Usa Volleyball Indoor Rules Final

i
2009-2011
Domestic Competition Regulations as
Presented by USA Volleyball
Rules of the Game as authorized by the
International Volleyball Federation at the XXXIst
FIVB Congress, Dubai, 2008 and amended.
Edited by Kinda S. Lenberg
Published by USA Volleyball
USA Volleyball has offcially approved the modifcations presented
in this document in order to promote the sport and
encourage continuity of play at the various organizational,
local and recreational levels across the country.
For the offcial international rules of the game, which are
used worldwide and developed and approved by the FIVB
(Federation Internationale de Volleyball), please visit
www.fvb.org or our web site at www.usavolleyball.org.
Printed by Johnson Printing
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Copyright 2009 by USA Volleyball
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Volleyball Associations/Federations worldwide
endeavor to provide equal opportunities and
maximum enjoyment for participants and spectators,
maintaining the values of fair play and
peaceful involvement.
USA Volleyball embraces this view, joining with all of
its global partners to enable pleasurable
participation from the broadest base of
recreational play, to the highest levels of
international competition. Volleyball can enrich the
lives of all who play and watch it. It should be fun.
WE COMMIT THE RULES TO THIS END.
Suggested Retail Price: $6.95
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Rules Testing Commission and USA Volleyball
would like to express their appreciation to the many
individuals and organizations for their assistance
in the editing of and providing information for this
publication.
Offcial Hand Signals courtesy of the Federation
Internationale de Volleyball, 2008 FIVB.
Diagrams 1-10 reproduced by authorization of the
Federation Internationale de Volleyball, 2008,
FIVB.
Special thanks go to Brian Hemelgarn, Emi Vishoot,
Rick Laskey, Steve Crane, Kathy Ferraraccio, and
Michael McPoyle.
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL RULES
COVER DESIGN BY tka advertising
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USA VOLLEYBALL
SALUTES
2008 Olympic Gold Medalists -
Mens Volleyball Team
2008 Olympic Silver Medalists -
Womens Volleyball Team
2008 Paralympic Silver Medalists -
Womens Sitting Volleyball Team
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rules Testing Commission .................................................. xiii
Signifcant Rule Changes ..................................................... xvi
Game Characteristics ..............................................................1
Philosophy of Rules and Refereeing .......................................2
DOMESTIC COMPETITION
REGULATIONS
ORDER OF THE RULES
SECTION I
THE GAME
Chapter One: Facilities and Equipment
Rule 1. Playing Area ..............................................6
Rule 2. Net and Posts .........................................10
Rule 3. Balls ........................................................13
Chapter Two: Participants
Rule 4. Teams .....................................................15
Rule 5. Team Leaders .........................................19

Chapter Three: Playing Format
Rule 6. To Score a Point, Win a Set and the Match ..24
Rule 7. Structure of Play .....................................26

Chapter Four: Playing Actions
Rule 8. States of Play ..........................................32
Rule 9. Playing the Ball .......................................34
Rule 10. Ball at the Net .........................................36
Rule 11. Player at the Net .....................................37
Rule 12. Service ....................................................39
Rule 13. Characteristics of the Attack Hit ..............43
Rule 14. Block .......................................................44
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Chapter Five: Interruptions and Delays
Rule 15. Regular Game Interruptions ....................47
Rule 16. Set Delays ...............................................54
Rule 17. Exceptional Set
Interruptions ............................................55
Rule 18. Intervals and Change
of Courts .................................................56
Chapter Six: The Libero Player
Rule 19. The Libero Player ....................................57
Chapter Seven: Participants Conduct
Rule 20. Requirements of Conduct .......................61
Rule 21. Misconduct and Its Sanctions .................61
SECTION II
THE REFEREES, THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
AND OFFICIAL SIGNALS
Chapter Eight: Referees
Rule 22. Refereeing Corps and Procedures .........65
Rule 23. First Referee ...........................................67
Rule 24. Second Referee ......................................69
Rule 25. Scorer .....................................................71
Rule 26. Assistant Scorer ......................................73
Rule 27. Line Judges .............................................74
Rule 28. Offcial Hand Signals Diagrams ..............76

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SECTION III
DIAGRAMS
Court Diagrams.....................................................................77
Offcial Hand Signals .............................................................91
U-Volley Rules .....................................................................102
Co-Ed Rules........................................................................103
Guide to Disabled Volleyball ................................................107
REFEREE TECHNIQUES, MECHANICS &
PROCEDURES
Referee Technique Changes and Points of Emphasis ........ 113
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF OFFICIAL
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL SCORESHEETS
Instructions ..........................................................................126
Explanation of Scorekeeping Example ................................153
Non-Deciding Set Scorekeeping Procedures ......................153
Deciding Set Scorekeeping Procedures......................... .....167
BASIC PROCEDURES AND PRE-MATCH PROTOCOLS
Basic Procedures For Conducting a USA Volleyball Match/
Competition For Referees ...................................................176
Pre-Match Protocols ............................................................182
Guidelines for Conducting Indoor Tournaments Leagues ...184
Guidelines for Dealing With Blood .......................................201
Abbreviations.......................................................................202
Metric Conversions.............................................................. 203
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INDEX TO THE RULES
Offcial Indoor Rules ............................................................205
Co-Ed Rules........................................................................ 227
Indoor Scorekeeping Instructions ........................................227
MODIFICATIONS
For all designated international competitions, the FIVB rules
will be fully in effect. USA Volleyball recognizes that there are
circumstances where grassroots development, sport develop-
ment, safety or insurance requirements would indicate a need for
a temporary rule modifcation (e.g., the number of substitutions
might be expanded to include more participants at a school or
recreational level.)
Acknowledging that a rule may not be changed, in instances
where the USAV member organizations feel that the promotion
of the sport would be enhanced by temporary adjustments, they
are encouraged to promote the advancement of the sport.
In an attempt to have continuity in the domestic play of the game,
this document has inserted suggested guidelines in designated
USAV boxed areas for some of the more common temporary
adjustments used to promote the growth of the game.
EXAMPLE:
USAV 1.1: The free zone may be a minimum of 2 m (66). It
is not required that the free zone be symmetrical.
Suggestions for additional temporary adjustments for inclusion
in this document may be transmitted through members of the
Rules Testing Commission, regional offcials chairpersons or
commissioners during the season. Explanation and rationale of
proposed modifcations must be in the chairs hands before Jan.
1, 2010, if they are to be considered at the annual meeting of
the Rules Testing Commission.
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RULES INTERPRETATION
Questions regarding interpretation of the present rules and
current practices may be addressed to: USA Volleyball Rules
Interpreter Steve Thorpe, 3939 Stirrup Lane, Doylestown, PA
18901 Phone: Res (267) 880-1684, E-mail: vbinterp@usav.org.
Contact by e-mail is preferred (vbinterp@usav.org); however,
you may enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your
inquiry for prompt return. All inquiries will receive replies. Some
queries may involve consultations, but answers will be forwarded
as soon as possible.
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INFORMATION FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED
VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
For additional information on the USA Deaf Volleyball Association
or USA Deaf Sports Federation, contact:
John Knetzger
2625 E. Shorewood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211-2457
Email: knetzger@usdeafsports.org
or
USA Deaf Sports Federation
PO Box 910338, Lexington, KY 40591-0338
E-mail: homeoffce@usdeafsports.org
Web Site: www.usdeafsports.org
TT (605) 367-5761, (605) 367-5760, FAX: (605) 977-6625
Dial 711 for voice calls and give relay operator the TT number above.
To obtain a copy of Volleyball in American Sign Language, which
illustrates more than 40 of the most important volleyball terms,
contact USA Volleyball at 88-USVOLLEY or info@usav.org.
INFORMATION FOR DISABLED VOLLEYBALL
PLAYERS
For additional information on the Mens and Womens Standing
and Sitting Volleyball National Programs for the disabled, contact:
National Disabled Volleyball
c/o USA Volleyball
715 S. Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
88-USVOLLEY
E-mail: info@usav.org
For additional information on grassroots programs, contact:
Disabled Sports USA
451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20850
(724) 265-2546 or FAX (724) 265-5848
E-mail: information@dsusa.org
For information relevant to the interpretation and application of the
rules-specifc match situations, please consult the
USA Volleyball Web site at www.usavolleyball.org
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INFORMATION FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
For additional information on Special Olympics Traditional,
Modifed and Unifed Sports Team Volleyball and Individual
Skills Volleyball Programs, please contact:
Special Olympics North America
Greg Epperson
4004 Barrett Drive, Suite 206
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 785-0700, FAX: (919) 782-3311
Email: gepperson@specialolympics.org
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USA VOLLEYBALL
RULES TESTING COMMISSION
VOLLEYBALL COMMITTEE
2009
Chair: Pati Rolf, N27 W27442 Woodland Drive, Pewaukee, WI
53072 (Phone: 262-510-6771, E-mail: pati.rolf@gmail.com)
USA Volleyball Rules Interpreter: Steve Thorpe, 3939
Stirrup Lane, Doylestown, PA 18902 (Phone: 267-880-1684,
E-mail: vbinterp@usav.org)
USA National Referees Commission Representative:
Kathy Ferraraccio, 66A Congamond Road, Southwick, MA
01077 (Phone: 413-569-6970, FAX: 413-569-5411,
E-mail: kathy@ferraraccio.com)
USA National Scorekeepers Commission
Representative: Emi Vishoot, P.O. Box 24142, Dayton,
OH 45424 (Phone: Cell: 937-231-2385, FAX: 937-236-1554,
E-mail: etvishoot@earthlink.net)
USA International Referees Commission
Representative: Tom Blue, 1018 Wasena Avenue, S.W.,
Roanoke, VA 24015-5310 (Phone: 540-345-2594,
FAX: 540-344-7520, E-mail: tbvbref@aol.com)
USA Volleyball Regional Volleyball Association
Representative: John Bryant, 9824 38th Place SE,
Everett, WA 98205 (Phone: Home: 425-334-8575,
Cell: 425-330-3299, E-mail: jabryant@onebox.com)
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USA Beach Volleyball Representative: Steve Owen,
894 Elmwood Dr., Abilene, TX 79605 (Phone: 325-676-0721,
Cell: 325-668-3484, FAX: 325-676-5968,
E-mail: swowen2@suddenlink.net)
USA Volleyball Beach Volleyball Rules Interpreter:
Steve Robb, 2412 Liles Lane, Mesquite, TX 75181
(Phone: Home: 972-222-3236, Cell: 469-371-8057,
E-mail: srobbusav@aol.com)
FIVB Rules of the Game Commission: Pat Powers,
153 Phoebe Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 (Phone:760-635-3994;
Cell: 760-473-8236, E-mail: pat@vbclinics.com)
AAU Representative: Joyce Cooney, 6816 Cottage
Grove Lane, Apt. D, St. Louis, MO 63129-3953
(Phone: 314-846-5149, E-mail: acevbc@aol.com)
NCAA Mens Representative: Brian Summers, Lewis
University, One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446
(Phone: Work: 815-836-5228, FAX: 815-836-5835,
E-mail: summerbn@lewis.edu)
NCAA Womens Representative: Marcia Alterman,
2314 South Parkridge Street, Wichita, KS 67209 (Phone:
316-721-2866, FAX: 316-721-0417,
E-mail: mavbref@sbcglobal.net)
NFHS Representative: Becky Oakes, NFHS, P.O. Box
690, Indianapolis, IN 46206 (Phone: 317-822-5739,
FAX: 317-822-5700, E-mail: boakes@nfhs.org)
PAVO Representative: Joan Powell, 14075 Gleneagle
Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (Phone: 719-488-2745,
Cell: 719-290-1189, E-mail: jpr1r2@msn.com.
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Special Olympics Incorporated Representative:
Rick Laskey, 128 Troy Avenue, Jacksonville, NC 28540
(Phone: 910-455-3094, Cell: 910-545-9171,
E-mail: rlaskey@earthlink.net)
YMCA Representative: Noel Brendefur, YMCA of the
USA, 2730 Bristlecone Court, Lafayette, CO 80026
(Phone: 800-872-9622, x4528, Cell: 312-576-4528,
E-mail: noel.brendefur@ymca.net)
NAIA Representative: TBN
NIRSA Representative: TBN
USA Volleyball Staff Liaison: Margie Mara, USA
Volleyball, 715 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
80910 (Phone: 719-228-6800, Cell: 719-310-5763,
FAX: 719-228-6899, E-mail: margie.mara@usav.org)
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2009-2011 DOMESTIC COMPETITION
REGULATIONS
SIGNIFICANT VOLLEYBALL
(INDOOR) RULE CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS
Add to 1.3.4: Coachs restriction line
1. Delete 1.3.4: On each court, an attack line, whose rear
edge is drawn 3 m back from the axis of the center line, marks
the front zone. For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, the
attack line is extended by the addition of broken lines from the
sidelines, with fve 15 cm short lines 5 cm wide, drawn 20 cm
from each other to a total length of 1.75 m (70).
2. Replace with1.3.4: On each court, an attack line, whose
rear edge is drawn 3 m back from the axis of the center line,
marks the front zone. For FIVB World and Offcial Competi-
tions, the attack line is extended by the addition of broken
lines from the sidelines, with fve 15 cm short lines 5 cm wide,
drawn 20 cm from each other to a total length of 1.75 m (70).
The coachs restriction line (a broken line which extends
from the attack line to the end line of the court, parallel to the
side line and 1.75 meters from it) is composed of 15 cm short
lines drawn 20 cm apart to mark the limit of the coachs area
of operation.
Add 1.4.4: Libero Replacement Zone
1. The Libero Replacement Zone is part of the free zone on
the side of the team benches, limited by the extension of the
attack line up to the end line.
2. Renumber 1.4.4 to 1.4.5.
3. Renumber 1.4.5 to 1.4.6.
USAV 2.1 Change the net height for 60 years and above,
Female/Reverse Co-ed from 2.13 m (70) to 2.19 m (72 1/8).
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USAV 2.3 Editorial
1. Deleted USAV 2.3: The side bands will be optional.
2. Replaced with USAV 2.3: The side bands are optional.
USAV 2.6 d to USAV 2.6 e
1. Old USAV rule 2.6 d becomes USAV 2.6 e: The front and
sides of the referees platform must be padded in the same
manner as the posts to a height of 1.7 m (56).
2. Add new USAV Rule 2.6 d: A referees platform is re-
quired. The platform must be on a support and adjustable in
height; the referees eye position shall be approximately 50
cm (19) above the top of the net. It should be constructed
so that it presents the least potential hazard for players.
Step ladders, jump boxes and other devices not specifcally
designed as referee platforms shall not be used.
4.1.1: Team composition for FIVB competitions
defned
1. Deleted 4.1.1: A maximum of 12 players and four coach/
staff personnel are allowed. For FIVB World and Offcial
Competitions, the medical doctor must be accredited before-
hand by the FIVB.
2. Replaced with: A team may consist of up to 12 players,
one coach, one assistant coach, one trainer and one medical
doctor. For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, the medical
doctor must be accredited beforehand by the FIVB. For FIVB
and World Competitions for Seniors, a team may consist of a
maximum of fourteen (14) players (a maximum of twelve [12]
regular players).
4.3.2: Editorial Replace leather with composite
1. Deleted 4.3.2: The shoes must be light and pliable with
rubber or leather soles without heels. For FIVB World and
Offcial Competitions, it is forbidden to wear shoes which are
predominantly black with marking soles.
2. Replaced with 4.3.2: The shoes must be light and pliable
with rubber or composite soles without heels. For FIVB World
xviii
and Offcial Competitions, it is forbidden to wear shoes which
are predominantly black with marking soles.
4.3.3: Editorial Add: For FIVB, World and Offcial
Competitions, players jerseys must be numbered
from 1 to 20.
1. Deleted 4.3.3: The players jerseys must be numbered in
a permanent manner from 1 to 18.
2. Replaced with 4.3.3: Players jerseys must be numbered
from 1 to 18. For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, play-
ers jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 20.
3. USAV 4.3.3 remains unchanged.
4.3.3.2: Editorial Add: Jerseys and shorts
should comply with FIVB standards.
1. Deleted 4.3.3.2: For FIVB, World and Offcial Competi-
tions, the players number shall be repeated on the right leg
of the shorts. The number must be of 4 to 6 cm in height and
the stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 1 cm in
width.
2. Replaced with 4.3.3.2: For FIVB, World and Offcial Com-
petitions, the players number shall be repeated on the right leg
of the shorts. The number must be of 4 to 6 cm in height and
the stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 1 cm in
width. Jerseys and shorts should comply with FIVB standards.
3. USAV 4.3.3.2 remains unchanged.
USAV 4.5.1 Add: Casts, even if padded, are
forbidden.
1. Deleted USAV 4.5.1: It is forbidden to wear hats or jew-
elry. An exception will be made for religious or medical medal-
lions and, for adult competition, a fat band ring worn on the
fnger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains and
taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than a fat
band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a manner
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as not to create a safety hazard. Braces, prosthetic limbs or
headgear that may cause an injury or give an artifcial advan-
tage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb
or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary.
2. Replaced with USAV 4.5.1: It is forbidden to wear hats
or jewelry. An exception will be made for religious or medical
medallions and, for adult competition, a fat band ring worn on
the fnger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains
and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than
a fat band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a
manner as not to create a safety hazard. Braces, prosthetic
limbs or headgear that may cause an injury or give an artifcial
advantage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, pros-
thetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be
necessary. Casts, even if padded, are forbidden.
Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
This change clarifes that under no circumstances will a player
be allowed to play while wearing a cast.

