Volleyball, a sport celebrated for its fast – paced rallies and team spirit, has a rich history of evolving rules. In 2020, several governing bodies introduced significant rule changes. These modifications aimed to enhance fairness, safety, and the overall flow of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a coach looking to stay updated, or a passionate fan, understanding these changes is crucial for a better volleyball experience.
Rule Revisions by Governing Bodies
NFHS Rule Overhauls
Equipment & Uniform Reforms
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) implemented multiple changes related to equipment and uniforms. One major shift was the permission for players to use molded protective face masks made of hard material during play. This change was in line with other NFHS rules, ensuring consistency across different sports.
In terms of uniforms, NFHS removed language restricting the size of mascots and school names on the uniform sleeve. This gave teams more freedom in designing their uniforms, allowing for greater creativity. Additionally, teams could correct a submitted lineup if the libero number listed didn’t match the number any team member was wearing. This helped rectify clerical errors and ensured a smooth start to the game.
Administrative & Penalty Adjustments
NFHS eliminated the loss of rally or point penalty for failing to submit the team roster during the pre – match conference. Instead, an administrative yellow card for unnecessary delay was issued. This change prevented double punishment for late or incorrect rosters.
An official substitution signal was also established. Officials would rotate their forearms around each other with closed hands to signal a substitution, bringing the sport in line with modern officiating standards. Regarding coaching conduct, a yellow card for unsporting behavior no longer required the head coach to remain seated. However, a red card still mandated the head coach to stay seated for the rest of the match.
USA Volleyball Rule Updates
Jewelry & Uniform Bottoms
USA Volleyball relaxed its rules regarding player jewelry and uniform bottoms. Juniors were now allowed to wear certain types of jewelry, including small stud earrings, inner – ear piercings, string bracelets, and soft medical condition bracelets. Clubs, though, could still enforce their own jewelry policies.
Teams gained more flexibility in choosing uniform bottoms. They could opt for pants instead of shorts, provided all players on the team wore the same type. No waiver was needed as long as the color and trim were identical for regular players, excluding the libero.
Protest & Coaching Role
Coaches were given more leeway during protest situations. They could now act as the captain at all levels during protests, whereas previously this was only allowed for age divisions 14 and under. However, coaches could still face sanctions for unsportsmanlike behavior.
NCAA Rule Amendments
Warm – up & Substitution
The NCAA made several changes to warm – up and substitution procedures. The warm – up area for substitutes was redefined. When multiple substitutions were necessary, they had to be made one at a time, with only one substitute in the substitution zone at any given moment.
Coaching & Timeout Rules
The NCAA also modified coaches’ location for making requests. The length of timeouts could be adjusted by agreement. Procedures for protesting the score sheet were updated. In junior college, only one coach could stand, while in the NCAA, all coaches were permitted to stand.
Consistent General Volleyball Rules in 2020
Court & Ball Regulations
Despite the rule changes, some aspects of volleyball remained constant. The standard dimensions of the indoor volleyball court stayed the same. The playing surface had to be flat, smooth, and free of obstructions, except for the required equipment and padding. The game ball could be solid white or a combination of up to three colors, with at least one – third of the panels being solid white.
Playing Action Rules
Net & Center – Line
Players were still prohibited from touching the net during the action of playing the ball. However, touching the net outside the sideline boundary, cables, or posts was not considered a fault as long as it didn’t interfere with the game. When it came to the center – line, a player could step under the net into the opponent’s court, provided some part of the penetrating hand or foot was in contact with or directly above the center line.
Ball Contact & Hitting
A defensive block was not counted as an allowable contact. For blocking a ball, a player had to reach over the net under specific circumstances. Spikers were required to hit the ball cleanly with an open hand; carrying or guiding the ball was illegal. Ball contact during spiking was legal only when a portion of the ball was in contact with the plane of the net on the hitter’s side.
Conclusion
The volleyball rule changes in 2020 were far – reaching, affecting everything from equipment and uniforms to administrative procedures and playing actions. These changes were made to adapt to the modern landscape of the sport, promoting fairness, safety, and an improved experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike. By understanding these rule changes, everyone involved in volleyball can better appreciate the game and contribute to its continued growth.
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