Volleyball Rules & Mechanics Session

Intramural Volleyball RulesAny rule not covered in intramural rules follows NFHS guidelinesTeam Requirements & Equipment6 players: 4 minimum to startCo-Rec: combinations may include3 men/3 women, 3 men/2 women, 3 men/2 women, 2 men/2 womenNo restrictions on amount of hits per genderNon-marking rubber-soled athletic shoesNo jewelry (including rubber bands) or castsPlease be MORE STRICT ABOUT THIS!Knee braces must have protective padding

The GameCoin Toss determines which team serves & sidesTeam not serving 1st, will serve 1st in second gameWhichever side teams were warming up will start on that side to start gameTeams also switch sides between gamesPlay all 3 games1st Two games to 25 Win by 2 w/ 30 pt cap Last game to 15Win by 2 w/ 20 pt capRally Scoring: Let Serve = Ball may hit the net and go over ON THE SERVEScore on every play regardless of team servingPoint and team winning point gets to serveOne time-out per game

Playing the BallMaximum of 3 contactsException: a block is not considered one of the contactsContact is where a player intentionally or accidentally touches ballCannot have contact below waist: dead ball illegal hitCannot use feet or legs to hit ballIllegal Hit: ball comes visibly to rest or prolonged contact w/ playerHolding, catching, throwing, rolling, lifting, & pushingPenalty = point and side out for opposition

Playing the Ball contdDouble Hit: player illegally contacts ball twice in succession or ball rebounds from one body part to another on a single attempt to play ballPenalty: Point and side out for oppositionSimultaneous contact by opponentsThe team side that the ball falls, the players have 3 hits to get ball over (simultaneous contact treat as a block)Held ball will direct a replay by the officialsNet Play: ball contacting and crossing net shall remain in play provided contact is in playing areaSide out for balls that do not go over the net

Playing the Ball contdNet Foul (Penalty is point and side out for opposing team)Player contact any part of nets (including cables)Not a foul if hair touches net, or force of ball hit by opponents hit pushes net into a playerInterference by player who makes contact w/ opponent who is making legitimate effort to play ballCenter Line Foul: Play that has crossed their foot or body part completely over center-lineFor a Foulthe whole foot or whole body part must be over the lineCan touch line with footIf player falls, any part of body that goes over the line is a faultPenalty is point and side out for opposition

Playing the Ball contdBlocking the BallA ball which is entirely on the opponents side of the net is permitted to be blocked when the opposing team has had an opportunity to complete its attackIncludes when the team has used 3 contactsTeam had opportunity to spike ball or in officials judgment directs the ball w/ intent to return to opponents courtBall is falling near the net on attacking team side, and the officials feels no member of attacking team could make play on ballWatch for net fouls and contact below net (umpire)Look for follow through of spiker (referee) for net fouls

Back Line AttackBack Line player may attack ball if:Leaves the floor from behind the 10 ft. line and its imaginary extensionAny part of foot touches 10 ft. line: Foul and pt. for oppositionBack line player may not attempt to block the ball in front of the 10 ft. line nor may they play the ball above the net (includes attacking or dinks).

ServiceServer must wait for officials beckon/whistle (use preventative officiating & tell players to wait for whistle)Re-serve if they do not wait for beckon/whistleSide-out on 2nd consecutive serve w/ not beckon/whistleAny part of foot touches back row line on serve: Fault and pt. for oppositionServes may hit the net and go over (ball is in play)Balls that hit net and does not fall in non-serving teams court: illegal and point for non-serving teamServer may not touch end lineServers body may be in the air over lines, having left the floor from serving areaCannot hit ball with both handsCannot step back into court until ball is hit

Service contdServes landing on the line or inside courtBall is in, whole ball has to land outside lines to be outServer has five seconds to make a legal serveMay toss and catch bad toss, as long as no swinging motion has been made to attempt serveOnly 1 re-serve for bad toss

Player positioningNo player on court may be closer to sideline, end line or center line than adjacent player on courtFront line player may not overlap with back-row playersPlayers in front line cannot overlap each other side by side, nor can the back rowAfter the ball has left the servers hand for the serve, players may go anywhere on the courtCannot have more than 3 front-row players on the court during a rotation

Live Ball/Dead BallBall becomes live when legally contacted for serviceBall becomes dead when:Ball touches antennas or any part of the net outside playing courtBall strikes the floorBall contacts permanent object (excluding net) above or outside playing courtException: Ball striking ceiling or overhead obstruction above playable area shall remain in play provided the ball contacts on the side of the net that occupied the ballBall contacting track railing and stuck in the ceiling will be a point for the oppositionPlayer commits a faultServed ball contacts but does not clear netOfficials whistle for any reasonPoint shall be replayed if a stray volleyball/basketball enters playing

SubstitutionsUnlimited number of substitutionsSubstitutes must replace the serverTeam can only substitute at a dead ball

CommunicationAsk questionsFrequent eye contact between officials during the matchDo not be afraid to call an officials time out to collaborate with your partnerDont do the easy thing and call replayCan ask players if unsure of line callsAlways communicate the decisions with captains

