Volleyball, a dynamic and engaging sport, has a rich history and a comprehensive set of rules. In 2022, several significant changes were introduced to the volleyball rulebook, aiming to enhance the game’s flow, fairness, and excitement. Whether you’re a player, coach, referee, or an enthusiastic spectator, understanding these rules is essential to fully appreciate the sport.
Player – Related Rule Changes
Libero as Team Captain
One of the most notable changes in 2022 was allowing the libero to be the team captain. Previously, the libero was not eligible for the captaincy due to frequent substitutions. However, since regular player captains can also be substituted, this rule was revised. This change empowers liberos, often the best defensive players on the team, to take on a more leadership – oriented role. Their on – court experience and understanding of the game can now be used to guide the team strategy.
Substitution of Expelled Players
In 2022, a new rule was implemented regarding the substitution of expelled players. If a player is expelled, they must be substituted with a legal substitution. But if the team has already made six substitutions, an exceptional substitution can be made. This ensures that games don’t end prematurely due to an “incomplete team.”
Gameplay – Related Rule Changes
Simultaneous Contact of the Block
In 2022, the rules regarding the simultaneous contact of the block were updated. Simultaneous contact of the block against the opponent’s attack hit is no longer considered a block fault. A block fault is only called if the contact with the ball occurs before the attack hit. This change gives players more leeway during intense blocking situations and promotes more aggressive defensive plays.
Court Colors
The 2022 rulebook allowed for different colors in the front and back zones of the volleyball court. Before this change, only the playing area and the free area had to be of different colors. The new rule provides more flexibility in court design and can potentially enhance visibility for players and spectators.
Extinction of the Penalty Area
In 2022, the penalty area was abolished. Instead, an expelled player or member of the technical commission must head directly to the locker room. This streamlines the process of dealing with expulsions and reduces the administrative complexity during the game.
Time – Related Rule Changes
Time – Outs & Technical Time – Outs
In 2022, each team was allowed two 30 – second time – out requests per set. The one – minute technical time – out, which previously occurred when a team reached the 8th and 16th point from the 1st to the 4th set, was removed. Additionally, the FIVB experimented with a 30 – second time – out request for each team per set and a one – minute technical time – out when a team reached the 12th point from the 1st to the 4th set.
Equipment – Related Rule Changes
Libero Jerseys
Teams with two liberos were permitted to use different – colored jerseys for each libero in 2022. This means a team could have three different jersey colors on the court: the regular player jersey color, the first libero jersey color, and the second libero jersey color. This change helps referees and players easily distinguish between the two liberos during gameplay.
Refereeing – Related Rule Changes
New Refereeing Team Composition
The composition of the refereeing team underwent a change in 2022. The team now consists of the 1st referee, the 2nd referee, the challenge referee, the reserve referee, the scorer, and 4 line judges. For FIVB official world competitions, the presence of the challenge referee (if the VCS is in use), the reserve referee, and an assistant scorer are compulsory.
Challenge Booth
The challenge referee performs their functions in the challenge booth, which is in a separate position from the main table. This setup ensures a more organized and efficient process for handling challenges during the game.
Reserve Referee
The reserve referee became an integral part of the refereeing team in 2022. Their responsibilities include substituting the 2nd referee and controlling the substitution paddles.
Basic Volleyball Rules That Remained Unchanged
Game Objective
The fundamental objective of volleyball remained the same in 2022. Teams aim to hit the ball over the net and ground it on the opponent’s court while preventing the opposing team from doing the same.
Team Composition
Each team is allowed a maximum of six players on the court at any given time. Teams can also have six substitutes, and substitutions can occur at various times, with returning players typically swapped for the player who replaced them.
Serving Rules
The ball is put into play with a serve. Players must serve from behind the baseline, using either an overarm or underarm action, and hit the ball with only the hand. After serving, the server joins the in – play action.
Scoring System
The rally – point system continued to be in use in 2022. The team winning a rally scores a point and gains the right to serve. Games are typically played to 25 points, with teams required to win by two clear points.
Net Rules
Contact with the net is generally not allowed during play, except in certain situations where it doesn’t interfere with the game. Players are not allowed to carry, palm, or run with the ball, and the ball must not travel under the net.
Conclusion
The 2022 volleyball rule changes were designed to adapt to the evolving nature of the sport, improve the overall experience for all involved, and maintain the integrity of the game. From allowing liberos to be captains to revamping the refereeing team structure, each change has contributed to making volleyball more exciting, fair, and spectator – friendly. By staying informed about these rules, players, coaches, referees, and fans can fully enjoy the spirit and energy of volleyball.
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