additional members selected through public applications to ensure diversity in region and skill level. Apply here.
Goal: Organize, structure, and monitor the entire RRR25 process, coordinate tests, and gather feedback for rule development without directly voting on final changes.
NGB Consulting Group (CG)
Members: Up to two people from each NGB, appointed for their motivation and openness to help develop the sport's rules.
Goal: Provide quick and informal feedback to the RRR25 team on specific topics, contributing ideas but not making final decisions.
NGB Contacts
Members: Official representatives of the NGBs, associations that are members of the IRF.
Goal: Receive updates from the RRR25T and ultimately vote on the final rule changes.
Newsletter Group (NG)
Members: Any Roundnet community members interested in actively participating in the RRR25 by subscribing to the newsletter.
Goal: Submit ideas, receive updates, and offer structured feedback on working versions of rule changes throughout the process.
TIMELINE
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1. Introduction (Oct '24)
Publish project documents, launch NGB consulting group, review RRR25 applications, post rule categories and evaluation criteria and open rule proposal submission form (Oct 18 - 31).
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2. Review (Nov '24 - Jan '25)
Sort and review proposed rule changes, sending top proposals to CG for feedback as required.
Finalize rule change decisions for testing and inform stakeholders (NGB, CG, NG).
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3. Testing (Feb '25 onward)
Design test events and procedures, promote test event hosting.
Execute tests at official tournaments at the highest level, evaluate feedback, and revise rule changes.
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4. Finalization + Voting (Sep '25)
Send final rule changes for voting to NGB contacts, publish new IRF rules, and adapt national rules.
RESOURCES
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Project Brief
In our brief we outline the high-level problems and goals of the Roundnet Rule Revolution 2025. RRR25 is a year-long global rule testing project, led by the IRF to help the sport reach its full potential.
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Application Form
We're looking for motivated people to join the RRR25 committee and/or data analysis group. These groups will be essential to carrying out the goals of RRR25. Learn more and apply.
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Join Our Newsletter
If you just want to follow along and stay up-to-date on all the progress join our newsletter. This will be a primary method of communication to to share more detailed information.
RULE PROPOSAL EVALUATION
Proposed rules will be evaluated against the rubric below to determine viability and select the top contenders for testing.
A proposed rules score is the sum of all categories (Level 4 = 4 points, Level 1 = 1 point).
We will average the results of evaluators from the RRR2025 team.
If a rule scores a 1 in a category (with the exception of impact), it will be rejected.
A 1 for impact with every other category high means we can likely vote on this rule without testing, if it fits the goals of the RRR25.
SUPPORTERS
If you want to support this initiative by testing rules in a tournament series or anything else, email rrr2025@roundnetfederation.org
Austria
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Belgium
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Brasil
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Denmark
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Hong Kong
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Italy
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Luxembourg
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Mexico
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Netherlands
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Norway
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Spain
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Austria 〰️ Belgium 〰️ Brasil 〰️ Denmark 〰️ Hong Kong 〰️ Italy 〰️ Luxembourg 〰️ Mexico 〰️ Netherlands 〰️ Norway 〰️ Spain 〰️