Be consistentIn ball handling violationsCarry for one team is carry for anotherCan instruct captains at meeting about open palm/carry, not serving 2 handedIn determining unsportsmanlike conductTreatment of both teams

Be confidentKnow your roles and responsibilitiesSell the callMove past your own/others criticismsKeep the match moving

Officials Responsibilities

Duties of the refereeConduct the pre-match conferenceBlow the whistle for serve and dead ballRecognize requests for substitution or time-outMake ball handling decisionsSignal the result of each play or action/infractionScan the court before beckoning for serveMake server foot fault callsResponsible for the alignment of the serving teamKeep track of the number of hits by a team during playSignal the end of the game or the end of a time-out

Use of the whistleWhen to use whistleto beckon teams into playing positionfor serveto signal any dead ballfor time out and/or substitution when unrecognized by umpirere-serve or re-playend of game switching of sides of courtend of match

PositioningAssume position on stand across from score tableDuring serve, no hand on net or cable.Can put hand on top of net after serve to indicate if there is a net fault during play

Coverage during playConcentrate on flight of ball at all timesAnticipate flight/interference with obstaclesAnticipate next player to contactIllegal alignment on serving teamPre-serve scan of benches, teams, and umpire

TermsLet Serve:A legally served ball that contacts and crosses the net entirely between the antennas shall remain in play.Ball HandlingProlonged contactDouble hitBelow the waistProlonged ContactRollsComes to restCarriedDouble HitMultiple contacts are permitted only on any first team hit, whether or not the ball is touched by the blockMultiple contact on second or third hit is illegal

Umpires Can Give Clues to the Head Officials of Calls that they may see (signal, but dont blow whistle)Just because you make this discreet signal does not mean the referee will make that call. He/she may have seen something differently. These situations should be discussed after the game. Some officials, as umpire, prefer to blow the whistle and make the illegal back row player call. This should be discussed with your partner. Either way, the call should be made.

Referee can overrule

SignalsBegin Service: Extend one arm towards server, then blow whistle to serve & move arm overhead in a beckon motion

In: extend one arm w/ an open hand palm down toward floor between attack line & net

Out: Hold forearms in front of chest, hands open, palms toward face

Point: Indicate a #1 w/ index finger w/ the hand on side which won the point

SignalsIllegal hit/carry: Slowly lift hand & forearm, palm up, on the side which violated

Replay/play over: Fisted hands, w/ thumbs up, lift arms upward

Illegal Back Row Attack: Raise hand beside head & rotate forearm forward and downward

Illegal Alignment/Out of Rotation: Circular motion with entire hand

Prolonged Contact

Signals

Touch: Hand on offending teams side held beside head, palm toward head, brush upward across fingertips one time with other hand palm forward

Net foul/serve: Hand of outstretched arm touches the side of the net where foul occurredDouble hit: Hand & arm nearest violating team raised, showing 2 fingers

Four hits: Same as double hit but indicate 4 fingers

SignalsLine violation: Indicate the line where the violation occurred by pointing down towards line

Illegally Reaching over net

Substitution: Bring both hands in front of face (traveling signal with open palms

SignalsChange Sides: Raise forearms and swing right arm in front of body and left arm in back of body

End of game: cross arms against chest

Time-out: Raise arm up of team that indicates T/O and bring other arm up to form a T Verbally indicate time-out to both partiesOfficials Time-out: Point at shoulders and indicate time-out

SignalsInitiated by Umpire:Net violationFoot faultsSubstitutionsTime outsIllegal alignment on receiving teamAuthorization to enter (for substitution)End of the game signal

How to use SignalsTo stop playSound whistle w/ authoritySignal the violation & hold the hand & arm signal long enough to be seenSignal point, side out, or replayVerbalize the decision when necessaryUse the arm or hand on the side of the team involved

Umpire ResponsibilitiesWhen to use the whistleDo not repeat referee whistleMirror signals made by the refereeMake net fault callsResponsible for the net from the bottom of the top net cord to the groundMake center line foot fault callsResponsible for alignment of the receiving teamMake back row attack and block calls for the receiving teamMake ball handling calls when the referee is screened from the playPosition yourself on the blocking team side of the net and transition to the other side before the 2nd team contactAlter your position as required to get a better look at the netAssist the referee in calling the match Work as a team!Maintain eye contact with the R1 when echoing signalsDo not hide behind the support when echoing signals

Umpire DutiesInformal SignalsGiven as discreet signal to referee DO NOT BLOW THE WHISTLEHOLD your in/out call. Give it only if the referee asks for your helpBall handling calls out of the sight of the refereeDown ball vs. pancake saveBack-row player foul this can be a delayed callTouches by the receiving team on a ball going out of boundsFour hits (discuss this with your partner before match)