Add USAV 4.5.2
New USAV 4.5.2: If a players equipment falls to the foor
and creates a safety hazard, play is stopped and a delay
sanction assessed.
This change clarifes how to handle a safety hazard caused
by player equipment.
USAV 5.1.1: Defnes when and by whom the
scoresheet is signed
1. Deleted USAV 5.1.1: The coach and the captain do not
need to sign the scoresheet before or after the match.
2. Replaced with USAV 5.1.1: The captain does not sign the
scoresheet before the match.
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5.1.2.3: Add: in the absence of the coach
1. Deleted 5.1.2.3: to request time-outs and substitutions.
2. Replaced with 5.1.2.3: in the absence of the coach to
request time-outs and substitutions.
New USAV 5.1.2.3: The captain may request a time-out.
Add USAV 5.1.3: Defnes when and by whom the
scoresheet is signed.
Add New USAV 5.1.3: For junior competition, both coaches
sign the scoresheet after the match to verify the results.
USAV 5.2.2: Defnes when and by whom the
1. Deleted USAV 5.2.2: The coach and captain do not need
to sign the scoresheet before or after the match.
2. Replaced with USAV 5.2.2: The coach does not sign the
These changes clarify that neither the coach nor captain sign
the scoresheet prior to the match and in junior competitions,
the coach signs after the match to verify the results.
USAV 5.2.3: Defnes when the coach can request
a line-up check.
Add New USAV 5.2.3: During the match the coach is au-
thorized to speak to the referees to verify the positions of the
teams.
5.2.3.4: Editorial Add For FIVB World and Offcial
Competitions, the coach is restricted to performing
his/her function behind the coachs restriction line.
1. Deleted: may, as well as other team members, give
instructions to the players on the court. The coach may give
these instructions while standing or walking within the free
xxi
zone in front of his/her teams bench from the extension of
the attack line up to the warm-up area, without disturbing or
delaying the match.
2. Replaced with: may, as well as other team members,
give instructions to the players on the court. The coach may
give these instructions while standing or walking within the
free zone in front of his/her teams bench from the extension
of the attack line up to the warm-up area, without disturbing
or delaying the match. For FIVB, World and Offcial Competi-
tions, the coach is restricted to performing his/her function
behind the coachs restriction line.
5.3.2: Editorial Add: for any reason including
sanction and for the duration of the absence
1. Deleted: Should the coach have to leave his/her team,
the assistant coach may, at the request of the game captain,
and with the authorization of the frst referee, assume the
coachs functions.
2. Replaced with: Should the coach have to leave his/her
team for any reason including sanction, the assistant coach
may, at the request of the game captain and with the autho-
rization of the frst referee, assume the coachs functions for
the duration of the absence.
6.1.3: Editorial Change Consequences of win-
ning a rally to Rally and completed rally
1. Deleted: Consequences of winning a rally. A rally is the
sequence of playing actions from the moment of the service
hit by the server until the ball is out of play.
2. Replaced with: Rally and completed rally. A rally is the
sequence of playing actions from the moment of the service
hit by the server until the ball is out of play. A completed rally
is the sequence of playing actions which results in the award
of a point.
xxii
USAV 7.2.2 replaced with USAV 7.2.2a, USAV
7.2.2b and USAV 7.2.2c
1. Delete USAV 7.2.2: For nationally sanctioned adult com-
petition, it is recommended that teams warm up together at
the net for 10 minutes if both team captains agree; otherwise,
each team will have fve minutes separately. For consecutive
warm-ups, the team with the frst service has the court frst.
The protocols described on pages 165 and 166 will be used at
the Open Division of the Adult Championships, High Perfor-
mance Championships and any nationally sanctioned Junior
Olympic Competitions.
2. Add New USAV 7.2.2.a: For adult competition, it is
recommended that teams warm up together at the net for 10
minutes if both team captains agree; otherwise, each team
will have fve minutes separately. For consecutive warm-up
periods, the team with the frst service has the court frst.
3. Add New USAV 7.2.2.b: For junior competition, when
one team has exclusive use of the court, the other team must
either be at its team bench or out of the playing area. Warm-
ing up with balls at the team bench or the spectator walkways
is not permitted.
4. Add New USAV 7.2.2.c: For nationally sanctioned competi-
tions, the protocols described on pages 165 and 166 will be used.
These changes clarify the different warm-up procedures for
adult and junior competitions.
7.5.4.1: Editorial replace loss of rally with a
point and service to the opponent.
1. Deleted 7.5.4.1: the team is sanctioned with loss of rally;
2. Replaced with 7.5.4.1: the team is sanctioned with a point
and service to the opponent;
xxiii
7.7.1.1: Editorial replace loss of rally with a
point and service to the opponent.
1. Deleted 7.7.1.1: the team is sanctioned with loss of rally;
2. Replaced with 7.7.1.1: the team is sanctioned with a point
and service to the opponent;
7.7.2 and USAV 7.7.2: Editorial replace loss of
rally with a point and service to the opponent.
1. Deleted 7.7.2: Additionally..If that moment cannot be
determined, no point(s) cancellation takes place, and loss of
rally is the only sanction.
2. Replaced with 7.7.2: Additionally..If that moment can-
not be determined, no point(s) cancellation takes place, and a
point and service to the opponent is the only sanction.
3. Deleted USAV 7.7.2: If the rotational fault..If the points
scored while the player is out of rotation order cannot be deter-
mined or the opponents have served, then a loss of rally is the
only penalty charged. The opponents retain any points scored.
4. Replaced with USAV 7.7.2: If the rotational fault..If the
points scored while the player is out of rotation order cannot
be determined or the opponents have served, then a point
and service to the opponents is the only penalty charged.
The opponents retain any points scored.
USAV 8.4.2 Add: , other than a served ball.
1. Deleted USAV 8.4.2: A ball shall remain in play if it contacts
the ceiling or other overhead objects 4.6 m (15) or more
above the playing area.
2. Replaced with USAV 8.4.2: A ball, other than a served
ball, shall remain in play if it contacts the ceiling or other over-
head objects 4.6 m (15) or more above the playing area.
This change clarifes that a served ball that contacts the ceil-
ing or other overhead objects is out of play.
xxiv
USAV 8.4.2c: Add , other than a served ball.
1. Deleted USAV 8.4.2c: A ball is out of play and a playover
directed
2. Replaced with USAV 8.4.2c: A ball, other than a served
ball, is out of play and a playover directed
This change clarifes that a served ball that contacts the ceiling or
other overhead objects is out of play and a playover is NOT directed.
9.1.3: Editorial replace reach with hit
1. Deleted 9.1.3: ASSISTED HIT Within the playing area, a
player is not permitted to take support from a teammate or any
structure/object in order to reach the ball. However, a player
who is about to commit a fault (touch the net or cross the center
line, etc.) may be stopped or held back by a teammate.
2. Replaced with 9.1.3: ASSISTED HIT Within the playing
area, a player is not permitted to take support from a team-
mate or any structure/object in order to hit the ball. However, a
player who is about to commit a fault (touch the net or cross the
center line, etc.) may be stopped or held back by a teammate.
9.3.2: Editorial replace reach with hit
1. Deleted 9.3.2: ASSISTED HIT: a player takes support
from a teammate or any structure/object in order to reach the
ball within the playing area.
2. Replaced with 9.3.2: ASSISTED HIT: a player takes sup-
port from a teammate or any structure/object in order to hit the
ball within the playing area.
Add 10.1.3: new under the net rule
New 10.1.3: The ball that is heading towards the opponents
court through the lower space is in play until the moment it
has completely crossed the vertical plane of the net.
xxv
11.2.2.2: new centerline rule
1. Deleted 11.2.2.2: To contact the opponents court with
any other part of the body is forbidden.
2. Replaced with 11.2.2.2: to touch the opponents court
with any part of the body above the feet is permitted provided
that it does not interfere with the opponents play.
11.3.1: new net touch rule
1. Deleted 11.3.1: Contact with the net by a player is not a
fault, unless it is made during the action of playing the ball,
or it interferes with the play. Some actions of playing the ball
may include actions in which the players do not actually touch
the ball.
2. Replaced with 11.3.1: Contact with the net by a player is
not a fault, unless it interferes with the play.
1. Deleted 11.3.2: Once the player has hit the ball, he/she
may touch the post, rope or any other object outside the total
length of the net, provided that it does not interfere with play.
2. Replaced with 11.3.2: Players may touch the post, ropes,
or any other object outside the antennae, including the net
itself, provided that it does not interfere with play.
11.4.2: new centerline rule
1. Deleted 11.4.2: A player penetrates into the opponents
space under the net, interfering with the latters play.
2. Replaced with 11.4.2: A player interferes with the oppo-
nents play while penetrating into the opponents space under
the net.
11.4.3: new centerline rule
1. Deleted 11.4.3: A player penetrates into the opponents court.
2. Replaced with 11.4.3: A players foot (feet) penetrates
completely into the opponents court.
xxvi
1. Deleted 11.4.4: A player touches the net or the antenna dur-
ing his/her action or playing the ball or interferes with the play.
2. Replaced with 11.4.4: A player interferes with the oppo-
nents play by (amongst others):
a. touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm of the
antenna during his/her action of playing the ball, or
b. taking support from the net simultaneously with playing the
ball, or
c. creating an advantage over the opponent, or
d. making actions which hinder an opponents legitimate at-
tempt to play the ball.
Add USAV 12.6.1.2
New USAV 12.6.1.2: It is a serving fault if the service toss
touches any obstruction before the service contact.
This change further defnes an improperly executed service.
Add USAV 12.6.2
New USAV 12.6.2: After the ball has been correctly hit, it is a
service fault if the ball touches any overhead obstruction.
This change further defnes an improperly executed service.
12.7: Editorial new title
1. Deleted 12.7: FAULTS MADE AFTER THE SERVE AND
POSITIONAL FAULTS
2. Replaced with 12.7: SERVING FAULTS AND POSITION-
AL FAULTS
xxvii
1. Deleted 13.1: ATTACK HIT
2. Replaced with 13.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
ATTACK HIT
13.2.3: Editorial
1. Deleted 13.2.3: A back-row player may also complete an
attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the contact
the ball is not higher than the top of the net.
2. Replaced with 13.2.3: A back-row player may also com-
plete an attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the
contact part of the ball is lower than the top of the net.
14.1.1: Editorial Add: regardless of the height
of the ball contact and but at the moment of
contact with the ball, part of the body must be
higher than the top of the net.
1. Deleted 14.1.1: Blocking is the action of players close
to the net to intercept the ball coming from the opponents by
reaching higher than the top of the net. Only front-row players
are permitted to complete a block.
2. Replaced with 14.1.1: Blocking is the action of players
close to the net to intercept the ball coming from the opponent
by reaching higher than the top of the net, regardless of the
height of the ball contact. Only front-row players are permit-
ted to complete a block, but at the moment of contact with the
ball, part of the body must be higher than the top of the net.
15: Add An interruption is the time between one
completed rally and the 1st referees whistle for
the next service.
1. Deleted 15: REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS Regular
game interruptions are TIME-OUTS and SUBSTITUTIONS.
2. Replaced with 15: REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
Regular game interruptions are TIME-OUTS and SUBSTITU-
xxviii
TIONS. An interruption is the time between one completed
rally and the 1st referees whistle for the next service.
1. Deleted 15.2: REQUEST FOR REGULAR INTERRUPTIONS
2. Replaced with 15.2: REQUEST FOR REGULAR GAME
INTERRUPTIONS
15.2.1: Add Regular game
1. Deleted 15.2.1: Interruptions may be requested by the
coach or the game captain, and only by them. The request
is made by showing the corresponding hand signal when the
ball is out of play and before the whistle for service. For FIVB,
World and Offcial Competitions it is obligatory to use the
buzzer and then the hand signal to request time-out.
2. Replaced with 15.2.1: Regular game interruptions may
be requested by the coach, or in the absence of the coach by
the game captain, and only by them. The request is made by
showing the corresponding hand signal, when the ball is out
of play and before the whistle for service. For FIVB, World
and Offcial Competitions it is obligatory to use the buzzer and
then the hand signal to request time-out.
Add USAV 15.2.2
New USAV 15.2.2: A time-out before the start of a set is
permitted.
This change further clarifes when a time out may be taken.
15.3.2 and USAV 15.3: Editorial Replace set
with game
1. Deleted 15.3.2: However, a team is not authorized to
make consecutive requests for player substitution during the
same set interruption. Two or more players may be substi-
xxix
tuted during the same set interruption.
2. Replaced with 15.3.2: However, a team is not authorized
to make consecutive requests for player substitution during
the same game interruption. Two or more players may be
substituted during the same game interruption.
3. Deleted USAV 15.3: Rule 15.3.2 limits player(s) substitu-
tions to one request during a set interruption. A subsequent
request(s) by the same team during the same set interruption
will result in an improper request.
4. Replaced with USAV 15.3: Rule 15.3.2 limits player(s)
substitutions to one request during a game interruption. A sub-
sequent request(s) by the same team during the same game
interruption will result in an improper request.
15.7: Editorial
1. Deleted 15.7: An injured player (except the Libero) who
cannot continue playing should be substituted legally. If this is
not possible, the team is entitled to make an EXCEPTIONAL
substitution, beyond the limits of Rule 15.6.
An exceptional substitution means that any player who is not
on the court at the time of the injury, except the Libero or his/
her replacement player, may be substituted into the set for the
injured player. The substituted injured player is not allowed to
re-enter the match.
An exceptional substitution cannot be counted in any case as
a regular substitution.
2. Replaced with 15.7: A player (except the Libero) who
cannot continue playing due to injury or illness should be
substituted legally. If this is not possible, the team is entitled
to make an EXCEPTIONAL substitution, beyond the limits of
Rule 15.6.
An exceptional substitution means that any player who is not
on the court at the time of the injury, except the Libero or his/
her replacement player, may be substituted into the game
for the injured player. The substituted injured player is not al-
xxx
lowed to re-enter the match.
An exceptional substitution cannot be counted in any case as
a regular substitution.
3. USAV 15.7a and b remain unchanged.
15.9.2.1: Editorial replace loss of rally, with
a point and service to the opponent,
1. Deleted 15.9.2.1: the team is penalized with loss of rally,
2. Replaced with 15.9.2.1: the team is penalized with a point
and service to the opponent,
15.10.3: Substitutions are only recognized when
the sub enters the zone. There is no longer a re-
quest from the coach or captain.
1. Deleted 15.10.3: At the moment of the substitution request,
the substitute player(s) must be ready to enter the court, stand-
ing close to the substitution zone. If that is not the case, the
substitution is not granted and the team is sanctioned for a delay.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, numbered paddles
are used to facilitate the substitution.
2. Replaced with 15.10.3a: The actual request for substitu-
tion is the entrance of the substitute player(s) into the substi-
tution zone, ready to play, during a regular interruption.
3. Replaced with 15.10.3b: If that is not the case, the substi-
tution is not granted and the team is sanctioned for a delay.
4. Replaced with 15.10.3c: The request for substitution is
acknowledged and announced by the scorer or second ref-
eree, by use of the buzzer or whistle, respectively.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, numbered paddles
are used to facilitate the substitution.
15.11.1: Editorial replace an with any game
1. Deleted 15.11.1: It is improper to request an interruption:
2. Replaced with 15.11.1: It is improper to request any game
interruption:
xxxi
15.11.3: Editorial replace A repeated with
Any further and add by the same team
1. Deleted 15.11.3: A repeated improper request in the
match constitutes a delay.
2. Replaced with 15.11.3: Any further improper request in
the match by the same team constitutes a delay.
16.1.2: Editorial add game and replace set
with game
1. Deleted 16.1.2: prolonging other interruptions, after hav-
ing been instructed to resume the set,
2. Replaced with 16.1.2: prolonging other game interrup-
tions, after having been instructed to resume the game,
16.2.3: Editorial replace loss of rally with a
point and service to the opponent
1. Deleted 16.2.3: The second and subsequent delays of any
type by any member of the same team in the same match
constitute a fault and are sanctioned with a DELAY PEN-
ALTY: loss of rally.
2. Replace with 16.2.3: The second and subsequent delays
of any type by any member of the same team in the same
match constitute a fault and are sanctioned with a DELAY
PENALTY: a point and service to the opponent.
USAV 17.1.1 Add: , a legal Libero replacement (if
the Libero is not on the court at the time of the
injury)
1. Deleted USAV 17.1.1: If the injured player cannot con-
tinue playing within 30 seconds, the player must be replaced
by substitution or the team must take a legal time-out if the
player is to remain in the set.
2. Replaced with USAV 17.1.1: If the injured player can-
not continue playing within 30 seconds, the player must be
replaced by substitution, a legal Libero replacement (if the
xxxii
Libero is not on the court at the time of the injury), or the team
must take a legal time-out if the player is to remain in the set.
This change provides another option that may be taken when
an injured player must be replaced.
18.1: Editorial - Defne interval as the time be-
tween sets
1. Deleted 18.1: INTERVALS All intervals between sets last
three minutes. During this period of time, the change of courts
and line-up registrations of the teams on the scoresheet are
made. The interval between the second and the third sets
can be extended up to 10 minutes by the competent body at
the request of the organizer.
2. Replaced with 18.1: INTERVALS An interval is the time
between sets. All intervals last three minutes. During this pe-
riod of time, the change of courts and line-up registrations of
the teams on the score sheet are made. The interval between
the second and the third sets can be extended up to 10 min-
utes by the competent body at the request of the organizer.
19.1.1 and USAV 19.1.1: Libero(s) designation.
1. Deleted 19.1.1: Each team has the right to designate
among the list of players one (1) specialized defensive player:
Libero.
2. Replaced with 19.1.1: Each team has the right to desig-
nate from the list of players up to two (2) specialized defen-
sive players: Liberos.
For FIVB and World Competitions for Seniors where a team
chooses to have more than twelve (12) players, it is compul-
sory for the team to designate amongst the list of players two
(2) specialized defensive players: Liberos.
3. Add new USAV 19.1.1: Each team may designate one
specialized defensive player (Libero) per set.
xxxiii
19.1.2: Libero(s) designation.
1. Deleted 19.1.2: The Libero must be recorded on the
scoresheet before the match in the special line reserved for
this. His/her number must also be recorded on the line-up
sheet of the frst set.
2. Replaced with 19.1.2: All Liberos must be recorded on the
score sheet before the match in the special lines reserved for this.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, all Liberos must
be recorded on the score sheet before the match only in the
special lines reserved for this.
3. USAV 19.1.2 remains unchanged.
19.1.3: Libero(s) designation.
1. Deleted 19.1.3: The Libero can be neither team captain
nor game captain.
2. Replaced with 19.1.3: One Libero designated by the coach
before the start of the match will be the acting Libero. If there is
a second Libero, he/she will act as the reserve Libero.
Add 19.1.4: (old 19.1.3)
New 19.1.4: The Libero cannot be either team captain or game
captain at the same time as performing the Libero function.
19.2: Editorial replace player with players
and jersey with jerseys
1. Deleted 19.2: EQUIPMENT
The Libero player must wear a uniform (or jacket/bib for the
re-designated Libero) whose jersey at least must contrast in
color with that of the other members of the team. The Libero
uniform may have a different design, but it must be numbered
like the rest of the team members.
2. Replaced with 19.2: EQUIPMENT
The Libero players must wear a uniform (or jacket/bib for the
re-designated Libero) whose jerseys at least must contrast in
color with that of the other members of the team. The Libero
xxxiv
uniform may have a different design, but it must be numbered
like the rest of the team members.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions the re-designated
Libero must wear the same style and color of jersey as the
original Libero, but keep his/her own number.
19.3.2.1: Editorial add completed and unless
due to injury/illness or there is a forced rotation
caused by a penalty
1. Deleted 19.3.2.1: Replacements involving the Libero are not
counted as regular substitutions. They are unlimited, but there
must be a rally between two Libero replacements. The Libero
can only be replaced by the player whom he/she replaced.
2. Replaced with 19.3.2.1: Replacements involving the
Libero are not counted as regular substitutions. They are
unlimited, but there must be a completed rally between two
Libero replacements (unless due to injury/illness or there is a
forced rotation caused by a penalty). The Libero can only be
replaced by the player whom he/she replaced.
19.3.2.3: Editorial
1. Deleted 19.3.2.3: A replacement made after the whistle for
service but before the service hit should not be rejected but must
be the object of a verbal caution after the end of the rally. Subse-
quent late replacements must be subject to a delay sanction.
2. Replaced with 19.3.2.3: A replacement made after the
whistle for service but before the service hit should not be
rejected but must be the object of a verbal caution after the
end of the rally. Subsequent late replacements shall result in
the play being interrupted immediately and the imposition of a
delay sanction. The team to serve next will be determined by
the result of the delay sanction.
xxxv
19.3.2.4: Editorial add Libero Replacement
Zone
1. Deleted 19.3.2.4: The Libero and the replacing player
may only enter or leave the court by the side line in front of
their team bench between the attack line and the end line.
2. Replaced with 19.3.2.4: The Libero and the replacing
player may only enter or leave the court by the Libero Re-
placement Zone.
Add 19.3.2.5: Illegal Libero Replacement defned.
New 19.3.2.5: The consequences of an illegal Libero re-
placement are the same as those for a rotational fault.
19.3.3.1: Redesignation of Libero defned.
1. Deleted 19.3.3.1: In case of injury of the designated Libero,
and with the previous approval of the frst referee, the coach or
set captain can re-designate as new Libero one of the players
not on the court at the moment of the re-designation.
The injured Libero may not re-enter to play for the remainder
of the match.
2. Replaced with 19.3.3.1: The coach has the right to
exchange the acting Libero with the reserve Libero for any
reason, but only once in the match, and only after the regular
replacement player has returned to court. This exchange must
be recorded in the Remarks section of the scoresheet and on
the Libero Control sheet.
The original Libero may not re-enter to play for the remainder
of the match.
In case of illness or injury to the reserve Libero, the coach
may designate as Libero for the remainder of the match any
other player (except the original Libero) not on the court at the
moment of the re-designation.
The team captain may relinquish all leadership privileges to
be re-designated as the Libero, if so requested by the coach.
Exchanges due to injury or illness of the Libero or re-designat-
xxxvi
ed Libero are not counted as replacements.
21.2.1: Editorial add any action
1. Deleted 21.2.1: Rude conduct: action contrary to good
manners or moral principles, or expressing contempt.
2. Replaced with 21.2.1: Rude conduct: action contrary to good
manners or moral principles, or any action expressing contempt.
21.2.3: Editorial replace intended aggression
with or aggressive or threatening behavior.
1. Deleted 21.2.3: Aggression: actual physical attack or
intended aggression.
2. Replaced with 21.2.3: Aggression: actual physical attack
or aggressive or threatening behavior.
21.3: Editorial add Penalty, Expulsion or
Disqualifcation.
1. Deleted 21.3: SANCTION SCALE
According to the judgment of the frst referee and depending
on the seriousness of the offense, the sanctions to be applied
and recorded on the score sheet are:
2. Replaced with 21.3: SANCTION SCALE
According to the judgment of the frst referee and depending
on the seriousness of the offense, the sanctions to be applied
and recorded on the score sheet are: Penalty, Expulsion or
Disqualifcation.
21.3.1: Editorial replace loss of rally with a
point and service to the opponent
1. Deleted 21.3.1: Penalty
The frst rude conduct in the match by any team member is
penalized with loss of rally.
2. Replaced with 21.3.1: Penalty
The frst rude conduct in the match by any team member is
xxxvii
penalized with a point and service to the opponent.
21.3.3.2: Editorial add physical attack or im-
plied or threatened
1. Deleted 21.3.3.2: The frst aggression is sanctioned by
disqualifcation with no other consequences.
2. Replaced with 21.3.3.2: The frst physical attack or im-
plied or threatened aggression is sanctioned by disqualifca-
tion with no other consequences.
22.2.3: Editorial replace end with completion
1. Deleted 22.2.3: Immediately after the referees whistle
to signal the end of the rally, they have to indicate with the
offcial hand signals:
2. Replaced with 22.2.3: Immediately after the referees
whistle to signal the completion of the rally, they have to indi-
cate with the offcial hand signals:
22.2.3.2: Editorial replace at all the fault and
with either the nature of the fault or
1. Deleted 22.2.3.2: If the fault is whistled by the second
referee, he/she will indicate:
a) the nature of the fault
b) the player at fault (if necessary)
c) the team to serve following the hand signal of the
frst referee.
In this case, the frst referee does not show at all the fault and
the player at fault, but only the team to serve.
2. Replaced with 22.2.3.2: If the fault is whistled by the
second referee, he/she will indicate:
b) the player at fault (if necessary)
c) the team to serve following the hand signal of the
frst referee.
In this case, the frst referee does not show either the nature
xxxviii
of the fault or the player at fault, but only the team to serve.
Add 22.2.3.3
1. New 22.2.3.3: In the case of an attack hit fault by back
row or Libero players, both referees indicate according to
22.2.3.1 and 22.2.3.2 above.
2. Renumber old 22.2.3.3 as new 22.2.3.4.
23.3.2: Editorial delete only
1. Deleted 23.3.2: During the match, only the frst referee is
authorized:
2. Replaced with 23.3.2: During the match, the frst referee
is authorized:
23.3.2.3: Editorial add above net height, com-
pletely and g) the completed block by back-row
players or the attempted block by the Libero.
1. Deleted 23.3.2.3: to decide upon:
a) the faults of the server and of the positions of the
serving team, including the screen,
b) the faults in playing the ball,
c) the faults above the net and at its upper part,
d) the attack hit faults of the Libero and back-row players,
e) a completed attack made by a player on a ball coming
from an overhand pass with fngers by the Libero
player in his/her front zone or its extension,
f) the ball crossing the lower space under the net.
2. Replaced with 23.3.2.3: to decide upon:
a) the faults of the server and of the positions of the
serving team, including the screen,
c) the faults above the net and at its upper part,
d) the attack hit faults of the Libero and back-row players,
e) the completed attack hits made by a player on a
ball above net height coming from an overhand
xxxix
pass with fngers by the Libero in his/her front zone,
f) the ball crossing completely the lower space under
the net.
g) the completed block by back-row players or the
attempted block by the Libero.
24.3.2.4: Editorial add or the attack hit fault by
back-row players or by the Libero
1. Deleted 24.3.2.4: the completed block by a back-row
player or an attempt to block by the Libero,
2. Replaced with 24.3.2.3: the completed block by back-row
players or the attempted block by the Libero; or the attack hit
fault by back-row players or by the Libero;
USAV 24.3.2.4 Add: The frst referee and
1. Deleted USAV 24.3.2.4: The second referee decides, whistles
and signals the attack hit faults of the Libero and back-row players.
2. Replaced with USAV 24.3.2.4: The frst referee and the
second referee decide, whistle and signal the attack hit faults
of the Libero and back-row players.
This change clarifes that both the frst and second referee
may call back-row and Libero attack hit faults.
25.2: Editorial add notify irregularities or
1. Delete 25.2: RESPONSIBILITIES
He/she keeps the score sheet according to the Rules, co-
operating with the second referee.
He/she uses a buzzer or other sound device to give signals to
the referees on the basis of his/her responsibilities.
2. Replace with 25.2: RESPONSIBILITIES
He/she keeps the score sheet according to the Rules, co-
He/she uses a buzzer or other sound device to notify irregularities or
xl
give signals to the referees on the basis of his/her responsibilities.
Add USAV 25.2.1.1: Defnes when and by whom
the scoresheet is signed.
New USAV 25.2.1.1: The captains and coaches do not sign
the scoresheet before the match.
25.2.2.3: Editorial acknowledges use of the buzzer
1. Deleted 25.2.2.3: records the time-outs and player substitu-
tions, controlling their number; and informs the second referee;
2. Replaced with 25.2.2.3: is empowered to acknowledge
and announce requests for player substitutions by use of the
buzzer, controlling their number; and records the substitutions
and time-outs, informing the second referee;
25.2.2.6: Editorial add improper requests
1. Deleted 25.2.2.6: records any sanctions;
2. Replaced with 25.2.2.6: records any sanctions and im-
proper requests;
USAV 25.2.3.3: Defnes when and by whom the
1. Deleted USAV 25.2.3.3: The team captains and the sec-
ond referee are not required to sign the scoresheet.
2. Replaced with USAV 25.2.3.3: The second referee is not
required to sign the scoresheet(s). For junior competition,
the coaches sign the scoresheet(s) after the match to verify
the results. For adult competition, the team captains sign the
scoresheet(s) after the match to verify the results.
26.2.2.2: Editorial acknowledges use of the buzzer
1. Deleted 26.2.2.2: notifes the referees of any fault of the
Libero replacement;
2. Replaced with 26.2.2.2: notifes the referees of any fault
of the Libero replacement by using the buzzer;
1
REGULATIONS
as Presented by USA VOLLEYBALL
GAME CHARACTERISTICS
Volleyball is a sport played by two teams on a playing court
divided by a net. There are different versions available for spe-
cifc circumstances in order to offer the versatility of the game
to everyone.
The object of the game is to send the ball over the net in order
to ground it on the opponents court, and to prevent the same
effort by the opponent. The team has three hits for returning the
ball (in addition to the block contact).
The ball is put in play with a service: hit by the server over
the net to the opponents. The rally continues until the ball is
grounded on the playing court, goes out or a team fails to
return it properly.
In Volleyball, the team winning a rally scores a point (Rally
Point System). When the receiving team wins a rally, it gains a
point and the right to serve, and its players rotate one position
clockwise.
2
Philosophy of Rules and Refereeing
Introduction
Volleyball is one of the most successful and popular competi-
tive and recreational sports in the world. It is fast, it is exciting
and the action is explosive. Yet, volleyball comprises several
crucial overlapping elements whose complementary interac-
tions render it unique among rally sets:
In recent years, the FIVB has made great strides in
adapting the game to a modern audience.
This text is aimed at a broad volleyball public players,
coaches, referees, spectators or commentators for the fol-
lowing reasons:
Understanding the rules allows better play coaches
can create better team structure and tactics, allowing
players full reign to display their skills;
Understanding the relationship between rules allows
offcials to make better decisions.
VOLLEY
PASSING
TEAM
GAME
DIVIDED
COURTS
Service
Jumping Power
Attack
Rotation
Explosive Action
Defense
3
Volleyball is a Competitive Sport
Competition taps latent strengths. It exhibits the best of abil-
ity, spirit, creativity and aesthetics. The rules are structured to
allow all of these qualities. With a few exceptions, volleyball
allows all players to operate both at the net (in attack) and in
the back of the court (to defend or serve).
William Morgan, the games creator, would still recognize
it because volleyball has retained certain distinctive and es-
sential elements over the years. Some of these it shares with
other net/ball/racquet games:
service
rotation
attack
defense.
Volleyball is, however, unique among net games in insist-
ing that the ball is in constant fight a fying ball and by
allowing each team a degree of internal passing before the
ball must be returned to the opponents.
The introduction of a specialist defensive player the
Libero has moved the game forward in terms of rally length
and multi-phase play. Modifcations to the service rule have
changed the act of service from simply a means of putting the
ball in play to an offensive weapon.
The concept of rotation is entrenched to allow for all-
around athletes. The rules on player positions must permit
teams to have fexibility and to create interesting develop-
ments in tactics. Competitors use this framework to contest
techniques, tactics and power. The framework also allows
players a freedom of expression to enthuse spectators and
viewers.
And the image of volleyball is increasingly a good one.
As the game evolves, there is no doubt that it will change
even better, stronger and faster.
4
The Referee Within This Framework
The essence of a good referee lies in the concept of fair-
ness and consistency:
To be fair to every participant.
To be viewed as fair by the spectators.
This demands a huge element of trust the referee must
be trusted to allow the players to entertain:
by being accurate in his/her judgment;
by understanding why the rule is written;
by being an effcient organizer;
by allowing the competition to fow and by directing
it to a conclusion;
by being an educator using the rules to penalize
the unfair or admonish the impolite;
by promoting the game that is, by allowing the
spectacular elements in the game to shine and the
best players to do what they do best: entertain the
public.
Finally, we can say that a good referee will use the rules to
make the competition a fulflling experience for all concerned.
To those who have read so far, view the Rules that follow
as the current state of development of a great game, but keep
in mind why these preceding few paragraphs may be of equal
importance to you in your own position within the sport.
Get involved!
Keep the ball fying!
5
6
SECTION I - THE GAME
CHAPTER ONE
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
1. PLAYING AREA
The playing area includes the playing court and the free
zone. It shall be rectangular and symmetrical.

