Have you ever watched a volleyball game where the referee suddenly blows the whistle and everyone (including the commentators haha) was lost on what the call was about? Well, you are not alone! It turns out there are still so many things we need to know about volleyball rules. Let’s run down 10 volleyball rules that are often misconceived or overlooked:
1. Positional fault vs. Rotational fault – Positional fault happens when players switch positions prior to the server hitting the ball at service. This violation is different from rotational fault. A rotational fault is when the service is not made in correct order.
2. Execution of a serve – While it is a rule that the ball may touch any part of the body, a player is limited to hit with one hand/arm during a serve. For example, kicking the ball at service is a violation, as well as using two hands/arms.
3. Service toss/release – While a player is permitted to dribble or move the ball in their hands prior to serving, only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. There is a misconception that when a player mistakenly tosses or releases a ball prior to service, they will be called for serving fault if they catch the ball and they should instead just let the ball drop on the floor in order to be permitted to serve correctly. However, that’s not what the rule book says. Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. So, the next time you release the ball for a service, make sure you hit it no matter what!
4. Catch and double contact – A ball should rebound immediately from a player, or else, he/she will be called for a catch violation. Also, a player cannot hit the ball twice in succession, or else, he/she will be called for a double contact (except for a successive block touch and dig by the same player).
A spinning ball is just an indication but should not taken as basis for a double-contact violation. As long as the the contact with the ball is done in one smooth motion, no double contact will be called; it doesn’t matter if the ball is spinning or not.
5. Screening fault – This rule is often overlooked by referees. It is a violation if a group of players, standing grouped, hides both the server and the flight path of the ball.
6. Back-row player attacking from the front zone – An attack from a back-row player from the front zone is legal as long as the moment of contact with the ball is not over the net. It doesn’t matter if the player jumped or not.
7. Libero toss – An attack, that was set by the libero using overhand finger pass (toss) from the front zone/area, is illegal. The attacker will be called for illegal attack, but the libero will not be called for illegal set.
8. Regular substitution – A team is allowed up to six substitutions per set, but a player (from the starting lineup) may only leave the game once (in a set) and re-enter once. A substitute player may may enter the game once (in a set). This means you cannot keep on switching two particular players many times in one set.
9. Exceptional substitution – An injured player should be substituted legally. However, if that is not possible, an exceptional substitution may take place including consuming more than the allowed six substitutions, if necessary.
10. Re-designation of libero – For teams with one libero: if the libero is unable to play, a new libero can be designated, meaning a regular player can change his/her outfit (or wear a vest/bib) to signify the re-designation. For teams with two liberos: the second libero should replace the acting libero if he/she is unable to play. If the second libero becomes unable to play as well, that’s when re-designation of a libero is applicable.
Bonus: Sportsmanlike conduct – Players are expected to accept the referees’ decisions with sportsmanlike conduct but are free to request for clarification (through the game captain) in case of doubt. Participants are also expected to behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit of fair play not only towards the referees, but also towards other officials, the opponent, teammates, and spectators.
Among the rules enumerated, which ones have you unknowingly overlooked? Hit me up!