PositioningStand outside the sideline back from the standardWhenOn or just before the referee whistles for servePosition1-2 meters back from standard1-2 meters on side of receiving teamSquare to courtFocusReceiving teamWatching forPosition faults Move to side opposite ball during playMove slightly to see alignment at time of serveStep back at each dead ball to facilitate visual contact with benches/coachesAnticipate trajectory of the ball an move to see in and out as ball crosses the net

Coverage during playAt moment of servenear net on receiving sidelisten for contact of servewatch for illegal alignment at moment of serveWhenOn contact of servePosition1-2 meters back from standardSlightly on side of receiving teamFocusBlockers and the attack zoneWatching forNet violationsIllegal attacks or blocksCenter line violations

Coverage during playConcentrate on center line and net area by first watching the floor, up to the net, touches on blocks, down the net and back to the floorResist the temptation to follow the ball away from the netWhenAfter the setPosition1-2 meters back from standardSlightly on side of blocking teamFocusAlong the netWatching forNet violationsTouches by blockers

During AttackMaintain a wide field of vision, observant to the play that is developing on both sides of the net.As play approaches net, your focus should be narrowing into the attack zonesLook through the net to observe any possible back row attack violations-whistle a back row fault if you are sure that it has occurred. (This can also be signaled to referee discreetly.)As attack develops, narrow your focus down the net

DURING ATTACK (cont.)Focus along the net primarily the top of the netObserve both teams. Look for net violations on the attackers touching the net on their follow-through.Look for net violations on blockers, primarily if they reach over net to execute their blockLook for touches by blockersWhenAs the attackers and blockers landPosition1-2 meters back from standardSlightly on side of blocking teamFocusAlong net and centerlineWatching forNet violationsCenterline violations

After the AttackFocus along the net & centerline as the players landSTAY FOCUSED ON THE NET as the ball is hit into the opponents court.Look for net violationsLook for centerline violationsStart your transition to the opposite side of the net as the serving team makes their transition for their attack.Move quickly and begin the routine again.

AFTER THE WHISTLEFocus along the net and through the attack zone to the refereeBe aware of any trash talking going on after the rallyIf a ball going out of bounds was touched by a blocker, signal immediatelyMimic the referees signals

Back Row PlayPlay continues when a back-row player (on or in front of the attack line),Contacts the ball, which is completely above the height of the net,On the teams first or second contact,Directing the flight of the ball toward a teammate,And the opponent legally contacts the ball that breaks the vertical plane of the net, play is legal.BUT, if the ball completely crosses the net untouched, it is a back-row player foul.

Back Row PlaySame situation butThe flight of the ball is toward the opponents court and not toward a teammate.And is legally touched by an opponent above the net, or completely crosses the net;It becomes a back-row player foul.The flight of the ball is the determining factor. The flight has to be toward a teammate.

Net PlayA player shall not contact a ball that is completely on the opponents side of the net unless the contact is a legal block.When is a player considered over the net?Cannot take a play away from opponentsA team must be given its 3 allowable hits

Checking alignmentReceiving teamhelpful hint - find a pair of diagonally opposite players, I.e. left front & right back, continually check on their position on the floorAt the time of the serveAll right-side players must have part of one foot closer to the right sideline than both feet of the center player in their corresponding rowAll left-side players must have part of one foot closer to the left sideline than both feet of the center player in their corresponding rowAll front row players must have part of one foot closer to the center line than both feet of their corresponding back row playerCheck primary setters if possibleMoment of serve is critical time for alignmentTrack entering subs into proper positions

POINTS TO REMEMBERAlways signal on the proper side of the net for any net violations and centerline violations.On any ball going out of bounds, make NO call, and only give it if the referee asks for your help.Proper position is the key to seeing and making the right call, so move quickly.

A player may block a ball that is completely on the opponents side of the net when:Attacking team has had its 3 hits.In the officials judgment, the attacking team has directed the ball toward the opponents court, as in a spike or drive from the backcourt.Ball is falling near the net, and no member of the attacking team can make a play on the ball.REMEMBER: It is never legal to attack a ball that is completely on the opponents side of the net

Proper AlignmentLF CF RF

LB CB RB

PLAYERMUST BE ALIGNED WITHRBRF, CBRFCF, RBCFCB, LF, RFLFLB, CFLBLF, CBCBCF, LB, RB

Players Positions at Time of Service

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*Use of Penalty CardsUse preventative officiating firstCards are cumulative in a match and carry over from previous gamesOfficials do not have to issue a yellow card before issuing a red card or a red card before a disqualificationR1 administers cards, R2 may request cardsRemember that a yellow card is only a warningUse cards for unsportsmanlike conductUse yellow cards for:Warning for minor offensesUse of illegal equipmentPlayer attempting to grandstand/showboat

*Use of Penalty Cards contUse Red Cards for:Serious misconductSwearingTaunting an opponentRepeat offenses that have already received a yellow cardDisqualification should occur when:A player or coach commits a second serious offense or third minor offenseFightingInjuring another player intentionallyDegree of offense and level of card (yellow vs. red vs. yellow/red) is at the discretion of the R1 and is not subject to protest

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