1.1 DIMENSIONS
The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 x 9 m (59
x 296) surrounded by a free zone, which is a minimum
of 3 m (910) wide on all sides. The free playing space
is the space above the playing area which is free from
any obstructions. The free playing space shall measure a
minimum of 7 m (23) in height from the playing surface.
USAV 1.1a: The free zone may be a minimum of 2 m (66 3/4).
It is not required that the free zone be symmetrical.
USAV 1.1b: For nationally sanctioned competition and
recommended for all other competitions, 7 m (23) is the
minimum free playing space (ceiling height).
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, the
free zone shall measure a minimum of 5 m
from the sidelines and 8 m from the end lines.
The free playing space shall measure a mini-
mum of 12.5 m in height from the playing surface.
1.2 PLAYING SURFACE
1.2.1 The surface must be fat, horizontal and uniform.
It must not present any danger of injury to the
players. It is forbidden to play on rough or slippery
surfaces.
USAV 1.2.1: Players may mop the foor provided
the frst referee does not judge the action to be a
delay.
7
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions,
only a wooden or synthetic surface is al-
lowed. Any surface must be previously
approved by the FIVB.
USAV 1.2.1: For nationally sanctioned competi-
tion, USA Volleyball must approve the surface.
1.2.2 On indoor courts the surface of the playing court
must be of a light color.
USAV 1.2.2: It is recommended the surface of the
playing court be a light color or that other con-
trasting colors be used for the playing court and
free zone.
white colors are required for the lines.
Other colors, different from each other,
are required for the playing court and
the free zone.
1.2.3 On outdoor courts a slope of 5 mm per meter is
allowed for drainage. Court lines made of solid
materials are forbidden.

1.3 LINES ON THE COURT
1.3.1 All lines are 5 cm (2) wide. They must be of a
light color which is different from the color of the
foor and from any other lines.
1.3.2 Boundary lines
Two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing
court. Both sidelines and end lines are drawn in-
side the dimensions of the playing court.
1.3.3 Center line
The axis of the center line divides the playing
court into two equal courts measuring 9 x 9 m
(296 x 296) each; however, the entire width of
the line is considered to belong to both courts
equally. This line extends beneath the net from
sideline to sideline.
8
1.3.4 Attack line
On each court, an attack line, whose rear edge is
drawn 3 m (910) back from the axis of the center
line, marks the front zone.
the attack line is extended by the addi-
tion of broken lines from the sidelines,
with fve 15 cm (6) short lines 5 cm (2)
wide, drawn 20 cm (8) from each other
to a total length of 1.75 m (70). The
coachs restriction line (a broken line
which extends from the attack line
to the end line of the court, parallel to
the side and 1.75 meters (70) from it) is
composed of 15 cm (6) short lines
drawn 20 cm (8) apart to mark the limit
of the coachs area of operation.
USAV 1.3.4: For nationally sanctioned competitions,
the extensions of the attack lines outside the court
are required as described above. These markings
are optional for all other events.
1.4 ZONES AND AREAS
1.4.1 Front zone
On each court the front zone is limited by the axis
of the center line and the rear edge of the attack line.
The front zone is considered to extend beyond the
sidelines to the end of the free zone.
1.4.2 Service zone
The service zone is a 9 m (296) wide area be-
hind each end line.
It is laterally limited by two short lines, each 15 cm
(6) long, drawn 20 cm (8) behind the end line as
an extension of the sidelines. Both short lines are
included in the width of the service zone.
9
In depth, the service zone extends to the end of
the free zone.
USAV 1.4.2: The service zone shall have a minimum
depth of 2 m (66 3/4). If this zone is less than 2 m (66
3/4) [Rule 1.4.2], a line shall be marked on the
court to provide the minimum depth. After the ser-
vice, the line is ignored and becomes part of the court.
1.4.3 Substitution zone
The substitution zone is limited by the extension
of both attack lines up to the scorers table.
1.4.4 Libero Replacement Zone
The Libero Replacement Zone is part of the free
zone on the side of the team benches, limited by
the extension of the attack line up to the end line.
1.4.5 Warm-up area
the warm-up areas, sized approximately
3 x 3 m (910 x 910), are located in
both of the bench-side corners, outside
the free zone.
USAV 1.4.5: The warm-up area is at the end of the
bench or bench area, and no nearer to the court
than the front of the team bench. Substitutes must
not interfere with play or the offcials duties.
1.4.6 Penalty Area
A penalty area, sized approximately 1 x 1 m (39 x 39)
and equipped with two chairs, is located in the control
area, outside the prolongation of the end line. They
may be limited by a 5 cm (2) wide red line.
USAV 1.4.6: Inclusion of a penalty area is recommended.

1.5 TEMPERATURE
The minimum temperature shall not be below 10 C (50 F).
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, the max-
imum temperature shall not be higher than 25 C
10
(77 F) and the minimum not lower than 16 C (61 F).
1.6 LIGHTING
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, the light-
ing on the playing area should be 1000 to 1500 lux
measured at 1 m (39) above the surface of the
playing area.
USAV 1.6: For nationally sanctioned USA Volleyball compe-
tition, the lighting on the playing area should be 300 lux (27.9
foot candles) measured at 1 m (39) above the playing surface.
USAV 1.7 SCOREBOARD
The scoreboard must be divided into two parts with num-
bers that provide the score for each team. The score dis-
played on the scoreboard is not offcial and may not be
used as a basis of protest.
2. NET AND POSTS
2.1 HEIGHT OF THE NET
2.1.1 Placed vertically over the center line there is a net
whose top is set at the height of 2.43 m (711
5/8
)
for men and 2.24 m (74
1/8
) for women.
USAV 2.1: The height of the net may vary for spe-
cifc age groups as follows:

11
2.1.2 Its height is measured from the center of the play-
ing court. The net height (over the two sidelines)
must be exactly the same and must not exceed
the offcial height by more than 2 cm (3/4).
2.2 STRUCTURE
The net is 1 m (39) wide and 9.50 to 10 m (316-33)
long (with 25 to 50 cm [10-19
1/2
] on each side of the side
bands), made of 10 cm (4) square black mesh.
At its top a horizontal band, 7 cm (2 3/4) wide, made of two-
fold white canvas, is sewn along its full length. Each extreme
end of the band has a hole, through which passes a cord,
fastening the band to the posts for keeping its top taut.
USAV 2.2: At its top a horizontal band, 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2
3/4) wide, made of two-fold white canvas, is sewn along
its full length.
Within the band, a fexible cable fastens the net to the
posts and keeps its top taut.
At the bottom of the net there is another horizontal band,
5 cm (2) wide, similar to the top band, through which is
threaded a rope. This rope fastens the net to the posts and
keeps its lower part taut.
2.3 SIDE BANDS
Two white bands are fastened vertically to the net and
placed directly above each sideline.
They are 5 cm (2) wide and 1 m (39) long, and are con-
sidered as part of the net.
USAV 2.3: The side bands are optional.
2.4 ANTENNAE
An antenna is a fexible rod, 1.80 m (511) long and 10 mm
(3/8) in diameter, made of fberglass or similar material.
An antenna is fastened at the outer edge of each side
band. Antennae are placed on opposite sides of the net.
[Diagram 3b]
12
The top 80 cm (32) of each antenna extends above the
net and is marked with 10 cm (4) stripes of contrasting
color, preferably red and white.
The antennae are considered as part of the net and laterally
delimit the crossing space.
2.5 POSTS
2.5.1 The posts supporting the net are placed at a dis-
tance of 0.50-1.00 m (20-39) outside the side-
lines. They are 2.55 m (84) high and preferably
adjustable.
For all FIVB World and Offcial Competitions,
the posts supporting the net are placed at a
distance of 1 m (39) outside the sidelines.
2.5.2 The posts are rounded and smooth, fxed to the
ground without wires. There shall be no danger-
ous or obstructing devices.
USAV 2.5.2: Ceiling mounted net systems are allowed.
2.6 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
All additional equipment is determined by FIVB regulations.
USAV 2.6:
a. If the posts are secured by barrels or other
supporting apparatus, there must be some means
of clearly identifying the barrels or supporting
apparatus. All other dangerous or obstructing devices
must be eliminated. Metal cables, tensioning devices
and other exposed wires may need to be covered if the
referees determine these items may cause injury to
players.
b. All wires that support posts from the foor will be elimi-
nated, or if that is not possible, then all exposed wires
must be padded with at least 1.25 cm (1/2) thick, resil-
ient, shock absorbing material throughout the entire
length. The padding must be clearly recognizable.
13
c. Posts shall be padded to a minimum height of 1.7 m
(56) with at least 1.25 cm (1/2) thick, resilient, shock
absorbing material.
d. A referees platform is required. The platform must be
on a support and adjustable in height; the referees
eye position shall be approximately 50 cm (19)
above the top of the net. It should be constructed so
that it presents the least potential hazard for players.
Step ladders, jump boxes and other devices not specif-
cally designed as referee platforms shall not be used.
e. The front and sides of the referees platform must be
padded in the same manner as the posts to a height
of 1.7 m (56).
3. BALLS
3.1 STANDARDS
The ball shall be spherical, made of a fexible leather or
synthetic leather case with a bladder inside made of rub-
ber or a similar material.
Its color may be a uniform light color, or a combination of colors.
Synthetic leather material and color combinations of balls
used in International Offcial competitions should comply
with FIVB standards.
Its circumference is 65-67 cm (25.6 to 26.4) and its
weight is 260-280 g (9 to 10 oz).
Its inside pressure shall be 0.30 to 0.325 kg/cm
2
(4.26 to
4.61 psi) (294.3 to 318.82 mbar or hPa).
USAV 3.1: Twelve-and-under competition at the USAV Junior
Olympic Volleyball Championships will be conducted using a
ball with the same circumference and inside pressure as listed
in Rule 3.1, but with a weight of 198 to 227 g (7 to 8 oz).
14
3.2 UNIFORMITY OF BALLS
All balls used in a match must have the same standards
regarding circumference, weight, pressure, type, color, etc.
FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, as well
as National or League Championships, must
be played with FIVB approved balls, unless by
agreement of FIVB.
USAV 3.2: For nationally sanctioned competition, USA
Volleyball must approve the game balls.
3.3 THREE-BALL SYSTEM
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, three
balls shall be used. In this case, six ball retrievers
are stationed, one at each corner of the free zone
and one behind each referee.
USAV 3.3: For nationally sanctioned USA Volleyball com-
petitions, the three-ball system is recommended.
15
CHAPTER TWO
PARTICIPANTS
4. TEAMS
4.1 TEAM COMPOSITION
4.1.1 A team may consist of up to 12 players, one coach,
one assistant coach, one trainer and one medical
doctor. For FIVB World and Offcial Compe-
titions, the medical doctor must be accred-
ited beforehand by the FIVB. For FIVB and
World Competitions for Seniors, a team may
consist of a maximum of fourteen (14) play-
ers (a maximum of twelve (12) regular players.
USAV 4.1.1: a. Players are the team members on
the team court. Substitutes are team members in
uniform who are not in the starting line-up of a set.
b. A team may consist of a maximum of 15 play-
ers and fve coaches/staff personnel.
4.1.2 One of the players, other than the Libero, is the team
captain, who shall be indicated on the scoresheet.
4.1.3 Only the players recorded on the scoresheet may
enter the court and play in the match. Once the coach
and the team captain have signed the scoresheet,
the recorded players cannot be changed.
USAV 4.1.3
a. The coach and captain do not need to sign the
scoresheet before or after the match except
for Adult Open Competition.
b. At least 10 minutes before the start of each match,
including tournament play, each team shall submit
a roster listing the names and uniform numbers of
players eligible to participate in the match. The
coach or team captain must sign the roster. A
roster may be changed at any time during the
16
match, but only to correct a uniform number. However, if
the coach or game captain requests such a number
change, that team will be charged with a team penalty.
A roster may not be changed to add a player at any time
after having been signed by the coach or team captain.
4.2 LOCATION OF THE TEAM
4.2.1 The players not in play should either sit on their team
bench or be in their warm-up area. The coach and
other team members sit on the bench, but may tem-
porarily leave it.
The benches for the teams are located beside the
scorers table, outside the free zone.
4.2.2 Only the team members are permitted to sit on the
bench during the match and to participate in the
warm-up session.
4.2.3 Players not in play may warm up without balls as
follows:
4.2.3.1 during play: in the warm-up areas;
4.2.3.2 during time-outs and technical time-outs:
in the free zone behind their playing court.
4.2.4 During set intervals, players may warm up using
balls in the free zone.
USAV 4.2.4: During set intervals, players may
warm up using balls on their court or in the free zone.
4.3 EQUIPMENT
A players equipment consists of a jersey, shorts, socks
(the uniform) and sport shoes.
USAV 4.3: If undergarments, including but not limited to
T-shirts, boxer shorts, tights, leotards, body suits, bicycle
shorts, sports bras, etc., are worn in such a manner that
they are exposed, they will be considered a part of the uni-
form. In that case, they must be similar and the same color
for any team members (except the Libero) who wear such a
uniform. Socks and sport shoes are not part of the uniform.
17
4.3.1 The color and the design for the jerseys, shorts
and socks must be uniform for the team (except
for the Libero). The uniforms must be clean.
USAV 4.3.1: The color and design for the jerseys and
shorts must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero).
4.3.2 The shoes must be light and pliable with rubber or
composite soles without heels.
For Senior FIVB World and Offcial Com-
petitions, it is forbidden to wear shoes
with black marking soles.
4.3.3 Players jerseys must be numbered from
1 to 18. For FIVB World and Offcial Com-
petitions, players jerseys must be num-
bered from 1 to 20.
USAV 4.3.3: The players jerseys must be numbered
in a permanent manner from 1 to 99. Duplicate
numbers are not allowed.
4.3.3.1 The number must be placed on the jersey at the
center of the front and of the back. The color and
brightness of the numbers must contrast with the
color and brightness of the jerseys.
USAV 4.3.3.1
a. Uniform numbers must be clearly visible
and centered on the chest and back. Each
jersey must use the same color and num-
ber height for all players except the Libero.
b. USAV 4.3.3.1b: Color combinations such
as purple/black, dark green/black, navy/
black, white/light yellow or navy/maroon
are not distinctive enough to comply with
the rules.
4.3.3.2 The number must be a minimum of 15 cm
(6) in height on the chest and a minimum
of 20 cm (8) in height on the back. The
stripe forming the numbers shall be a mini-
mum of 2 cm (3/4) in width.
18
USAV 4.3.3.2: The numbers must be a mini-
mum of 10 cm (4) in height on the chest and
a minimum of 15 cm (6) in height on the
back. It is recommended that the numbers
be a minimum of 15 cm (6) in height on the
chest and a minimum of 20 cm (8) on the back.
the players number shall be repeated on
the right leg of the shorts. The number
must be 4 to 6 cm in height and the
stripe forming the numbers shall be a min-
imum of 1 cm in width. Jerseys and shorts
should comply with FIVB standards.
4.3.4 The team captain must have on his/her jersey a stripe
of 8 x 2 cm (3.15 x 8/10) underlining the number
on the chest.
USAV 4.3.4: It is recommended that the captain have a
stripe on his/her jersey underlining the number on
the chest.
4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a color different
from that of the other players (except for the Libero),
and/or without offcial numbers.
USAV 4.3.5: For nationally sanctioned competition,
uniforms must be identical with the exception
of sleeve length and the Libero player. An excep-
tion will also be made for a single manufacturers
logo or trademark on the outside of the jerseys or
shorts, provided that the logo or trademark does
not exceed 14.6 square cm (2 1/4 square inches).
4.4 CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT
The frst referee may authorize one or more players:
4.4.1 to play barefoot,
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions
it is forbidden to play barefoot.
4.4.2 to change wet or damaged uniforms between sets
19
or after substitution, provided that the color, design
and number of the new uniform(s) are the same,
4.4.3 to play in training suits in cold weather, provided
that they are of the same color and design for the
whole team (except for the Libero) and numbered
according to Rule 4.3.3.
4.5 FORBIDDEN OBJECTS
4.5.1 It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury,
or give an artifcial advantage to the player.
USAV 4.5.1: It is forbidden to wear hats or jewelry. An
exception will be made for religious or medical medal-
lions and, for adult competition, a fat band ring worn
on the fnger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from
chains and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring,
other than a fat band, cannot be removed, it shall be
taped in such a manner as not to create a safety haz-
ard. Braces, prosthetic limbs or headgear that may
cause an injury or give an artifcial advantage to the
player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb
or headgear is used, padding or covering may be
necessary. Casts, even if padded, are forbidden.
4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.
USAV 4.5.2: If a players equipment falls to the
foor and creates a safety hazard, play is stopped
and a delay sanction assessed.
5. TEAM LEADERS
Both the team captain and the coach are responsible for
the conduct and discipline of their team members.
The Libero cannot be the team captain.
5.1 CAPTAIN
5.1.1 PRIOR TO THE MATCH, the team captain signs the
scoresheet and represents his/her team in the toss.
20
USAV 5.1.1: The captain does not sign the
5.1.2 DURING THE MATCH and while on the court, the
team captain is the game captain. When the team cap-
tain is not on the court, the coach or the team captain
must assign another player on the court, but not the
Libero, to assume the role of game captain. This game
captain maintains his/her responsibilities until he/she
is substituted, or the team captain returns to play, or
the set ends.
When the ball is out of play, only the game captain
is authorized to speak to the referees:
5.1.2.1 to ask for an explanation on the application or
interpretation of the Rules, and also to submit
the requests or questions of his/her team-
mates. If the game captain does not agree
with the explanation of the frst referee, he/
she may choose to protest against such
decision and immediately indicates to the frst
referee that he/she reserves the right to record
an offcial protest on the scoresheet at
the end of the match;
USAV 5.1.2.1: If an explanation of an appli-
cation or interpretation of a rule is not satisfac-
tory to the game captain, he/she must immedi-
ately indicate his/her disagreement and fle a
protest prior to the authorization of the next
service. If the disagreement with the referees
explanation involves the last point of the set,
the offcial protest must be recorded within the
frst 60 seconds of the timed interval between
sets. If the fnal point of the match is disputed,
the protest must be recorded before the refer-
ees leave the playing area. (Protest is ruled
upon by the Championship Committee
21
either immediately or prior to the start of the
next set.) It is advisable to have an assigned
Protest Committee available to rule upon a
protest as soon as possible prior to the frst
service following the protest. Such action
should preclude playing the match over from
the point of protest if the protest is upheld.
Protests considered by the first referee (Pro-
test or Tournament Committee) include: a 1)
misinterpretation of a playing rule, 2) failure of
the first referee to apply the correct rule to a
given situation, or 3) failure to charge the correct
penalty-sanction for a given fault. Protest facts
recorded on the scoresheet include the: 1)
score of the set at the time of the protest, 2)
players and positions at the time of the protest,
3) player substitutions and team substitutions
made up to the protest, 4) team time-outs
taken up to the protest, 5) situation that caused
the protest, and 6) signatures of the scorer,
captains and frst referee, indicating the facts
are correct.
5.1.2.2 to ask authorization:
a) to change all or part of the equipment,
b) to verify the positions of the teams,
c) to check the foor, the net, the ball, etc.;
USAV 5.1.2.2: For nationally sanctioned 14-
and-under competition, the coach may act
instead of the game captain to perform the
functions stated in 5.1.2.1 and 5.1.2.2.
5.1.2.3 in the absence of the coach to request
time-outs and substitutions.
5.1.3 AT THE END OF THE MATCH, the team
captain:
5.1.3.1 Thanks the referees and signs the score-
22
sheet to ratify the outcome;.
5.1.3.2 when it has been notifed in due time to
the frst referee, may confrm and record on
the scoresheet an offcial protest regarding
the referees application or interpretation of
the Rules.
USAV 5.1.3: For junior competition, the coach
signs the scoresheet after the match to verify the
results.
5.2 COACH
5.2.1 Throughout the match, the coach conducts the play
of his/her team from outside the playing court. He/
she selects the starting line-ups, their substitutes,
and takes time-outs. In these functions his/her con-
tacting offcial is the second referee.
5.2.2 PRIOR TO THE MATCH, the coach records or
checks the names and numbers of his/her players
on the scoresheet, and then signs it.
USAV 5.2.2: The coach does not sign the
5.2.3 DURING THE MATCH, the coach:
5.2.3.1 prior to each set, gives the scorer or the
second referee the line-up sheet(s) duly
flled in and signed;
5.2.3.2 sits on the team bench nearest to the
scorer, but may leave it;
5.2.3.3 requests time-outs and substitutions;
5.2.3.4 may, as well as other team members, give
instructions to the players on the court. The
coach may give these instructions while stand-
ing or walking within the free zone in front of
his/her teams bench from the extension
of the attack line up to the warm-up area,
without disturbing or delaying the match.
23
For FIVB World and Offcial Compe-
titions, the coach is restricted to
performing his/her function behind
the coachs restriction line.
USAV 5.2.3: During the match the coach is autho-
rized to speak to the referees to verify the positions
of the teams.
USAV 5.2.3.4: During play, the coach may give
these instructions while standing or walking within
the free zone in front of his/her teams bench from
the extension of the attack line up to the warm-up
area, no closer to the court than 1.75 m (510)
from the sideline and its extension without disturb-
ing or delaying the match. The extension of the
attack line is drawn to a distance of 1.75 m (510)
from the sideline.

5.3 ASSISTANT COACH
5.3.1 The assistant coach sits on the team bench, but
has no right to intervene in the match.
USAV 5.3.1: One assistant coach at a time may leave the
bench to give instructions to the players on the court. During
play, this assistant coach may give these instructions while
standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her
teams bench from the extension of the attack line up to the
warm-up area, and no closer to the court than 1.75 m (510)
from the sideline and its extension, without disturbing or
delaying the match. The extension of the attack line is drawn
to a distance of 1.75 (510) from the sideline.
5.3.2 Should the coach have to leave his/her team for any
reason including sanction, the assistant coach may,
at the request of the game captain, and with the
authorization of the frst referee, assume the coachs
functions for the duration of the absence.
24
CHAPTER THREE
PLAYING FORMAT
6. TO SCORE A POINT, TO WIN A SET AND THE
MATCH
6.1 TO SCORE A POINT
6.1.1 Point - A team scores a point
6.1.1.1 by successfully grounding the ball on the
opponents court;
6.1.1.2 when the opponent team commits a fault;
6.1.1.3 when the opponent team receives a penalty.
6.1.2 Fault
A team commits a fault by making a playing action
contrary to the rules (or by violating them in some
other way). The referees judge the faults and de-
termine the consequences according to the Rules:
6.1.2.1 If two or more faults are committed suc-
cessively, only the frst one is counted.
6.1.2.2 If two or more faults are committed by
opponents simultaneously, a DOUBLE
FAULT is called and the rally is replayed.
6.1.3 Rally and completed rally
A rally is the sequence of playing actions from
the moment of the service hit by the server until
the ball is out of play. A completed rally is the
sequence of playing actions which results in the
award of a point.
6.1.3.1 if the serving team wins a rally, it scores
a point and continues to serve;
6.1.3.2 if the receiving team wins a rally, it scores
a point and it must serve next.
25
6.2 TO WIN A SET
A set (except the deciding, ffth set) is won by the team
which frst scores 25 points with a minimum lead of two
points. In the case of a 24-24 tie, play is continued until a
two-point lead is achieved (26-24; 27-25; ).
6.3 TO WIN THE MATCH
6.3.1 The match is won by the team that wins three sets.
6.3.2 In the case of a 2-2 tie, the deciding set (the 5th) is
played to 15 points with a minimum lead of 2 points.
USAV 6.3:
a. For tournament play, the match is won by the team
that wins two sets out of three. A set (except the
deciding third set) is won by the frst team to score 25
points with a minimum lead of two points.
b. A playoff set is considered a match and only one
set will be played. The match is won by the team that scores
either 15 or 25 (as specifed in the tournament guidelines)
with a two-point advantage. Teams change courts when
one team has scored eight or 13 points, respectively.
6.4 DEFAULT AND INCOMPLETE TEAM
6.4.1 If a team refuses to play after being summoned to do
so, it is declared in default and forfeits the match with
the result 0-3 for the match and 0-25 for each set.
6.4.2 A team that, without justifable reason, does not
appear on the playing court on time is declared in
default with the same result as in Rule 6.4.1.
6.4.3 A team that is declared INCOMPLETE for the set
or for the match loses the set or the match. The
opposing team is given the points, or the points
and the sets, needed to win the set or the match.
The incomplete team keeps its points and sets.
USAV 6.4: Matches that are two sets out of three would
have a default match score of 0-2.
26
7. STRUCTURE OF PLAY
7.1 THE TOSS
Before the match, the frst referee carries out a toss to decide
upon the frst service and the sides of the court in the frst set.
If a deciding set is to be played, a new toss will be carried out.
7.1.1 The toss is taken in the presence of the two team
captains.
7.1.2 The winner of the toss chooses:
EITHER
7.1.2.1 the right to serve or to receive the service,
7.1.2.2 OR the side of the court.
The loser takes the remaining choice.
7.1.3 In the case of consecutive warm-ups, the team that
has the frst service takes the frst turn at the net.
7.2 WARM-UP SESSION
7.2.1 Prior to the match, if the teams have previously
had a playing court at their disposal, they are en-
titled to a 6-minute warm-up period together at the
net; if not, they may have 10 minutes.
7.2.2 If either captain requests separate (consecutive)
warm-ups at the net, the teams may do so for 3 min-
utes each or 5 minutes each, according to Rule 7.2.1.
USAV 7.2.2
a. For adult competition, it is recommended that teams
warm up together at the net for 10 minutes if both
team captains agree; otherwise, each team will
have five minutes separately. For consecutive
warm-up periods, the team with first service has
the court first.
b. For junior competition, when one team has
exclusive use of the court, the other team must
either be at its team bench or out of the playing
area. Warming up with balls at the team bench
27
or in the spectator walkways is not permitted.
c. For nationally sanctioned competitions, the pro-
tocols described on pages 182 and 183 will be
used.
7.3 TEAM STARTING LINE-UP
7.3.1 There must always be six players per team in play.
The teams starting line-up indicates the rotational
order of the players on the court. This order must
be maintained throughout the set.
USAV 7.3.1: If failure to adhere to Rule 7.3.1 is
due to insuffcient players on a team to begin a
match, the team defaults the frst set at match time.
After a team defaults the frst set of a match, an
interval of up to 10 minutes shall be allowed for
the team to produce suffcient players to play the
next set. If the team has six players present prior
to the expiration of this interval, play shall begin
immediately. If, after the 10-minute interval a team
does not have at least six players present and ready
to play, the second set shall be declared a default.
If the match consists of the best three out of fve
sets, an additional 10-minute interval shall be al-
lowed before declaring the match a default.
7.3.2 Before the start of each set, the coach has to
present the starting line-up of his/her team on a
line-up sheet. The sheet is submitted, duly flled in
and signed, to the second referee or the scorer.
USAV 7.3.2: At least two minutes before the end of the
timed warm-up period and 30 seconds prior to the expir-
ation of the interval between sets, a coach or game
captain submits the teams starting line-up on a signed
line-up sheet to the second referee or scorer.
7.3.3 The players who are not in the starting line-up of a set
are the substitutes for that set (except for the Libero).
28
7.3.4 Once the line-up sheet has been delivered to the
second referee or scorer, no change in line-up may
be authorized without a regular substitution.
7.3.5 Discrepancies between players positions on court
and on the line-up sheet are dealt with as follows:
7.3.5.1 When such a discrepancy is discovered
before the start of the set, players posi-
tions must be rectifed according to that
on the line-up sheet; there will be no
sanction.
7.3.5.2 When, before the start of the set, a player
on court is found not to be registered on
the line-up sheet of that set, this player
must be changed to conform to the line-
up sheet; there will be no sanction.
7.3.5.3 However, if the coach wishes to keep
such non-recorded player(s) on the court,
he/she has to request regular substi-
tution(s), which will then be recorded on
the scoresheet.
7.4 POSITIONS
At the moment the ball is hit by the server, each team
must be positioned within its own court in the rotational
order (except the server).
7.4.1 The positions of the players are numbered
as follows:
7.4.1.1 The three players along the net are front-
row players and occupy positions 4 (front-
left), 3 (front-center) and 2 (front-right).
7.4.1.2 The other three are back-row players oc-
cupying positions 5 (back-left), 6 (back-
center) and 1 (back-right).
7.4.2 Relative positions between players:
7.4.2.1 Each back-row player must be positioned
29
further back from the net than the corre-
sponding front-row player.
7.4.2.2 The front-row players and the back-row
players, respectively, must be positioned
laterally in the order indicated in Rule 7.4.1.
7.4.3 The positions of players are determined and con-
trolled according to the positions of their feet con-
tacting the ground as follows:
7.4.3.1 each front-row player must have at least
a part of his/her foot closer to the center
line than the feet of the corresponding
back-row player;
7.4.3.2 each right- (left-) side player must have at
least a part of his/her foot closer to the
right (left) sideline than the feet of the
center player in that row.
USAV 7.4.3: The position of the players is judged
according to the position of the foot last in contact
with the foor at the time the ball is contacted for
service.
7.4.4 After the service hit, the players may move around
and occupy any position on their court, and the
free zone.
7.5 POSITIONAL FAULT
7.5.1 The team commits a positional fault, if any player
is not in his/her correct position at the moment the
ball is hit by the server.
7.5.2 If the server commits a serving fault at the mo-
ment of the service hit, the servers fault is counted
before a positional fault.
7.5.3 If the service becomes faulty after the service hit,
it is the positional fault that will be counted.
7.5.4 A positional fault leads to the following consequences:
7.5.4.1 the team is sanctioned with a point and
30
service to the opponent;
7.5.4.2 players positions are rectifed.
USAV 7.5.4: If the positional fault is discovered before
the opponent serves, all points scored subsequent to the
fault must be cancelled. In addition, all time-outs taken by
the team not at fault, as well as substitutions and team
sanctions charged to either team subsequent to the com-
mission of the positional fault, must be cancelled. Indi-
vidual misconduct sanctions assessed to either team, and
time-outs taken by the team at fault, are not cancelled. If
the points scored while the player was out of position can
not be determined or the opponents have served, then a
loss of rally is the only penalty charged. The opponents
retain any points scored.
7.6 ROTATION
7.6.1 Rotational order is determined by the teams start-
ing line-up, and controlled with the service order,
and players positions, throughout the set.
7.6.2 When the receiving team has gained the right to
serve, its players rotate one position clockwise:
the player in position 2 rotates to position 1 to serve,
the player in position 1 rotates to position 6, etc.
7.7 ROTATIONAL FAULT
7.7.1 A rotational fault is committed when the SERVICE
is not made according to the rotational order. It
leads to the following consequences:
7.7.1.1 the team is sanctioned with a point and
service to the opponent;
7.7.1.2 the players rotational order is rectifed.
7.7.2 Additionally, the scorer should determine the exact mo-
ment when the fault was committed and all points
scored subsequently by the team at fault must be
cancelled. The opponents points remain valid.
If that moment cannot be determined, no point(s)
31
cancellation takes place, and a point and service
to the opponent is the only sanction.
USAV 7.7.2: If the rotational fault is discovered before
the opponents serve, all points scored subsequent
to the fault must be cancelled. In addition, all time-
outs taken by the team not at fault, as well as sub-
stitutions and team sanctions charged subsequent
to the commission of the rotational fault, must be
cancelled. Individual misconduct sanctions as-
sessed to either team, and time-outs taken by the
team at fault, are not cancelled. If the points scored
while the player was out of rotation order cannot
be determined or the opponents have served, then
a point and service to the opponents is the only
penalty charged. The opponents retain any points
scored.
32
CHAPTER FOUR
PLAYING ACTIONS
8. STATES OF PLAY
8.1 BALL IN PLAY
The ball is in play from the moment of the hit of the ser-
vice authorized by the frst referee.
8.2 BALL OUT OF PLAY
The ball is out of play at the moment of the fault which is
whistled by one of the referees; in the absence of a fault,
at the moment of the whistle.
USAV 8.2: In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the rally
is ended. The frst referee must make a ruling that will
not penalize either team.
8.3 BALL IN
The ball is in when it touches the foor of the playing
court, including the boundary lines.
8.4 BALL OUT
The ball is out when:
8.4.1 the part of the ball which contacts the foor is com-
pletely outside the boundary lines;
8.4.2 it touches an object outside the court, the ceiling
or a person out of play;
USAV 8.4.2: A ball, other than a served ball, shall
remain in play if it contacts the ceiling or other
overhead objects 4.6 m (15) or more above the
playing area.
a. If benches, bleachers, low-hanging baskets or oth-
er foor obstructions are fewer than 2 m (66 3/4)
from the court and interfere with play of the ball, the
ball becomes out of play and a playover may be
33
directed at the frst referees discretion.
b. The ball is out of play when:
i. Rule 10.1.2 is not in effect, and the ball makes
contact with the ceiling or obstruction
above the opponents playing area.
ii. Rule 10.1.2 is in effect, and a ball that
cannot be legally retrieved from the oppo-
nents free zone contacts the ceiling or
obstruction over the opponents playing area.
iii. The ball contacts the ceiling or obstruction
above the teams playing area and crosses
the plane of the net into the opponents
court.
c. A ball, other than a served ball, is out of play
and a playover directed if it contacts overhead
object(s) or the supports (e.g., basketball
backboard) fewer than 4.6 m (15) above the
playing area and would have remained play
able if the object had not been present.
d. A ball is out of play if it contacts the ceiling or
overhead objects, regardless of height, over
non-playing areas.
e. A ball is out of play and a playover is directed if the
ball comes to rest on an overhead object above the
teams playing area and is still a playable ball.
f. If an offcial, media equipment or personnel or
spectator interferes with a players legal attempt
to play the ball, a playover shall be directed.
8.4.3 it touches the antennae, ropes, posts or the net itself
outside the side bands; it crosses the vertical plane
of the net either partially or totally outside the crossing
space, except in the case of Rule 10.1.2.
8.4.4 it crosses completely the lower space under the
net.
34
9. PLAYING THE BALL
Each team must play within its own playing area and space
(except Rule 10.1.2). The ball may, however, be retrieved
from beyond the free zone.
USAV 9: The ball may be retrieved from beyond the free
zone when the surface change is 1.25 cm (1/2) or less, the
secondary surface is lower than the free zone and the area
is free of obstructions.
If obstructions or other safety concerns prohibit retrieval from
beyond the free zone, the player retrieving a ball over a
non-playing area must be in contact with the playing surface
when contact with the ball is made.
Non-playing areas are defned as the: (1) walls, bleachers
or other spectator seating areas; (2) team benches and any
area behind the team benches; (3) area between the scorers
table and the team benches; (4) any other area outlined in
the pre-match conference by the frst referee. [Rule 23.2.5]
a. If nets or dividers are separating courts, only the player
attempting to play the ball may move the net or divider
to play the ball.
b. When competition is scheduled or is occurring on ad-
jacent court(s), it is a fault for a player to enter the
adjacent court(s) to play a ball or after playing a ball.
The free zone, including the service zone on an adja-
cent court, is a playable area.
9.1 TEAM HITS
A hit is any contact with the ball by a player in play.
The team is entitled to a maximum of three hits (in addi-
tion to blocking, Rule 14.4.1), for returning the ball. If more
are used, the team commits the fault of: FOUR HITS.
9.1.1 CONSECUTIVE CONTACTS
A player may not hit the ball two times consecu-
tively (except Rules 9.2.3, 14.2 & 14.4.2).
35
9.1.2 SIMULTANEOUS CONTACTS
Two or three players may touch the ball at the same
moment.
9.1.2.1 When two (three) teammates touch the ball
simultaneously, it is counted as two (three)
hits (with the exception of blocking). If they
reach for the ball, but only one of them
touches it, one hit is counted. A collision of
players does not constitute a fault.
USAV 9.1.2.1: USAV is testing this rule.
When two or more teammates touch the
ball simultaneously, it is counted as one
hit. If teammates collide, no fault is com-
mitted. Any player may play the ball
next if the simultaneous hit is not the
third team hit.
9.1.2.2 When two opponents touch the ball si-
multaneously over the net and the ball
remains in play, the team receiving the
ball is entitled to another three hits. If such
a ball goes out, it is the fault of the team
on the opposite side.
9.1.2.3 If simultaneous hits by two opponents above
the net lead to extended contact with the
ball, play continues.
9.1.3 ASSISTED HIT
Within the playing area, a player is not permitted
to take support from a teammate or any structure/
object in order to hit the ball. However, a player
who is about to commit a fault (touch the net or
cross the center line, etc.) may be stopped or held
back by a teammate.
9.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT
9.2.1 The ball may touch any part of the body.
36
9.2.2 The ball must be hit, not caught and/or thrown. It
can rebound in any direction.
9.2.3 The ball may touch various parts of the body, pro-
vided that the contacts take place simultaneously.
Exceptions:
9.2.3.1 At blocking, consecutive contacts may be
made by one or more blocker(s), provided
that the contacts occur during one action.
9.2.3.2 At the frst hit of the team, the ball may
contact various parts of the body con-
secutively, provided that the contacts oc-
cur during one action.

9.3 FAULTS IN PLAYING THE BALL
9.3.1 FOUR HITS: a team hits the ball four times before
returning it.
9.3.2 ASSISTED HIT: a player takes support from a
teammate or any structure/object in order to hit
the ball within the playing area.
9.3.3 CATCH: the ball is caught and/or thrown; it does
not rebound from the hit
9.3.4 DOUBLE CONTACT: a player hits the ball twice in
succession or the ball contacts various parts of his/
her body in succession.
10 BALL AT THE NET
10.1 BALL CROSSING THE NET
10.1.1 The ball sent to the opponents court must go over the
net within the crossing space. The crossing space is
the part of the vertical plane of the net limited as follows:
10.1.1.1 below, by the top of the net,
10.1.1.2 at the sides, by the antennae, and their
imaginary extension,
10.1.1.3 above, by the ceiling.
37
10.1.2 The ball that has crossed the net plane to the
opponents free zone totally or partly through the
external space may be played back within the team
hits, provided that:
USAV 10.1.2: A minimum of 2 m (66 3/4) clearance
beyond the court equipment on both sides is required.
10.1.2.1 the opponents court is not touched by
the player;
10.1.2.2 the ball, when played back, crosses the
net plane again totally or partly through
the external space on the same side of
the court. The opponent team may not
prevent such action.
10.1.3 The ball that is heading towards the opponents
court through the lower space is in play until the
moment it has completely crossed the vertical
plane of the net.
10.2 BALL TOUCHING THE NET
While crossing the net, the ball may touch it.
10.3 BALL IN THE NET
10.3.1 A ball driven into the net may be recovered within
the limits of the three team hits.
10.3.2 If the ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down,
the rally is cancelled and replayed.
11. PLAYER AT THE NET
11.1 REACHING BEYOND THE NET
11.1.1 In blocking, a blocker may touch the ball beyond the
net, provided that he/she does not interfere with the op-
ponents play before or during the latters attack hit.
11.1.2 After an attack hit, a player is permitted to pass his/her
hand beyond the net, provided that the contact has been
38
made within his/her own playing space.
11.2 PENETRATION UNDER THE NET
11.2.1 It is permitted to penetrate into the opponents
space under the net, provided that this does not
interfere with the opponents play.
11.2.2 Penetration into the opponents court, beyond the
center line:
11.2.2.1 To touch the opponents court with a
foot (feet) is permitted, provided that
some part of the penetrating foot (feet)
remains either in contact with or directly
above the center line.
11.2.2.2 To touch the opponents court with any
part of the body above the feet is permit-
ted provided that it does not intefere
with the opponents play.
11.2.3 A player may enter the opponents court after the
ball goes out of play.
11.2.4 Players may penetrate into the opponents free
zone, provided that they do not interfere with the
opponents play.
11.3 CONTACT WITH THE NET
11.3.1 Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, un-
less it interferes with the play.
11.3.2 Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object
outside the antennae, including the net itself, provid-
ed that it does not interere with play.
11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net and causes it
to touch an opponent, no fault is committed.
39
11.4 PLAYERS FAULTS AT THE NET
11.4.1 A player touches the ball or an opponent in the
opponents space before or during the opponents
attack hit.
11.4.2 A player interferes with the opponents play while
penetrating into the opponents space under the
net.
11.4.3 A players foot (feet) penetrates completely into
the opponents court.
11.4.4 A player interferes with the opponents play by
(amongst others):
- touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm
(2 7.49) of the antenna during his/her action of
playing the ball, or
- taking support from the net simultaneously with
playing the ball, or
- creating an advantage over the opponent, or
- making actions which hinder an opponents
legitimate attempt to play the ball.

12. SERVICE
The service is the act of putting the ball into play, by the
back right player, placed in the service zone.
12.1 FIRST SERVICE IN A SET
12.1.1 The frst service of the frst set, as well as that of
the deciding set (the 5th) is executed by the team
determined by the toss.
12.1.2 The other sets will be started with the service of the
team that did not serve frst in the previous set.
12.2 SERVICE ORDER
12.2.1 The players must follow the service order recorded
on the line-up sheet.
40
12.2.2 After the frst service in a set, the player to serve is
determined as follows:
12.2.2.1 when the serving team wins the rally, the
player (or his/her substitute) who served
before serves again.
12.2.2.2 when the receiving team wins the rally, it
gains the right to serve and rotates be-
fore actually serving. The player who
moves from the right-front position to the
back-right position will serve.
12.3 AUTHORIZATION OF THE SERVICE
The frst referee authorizes the service, after having
checked that the two teams are ready to play and that the
server is in possession of the ball.
USAV 12.3: The server shall be on the playing surface to
receive authorization for service.
12.4 EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE
12.4.1 The ball shall be hit with one hand or any part of
the arm after being tossed or released from the
hand(s).
12.4.2 Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. Drib-
bling or moving the ball in the hands is permitted.
12.4.3 At the moment of the service hit or take-off for a jump
service, the server must not touch the court (the end line
included) or the ground outside the service zone.
After the hit, he/she may step or land outside the
service zone, or inside the court.
USAV 12.4.3: The entire service action must take
place on the playing area.
12.4.4 The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after
the frst referee whistles for service.
USAV 12.4.4: For 14-and-under age groups:
a. The server must contact the ball within 5 sec-
41
onds after the frst referee whistles for service.
b. If the ball, after having been tossed or released
by the server, lands without touching the player,
it is considered a service tossing error.
c. After a service tossing error, the referee must
authorize the service again (re-serve) and the
server must execute it within the next 5 seconds.
d. One service tossing error is permitted for each
service.
12.4.5 A service executed before the referees whistle is
cancelled and repeated.
USAV 12.4.5: After the whistle for the service, no other
actions (requests for line-up check, time-out, substitu-
tion, etc.) may be considered until after the ball has
been served and the rally completed. This is true
even if a request has been made after a server
has initiated service action and legally permitted
the ball to fall to the foor. A re-serve is consid-
ered to be part of a single effort to serve and must
be completed before any requests may be considered.
12.5 SCREENING
12.5.1 The players of the serving team must not prevent
their opponent, through individual or collective
screening, from seeing the server or the fight
path of the ball.
12.5.2 A player or group of players of the serving team make
a screen by waving arms, jumping or moving side-
ways, during the execution of the service, or by
standing grouped to hide the fight path of the ball.
USAV 12.5.2: The factors to be weighed when
judging whether a screen has been committed are
the: (a) relative positions of the players on the serv-
ing team; (b) path of the serve; (c) speed of the
serve; and (d) trajectory of the serve. If the play-
ers of the serving team are positioned close to
42
each other, the serve passes over these players,
is fast and has a low trajectory, the probability is
greater that a screen has been committed. The
probability that a screen has been committed is
lower if the: (a) players of the serving team are not
positioned close to each other or are attempting to
prevent the commission of a screen (i.e., bending
over); (b) path of the serve is not over the players;
(c) speed of the serve is slow; or (d) trajectory of
the serve is high.
12.6 FAULTS MADE DURING THE SERVICE
12.6.1 Serving faults
The following faults lead to a change of service,
even if the opponent is out of position. The server:
12.6.1.1 violates the service order,
12.6.1.2 does not execute the service properly.
USAV 12.6.1.2: It is a serving fault if the service
toss touches any obstruction before the service
contact.
12.6.2 Faults after the service hit
After the ball has been correctly hit, the service
becomes a fault (unless a player is out of position)
if the ball:
12.6.2.1 touches a player of the serving team or
fails to cross the vertical plane of the net
completely through the crossing space,
12.6.2.2 goes out,
12.6.2.3 passes over a screen.
USAV 12.6.2: After the ball has been correctly hit, the
service becomes a fault if the ball touches any overhead
obstruction.
12.7 SERVING FAULTS AND POSITIONAL FAULTS
12.7.1 If the server makes a fault at the moment of the
service hit (improper execution, wrong rotational
43
order, etc.) and the opponent is out of position, it is
the serving fault which is sanctioned.
12.7.2 Instead, if the execution of the service has been
correct, but the service subsequently becomes
faulty (goes out, goes over a screen, etc.), the po-
sitional fault has taken place frst and is sanctioned.
13. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATTACK HIT
13.1 ATTACK HIT
13.1.1 All actions which direct the ball toward the oppo-
nents, with the exception of service and block, are
considered as attack hits.
13.1.2 During an attack hit, tipping is permitted only if the
ball is cleanly hit, and not caught or thrown.
13.1.3 An attack hit is completed at the moment the ball
completely crosses the vertical plane of the net or
is touched by an opponent.
13.2 RESTRICTIONS OF THE ATTACK HIT
13.2.1 A front-row player may complete an attack hit at any height,
provided that the contact with the ball has been made
within the players own playing space (except Rule 13.2.4).
13.2.2 A back-row player may complete an attack hit at
any height from behind the front zone:
13.2.2.1 at his/her take-off, the players foot (feet)
must neither have touched nor crossed
over the attack line;
13.2.2.2 after his/her hit, the player may land
within the front zone.
13.2.3 A back-row player may also complete an attack hit
from the front zone, if at the moment of the contact
part of the ball is lower than the top of the net.
13.2.4 No player is permitted to complete an attack hit on
the opponents service, when the ball is in the front
zone and entirely higher than the top of the net.
44
13.3 FAULTS OF THE ATTACK HIT
13.3.1 A player hits the ball within the playing space of
the opposing team.
13.3.2 A player hits the ball out.
13.3.3 A back-row player completes an attack hit from the
front zone, if at the moment of the hit the ball is
entirely higher than the top of the net.
13.3.4 A player completes an attack hit on the opponents
service, when the ball is in the front zone and en-
tirely higher than the top of the net.
13.3.5 A Libero completes an attack hit if at the moment of the
hit the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.
13.3.6 A player completes an attack hit from higher than the
top of the net when the ball is coming from an
overhand fnger pass by a Libero in his/her front
zone.
USAV 13.3.6: If an attack-hit fault occurs simulta-
neously with a blocking fault by the opponents, a
double fault is committed.
14. BLOCK
14.1 BLOCKING
14.1.1 Blocking is the action of players close to the net to
intercept the ball coming from the opponents by
reaching higher than the top of the net, regardless
of the height of the ball contact. Only front-row
players are permitted to complete a block, but at
the moment of contact with the ball, part of the
body must be higher than the top of the net.
14.1.2 Block Attempt
A block attempt is the action of blocking without
touching the ball.
14.1.3 Completed Block
A block is completed whenever the ball is touched
45
by a blocker.
14.1.4 Collective Block
A collective block is executed by two or three play-
ers close to each other and is completed when one
of them touches the ball.
14.2 BLOCK CONTACT
Consecutive (quick and continuous) contacts with the ball
may occur by one or more blockers, provided that the con-
tacts are made during one action.
USAV 14.2: A block is the interception of a ball coming from
the opponents. Accordingly, it is a double contact fault if
a player has successive contacts while using a blocking
action when directing a ball toward the opponent during
the execution of the second or third team hit.
14.3 BLOCKING WITHIN THE OPPONENTS SPACE
In blocking, the player may place his/her hands and arms be-
yond the net, provided that this action does not interfere with the
opponents play. Thus, it is not permitted to touch the ball
beyond the net until an opponent has executed an attack hit.
USAV 14.3: Blocking the ball beyond the net above the
opponents team area shall be permitted, provided:
a. the block is made after the opponents have hit the ball
in such a manner that the ball would, in the frst ref-
erees judgment, clearly cross the net if not touched
by a player, and no member of the attacking team is in
a position to make a play on the ball.
b. the ball is falling near the net, and no member of the
attacking team could, in the frst referees judgment,
make a play on the ball.
14.4 BLOCK AND TEAM HITS
14.4.1 A block contact is not counted as a team hit. Con-
sequently, after a block contact, a team is entitled
46
to three hits to return the ball.
14.4.2 The frst hit after the block may be executed by
any player, including the one who touched the ball
during the block.
14.5 BLOCKING THE SERVICE
To block an opponents service is forbidden.
14.6 BLOCKING FAULTS
14.6.1 The blocker touches the ball in the opponents space
either before or simultaneously with the opponents
attack hit.
14.6.2 A back-row player or a Libero completes a block
or participates in a completed block.
14.6.3 Blocking the opponents service.
14.6.4 The ball is sent out off the block.
14.6.5 Blocking the ball in the opponents space from out-
side the antenna.
14.6.6 A Libero attempts an individual or collective block.
USAV 14.6: If a blocking fault is committed simultaneously
with an attack-hit fault by the opponent, a double fault is
committed and the rally shall be replayed.
47
CHAPTER FIVE
INTERRUPTIONS AND DELAYS
15. REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
Regular game interruptions are TIME-OUTS and SUBSTI-
TUTIONS. An interruption is the time between one com-
pleted rally and the 1st referees whistle for the next
service.
15.1 NUMBER OF REGULAR INTERRUPTIONS
Each team is entitled to request a maximum of two time-
outs and six player substitutions per set.
USAV 15.1: See USAV 15.6 for limitations of substitutions
under USAV Domestic Competition Regulations.
15.2 REQUEST FOR REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
15.2.1 Regular game Interruptions may be requested by the
coach or the game captain, and only by them. The
request is made by showing the corresponding hand
signal when the ball is out of play and before the
whistle for service.
it is obligatory to use the buzzer and then
the hand signal to request time-out.
15.2.2 Substitution before the start of a set is permitted,
and should be recorded as a regular substitution
in that set.
USAV 15.2.2: A time-out before the start of a set is permitted.
15.3 SEQUENCE OF INTERRUPTIONS
15.3.1 A request for one or two time-outs, and one request
for player substitution by either team, may follow one
another, with no need to resume the set.
15.3.2 However, a team is not authorized to make consecu-
48
tive requests for player substitution during the
same game interruption. Two or more players may
be substituted during the same game interruption.
USAV 15.3: Rule 15.3.2 limits player(s) substitutions to one re-
quest during a game interruption. A subsequent request(s)
by the same team during the same game interruption will re-
sult in an improper request.
15.4 TIME-OUTS AND TECHNICAL TIME-OUTS
15.4.1 All time-outs that are requested last for 30 seconds.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, in
sets 1-4, two additional 60-second Technical
Time-Outs are applied automatically when the
leading team reaches the 8th and 16th points.
In the deciding (5th) set, there are no Techni-
cal Time-Outs; only two time-outs of 30 sec-
onds duration may be requested by each team.
15.4.2 During all time-outs, the players in play must go to
the free zone near their bench.
USAV 15.4.2: The players may remain on the court
or go to the free zone near their team bench. Any
member of the team listed on the roster may
participate in the time-out. Coaches and non-
playing team members may not enter the court.
Referees may direct teams to move to the free
zone near their team bench for administrative
purposes. Teams may return to the court when
permitted by the referees.
15.5 SUBSTITUTION OF PLAYERS
A substitution is the act by which a player, after being re-
corded by the scorer, enters the set to occupy the
position of another player who must leave the court
(except for the Libero). Substitution requires the referees
authorization.
49
15.6 LIMITATION OF SUBSTITUTIONS
15.6.1 Six substitutions is the maximum permitted per
team per set. One or more players may be substi-
tuted at the same time.
15.6.2 A player of the starting line-up may leave the set, but
only once in a set, and re-enter, but only once in a set,
and only to his/her previous position in the line-up.
15.6.3 A substitute player may enter the set in place of a
player of the starting line-up, but only once per set, and
he/she can only be substituted by the same start-
ing player.
USAV 15.6:
a. Twelve substitutions are the maximum permit-
ted per team per set. Substitution of one or
more players is permitted at the same time.
b. A player in the starting line-up may leave the set
and re-enter, but only in his/her previous posi-
tion in the line-up (Exception 15.7).
c. A substitute may enter a set in the position of
a teammate in the starting line-up.
d. Unlimited individual entries by a substitute
within the teams allowable 12 substitutions are
permitted. Each entry must be in the same
position in the line-up.
e. More than one substitute may enter the set
in each position.

15.7 EXCEPTIONAL SUBSTITUTION
A player (except the Libero) who cannot continue playing
due to injury or illness should be substituted legally. If
this is not possible, the team is entitled to make an EXCEP-
TIONAL substitution, beyond the limits of Rule 15.6.
An exceptional substitution means that any player who is
not on the court at the time of the injury, except the Libero
or his/her replacement player, may be substituted into the
game for the injured player. The substituted injured
50
player is not allowed to re-enter the match.
An exceptional substitution cannot be counted in any
case as a normal substitution.
USAV 15.7a: Priority for exceptional substitution:
i. by the starter or a substitute who has played in the
position of the injured player, or by any substitute
who has not already participated in the set;
ii. by any substitute on the bench, regardless of posi-
tion previously played;
iii. by any other substitute; or
iv. by the Libero.
USAV 15.7b: If an injured player is unable to play and
a legal or exceptional substitution cannot be made, the referee
must grant a special time-out of up to three minutes.
Play will be resumed as soon as the injured player is
able to continue. In no case shall the special injury time-
out exceed three minutes. After the special time-out, a
team may request a legal time-out. If, after three minutes,
or at the expiration of time-outs granted subsequent to
the special time-out, the injured player cannot continue
to play, the team is declared incomplete. No player may
be granted more than one three-minute injury time-out
during any match. If a player becomes injured to the
extent that a second injury time-out would be required,
the team is declared incomplete.
15.8 SUBSTITUTION FOR EXPULSION OR
DISQUALIFICATION
An EXPELLED or DISQUALIFIED player must be substi-
tuted through a legal substitution. If this is not possible,
the team is declared INCOMPLETE.
51
15.9 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION
15.9.1 A substitution is illegal, if it exceeds the limitations
indicated in Rule 15.6 (except the case of Rule
15.7).
USAV 15.9.1: The following substitutes are illegal:
a. player not on the roster;
b. player with illegal number or uniform;
c. exceeds the number of total team substitutions;
d. player expelled or disqualifed;
e. player replaced by exceptional substitution.
15.9.2 When a team has made an illegal substitution and the
play has been resumed the following procedure shall
apply:
15.9.2.1 the team is penalized with a point and
service to the opponent,
15.9.2.2 the substitution is rectifed,
15.9.2.3 the points scored by the team at fault
since the fault was committed are can-
celled. The opponents points remain
valid.
USAV 15.9.2.3:
a. No substitution will be charged to the
team or player(s), even if required to
correct the wrong entry. In addition,
any player or team substitutions
charged at the time of the wrong
entry shall be removed from the
scoresheet as though they had never
occurred; and
b. If the team at fault is receiving and
discovery is after the opponents have
served, all points previously scored
by the offending team shall be re-
tained. The serving team will be
awarded a point unless the error is

52
discovered after the serving team has
scored a point. In this case, no addi-
tional point will be awarded.
c. If it is not possible to determine when
the error frst occured and the offend-
ing team is serving, only the last
point in that term of service will be
removed.
15.10 SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURES
(For limitations see Rule 15.6)
(For replacements involving a Libero, see
Rules 19.3.2 & 19.3.3)
15.10.1 Substitution must be carried out within the
substitution zone.
15.10.2 A substitution shall only last the time needed for
recording the substitution on the scoresheet, and
allowing entry and exit of the players.
15.10.3a The actual request for substitution is the entrance
of the substitute player(s) into the substitution zone,
ready to play, during a regular interruption.
15.10.3.b If that is not the case, the substitution is not
granted and the team is sanctioned for a delay.
15.10.3c The request for substitution is acknowledged and
announced by the scorer or second referee, by
use of the buzzer or whistle, respectively.
numbered paddles are used to facilitate
the substitution.
15.10.4 If a team intends to make simultaneously more than
one substitution, the number of substitutions must
be indicated at the time of the request. In this case,
substitutions must be made in succession, one pair of
players after another.

53
USAV 15.10.4
a. If a request is made for multiple substitutions and
not all substitutes are legal,the legal substitute(s)
is allowed and the other(s) is denied with the ap-
propriate sanction assessed.
b. Any signifcant delay between incoming substi-
tutes entering the substitution zone shall result in
the team being limited to one substitute.
15.11 IMPROPER REQUESTS
15.11.1 It is improper to request any game interruption:
15.11.1.1 during a rally or at the moment of, or af-
ter the whistle to serve,
15.11.1.2 by a non-authorized team member,
15.11.1.3 for player substitution before the set
has been resumed from a previous sub-
stitution by the same team,
15.11.1.4 after having exhausted the authorized
number of time-outs and player substitutions.
15.11.2 The frst improper request in the match that does
not affect or delay the set shall be rejected
without any other consequences.
USAV 15.11.2: If a change in request is due to a
referees mind change, the request will be hon-
ored and no sanction assessed.
15.11.3 Any further improper request in the match by the
same team constitutes a delay.
USAV 15.11: A request for frst or second time-out may be
honored immediately subsequent to an improper request
for substitution because of wrong player or excess team sub-
stitution. A proper request for substitution may be honored
immediately subsequent to an improper request for time-out.
54
16. SET DELAYS

16.1 TYPES OF DELAYS
An improper action of a team that defers resumption of
the set is a delay and includes, among others:
16.1.1 delaying a substitution,
16.1.2 prolonging other game interruptions, after having
been instructed to resume the game,
16.1.3 requesting an illegal substitution,
16.1.4 repeating an improper request,
16.1.5 delaying the set by a team member.
USAV 16.1: A request for an illegal substitution or excess
time-out shall result in an improper request. However, if such
a request is acknowledged (i.e., whistled), a delay sanction shall
result. Any substitution request that is improper or causes
a delay is denied. No additional request for substitution from
that team may be made until the next interval when the ball is
out of play.
16.2 DELAY SANCTIONS
16.2.1 Delay warning and delay penalty are team sanctions.
16.2.1.1 Delay sanctions remain in force for the
entire match.
16.2.1.2 All delay sanctions are recorded on the
scoresheet.
16.2.2 The frst delay in the match by a team member is
sanctioned with a DELAY WARNING.
16.2.3 The second and subsequent delays of any type by
any member of the same team in the same match
constitute a fault and are sanctioned with a DE-
LAY PENALTY: a point and service to the opponent.
16.2.4 Delay sanctions imposed before or between sets
are applied in the following set.
55
17. EXCEPTIONAL SET INTERRUPTIONS
17.1 INJURY
17.1.1 Should a serious accident occur while the ball is in
play, the referee must stop the set immediately
and permit medical assistance to enter the court.
The rally is then replayed.
USAV 17.1.1: If the injured player cannot continue
playing within 30 seconds, the player must be re-
placed by substitution, a legal Libero replacement
(if the Libero is not on the court at the time of the
injury), or the team must take a legal time-out if
the player is to remain in the set.
a. If the referees are informed within 30 seconds
that a substitute will replace the injured player,
no time-out will be charged regardless of the
time required to remove the the player safely
from the playing area.
b. No substitution requests may be made by the
injured players team until the injury situation
is resolved.
17.1.2 If an injured player cannot be substituted, legally
or exceptionally, the player is given a 3-minute re-
covery time, but not more than once for the same
player in the match. If the player does not recover,
his/her team is declared incomplete.
17.2 EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE
If there is any external interference during the set, play
has to be stopped and the rally is replayed.
17.3 PROLONGED INTERRUPTIONS
17.3.1 If unforeseen circumstances interrupt the match,
the frst referee, the organizer and the Control Com-
mittee, if there is one, shall decide the measures
to be taken to re-establish normal conditions.
56
17.3.2 Should one or several interruptions occur, not ex-
ceeding 4 hours in total:
17.3.2.1 if the match is resumed on the same
playing court, the interrupted set shall
continue normally with the same score,
players and positions. The sets already
played will keep their scores;
17.3.2.2 if the match is resumed on another play-
ing court, the interrupted set is cancelled
and replayed with the same team mem-
bers and the same starting line-ups. The
sets already played will keep their scores.
17.3.3 Should one or several interruptions occur, exceeding 4
hours in total, the whole match shall be replayed.
18. INTERVALS AND CHANGE OF COURTS
18.1 INTERVALS
An interval is the time between sets. All intervals last 3 minutes.
During this period of time, the change of courts and line-up reg-
istrations of the teams on the scoresheet are made. The inter-
val between the second and the third sets can be extended up
to 10 minutes by the competent body at the request of the
organizer.

18.2 CHANGE OF COURTS
18.2.1 After each set, the teams change courts, with the
exception of the deciding set.
18.2.2 In the deciding set, once a team reaches 8 points,
the teams change courts without delay and the player
positions remain the same.
If the change is not made once the leading team reaches
8 points, it will take place as soon as the error is noticed.
The score at the time that the change is made re-
mains the same.
57
CHAPTER SIX
THE LIBERO PLAYER
19. THE LIBERO PLAYER
19.1 DESIGNATION OF THE LIBERO
19.1.1 Each team has the right to designate from the
list of players up to two (2) specialized defensive
players: Liberos.
For FIVB and World Competitions for Seniors
where a team chooses to have more than
twelve (12) players, it is compulsory for the
team to designate amongst the list of players
two (2) specialized defensive players: Liberos.
USAV 19.1.1: Each team may designate one specialized
defensive player (Libero) per set.
19.1.2 All Liberos must be recorded on the scoresheet
before the match in the special line reserved for
this.
all Liberos must be recorded on the score
sheet before the match only in the special
lines reserved for this.
USAV 19.1.2: The Libero may be designated for
the set and must be recorded on the line-up sheet
for each set.
19.1.3 One Libero designated by the coach before the
start of the match will be the acting Libero. If
there is a second Libero, he/she will act as the
reserve Libero.
19.1.4 The Libero cannot be either team captain or game
captain at the same time as performing the Libero
function.
58
19.2 EQUIPMENT
The Libero players must wear a uniform (or jacket/bib for
the re-designated Libero) whose jerseys at least must con-
trast in color with that of the other members of the team.
The Libero uniform may have a different design, but it must
be numbered like the rest of the team members.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, the
re-designated Libero must wear the same
style and color of jersey as the original Libero,
but keep his/her own number.
USAV 19.2
a. The Libero players jersey must contrast in color with that of
the predominant colors of the jerseys of the other team mem-
bers. Color combinations such as purple/black, dark green/
black, navy/maroon, and white/light yellow are not distinctive
enough to comply with the rules.
b. A jacket or bib can only be worn by the re-designated Libero.
If a jacket or bib is worn by the re-designated Libero, the
uniform number must still be visible.
19.3 ACTIONS INVOLVING THE LIBERO
19.3.1 The playing actions
19.3.1.1 The Libero is allowed to replace any
player in a back-row position.
19.3.1.2 He/she is restricted to perform as a back-
row player and is not allowed to complete
an attack hit from anywhere (including
playing court and free zone) if at the mo-
ment of the contact, the ball is entirely
higher than the top of the net.
19.3.1.3 He/she may not serve, block or attempt
to block.
19.3.1.4 A player may not complete an attack hit
from higher than the top of the net, if the
ball is coming from an overhand fnger
59
pass by a Libero in his/her front zone or
its extension. The ball may be freely at-
tacked if the Libero makes the same ac-
tion from behind his/her front zone or its
extension.
19.3.2 Replacements of players
19.3.2.1 Replacements involving the Libero are not
counted as regular substitutions. They are
unlimited, but there must be a completed
rally between two Libero replacements (un-
less due to injury/illness or there is a forced
rotation caused by a penalty). The Libero can
only be replaced by the player whom he/she
replaced.
19.3.2.2 Replacements must only take place while
the ball is out of play and before the
whistle for service.
At the start of each set, the Libero can-
not enter the court until the second ref-
eree has checked the starting line-up.
19.3.2.3 A replacement made after the whistle for
service but before the service hit should
not be rejected but must be the object of
a verbal caution after the end of the rally.
Subsequent late replacements shall result
in the play being interrupted immediately
and the imposition of a delay sanction. The
team to serve next will be determined by
the result of the delay sanction.
19.3.2.4 The Libero and the replacing player may
only enter or leave the court by the
Libero Replacement Zone.
19.3.2.5 The consequences of an illegal Libero
replacement are the same as those for a
rotational fault.
60
19.3.3 Re-designation of a new Libero
19.3.3.1 The coach has the right to exchange the
acting Libero with the reserve Libero for
any reason, but only once in the match,
and only after the regular replacement
player has returned to court. This
exchange must be recorded in the
Remarks section of the scoresheet and
on the Libero Control Sheet.
The original Libero may not re-enter to play
for the remainder of the match.
In case of illness or injury to the reserve
Libero, the coach may designate as Libero
for the remainder of the match any other
player (except the original Libero) not on the
court at the moment of the re-designation.
The team captain may relinquish all
leadership privileges to be re-designated
as the Libero, if so requested by the
coach. Exchanges due to injury or ill-
ness of the Libero or re-designated
Libero are not counted as replacements.
USAV 19.3.3.1 The player thus re-designated as
Libero must remain as Libero for the remainder
of the set.
19.3.3.2 In the case of a re-designated Libero,
this players number must be recorded
on the scoresheet remarks box.
61
CHAPTER SEVEN
PARTICIPANTS CONDUCT
20. REQUIREMENTS OF CONDUCT
20.1 SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
20.1.1 Participants must know the Offcial Volleyball
Rules and abide by them.
USAV 20.1.1: Participants must also know the Domestic
Competition Regulations and abide by them.
20.1.2 Participants must accept referees decisions with
sportsmanlike conduct, without disputing them.
In case of doubt, clarifcation may be requested
only through the game captain.
20.1.3 Participants must refrain from actions or attitudes
aimed at infuencing the decisions of the referees
or covering up faults committed by their team.
20.2 FAIR PLAY
20.2.1 Participants must behave respectfully and courte-
ously in the spirit of FAIR PLAY, not only toward
the referees, but also toward other offcials, the
opponents, teammates and spectators.
20.2.2 Communication between team members during the
match is permitted.
21. MISCONDUCT AND ITS SANCTIONS
21.1 MINOR MISCONDUCT
Minor misconduct offenses are not subject to sanctions. It
is the frst referees duty to prevent the teams from ap-
proaching the sanctioning level by issuing a verbal or hand
signal warning to a team member or to the team through
the game captain.
62
This warning is not a sanction and has no immediate con-
sequences. It should not be recorded on the scoresheet.
21.2 MISCONDUCT LEADING TO SANCTIONS
Incorrect conduct by a team member toward referees, op-
ponents, teammates or spectators is classifed in three
categories according to the seriousness of the offense.
21.2.1 Rude conduct: action contrary to good manners
or moral principles, or any action expressing
contempt.
21.2.2 Offensive conduct: defamatory or insulting words
or gestures.
21.2.3 Aggression: physical attack or aggressive or threat-
ening behavior.
21.3 SANCTION SCALE
According to the judgment of the frst referee and depend-
ing on the seriousness of the offense, the sanctions to be
applied and recorded on the scoresheet are: Penalty,
Expulsion or Disqualifcation.
21.3.1 Penalty
The frst rude conduct in the match by any team
member is penalized with a point and service to
the opponent.
21.3.2 Expulsion
21.3.2.1 A team member who is sanctioned by ex-
pulsion shall not play for the rest of the
set and must remain seated in the pen-
alty area with no other consequences.
An expelled coach loses his/her right to
intervene in the set and must remain
seated in the penalty area.
USAV 21.3.2.1: When facility space does
not allow for a penalty area, a player or
substitute who is sanctioned by expulsion
63
shall not play for the rest of the set and
must remain seated on his/her bench for the
remainder of the set. Any other team
member sanctioned by expulsion
must leave the playing area, bench and
warm-up area for the remainder of the set.
21.3.2.2 The frst offensive conduct by a team
member is sanctioned by expulsion with
no other consequences.
21.3.2.3 The second rude conduct in the same
match by the same team member is
sanctioned by expulsion with no other
consequences.
21.3.3 Disqualifcation
21.3.3.1 A team member who is sanctioned by dis-
qualifcation must leave the Competition
Control Area for the rest of the match with
no other consequences.
USAV 21.3.3.1: As a minimum, the Com-
petition Control Area includes the play-
ing area, bench, warm-up area and spec-
tator area.
21.3.3.2 The frst physical attack or implied or
threatened aggression is sanctioned by
21.3.3.3 The second offensive conduct in the
same match by the same team member
is sanctioned by disqualifcation with no
other consequences.
21.3.3.4 The third rude conduct in the same match by
the same team member is sanctioned by
21.4 APPLICATION OF MISCONDUCT SANCTIONS
21.4.1 All misconduct sanctions are individual sanctions,
64
remain in force for the entire match and are re-
corded on the scoresheet.
21.4.2 The repetition of misconduct by the same team
member in the same match is sanctioned progres-
sively (the team member receives a heavier sanc-
tion for each successive offense).
21.4.3 Expulsion or disqualifcation due to offensive con-
duct or aggression does not require a previous
sanction.
21.5 MISCONDUCT BEFORE AND BETWEEN SETS
Any misconduct occurring before or between sets is sanc-
tioned according to Rule 21.3 and sanctions apply in the
following set.
21.6 SANCTION CARDS
Warning: verbal or hand signal, no card
Penalty: yellow card
Expulsion: red card
Disqualifcation: yellow + red card (jointly)
65
SECTION II
THE REFEREES, THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
AND OFFICIAL SIGNALS
CHAPTER EIGHT
REFEREES
22. REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES
22.1 COMPOSITION
The refereeing corps for a match is composed of the fol-
lowing offcials:
- the frst referee
- the second referee
- the scorer
- four (two) line judges
Their location is shown in Diagram 10.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, an
assistant scorer is compulsory.
USAV 22.1: For all USAV competition, the assistant scorer
is a compulsory member of the referee corps.
22.2 PROCEDURES
22.2.1 Only the frst and second referees may blow a
whistle during the match:
USAV 22.2.1: The scorer may use an audible device,
including a whistle, to notify the referees of a rota-
tional fault.
22.2.1.1 the frst referee gives the signal for the
service that begins the rally;
22.2.1.2 the frst and second referees signal the
end of the rally, provided that they are
sure that a fault has been committed and
they have identifed its nature.
66
22.2.2 They may blow the whistle when the ball is out of
play to indicate that they authorize or reject a
team request.
22.2.3 Immediately after the referees whistle to signal the
completion of the rally, they have to indicate with
the offcial hand signals:
22.2.3.1 If the fault is whistled by the frst referee,
he/she will indicate:
a) the team to serve,
b) the nature of the fault,
c) the player at fault (if necessary).
The second referee will follow the frst
referees hand signals by repeating them.
22.2.3.2 If the fault is whistled by the second ref-
eree, he/she will indicate:
b) the player(s) at fault (if necessary)
c) the team to serve following the hand
signal of the frst referee.
In this case, the frst referee does not
show either the nature of the at fault or the
player at fault, but only the team to serve.
22.2.3.3 In the case of an attack hit fault by back-
row or Libero players, both referees indi-
cate according to 22.2.3.1 and 22.2.3.2
above.
22.2.3.4 In the case of a double fault, both refer-
ees indicate:
b) the players at fault (if necessary)
c) the team to serve as directed by the
frst referee.
67
23. FIRST REFEREE
23.1 LOCATION
The frst referee carries out his/her functions seated or standing
on a referees stand located at one end of the net. His/her view
must be approximately 50 cm (19
1/2
) above the net.
23.2 AUTHORITY
23.2.1 The frst referee directs the match from the start until the
end. He/she has authority over all members of
the refereeing corps and the members of the
teams.
During the match the frst referees decisions are
fnal. He/she is authorized to overrule the decisions
of other members of the refereeing corps, if it is
noticed that they are mistaken.
The frst referee may even replace a member of
the refereeing corps who is not performing his/her
functions properly.
23.2.2 The frst referee also controls the work of the ball
retrievers, foor wipers and moppers.
23.2.3 The frst referee has the power to decide any mat-
ter involving the set including those not provided
for in the Rules.
23.2.4 The frst referee shall not permit any discussion
about his/her decisions.
However, at the request of the game captain, the
frst referee will give an explanation on the appli-
cation or interpretation of the Rules upon which
he/she has based the decision.
If the game captain does not agree with the expla-
nation of the frst referee and chooses to protest
against such decision, he/she must immediately
reserve the right to fle and record this protest at
the conclusion of the match. The frst referee must
68
authorize this right of the game captain.
USAV 23.2.4: For the Protest Procedures, see
USAV 5.1.2.1.
23.2.5 The frst referee is responsible for determining before
and during the match whether the playing area equip-
ment and the conditions meet playing requirements.
23.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
23.3.1 Prior to the match, the frst referee:
23.3.1.1 inspects the conditions of the playing
area, the balls and other equipment,
23.3.1.2 performs the toss with the team captains,
23.3.1.3 controls the teams warming-up.
23.3.2 During the match, the frst referee is authorized:
23.3.2.1 to issue warnings to the teams,
23.3.2.2 to sanction misconduct and delays,
23.3.2.3 to decide upon:
a) the faults of the server and of the posi-
tions of the serving team, including
the screen,
c) the faults above the net and at its
upper part,
d) the attack hit faults of the Libero and
back-row players,
e) the completed attack hits made by a
player on a ball above net height
coming from an overhand pass with
fngers by the Libero player in his/her
front zone,
f) the ball crossing completely the
lower space under the net.
g) the completed block by back row play-
ers or the attempted block by the Libero.
69
23.3.3 At the end of the match, he/she checks the
scoresheet and signs it.

24. SECOND REFEREE
24.1 LOCATION
The second referee performs his/her functions standing
outside the playing court near the post, on the opposite
side facing the frst referee.
24.2 AUTHORITY
24.2.1 The second referee is the assistant of the frst ref-
eree, but has also his/her own range of jurisdiction.
Should the frst referee become unable to continue
his/her work, the second referee may replace the
frst referee.
24.2.2 The second referee may, without whistling, also
signal faults outside his/her range of jurisdiction,
but may not insist on them to the frst referee.
24.2.3 The second referee controls the work of the scorer(s).
24.2.4 The second referee supervises the team members
on the team bench and reports their misconduct to
the frst referee.
24.2.5 The second referee controls the players in the
warm-up areas.
24.2.6 The second referee authorizes the interruptions,
controls their duration and rejects improper requests.
USAV 24.2.6: The second referee is responsible for
starting and ending the Technical Time-out.
24.2.7 The second referee controls the number of time-
outs and substitutions used by each team and re-
ports the 2nd time-out and 5th and 6th substitu-
tions to the frst referee and the coach concerned.
USAV 24.2.7: The second referee reports substitutions
70
9, 10, 11 and 12 to the frst referee and the appropriate
coach, or game captain.
24.2.8 In the case of an injury of a player, the second ref-
eree authorizes an exceptional substitution or
grants a 3-minute recovery time.
24.2.9 The second referee checks the foor condition,
mainly in the front zone. He/she also checks, dur-
ing the match, that the balls still fulfll the regulations.
24.2.10 The second referee supervises the team members
in the penalty areas and reports their misconduct
to the frst referee.
24.3.1 At the start of each set, at the change of courts in
the deciding set and whenever necessary, he/she
checks that the actual positions of the players on
the court correspond to those on the line-up
sheets.
USAV 24.3.1: The second referees check of the
line-up is a courtesy. The responsibility to ensure
that the correct players are on the court rests with
the captain and/or coach.
24.3.2 During the match, the second referee decides,
whistles and signals:
24.3.2.1 penetration into the opponents court,
and the space under the net,
24.3.2.2 positional faults of the receiving team,
24.3.2.3 the faulty contact of the player with the
net at its lower part or with the antenna
on his/her side of the court,
USAV 24.3.2.3: The second referee de-
cides, whistles and signals the faulty con-
tact by a player with any portion of the
net.
24.3.2.4 the completed block by back-row players
71
or the attempted block by the Libero; or
the attack hit fault by back-row players
or by the Libero;
USAV 24.3.2.4: The frst referee and
the second referee decide, whistle and
signal the attack hit faults of the Libero
and back-row players.
24.3.2.5 the contact of the ball with an outside object,
24.3.2.6 the contact of the ball with the foor
when the frst referee is not in a position
to see the contact,
24.3.2.7 the ball that crosses the net totally or
partially outside the crossing space to the
opponent court or contacts the antenna
on his/her side of the court.
24.3.3 At the end of the match, he/she signs the
scoresheet.
USAV 24.3.3: At the end of the match, he/she is
not required to sign the scoresheet, but is still re-
quired to check the scoresheet for accuracy.
25. SCORER
25.1 LOCATION
The scorer performs his/her functions seated at the
scorers table on the opposite side of the court facing the
frst referee.
He/she keeps the scoresheet according to the Rules, co-
He/she uses a buzzer or other sound device to notify irre-
gularities or give signals to the referees on the basis of
his/her responsibilities.
25.2.1 Prior to the match and set, the scorer:
72
25.2.1.1 registers the data of the match and
teams, including the name and number
of the Libero player, according to the pro-
cedures in force and obtains the signa-
tures of the captains and the coaches;
USAV 25.2.1.1: The captains and coaches do not
sign the scoresheet before the match.
25.2.1.2 records the starting line-up of each team
from the line-up sheet; if he/she fails to
receive the line-up sheets on time, he/
she immediately notifes this fact to the
second referee;
25.2.2 During the match, the scorer:
25.2.2.1 records the points scored;
25.2.2.2 controls the serving order of each team
and indicates any error to the referees
immediately after the service hit;
25.2.2.3 is empowered to acknowledge and an-
nounce requests for player substitutions
by use of the buzzer, controlling their
number; and records the substitutions
and time-outs, informing the second
referee;
25.2.2.4 notifes the referees of a request for in-
terruption that is out of order;
25.2.2.5 announces to the referees the ends of
the sets and the scoring of the 8th point
in the deciding set;
25.2.2.6 records any sanctions and improper
requests;
25.2.2.7 records all other events as instructed by
the second referee, i.e. exceptional sub-
stitutions, recovery time, prolonged inter-
ruptions, external interference, etc.
73
25.2.3 At the end of the match, the scorer:
25.2.3.1 records the fnal result;
25.2.3.2 in the case of protest, with the previous
authorization of the frst referee, writes
or permits the team captain to write on
the scoresheet a statement on the inci-
dent protested.
25.2.3.3 after signing the scoresheet him/herself,
obtains the signatures of the team cap-
tains and then the referees.
USAV 25.2.3.3: The second referee is not
required to sign the scoresheet(s). For junior
competitions, each teams coach signs the
scoresheet(s) after the match to verify the results.
For adult competitions, in the absence of a
coach, the captains sign the scoresheet(s) after
the match to verify the results.
26. ASSISTANT SCORER
26.1 LOCATION
The assistant scorer perfoms his/her function seated
beside the scorer at the scorers table.
He/she records the replacements involving the Libero.
He/she assists with the administrative duties of the
scorers work.
Should the scorer become unable to continue his/her
work, the assistant scorer substitutes for the scorer.
26.2.1 Prior to the set, the assistant scorer:
26.2.1.1 prepares the Libero control sheet
26.2.1.2 prepares the reserve score sheet.
26.2.2 During the match, the assistant scorer:
26.2.2.1 records the details of the Libero re-
placements;
74
USAV 26.2.2.1: In addition to record-
ing the details of the Libero replace-
ments, the assistant scorer records
all substitutions.
26.2.2.2 notifes the referees of any fault of
the Libero replacement by using the
buzzer;
26.2.2.3 starts and ends the timing of the
Technical Time-out;
USAV 26.2.2.3: The second referee
is responsible for starting and ending
the Technical Time-out.
26.2.2.4 operates the manual scoreboard on
the scorers table;
USAV 26.2.2.4: It is recommended that
someone other than the assistant scorer
operate the visual scoreboard.
26.2.2.5 checks that the scoreboards agree;
26.2.2.6 if necessary, updates the reserve
score sheet and gives it to the scorer.
26.2.3 At the end of the match, the assistant scorer:
26.2.3.1 signs the Libero control sheet and
submits it for checking,
26.2.3.2 signs the score sheet.
USAV 26.2.3: The assistant scorer does not sign
the Libero control sheet or the score sheet.

27. LINE JUDGES
27.1 LOCATION
If only two line judges are used, they stand at the corners
of the court closest to the right hand of each referee, di-
agonally at 1 to 2 m (39 to 65) from the corner.
Each one of them controls both the end line and sideline
on his/her side.
75
USAV 27.1: If two line judges are used, they stand at
the corners of the court closest to the right hand of each
referee.
For FIVB World and Offcial Competitions, it is
compulsory to have four line judges.
They stand in the free zone at 1 to 3 m (39 to
910) from each corner of the court, on the
imaginary extension of the line that they
control.
27.2.1 The line judges perform their functions by using
fags (40 X 40 cm) (16 X 16) as shown in Diagram
12 to signal:
27.2.1.1 the ball in and out whenever the ball
lands near their line(s),
27.2.1.2 the touches of out balls by the team re-
ceiving the ball,
27.2.1.3 the ball touching the antenna, the served
ball crossing the net outside the cross-
ing space, etc.,
27.2.1.4 any player (except the server) stepping
outside of his/her playing court at the mo-
ment of the service hit,
27.2.1.5 the foot faults of the server,
27.2.1.6 any contact with the antenna on their side of
the court by any player during his/her action
of playing the ball or interfering with the play
USAV 27.2.1.6: The decision regarding any
contact with the antenna by any player
during his/her action of playing the ball
or interfering with the play is that of the
frst and second referee. The decision is
not a responsibility of the line judge.
27.2.1.7 ball crossing the net outside the crossing
76
space into opponents court or touching the
antenna on his/her side of the court.
27.2.1.8 At the frst referees request, a line judge
must repeat his/her signal.
USAV 27.2.1: When flags are not used, the line
judges will perform their functions as shown in
Diagram 11, Officials Hand Signals 3, 4, 5, and 9.
28. OFFICIAL SIGNALS
28.1 REFEREES HAND SIGNALS
The referees must indicate with the offcial hand signal
the reason for their whistle (nature of the fault whistled or
the purpose of the interruption authorized). The signal has
to be maintained for a moment and, if it is indicated with
one hand, the hand corresponds to the side of the team
which has made the fault or the request.
28.2 LINE JUDGES FLAG SIGNALS
The line judges must indicate with the offcial fag
signal the nature of the fault called, and maintain
the signal for a moment.
77
Diagram 1a
78
Diagram 1b
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79
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1 . 5 0 m
Axis / Axe
0.50 m / 1 m
Cord
Corde 9.50 - 10 m
1 m
Cord
Corde
Cable
Cble
9 m
2.43 m
Men / hommes
2.24 m
Women / Femmes
0.80 m
0.07 m
0.10
x
0.10 m
0.05 m
0.01 m
0.10 m
Cable/Cble
Cord
Corde
Side band
Bande de ct
Top band
Bande suprieure
Diagram/Fig. 3 - R. 2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5.1
DESlGN OF THE NET / DESSlN DU FlLET
0.07 m
0.05 m
Fault
Faute
Back-row player
Arrire
Front-row player
Avant
Back-row player
Arrire
Correct
Fault
Faute
Back-row player
Arrire
Front-row player
Avant
Front-row player
Avant
C
L (Gj
R (Lj
Correct
R (Dj
L (Gj
C
Fault / Faute
Correct
R (Dj
L (Gj
C
Fault / Faute
R (Dj
CC
L (Gj
POSlTlON DES JOUEURS
Exemp|e A: Determ|nat|on des pos|t|ons
entre un joueur avant et son arr|ere
correspondant
POSlTlON OF PLAYERS
Examp|e A: Determ|nat|on of the pos|t|ons between
a front-row p|ayer and the correspond|ng
back-row p|ayer
Exemp|e B: Determ|nat|on des pos|t|ons
entre |es joueurs de |a enme ||gne
Examp|e B: Determ|nat|on of the pos|t|ons
between p|ayers of the same row
O = Oentre p|ayer / Joueur centre
R(D} = R|ght p|ayer / Joueur dro|t
|(G} = |eft p|ayer / Joueur gauche
Diagram / Fig.4 - R. 7.4, 7.4.3, 7.5
2
.
5
5

m
K_\GcXpè^:fliksC\K\iiXè[\A\l ;\j`êf]k_\E\ks:XiXZki`jk`hl\j[l=`c\k
;`XîXd*H$("($("($)"($*"($+$'
;`XîXd)H'$'1'$)1'$)$)1'$)$*1'$*
80
Diagram 3a
81
Diagram 3b
82
Diagram 4a
83
Diagram 4b
84
Diagram 5
85
Diagram 6
86
Diagram 7
87
The curved line in c means that the ball was legally blocked.
Diagram 8a
88
Diagram 8b
89
Diagram 9
Aggression
#23
#23
Point and Service to the Opponent
Point and Service
to the Opponent
90
Diagram 10
91
Diagram 11: Offcial Hand Signals
(Indoor)
1. All signals which are made with one hand shall
be made with the hand on the side of the team that
commits the fault or makes the request.
2. After the signal is made, the referee gestures to the
player who has committed the fault or the team that
has made the request.
Move the hand
to indicate the
direction of
service.
F
Authorization to Serve 1
Extend the arm
to the side of the
team that will
serve.
F S
Team to Serve 2
92
Change of Courts 3 Raise the forearms
front and back and
twist them around
the body.
F
Place the palm
of one hand over
the fngers of
the other, held
vertically (forming
a T) and then
indicate the
requesting team.
F S
Time-Out 4
Substitution 5
F S
Circular motion
of the forearms
around each other.
93
Show a yellow card
for penalty.
F
Show a red card for
expulsion.
F
Expulsion 7

Show both
cards jointly for
disqualifcation.
F
Misconduct Penalty 6

Disqualifcation 8
94
Cross the forearms
in front of the chest,
hands open.
F
S
Ball not tossed or released 10
at the service hit
Lift the extended
arm, the palm
of the hand
facing upwards.
F
End of set 9
or match
Raise eight fngers,
spread open.
F
Delay in Service 11
95
Raise both arms
vertically, palms
forward.
F
Make a circular
motion with the
forefnger.
F
Blocking Fault 12
or Screening
Positional or Rotation 13
Fault
Point the arm and
fngers toward the
foor.
F
Ball In 14
S
S
S
96
Raise the forearms
vertically, hands
open, palms toward
the body.
F
S
Slowly lift the
forearm, palm of
the hand facing
upwards.
F
Ball Out 15

Catch 16
Double Contact 17 Raise two fngers,
spread open.
F
97
Raise four fngers,
spread open.
F
Indicate the
respective side of
the net.
F
Four Hits 18
(1) Net Touched by Player 19
(2) Served Ball Fails to Pass to the
Opponent Through Crossing Space.
Place a hand above
the net, palm facing
downwards.
F
Reaching Beyond the Net 20
S
98
Point to the center
line.
F
Make a downward
motion with the
forearm, hand open.
F
Double Fault and Replay 23 Raise both thumbs
vertically.
F
Attack Hit Fault 21
S
S
Penetration into the Opponent 22
Court
Ball Crossing the
Lower Space or the
Server Touches the
Court (End Line)
or the Player Steps
Outside His/Her
Court at the Moment
of the Service Hit
99
Brush with the
palm of one hand
the fngers of the
other, held vertically.
F
Place hands
together (palms
facing each other)
overhead.
F
Illegal contact 26
(used in CO-ED
competition)
S
Ball Touched 24
Delay Warning/ 25
Delay Penalty
F
Cover the wrist
with open hand,
palm facing referee
(warning) or point to
the wrist with yellow
card (penalty).
100
Diagram 12: Offcial Line Judge Flag Signals
(Indoor)
All signals which are made with the fag shall be made
with the hand on the side of the team that commits the
fault or makes the request.
Ball in 1
L
Point down with
fag.
Ball out 2 Raise fag
vertically.
L
101
Wave fag over the
head and point to
the antenna or the
respective line.
L
Raise fag and
touch the top with
the palm of the free
hand.
L
Ball Touched 3
Crossing Space Faults, Ball 4
Touched an Outside Object or
Foot Fault by any Player During
Service
Judgment Impossible 5
L
Raise and cross
both arms and
hands in front of the
chest.
102
U-VOLLEY RULES
Height Restrictions
All players shall conform to the height restrictions as pre-
scribed by FIVB rules, which are under 185 centimeters (ap-
proximately 72.83 inches) for men and under 175 centime-
ters (approximately 68.89 inches) for women.
Height measurement will be in stocking feet or bare feet
(without shoes). All players close to this limitation are subject
to individual measurement prior to competition during pre-
tournament check-in and during random checks throughout
the tournanment.
USAV: For ease of administration, the height of 61 for men
and 59 for women may be used for recreational play.
103
CO-ED RULES
The following Rules govern co-ed and reverse co-ed competition.
The Rules Testing Commission solicits comments and sugges-
tions from volleyball groups and organizations that conduct and
sponsor special competitions such as doubles, triples, mixed
doubles, etc.
1. CO-ED PLAY
The Domestic Competition Regulations in general
shall govern play for females and males on the
same team with the following exceptions:
1.1 The serving order and positions on the court at ser-
vice shall be male and female alternated or vice-versa.
1.1.1 A team may list one specialized defensive
player, Libero, on the line-up sheet for
each set, along with the numbers of the
six starting regular players. If a Libero is not
designated on the line-up sheet for a set,
the team may not use a Libero in that set.
1.1.1.1 Alternating male and female ser-
vice order must be maintained. A
female Libero may only replace
regular female players. A male
Libero may only replace regular
male players. All other Libero
rules and restrictions apply.
1.2 When the ball is played more than once by a team,
a female player shall make at least one of the con-
tacts. Contact of the ball during blocking shall not
constitute playing the ball. There is no requirement
for a male player to contact the ball, regardless of
the number of hits by a team.
1.2.1 If a team contacts the ball more than one
time during offensive action, one of the
104
contacts must be by a female player, but
there is no restriction preventing all three
team hits from being made by female play-
ers. Contact of the ball during blocking ac-
tion does not count as one of the three team
hits. Therefore, after a block, a male player
may play the ball back over the net as such
contact would be considered the frst team hit.
1.2.2 A ball contacted more than once by a team,
without a female player having contacted
it, remains live and does not become an
illegal hit until it fully crosses the plane of
the net or is contacted by an opponent.
1.2.3 An illegally hit ball blocked by an illegal blocker
results in a double fault, and a playover is
directed.
1.3 Uniforms of players shall be identical within the fol-
lowing provisions:
1.3.1 All female players shall be attired in identi-
cal jerseys and shorts or one-piece uniforms.
1.3.2 All male players shall be attired in identical
jerseys and shorts or one-piece uniforms.
1.3.3 All uniforms shall be numbered in compli-
ance with Rule 4.3.3. There shall be no du-
plicate numbers, regardless of color of the
jerseys or gender of the player.
1.4 When only one male player is in the front row at ser-
vice, one male back-row player may be forward of
the attack line for the purpose of blocking. The re-
maining back-row player must be behind the attack
line until the ball has been contacted by the blocker(s)
or has been hit in such a manner that no block is possible.
1.4 Commentary: If a back-row player is not participat-
ing in a block, there is no restriction on both back-
row male players being in the attack zone.
105
1.4.1 The provisions of Rule 13.2.2 shall govern
male back-row players when playing the
ball in other than blocking actions.
1.4.2 No female back-row player may participate
in a block.
1.5 The height of the net for mixed-six play shall be 2.43 m
(711
5/8
).
1.5.1 Where age group mixed-six competition is con-
ducted, the height of the net shall be that
prescribed for mens competition in the re-
spective age group. In order to protect the
safety of the competitors, this shall not be modified.
2. REVERSE CO-ED PLAY
The Domestic Competition Regulations as Pre-
sented by USAV in general shall govern play for
females and males on the same team with the fol-
lowing exceptions:
2.1 The serving order and positions on the court at service shall
be male and female alternated or vice-versa.
2.2 When the ball is played more than once by a team, a
male player shall make at least one of the contacts.
Contact of the ball during blocking shall not constitute
playing the ball. There is no requirement for a female
player to contact the ball, regardless of the number of
hits by a team.
2.2.1 If a team contacts the ball more than one
time during offensive action, one of the con-
tacts must be by a male player, but there is
no restriction preventing all three team hits
from being made by male players. Contact
of the ball during blocking action does not
count as one of the three team hits. There-
fore, after a block, a female player may play
the ball back over the net as such contact
106
would be considered the frst team hit.
2.2.2 A ball contacted more than once by a team,
without a male player having contacted it,
remains live and does not become an illegal
hit until it fully crosses the plane of the net or
is contacted by an opponent.
2.3 Uniforms of players shall be identical within the fol-
lowing provisions:
2.3.1 All female players shall be attired in identi-
cal jerseys and shorts or one-piece uniforms.
2.3.2 All male players shall be attired in identical
jerseys and shorts or one-piece uniforms.
2.3.3 All uniforms shall be numbered in compli-
ance with Rule 4.3.3. There shall be no du-
plicate numbers, regardless of color of the
jerseys or gender of the player.
2.4 When only one female player is in the front row at
service, one female back-row player may be
forward of the attack line for the purpose of blocking.
The remaining female back-row player must be
behind the attack line until the ball has been con-
tacted by the blocker(s) or has been hit in such a
manner that no block is possible.
2.4 Commentary: If a back-row player is not participating
in a block, there is no restriction on both back-row fe-
male players being in the attack zone.
2.4.1 The provisions of Rule 13.2.2 shall govern
female back-row players when playing the
ball in other than blocking actions.
2.4.2 No male player may participate in a block.
2.5 Male players may attack the ball from above the
height of the net and direct it to enter the opponents
court so long as the ball has an upward trajectory im-
mediately after contact.
2.6 The height of the net for reverse co-ed play shall
be 2.24 m (74
1/8
).
107
GUIDE TO DISABLED VOLLEYBALL
From minimal disability to major handicaps, statistics in-
dicate seven percent of any population is disabled. This guide
gives you the opportunity to promote volleyball to those with
whom you may cross paths who are disabled and want to play
our great set! Volleyball easily fts with the motto of Disabled
Sports/USA: If I Can Do This, I Can Do Anything.
Along with wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball has be-
come one of the most widely played and most popular sports in
the disabled society. In some parts of the world, the matches are
televised. Disabled volleyball is played with participants standing,
sitting and in wheelchairs. The sport allows for participation by
amputees, as well as cerebral palsy athletes.
We urge you to take the time to teach anyone how to play the
sitting version, even if over a rope in a classroom on a night you
might have lost the main gym. Please take the time to fnd those
athletes aspiring to play volleyball and join with them in training,
either in standing or sitting versions...youll be amazed.
Volleyball An Ideal Sport for the Disabled
Volleyball is a team sport which can be played by the
disabled and able-bodied. It can be played by youth, juniors,
adults and seniors in any combination. Unlike many sports,
volleyball can be played at all levels co-educationally, creating
a gregarious and integrating atmosphere that is appreciated
by all involved.
Volleyball is a uniquely universal sport, as it includes
persons of minor disability, as well as people who are more
severely handicapped. Top international sitting teams use
setters who are double-leg amputees and these athletes are
much faster in on-court movement.
Volleyball practice is economical, especially for sitting
volleyball, since no expensive prostheses, wheelchairs and
108
special sport equipment are needed. All that is needed is foor
space, a rope or net, and a ball.
Disabled Volleyball History
The need for disabled people to compete in sport arose
during and after World War II. The rehabilitation process for
disabled veterans progressed at a quicker pace when a sport-
ing activity was involved in stimulating recovery. After the
war, sitting volleyball was invented in The Netherlands. The
frst competitive international match was played in 1957.
Disabled Sports/USA (DS/USA), founded in 1976, is
the national organization chartered to provide access to
year-round, grassroots sports and recreational programs for
children and adults with disabilities. The organization supports
the vertical integration of disabled athletes into the National
Governing Bodies (NGBs) of the United States Paralympics
(USP) on an equivalent basis. The USP was formed in 2001
as part of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and works
with USA Volleyball (USAV) in the development and training
of the USA Womens and Mens National Sitting Teams for
international World Championships and the Paralympics. The
USA Mens Standing Team is self-supported at this time.
The international governing body for volleyball for ath-
letes with physical disabilities is the World Organization Vol-
leyball for Disabled (WOVD). WOVD oversees international
championships and tournaments, including zonal champion-
ships, World Championships and the Paralympic Games. For
more information, log on to http://www.wovd.info.
Standing Volleyball
Standing volleyball is played by regular volleyball rules
with one exception: on-court player rankings of A, B or C.
The six players on court must include a minimum of one C
109
class player, and may include a maximum of one A class
player. If a Libero is on court, the six players must still satisfy
this requirement. This is known as a classifcation system.
Players are not classifed A, B or C by their ability to play,
but by the severity of their disability. A is considered a mini-
mum disability and C would be someone with a more severe
disability.
A complete set of rules for standing volleyball can be
found and downloaded from the World Organization Volleyball
for Disabled website at www.wovd.info.
Wheelchair Volleyball
Wheelchair volleyball is now being developed in Europe,
and is played on a court 7 m x 12 m, over a net about 1.75 m
in height. For more information, contact the World Organiza-
tion of Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD) at WOVD Headquar-
ters, Secretary General Mr. J.A.J. Herrebrugh, Kraaivenstraat
45 B, 2820 Rijmenam, Belgium. E-mail: sg@wovd.info.
Sitting Volleyball
A complete set of rules for sitting volleyball can be found
and downloaded from the World Organization Volleyball for
Disabled website at www.wovd.info.
The regulation sitting court size is 6 m x 10 m. Boundary
lines are included in the court. The centerline divides the court
into two courts, 6 m x 5 m each. A racquetball court is almost
perfectly sized, especially when using a lowered Wallyball net.
The lines of a regular court using two linked nets down the
middle allow for three courts (end line to 3-meter line; 3-meter
line to 3-meter line; 3-meter line to end line).
Most programs use a normal net that is 1 m wide and
10 m long attached to the standards of a 9 m x 18 m court.
Internationally, a regulation net is 80 cm wide and 6.5 m long).
110
The net height is 1.15 m for men and 1.05 m for women.
The attack lines are drawn parallel to the centerline, 2 m
from the middle of the centerline. The service zone is marked
with two lines, each 15 cm long and placed inside the service
zone at the end of each court, 20 cm behind and perpendicu-
lar to the end line. Both are drawn as an extension of each
sideline.
The court size and height of the net may be modifed for
sitting volleyball. Modifcations to gym space are acceptable
for local play, as long as both courts are equal in size.
Key Rule Modifcations for Sitting Volleyball
The position of each player is determined and controlled
by the position of his/her bottom. This means that at the time
of service, the hand(s) and/or legs of back-court players may
lie in the attack zone, and that the hand(s) and/or legs of on-
court players may lie off court.
Bottom is defned as the upper part of the body, from
the shoulder to ones buttocks.
Touching the opponents court beyond the centerline with a
hand is permitted, if some part of the penetrating hand remains
either in contact with or directly above the centerline. The play-
ers legs may penetrate into the opponents court or space under
the net, provided there is no interference with the opponent.
At all times during playing actions, the players must
contact the court with some part of the body between the
buttocks and the shoulders, except that a short loss of contact
with the court is permitted when playing the ball, excluding the
service, the block and attack hit when the ball is completely
higher than the top of the net. To stand up, raise the body or
take steps is forbidden.
The back-row player may perform any type of attack-hit
from any height, if at the time of the hit the bottom does not
touch or cross over to the attack line.
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The referees offcial hand signal of lifting from the court
is made by raising the upper hand and forearm positioned par-
allel to the foor and mirror imaging the lower hand and forearm.
Referees in sitting volleyball must stand to the sides of
the court because of the height of the net and the fact that the
players are in a seated position.
Blocking a served ball is allowed.
Paralympics
Volleyball has been a Paralympic discipline for more than 20
years. The frst Paralympics were conducted in 1960 in Rome,
although the expression The Paralympic Games was frst used in
1984. Although in the beginning it only included mens competi-
tion, womens sitting volleyball was added to the Athens 2004
Summer Paralympics. In the 2004 Athens Games, the U.S. wom-
ens sitting team earned a bronze medal; and the men, although
ending up in sixth place, earned valuable international experience.
The U.S. womens sitting team won the silver medal at the
2008 Paralympics in Beijing, China. The U.S. men narrowly
missed the opportunity to compete in Beijing by virtue of a defeat
112
at the hands of Brazil at the 2007 Parapan American Games.
The USA needs to identify and train the top American
athletes for mens and womens sitting and mens standing
volleyball. In 2009, Bill Hamiter was selected as the frst high
performance director and resident head coach for the U.S.
Sitting Teams, which are based at the University of Central
Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond. He will work closely with Elliot
Black, the sitting volleyball coordinator at UCO.
USA National Championships
The U.S. Standing Volleyball Team competed in the A
Division at the 2003 U.S. Open Championships in Minneapo-
lis, Minn. an event designed for non-disabled athletes. The
Sitting Mens and Womens Teams also use Nationals and
various Junior Qualifers as training and talent awareness
stops on their quadrennial journey to the Paralympics.
Disabled Sports/USA annually holds the National Amputee
and Les Autres Games, including the Standing and Sitting Vol-
leyball National Championships. Teams need only three disabled
on the roster and two disabled players on the court at all times.
Resources
If you would like to play, organize or coach a disabled
volleyball team, including establishing a volleyball program in
your area, please check out the web sites of www.dsusa.org
and www.usavolleyball.org.
For more information on WOVD offciating in the United
States, contact Joe Campbell at (713) 856-5565 or
jcampbell30@houston.rr.com.
For more information on the sitting team programs at
UCO, contact Elliot Blake at (405) 974-3153 or jblake1@uco.
com or Bill Hamiter at (405) 974-3144, bhamiter@uco.edu or
bill.hamiter@usav.org.
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REGULATIONS (INDOOR)
TECHNIQUES, MECHANICS & PROCEDURES
Referee Techniques
1. Roster verifcation:
Rosters, if used, are verifed pre-match by the score
keeper, assisted by the second referee. Both referees
visually review uniforms for legality.
2. Coin toss procedures:
USA Volleyball does not designate home or visitor
teams, so it is appropriate for the frst referee to desig-
nate one team as heads and the other team as tails
for the pre-match and deciding set coin tosses. The coin
should be tossed and the result immediately revealed
without turning the coin onto the back of the opposite
hand. If the coin is dropped, it shall be re-tossed. Cap-
tains have the options of: serve or receive the serve, or
the side of the court to occupy.
3. Pre-set line-up check by second referee:
When checking line-ups at the start of each set, the sec-
ond referee should stand at the sideline of each teams
court with both teams line-up sheets in hand to verify
player positions. The second referee should not enter
the court. The game ball should remain at the scorers
table or on the barrel until line-ups have been verifed
and Libero replacements authorized. Once the line-up
sheets have been returned to the scorer, the game ball
should be rolled to the frst server.
4. Referee signal sequence:
a. If the fault is whistled by the frst referee, the frst ref-
eree indicates which team wins the rally by extending the
arm in the direction of the team that will serve (palm per-
pendicular to foor), then the nature of the fault and the
player at fault, if necessary. All signals are repeated by
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the second referee except net serve and service beckon
(Rule 22.2.3.1).
b. If the fault is whistled by the second referee, the second
referee indicates the nature of the fault and the player
at fault, if necessary. The frst referee then indicates the
next team to serve and the second referee repeats that
signal. The frst referee does not signal the fault or
player at fault (Rule 22.2.3.2).
5. Second referee position at end of rally:
a. When the second referees whistle ends a rally, s/he
steps to the offending teams side of the net before sig-
naling the fault.
b. When the frst referees whistle ends the rally, the sec-
ond referee should attempt to step to the offending teams
side of the net and repeat the signals of the frst referee.
When facilities do not present enough space for the
second referee to accomplish this easily, the second
referee should simply step laterally away from the post
and repeat the frst referees signal sequence.
6. Illegal attack signal (Signal 21):
Completely extend the arm straight up, above the
shoulder, hand open, and then bending at the elbow,
make a downward motion toward the opposing team.
The fnal position of the arm should not obstruct the
referees view.
7. Illegal block/screening signal (Signal 12):
Completely extend both arms straight up from the shoulders
(elbows are not bent), palms facing away from the body.
8. Improper request signal & technique:
An improper request is signaled with a wave off a
sweeping motion with the arm extended, open hand,
palm facing away from the body, on the offending teams
side of the court. Second referee communicates to coach
(or frst referee to captain) at earliest opportunity, without
delaying the match. Record on scoresheet at the end
of the rally.
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9. Same player makes third and fourth team hits:
Signal double hit (Signal 17).
10. Indication of which player(s) contacted the net:
Indicate the player at fault by pointing with an open hand.
11. Completed attack-hit from an overhand set by
Libero in the front zone:
Signal illegal attack (Signal 21), and then indicate the
Libero by pointing toward the Libero with an open hand.
12. Identifcation of game captain:
During pre-match line-up checks, the second referee in-
dicates the game captain to the frst referee by placing
the arm in the chest area, hand open and palm facing
the foor, and then pointing, open hand, toward this
player. This technique should also be used when the
captain is replaced by substitution or the Libero. The cap-
tain should acknowledge this designation by raising a
hand.
13. Second referee ready signal:
Indicated by holding both hands in front of body, just
above head height, palms toward frst referee. Used by
a second referee after any regular game interruption or
a delay to the resumption of play. Also used by the scorer
upon completion of recording a substitution(s), or at the
end of a time-out. Ready means that the scorer has
recorded all necessary information, the second referee is
in proper position, all players have taken their positions
on the court, and that the second referee is ready for play.
The frst referee is still obligated to complete a court scan,
check that the server has the ball, and ensure team readi-
ness before authorizing the next serve.
14. Time-out administration:
a. Second (or frst) referee whistles to acknowledge time-
out request. Both referees make the time-out signal
(Signal 4) with the vertical hand of the signal on the
side of the requesting team, and point toward the
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requesting teams bench with an open hand; second
referee may informally display each teams time-out
status to frst referee at the beginning of the time-out.
b. Players are not required to leave the court and go to the
bench area.
c. Second referee whistles at end of 30 seconds and
ensures both teams re-take the court.
d. Upon conclusion of each teams second time-out, the
second referee will notify the coach (or captain, if neces-
sary) by visually displaying the time-out signal (Signal
4) and then showing two fngers. The second referee
will then notify the frst referee in the same manner after
getting into position for the resumption of play before
signaling ready.
e. It is not necessary to notify teams after their frst time-
out unless requested to do so by the coach/captain.
Similarly, it is not necessary for the referees visually to
display each teams time-out status at the end of any
time-outs unless necessary for clarifcation.
f. Teams may re-take court prior to expiration of time-out,
unless necessary for court to remain clear; however,
time-outs will not end early.
15. Substitution notifcation:
With the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th team substitutions,
the second referee will notify the coach by display-
ing the substitution signal (Signal 5), followed by the
number of team substitutions used during the set (10
clenched right fst, 11 clenched right fst plus index fn-
ger of left hand, 12 clenched right fst plus index and
middle fnger of left hand). The second referee will then
notify the frst referee in the same manner after get-
ting into position for the resumption of play before signal-
ing ready.
16. Multiple substitutions by one team:
Only one incoming and outgoing player may be in the
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substitution zone at a time awaiting authorization to en-
ter. Subsequent substitutes must wait outside the
substitution zone until the frst pair of players has been
authorized to enter by the second referee. For multiple
substitutions by a team during the same dead ball, there
can be no signifcant delay between substitutions.
17. Substitution request procedure:
A request for substitution requires that the incoming
substitute has entered the substitution zone before the
request is acknowledged (whistled). Verbal or hand-
signal requests for substitution by the coach or cap-
tain do not constitute a formal request and will not be
acknowledged (whistled). NOTE: Referees must facilitate
this new procedure and help properly educate teams in
its use.
18. Requests for game interruption by opponents
during same dead ball:
When opponents request a game interruption (time-
out, substitution, etc.) during the same dead-ball period,
the second referee will acknowledge each teams request
with a separate whistle. Multiple substitutions by the
same team require only one whistle.
19. Coaches location:
All coaches must remain 1.75 meters (510) from the
court while the ball is in play. During dead-ball periods,
coaches may briefy approach the court to give instruc-
tions to players on the court but must step away from
the court when the frst referee prepares to beckon for
service. If a coach fails to adhere to this rule after be-
ing reminded to do so, a delay sanction may be as-
sessed. NOTE: When the distance between the sideline
and the team bench/bench area is fewer than 2 meters,
the coach must remain in the free zone near the team
bench/bench area while the ball is in play. Coaches may
not enter the substitution zone. A coach or one assistant
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coach may give instructions to a player in the warm-up
area but may not remain there for any extended length of
time.
20. First/second referee duties:
a. First referee controls player conduct during the pre-
match warm-ups. First referee also times the warm-ups
but may request the second referee to assist while frst
referee instructs line judges or attends to other pre-match
duties.
b. Either referee may whistle net faults, and (back row)
attack-hit or blocking faults.
c. Second referee calls (whistles) antenna faults on his/
her side of the court.
d. First referee checks the score sheet for accuracy, and
then signs it at the end of the match.
21. Second referee discreet assistance techniques:
Discreet assistance from the second referee should only
be offered when, from the second referees view, a fault
has occurred. Discreet assistance should not be used
for possible faults, e.g., to indicate that no opposing player
touched the ball after a teams third contact. Expectations
regarding these techniques should be the subject of ref-
erees pre-match briefngs. NOTE: When possible,
discreet signals which are indicated using only one hand
(ex: 2-hits, 4-hits, attack-hit fault, etc.) should be signaled
with the hand corresponding to the team at fault. If the
view of the second referee is obstructed, the discreet
signal may be made with the more visible hand.
a. 2-hits vs 4-hits: The second referee should use the ap-
propriate discreet assistance only after the same player
has hit the ball twice in succession (2-hits) or after a
team has touched the ball four times and the third and
fourth hits were not by the same player (4-hits). NOTE:
4-hits should not be used to indicate no touch by the
blocking team.
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b. Attack-hit fault: The attack fault signal (Signal 21)
should be shown in the chest area, and the second
referee should allow the frst referee the opportunity to
whistle the fault or to communicate that the play was
legal before whistling this fault (USAV 24.3.2.4).
c. Blocking fault: The second referee may whistle this
fault immediately, or a discreet illegal block signal (Signal
12) may be shown in the chest area with hands only
shoulder-height.
d. Requesting an individual sanction: The second referee
should whistle, step to the offending teams side of the
court, and verbalize the sanction and offending team
member. Other hand signals are not necessary to re-
quest an individual sanction.
e. Requesting a delay sanction: Display the delay sanc-
tion signal, without a card in chest area.
f. Ball in/pancake play: Step to the side of the court
where the ball hit the foor, maintain a position visible
to the frst referee, and give the ball in signal. If the frst
referee does not see this assistance, the signal should
be made more visible. If the frst referee does not quickly
recognize the assistance, the second referee should
whistle this fault.
g. Ball handling opinions: The second referee should not
offer ball handling opinions during a match. Only if the
frst referee has requested such assistance during unusual
plays (i.e., the frst referee is screened from viewing the
play) should the second referee offer an opinion.
h. Touch information: At the end of a rally in which the
second referee has observed a player touching the ball
before it lands out of bounds, the second referee should
offer a visible touch signal (Signal 24). If the frst referee
does not notice this assistance, the signal should quickly
be made more visible and the second referee should
step laterally, away from the post.
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22. Deciding set coin toss:
For the deciding set coin toss, the frst referee may con-
duct the coin toss near the scorers table or may request
the second referee to do so. During this time, teams
are released to their benches while each teams game
captain attends the toss. The coin toss takes place dur-
ing the three-minute interval between sets. The frst
referee should blow a whistle to direct teams to change
courts or to remain at their current benches to start the
deciding set. After the toss, the scorer should be im-
mediately notifed of the result in order to prepare the
deciding set score sheet, and the frst referee should
return to the stand (if s/he conducted the toss).
23. Change of courts during deciding set:
The frst referee signals for teams to change courts
immediately after the eighth point has been scored
by a team. Teams are not directed to the end lines dur-
ing this court change but teams should change sides
by going counter-clockwise around the post to their
respective right side (or under the net as near the posts
as possible if space does not permit the players to pass
outside the posts).
24. Set/Match point:
The second referee will verbally/visually confrm set or
match point with the scorer and then place an index
fnger against the shoulder corresponding to that team.
For example, if the team to the second referees left has
earned set/match point, the index fnger of the right hand
will be placed against the left shoulder (or vice versa for
the team on the right).
25. Ball hitting an antenna:
When the ball is hit into an antenna, the referee will
whistle and signal out, and if necessary, will indicate
with an open hand the player who hit the ball into the
antenna.
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26. First referee whistling positional faults on
receiving team:
First referee should normally check position faults for the
serving team only; second referee is authorized to check
position faults for receiving team only. If the second
referee does not call a blatant positional fault after ample
communication/notifcation by the frst referee, the frst
referee may whistle this fault. This should occur only on
very rare occasions.
27. Sanction procedures:
a. For a player on court: The player being sanctioned
must approach the frst referees stand to acknowledge
the sanction. The frst referee awards the loss of rally if
necessary, displays the appropriate card(s) to this player,
and then verbalizes, This penalty (or expulsion or dis-
qualifcation) is for you for unsporting conduct.
b. For a team member on the bench: The frst referee
will call the captain to the stand, award the loss of rally
if necessary, display the appropriate card(s), and verba-
lize This penalty (or expulsion or disqualifcation) is
for player (or coach) X. Please inform him/her of the
sanction. The captain should go immediately to the
bench to inform the team member, who should acknowl-
edge the sanction while the R1 continues to display the
card(s).
c. For delay sanctions: The frst referee will call the
captain to the stand, award the loss of rally if necessary,
and verbalize This delay sanction is for [delay action],
while displaying the appropriate signal. The captain may
inform the coach of the sanction for clarifcation purposes.
d. For verbal (offcial) warnings: Verbal or hand signal
warnings must be accompanied by a whistle and are
notifed directly to the team member being warned or
through the team captain. Multiple warnings to the same
team member during the same set/ match are permitted
122
for minor unsporting conduct.
e. For simultaneous sanctions to opponents: When indi-
vidual sanctions are assessed to opponents for simul-
taneous unsporting acts, the team member from the
serving team shall be sanctioned frst, followed by the
team member from the receiving team. The sanctions are
administered following the above procedures.
28. Notifcation of illegal Libero replacement:
The assistant scorer shall notify the second referee of
an illegal Libero replacement after the contact of the
serve. A positional fault is the resulting fault.
29. Line judge position during time-outs:
At midpoint of respective end line.
30. Line judge position when server is within 1-2
meters of the line judge:
When a server takes a position within 1-2 meters of the
line judge, the line judge must step behind the server
along the sideline extension. After the service contact,
the line judge should quickly return to the position at the
intersection of the end line and sideline.
Points of Emphasis
1. Warm-ups:
a. For adult competition: When one team has exclusive
use of the court, the opposing team may warm up with
practice balls in the free zone surrounding the court but
may not interfere with the warm-up of the opponent on
the court, including serving practice.
b. For junior competition: When one team has exclusive
use of the court, the other team must either be at its team
bench or out of the playing area. Warming up with balls at
the team bench or the spectator walkways is not permitted.
2. Line Judge Positioning:
a. When a server takes a position within 1-2 meters of
123
the line judge, the line judge must step behind the server
along the sideline extension. After the service contact,
the line judge should quickly return to the position at the
intersection of the end line and sideline.
b. During time-outs, line judges will stand at the mid-point
of their respective end lines.
3. The Serve: The server must be on the playing surface
before the serve is authorized.
4. Coaches Location:
a. All coaches must remain 1.75 meters (510) from the
court while the ball is in play. During dead-ball periods,
coaches may briefy approach the court to give instruc-
tions to players on the court but must step away from the
court when the frst referee prepares to beckon for service.
If a coach fails to adhere to this rule after being reminded
to do so, a delay sanction may be assessed.
NOTE:
When the distance between the sideline and the team
bench/bench area is fewer than 2 meters, the coach
must remain in the free zone nearer to the team bench/
bench area while the ball is in play. Coaches may not
enter the substitution zone.
b. The coach or one assistant coach may give instruc-
tions to a player in the warm-up area but may not remain
there for any extended length of time.
5. Assistant Coaches: One assistant coach at a time may
leave the bench to give instructions to the players on the
court. During play, this assistant coach may give these
instructions while standing or walking within the free zone
in front of his/her teams bench from the extension of the
attack line up to the warm-up area, no closer to the court
than 1.75 meters (510) from the sideline and its exten-
sion, without disturbing or delaying the match. Assistant
coaches may not address the referees.
6. Disruptive Coaching: Includes loud or abusive lan-
124
guage, comments to offcials or to opposing teams,
throwing of objects, and displaying disgust in an overt
manner.
7. The Libero:
a. Libero must be designated on the line-up sheet for
each set.
b. The Liberos jersey or jacket must contrast in color
(dark vs. light) to the color of the jersey worn by other
members of the team. (Please note USAV 19.2a.)
c. If the Libero wears an exposed undergarment as noted
in USAV 4.3, that undergarment may differ from exposed
undergarments worn by teammates.
d. The Libero may replace an injured player in the back
row after the 30-second injury evaluation if the Libero
was not on the court at the time of the injury.
8. Uniform Numbers: Must be centered on the front and
back of the team jerseys. The numbers must be a mini-
mum of 10 cm (4) on the front and 15 cm (6) on the
back.
9. Player Equipment:
a. If a players towel falls to the foor during a rally, which
consequently requires a stoppage of play, a delay sanc-
tion must be issued. The rally should not be stopped
unless a referee judges that a safety hazard exists. A
delay sanction can be avoided if the team takes steps to
mitigate the risk hazard in this situation.
b. Player equipment (eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc.)
is worn at the players own risk (Rule 4.5.2). If a stop-
page of play results due to a concern for safety, a delay
sanction is assessed and a replay should be granted.
A similar rationale, as noted above in 9a, should be
used to determine if a safety hazard exists. If a player
is injured as his/her lenses fall to the foor, the injury
takes precedence and the provisions of Rule 17.1 should
be applied.
125
c. Casts are not permitted, regardless of covering or
padding.
d. Bobby pins, barrettes and hard plastic headbands may
be used to control the hair. Such items do not need to be
covered or padded.
10. Interference with Play:
a. A player who places a hand/hands near the net in the
path of a ball to intentionally defect the natural rebound
of a ball that has been passed into the net by the oppo-
nent has committed a net fault according to the FIVB/
USAV interpretation of interferes with play.
b. If a player contacts an offcial (second referee or line
judge) during an attempt to play the ball legally, the
frst referee may award a replay if the physical interfer-
ence impeded that players attempt.
c. A ball that contacts an offcial (referee or line judge) is
ruled out per Rule 8.4.2.
11. Improper Requests:
a. A request for an illegal substitution shall result in an
improper request. However, if such a request is acknowl-
edged (i.e., whistled), a delay sanction shall result.
b. Despite any previous delay sanction, a teams frst im-
proper request of the match is rejected, and the improper
request is assessed without further sanction.
c. An improper request is signaled with a sweeping mo-
tion the arm extended, open hand, and the palm facing
away from the body on the offending teams side of the
court.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE
OFFICIAL INDOOR VOLLEYBALL
SCORESHEETS
PRELIMINARY
The scorekeeper prints all information (except the signature) in capital
letters on the scoresheet. Certain information must be written in blue
or black ink as indicated in the instructions. At other times, pencil or
pen (blue or black ink) is acceptable.
Before the start of a match, the scorekeeper prepares the scoresheet(s)
for the match (sets 1 and 2 for a best-of-three match; sets 1 through 3
for an automatic 3-set match or a best-of-fve match) by printing the
heading information in blue or black ink at the top of the scoresheet.
This includes:
NAME OF COMPETITION
CITY
STATE
COURT
HALL - NAME OF FACILITY
POOL/PHASE - number or letter for Pool; playoff bracket (e.g.
GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE, etc.) for Phase.
MATCH NO. - Match number, or SEMI, FINAL, etc.
DIVISION - X the appropriate box, Men, Women or Co-Ed
DATE - MM/DD/YY or MM-DD-YY (05/22/09; note the
leading zero)
CATEGORY - X the appropriate Adult or Junior box.
LEVEL - Write in the level of play (A, BB, B, 16O,
14C, 40s, 55s, etc.).
TIME - Time Match Scheduled, HH:MM in international
time (9:10am=09:10 [note the leading zero],
1:15pm=13:15, etc.); leave blank if the match
has no scheduled time.
127
OFFICIALS SECTION: At the lower right side of the
scoresheet, this includes:
1st Referee - LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
2nd Referee - LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
Scorekeeper - Print name - LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
Sign name - leave blank for now
Work Team - TEAM NAME
Region - REGION of the Work Team
RESULTS SECTION:
Set - Number of the SET (if not pre-printed)
After the coin toss and the determination of the serving team
and the playing area, the scorekeeper prints, in ink, the
names of the teams on the sides where they will begin play.
The scorekeeper places an X through the S for the team
that is serving frst, and then places an X through the R for
the receiving team. Since the player in Service Order I of
the receiving team will not serve frst, the scorekeeper places
an X in box 1 of the Service Rounds section for that play-
er. On the scoresheet for set 2 of the match, the scorekeeper
should mark the Xs on the S and R and the frst Service
Rounds box of the receiving team. If the match format is
best-of-fve sets or automatic 3-sets (with no second coin
toss), the scorekeeper should mark the appropriate Xs for
the serving and receiving teams on the scoresheet for set 3.
The team that begins the match on the left court is designated
as Team A. The scorekeeper records an A in the empty cir-
cle next to the team name. The team that begins the match on
the right court is designated as Team B. The scorekeeper re-
cords a B in the empty circle next to that team name. (Note:
The letter designations for each team will remain the same for
the entire match. In the second set of the match, Team B will
be on the left side of the scoresheet and Team A will be on the
right side of the scoresheet.) The scorekeeper should record
128
the team names and the appropriate A and B designations in
the circles on the second set scoresheet. If the match format
is best-of-fve sets, the scorekeeper should also record the
team names and the appropriate A and B designations in the
circles on the third set scoresheet. On some scoresheets, the
team A and B designations may already be pre-printed.
If the format of the non-deciding sets is fewer than 25 points,
the leading points for each team must be hourglassed in the
Points column. For example, if 21-point sets are used, the
starting score is 4-4, and the frst four points for each team
are hourglassed in the Points column.

The scorekeeper obtains a signed roster from
each team. (Note: rosters may not be pro-
vided for all Regional play). The scorekeeper
verifes that all players uniform numbers are
correct and accurate by checking the roster.
No changes may be made to the roster once
submitted to the scorekeeper, except to
correct a uniform number. Uniform number
changes result in a team delay penalty.
The scorekeeper also obtains a line-up
sheet, previously distributed, from each team.
The scorekeeper confrms a coach or team
captain has signed the line-up sheet and
indicated the foor captain. If a Libero player
is being used, the scorekeeper also veri-
fes the Libero players uniform number has
been indicated on the line-up sheet for that
set. If a roster is provided, the scorekeeper
verifes the numbers on the line-up sheet are
consistent with the numbers on the roster. No
changes may be made to the players numbers on the line-up
129
sheet after it is submitted to the scorekeeper. However, a sub-
stitution prior to any set is permitted. Opponents may not see
line-ups submitted by the other team or the Libero tracking
sheet after line-ups have been entered.
Using the line-up sheets, the scorekeeper writes the starting
players uniform numbers in position order in the Service
Order row. The scorekeeper records in ink the player number
from the line-up sheet onto the scoresheet, matching the Roman
numeral box on the line-up sheet to the corresponding Roman
numeral on the scoresheet. The numbers should be written to
the far left on the top line in each box. Note the position order
of the players (and thus the way the line-up is recorded) is the
same for both teams, regardless of which team is serving frst.
The scorekeeper indicates the playing captain for each
team by marking a small c next to the player number in the
Service Order area. The Liberos number, if being used,
is written in the box by each teams name. Mark an X in the
box if a team is not using a Libero.
The second referee will use the line-up sheets to check the
players starting positions on the court, while the scorekeeper si-
multaneously uses the scoresheet to verify the players positions.
When the frst referee whistles for the frst serve, the time the set
starts is recorded (in pen) in the START section (HH:MM, inter-
national time, with leading zeros if necessary); refer to sample
formats shown at lower left section of scoresheet).
DURING THE MATCH
Controlling Service
Each time a player enters the service zone, the scorekeeper
should verify the correct server has the ball and is preparing
to serve.
130
All Service Rounds information may be recorded in pencil
or pen. The frst time each correct server serves in a particular
service round, the scorekeeper records a small check mark
(a) on top of the number in the corner of the appropriate
Service Rounds box beneath the serving players number.
(Check mark should extend from lower left to upper right.)

When the rally is won by the serving team, the scorekeeper
slashes the appropriate point in the Points column for the
serving team. (Slashes should always be drawn in the same
direction.)

When the rally is won by the receiving team, the scorekeeper
records in the checked Service Rounds box the serving
teams total cumulative points (called the exit score).

The scorekeeper will also immediately record the rally point
for the receiving team by slashing the appropriate point in that
teams Points column. (Note the slashed rally point should
be 1 point more than that teams previous exit score.)
When the result of the rally is a play-over, the scorekeeper
does not record anything. Note: the scorekeeper should verify
the visible scoreboard refects the correct score and no point
was inadvertently added.
Service Faults
If an incorrect player is in the service area preparing to serve,
1
1 12 23
2 13 24
3 14 25
1
2
131
the scorekeeper must wait until the incorrect player serves
the ball. Immediately after an incorrect player serves the ball,
the scorekeeper must notify the second referee so play can
be stopped. If the wrong service occurs on the frst service
for that round, the scorekeeper does not check the Service
Rounds number. The scorekeeper then records the exit
score in the Service Rounds box of the player who should
have served. If it occurs after the correct players frst service
for that round, the scorekeeper records the exit score in the
Service Rounds box of the player who should have served
and does not do anything additional. This situation is not
recorded in the REMARKS or SANCTIONS section.
If a server fails to serve in the allotted time period or for any
other reason does not actually contact the ball for service after
the frst referee beckons for service, the scorekeeper records
the exit score in the Service Rounds box of that player.
If the violation occurs on the frst service for that round, the
scorekeeper does not check the Service Rounds number.
If it occurs after the players frst service for that round, the
scorekeeper records the exit score in the Service Rounds
box of that player and does not do anything additional. This
situation is not recorded in the REMARKS or SANCTIONS
section.
Substitutions
When the referee blows a whistle indicating a substitution for
a team, the scorekeeper verifes the legality of the substitution
(player listed on the roster, if a team roster is provided; enter-
ing in the correct position; and suffcient team substitutions
left), and records the substitution information while the second
referee authorizes the substitute to enter the game. If the
substitution is not legal, the scorekeeper must immediately
notify the second referee (ideally before the substitution is
recorded on the scoresheet).
132
The substitution is recorded in the N
o
of Players section by
slashing the departing player number and writing the substi-
tutes number to the right on the same line (use the second
or third line only when the previous line is flled). The score
at the moment of the substitution is written in the Score
at Change section. The score of the team requesting the
substitution is written in the upper half of the box, and the op-
ponents score is written in the lower half of the box.

The scorekeeper should use the frst available box beneath
the player number, continuing downward, using the second
column only after the frst column has been completely used.
The scorekeeper also slashes the next available substitution
number beneath the Service Rounds section to indicate
total team substitutions.
If one team has multiple substitutions at the same time, the
second referee will authorize the frst pair to exchange, fol-
lowed by the second pair. (Hint: It is easier if the scorekeeper
writes in both replacement numbers frst, then completes the
remaining substitution procedures.) If both teams substitute
during the same dead ball, the scorekeeper should record the
substitution that the referee administers frst.
Upon completing the procedures for all substitutions, the score-
keeper puts down the pen or pencil and raises both hands, palms
toward the court, to indicate he/she is ready for the set to proceed.
If the playing captain is subbed out, the scorekeeper must
5 4 5
3
6
6
7
133
inform the second referee, who will ask the coach or captain
for the number of the replacement captain. The scorekeeper
will write a c next to the number of the replacement captain.
If the starting captain returns to the game, the scorekeeper
will automatically write a c next to the number of the starting
captain and slash through the alternate c.
If the playing captain is replaced by the Libero, the scorekeeper
does not record the replacement captain in the N
o
of Players
section. However, the scorekeeper should write the number of the
replacement captain on a separate piece of paper for quick refer-
ence. If no separate piece of paper is available, it is acceptable to
record the temporary captain in the margin of the scoresheet.
Each team is allowed a total of 12 team substitutions per set.
Players may enter the set an unlimited number of times within
the team substitution limit, but always in the same position in
relation to teammates. An unlimited number of players is allowed
to enter in a given position. If more than eight (8) substitutions
occur in one position, use the available Score at Change
boxes in an adjoining column. If more space is needed to record
the player numbers, use lines 2 and 3 of an adjoining N
o
of
Players box. Draw a dark line around the adjoining Score at
Change column and N
o
of Players area to indicate this infor-
mation belongs with the original substitution position. Note that
the exceptional substitution rule only applies in case of injury.
134
The scorekeeper informs the second referee when either
team has used its ninth, 10th, 11th, and 12th substitutions.
Exceptional Substitution Procedures
An injured player (except the Libero) who cannot continue
playing should be substituted legally or legally replaced
by the Libero. If this is not possible, the team is entitled
to make an exceptional substitution. An injured player
replaced by exceptional substitution is not allowed to play
for the remainder of the match. Additionally, an exceptional
substitution is not counted as one of the teams allowable
team subs. Exceptional substitution procedures include
recording the incoming players number to the right of the
departing players number in the N
o
of Players sec-
tion. The injured players number is circled (not slashed)
to indicate that player is prohibited from returning for the
match. Do not record the substitution score in the Score
at Change section.
A comment is written in the REMARKS section, noting the
action (EX SUB), the uniform numbers of the incoming player
and injured player, the team name or letter designation, the
set number, and the score at the time of the exceptional sub
(record the subbing teams score frst). If more sets are played
in this match and additional scoresheets are needed, then this
135
remark must be transferred to subsequent scoresheets used for
the match.
As a last resort, the Libero may be used as the exceptional
substitute. The Libero must change into a matching team
uniform. Record the incoming players number to the right of
the departing players number in the N
o
of Players section.
The injured players number is circled (not slashed) to indicate
that player is prohibited from returning for the match. Do
not record the substitution score in the Score at Change
section. Additionally, slash through the Libero number in the
Libero# box next to the team name. Record a comment in
the REMARKS section, using the same format as the previ-
ous example.
Re-designation of the Libero
If a Libero becomes injured during a set and cannot continue
playing, the coach or captain is not required to re-designate
a replacement Libero. If the injured Libero is on the court, the
player replaced by the Libero must return to the court. If the
136
coach or captain chooses to re-designate a new Libero during
the same set, then the injured Libero is not allowed to play for
the remainder of the match. The re-designated Libero must
remain the Libero for the remainder of the set and the coach or
captain may designate a different Libero on the line-up sheet
for the next set. A comment is written in the REMARKS sec-
tion, noting the action (RE-DESIG LIBERO), the uniform num-
bers of the new Libero and the injured Libero, the set number,
and the score at the time of the re-designation.

The Liberos number (next to the team name) is circled
to indicate that player is prohibited from returning for the
match. Write the number of the re-designated Libero next
to (or above) the circled number. If more sets are played in
this match and additional scoresheets are needed, then this
remark must be transferred to subsequent scoresheets used
for the match.

Time-Outs
Time-outs are recorded in the Time Outs box located under
the teams Points section, listing frst the score of the team
taking the time-out, followed by the score of the opponent.
The frst time-out is listed in the top box, the second time-out
in the lower box.
137
Set Score Exceeds Points Column
If the score goes beyond point 33 for one or both teams, use
the outside margin (left margin for the team on the left, right
margin for the team on the right) to write and slash each ad-
ditional point needed. If the scorekeeper writes more points
in the margin than used, the unused points in the margin must
be hourglassed at the end of the set.
Correcting Mistakes
If the scorekeeper makes an error that was originally recorded
in pencil, the scorekeeper must completely erase the error
and rewrite the correct entry. The scorekeeper should not
scribble over the mistake. The scorekeeper must not miss
any action while the correction is taking place. (It is accept-
able to inform the referee if additional time is needed to make
corrections.)
If the scorekeeper inadvertently makes a mistake while using
a pen, the scorekeeper can X through the mistake and write
the correct action or the scorekeeper can use correction fuid/
tape and rewrite the correct action. The scorekeeper should
not scribble over the mistake. The scorekeeper must not miss
any action while the correction is taking place. (It is accept-
able to inform the referee if additional time is needed to make
corrections.)
Sanctions/Remarks
The SANCTIONS/REMARKS section is used any time a
noteworthy situation occurs and is pertinent to the progress
of the set. It is not to be used for a scorekeepers frivolous re-
marks. Note that if information is recorded in the SANCTIONS
box, no further notation is required in the REMARKS section.
138
SANCTIONS BOX
The SANCTIONS box is used to record sanctions given by
the frst referee. Each recorded sanction should include the
specifc sanction (improper request, team delay warning,
team and individual penalties, expulsion or disqualifcation),
player number or bench personnel code (if applicable), the
team at fault (use A or B team designation), the set number
and the score at the time of the sanction. Record the score
of the team at fault to the left of the colon and the oppo-
nents score to the right of the colon.
1. Improper Request - In the IMPROPER REQUEST
section of the SANCTIONS box, place an X through
the appropriate A or B for the team that made the improper
request. If more sets are played in this match and addi-
tional scoresheets are needed, then this sanction must be
transferred to subsequent scoresheets used for the match.

2. Delay Warning (one hand placed on opposite wrist) Slash the
D in the W Warning column, record the team at fault, the set
number, and the score. If more sets are played in this match and
139
additional scoresheets are needed, then this sanction must be

3. Delay Penalty (yellow card shown on wrist) Record a D
in the P Penalty column, the team at fault, the set number,
and the score (before the penalty point has been awarded).
Slash and circle the opposing teams next point in the Points
section to indicate it was earned by a penalty. (Hint: If a sanc-
tion is recorded in the Penalty column, there
must be a corresponding penalty point awarded in
the opponents Points column.) If more sets are
played in this match and additional scoresheets
are needed, then this sanction must be transferred
to subsequent scoresheets used for the match.
4. Individual Misconduct Penalty (yellow card)
Record the player number or bench person-
nel code (refer to the legend next to the SANC-
TIONS box) in the P Penalty column, the team
at fault, the set number, and the score (before
the penalty point has been awarded). Slash and circle the
opposing teams next point in the Points section to indicate
it was earned by a penalty. (Hint: If a sanction is recorded in
the Penalty column, there must be a corresponding penalty
point awarded in the opponents Points column.) If more
sets are played in this match and additional scoresheets are
needed, then this sanction must be transferred to subsequent
140
scoresheets used for the match.

5. Expulsion (red card) -- Indicates a team member is ex-
pelled for the remainder of the set. Record the player number
or bench personnel code in the E Explsn column, the team
at fault, the set number, and the score (no penalty point
is awarded). An expelled player or substitute must remain
seated on the bench for the remainder of the set. Any other
team member (bench personnel) sanctioned by expulsion
must leave the playing area, bench and warm-up area for the
remainder of the set. If a player is expelled, the team at fault
must have a legal substitution in order to complete the set (ex-
ceptional substitutions are not allowed). Record the incoming
players number to the right of the expelled players number in
the N
o
of Players section. The expelled players number is
circled (not slashed) to indicate that player is prohibited from
returning for the set. Complete the substitution procedures
by recording the score and slashing the next available team
substitution number. If more sets are played in this match and
additional scoresheets are needed, then this sanction must be

6. Disqualifcation (red and yellow cards together) Indicates
a team member is disqualifed for the remainder of the match.
Record the player number or bench personnel code in the D
Disqual column, the team at fault, the set number, and the
score (no penalty point is awarded). Any team member sanc-
141
tioned by disqualifcation must leave the playing area, bench,
warm-up area and spectator area for the remainder of the
match. If a player is disqualifed, the team at fault must have
a legal substitution in order to complete the set (exceptional
substitutions are not allowed). Record the incoming players
number to the right of the disqualifed players number in the
N
o
of Players section. The disqualifed players number is
circled (not slashed) to indicate that player is prohibited from
returning to the game for the match. Complete the substitu-
tion procedures by recording the score and slashing the next
available team substitution number. If more sets are played in
this match and additional scoresheets are needed, then this
sanction must be transferred to subsequent scoresheets used
for the match.

Remarks Section
The REMARKS section is used to record information that
cannot be recorded in the SANCTIONS box. This informa-
tion would include the referee action (e.g., DEFAULT, excep-
tional sub (EX SUB), POINTS CANCELLED BY REFEREE,
LATE WORK TEAM PENALTY, etc.), player number or bench
personnel code (if applicable), team involved, set number and
score at the time of the incident. The preferred technique is
to record information in the REMARKS section in the same
order as the SANCTIONS box. However, the order in which
the information is recorded in the REMARKS section is not
critical as long as all the necessary information is noted. The
reason for the referee action is only required in the following
situations: defaulted set, points cancelled by the referee, and
any unusual delays to the set other than team delays.
142
Protest
If a protest is fled and accepted by the frst referee, the
scorekeeper should refer to USAV 5.1.2.1 (pp. 20-21) for the
specifc information that is recorded on the scoresheet. If a
Protest Committee makes a ruling on the protest immediately
(before the match resumes), the scorekeeper does not record
the protest facts on the scoresheet.
Set Point
The scorekeeper notifes the second referee when either teams
next successful rally would end the set. This can be indicated by
placing the index fnger on the front of the shoulder on the side of
the team with the possible set point. It is not necessary to repeat
the set point signal unless a different set point situation occurs.
POST-SET PROCEDURES
When the fnal point is earned by the winning team, the score-
keeper slashes the fnal point and then crosses forearms in front
of the chest (palms facing toward body), indicating the end of the
set/match. The scorekeeper then records the fnal point total in
the Service Rounds box as the fnal exit score. If the winning
team won the fnal point on the opponents loss of service, record
the point in the Service Rounds box of the winning teams
next server, with no check mark in the upper right corner.

From this point forward, use blue or black ink to complete
the scoresheet. The end time of the match is recorded in the
END section when the referee ends the fnal rally (HH:MM,
international time, with leading zeros if necessary). Circle the
fnal exit score in the Service Rounds box for each team.
The scorekeeper should not circle the fnal point slashed in
the Points section.
143
In the Points column, using a straight edge, the scorekeeper
neatly draws a horizontal line through the center of the frst
and last unused numbers in each column, then completes an
hourglass fgure through each column.

The Winning Team and its Score are written on the top
line in the RESULTS section with the Losing Team and
its Score written below it. The scorekeeper reviews the
scoresheet for completeness, taking special care to verify the
scores written in the RESULTS section agree with the last
point of each team that is circled in the Service Rounds
area and slashed in the Points section and that the cor-
rect winning team is noted. The scorekeeper then signs the
scoresheet in the designated area. The frst referee signs
each scoresheet to verify the fnal results are correct (the frst
referee may sign all completed scoresheets at the end of the
match). Additionally, after the match, the team A captain and
team B captain will sign each scoresheet in the box marked
A and B, respectively (EXCEPTION: for junior competition,
each coach will sign the scoresheet instead of the captain.)
Points
1 1 23
14
13
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
12
26
25
24
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
2
7
Points
1 1 23
14
13
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
12
26
25
24
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
144
When the scoresheet is completed, all sanctions and all per-
tinent remarks that affect the administration of the remaining
sets must be transferred to subsequent scoresheets used for
the match.
Forfeit or Default
If the forfeit occurs before the frst serve of the match, the
scorekeeper prepares the scoresheet for set 1 by flling in the
heading, offcials names, team names and starting line-ups of
those present. The scorekeeper flls in the numbers of all the
forfeited sets in the SET box (for example, 1/2 or
1/2/3) and records the appropriate scores and winning/
losing team names in the RESULTS section. If the 2-set
scoresheet is used, the scores and winning/losing team
names should be written in both RESULTS sections. The
scorekeeper writes FORFEIT (in large letters) across the
scoresheet. It is not necessary to slash and circle the points
in the Points column. Comments regarding the circumstanc-
es for the forfeit should be noted in the REMARKS section,

If the forfeit occurs after the completion or default of set 1,
the scorekeeper prepares the scoresheet(s) for the additional
set(s) needed to win the match. For each forfeited set, the
scorekeeper flls in the set number, the appropriate scores
and winning/losing team names in the RESULTS section,
and writes FORFEIT across the scoresheet. If more than
one set is needed to complete the match, any sets with the
145
same scoring format may use one scoresheet for multiple sets
(for example, 2/3 or 2/3/4) and an additional scoresheet for
a deciding set with a different scoring format.
A set is defaulted if one team is unable to con-
tinue playing after the set has started. The team that
defaults retains any accumulated points. The winning
team is awarded additional points up to a winning
score. The additional points for the winning team are
circled and slashed in the Points column. A com-
ment is recorded in the REMARKS section regard-
ing the reason for the default. All other appropriate
post-set procedures should then be completed.

DECIDING SET PROCEDURES
A deciding set scoresheet is used for multiple match situations. If
the fnal set of a best-of-three or best-of-fve match is needed to
determine a winner, the deciding set is played to 15 points with
a minimum two-point advantage (teams switch sides at eight
points). If the match is a single-set playoff, the set is played to
25 points with a minimum two-point advantage (teams switch
sides at 13 points). Occasionally, the third set of an automatic
3 set match is treated like a deciding set (played to 25 points,
with a second coin toss and the teams switch sides at 13 points).
If a deciding set is necessary, the scorekeeper prepares the
deciding set scoresheet by recording all heading information and
all offcials names from the previous scoresheets. All sanction
information and pertinent information in the REMARKS section
must also be transferred to the deciding set scoresheet. Write
number 5, 3 (or 1, if this is a playoff set) in the SET box.
146
After the coin toss and the determination of the serving team
and the playing area, the scorekeeper prints the name of the
team which will begin on the left court on the left section of the
scoresheet and the name of the team which will begin on the
right court in the middle section. The name of the team on the
left section will be reprinted on the far right section. Addition-
ally, the starting line-up of the team on the left section will be
duplicated on the far right section. The scorekeeper places an
X through the S for the team that is serving frst and places
an X through the R for the receiving team. Write in the A and
B team designation letters in the corresponding circles. If this
is the fnal set of the match, use the teams designations of A
or B from set one. If this is a single-set playoff, the team that
starts on the left will be team A and the team that starts on the
right will be team B. Since the player in Service Order I of
the receiving team will not serve frst, the scorekeeper places
an X in box 1 of the Service Rounds section for that player.
If the receiving team is starting on the left, do NOT duplicate
the X in the Service Rounds box on the far right side.

During the frst half of the deciding set (before the teams
switch sides), all actions for the team on the left court are
recorded on the far left side of the scoresheet and all actions
for the team on the right court are recorded in the middle sec-
tion. All substitutions (including scores and team substitutions)
and time-outs for the team on the left side are also duplicated
on the far right side of the scoresheet at the time of the ac-
tion. Do not duplicate the slashed points or the exit scores
for the team on the left to the far right side. The deciding set
147
proceeds in the same manner as a regular set until one of the
teams reaches eight points (or 13 points for a 25-point set).
The scorekeeper should notify the second referee when this
midway point is reached. At this time, the teams will switch
courts as directed by the frst referee.
While the teams are switching courts, the scorekeeper will
write the current score of the team from the left side in the
Points at Chg circle. The frst point that will be slashed for
the team on the far right will be the number after the score
that is written in the Points at Chg circle. Transfer the last
action in the Service Rounds box from the far left to the far
right, changing the check mark to a small x. (The last action
might be a check mark with no exit score, if that same team
is still serving.) Make sure the visual scoreboard is changed
to refect the teams switching sides. Below is the procedure if
the team on the far left served and won point 8.
148
Below is the procedure if the team on the right served and
won point 8 OR if the team on the far left won point 8 from the
opponents serve.
Once teams switch sides, the left side of the scoresheet is no
longer used. The set continues with the same procedures as
a regular set. At the end of the set, only the unused points in
the middle section and the far right side of the scoresheet are
hourglassed. On the right side, points that were earned prior
to the court switch are not slashed or hourglassed. The set
is completed using the rest of the post-set procedures.
Assistant Scorekeeper Responsibilities: Tracking
the Libero
The assistant scorekeeper is responsible for ensuring the
Libero replacements are correct. Libero replacements can only
take place at the start of each set after the second referee has
checked the starting line-up or after the end of a rally. Use an
L to indicate the Libero has replaced a player on the court.
The assistant scorekeeper ensures that when the Libero player
leaves the court, the player originally replaced by the Libero is the
player who returns to the court. The assistant scorekeeper is also
responsible for ensuring that at least one completed rally occurs
between each Libero replacement (unless due to Libero injury/ill-
ness or there is a forced rotation caused by a penalty). The assistant
scorekeeper must track all substitutions to ensure that the Libero
149
is entering for the correct player and that a team does not use the
Libero as a way to avoid using a substitution (if a team does
not use a Libero, the assistant scorekeeper is not required to
track that teams substitutions). An improper Libero replace-
ment becomes illegal at the moment the serve is contacted.
Immediately after the serve is contacted, the assistant score-
keeper should notify the second referee to stop the rally.
The assistant scorekeeper tracks the Libero replacements
and team substitutions on a separate sheet of paper using
any method he/she fnds easy. An example is as follows:

5 L 5 7 L 7 5
In the prior sequence, player #5 (the starter) is replaced by
the Libero, and then returns to the set. At some point player
#5 is replaced by a sub, player #7. Later, the Libero replaces
#7. It is very important to ensure that it is player #7 who
replaces the Libero, not the original starter (player #5). Once
the replaced player #7 is back on the court, then a sub can be
made during the same dead ball period, if desired, to return
the original starter, player #5 (or another player), to the court.
A simple form similar to the one to
the right may also be used. The
form allows the assistant score-
keeper to track any replacement
by the Libero easily. The player
uniform numbers are written in po-
sition order by the Roman numeral
boxes as refected on the line-up
sheet. A small c should be placed after the designated foor
captain.

150
If the playing captain is replaced by the Libero, the assistant
scorekeeper must notify the second referee, so a new playing
captain can be designated. The assistant scorekeeper should
write a c next to the number of the replacement captain.
When the starting captain returns to the game, the assistant
scorekeeper should automatically write a c next to the num-
ber of the starting captain and slash through the alternate c.
If the playing captain is subbed out, the assistant scorekeeper
should write a c next to the number of the replacement cap-
tain. If the starting captain returns to the game, the assistant
scorekeeper should automatically write a c next to the num-
ber of the starting captain and slash through the alternate c.
If the Libero has been re-designated, the assistant scorekeep-
er should circle the Libero number in the box and record the
number of the new Libero next to or above the box.
For a deciding set, the assistant scorekeeper should record
the name of the team starting on the left in the left and far
right sections, and the team starting on the right in the middle
section. The assistant scorekeeper records the starting line-
ups for both teams. The line-up for the team starting on the
left is duplicated on the far right. During the frst half of the
deciding set (before the teams switch sides), all substitutions
for the team on the left court are recorded on the far left side
and far right side of the Libero tracking sheet, while the Libero
151
replacements are recorded on the far left side only. All sub-
stitutions and Libero replacements for the team on the right
court are recorded in the middle section.

When the teams switch courts, the assistant scorekeeper
tracks the Libero replacements and team substitutions in the
middle and far right sections for the remainder of the set.
152
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENTS
PROCEDURES ONLY
The following techniques and procedures should be used at
all National Championship events:
The scorekeeper should use pen throughout the match.
The scorekeeper obtains a roster from each team and verifes
all players uniform numbers and bench personnel with the as-
sistance of the second referee. If requested by Championship,
team members photo identifcation will be checked at this time.
Once the roster is obtained by the scorekeeper, changes may not
be made to the roster except by the Championship Desk. The
only roster notation allowed at courtside by the scorekeeper is a
players age verifcation (code AV! is listed next to the players
name). After verifying the roster, the scorekeeper writes his/her
initials in the lower right corner. It is acceptable to have multiple
scorekeeper initials on the roster.
After the roster has been initialed and the line-up has been sub-
mitted, the numbers of the starting players are verifed against
the roster. The roster captain, indicated with a K on the roster,
is the playing captain whenever he/she is in the game (unless
this player is the Libero). Legal substitutes are written on the
scoresheet in the space provided between the Substitution
area, which is below the Time Outs section. Do not write the
Libero number in this section. If the roster captain is one of the
available substitutes, write a K next to the number as a helpful
reminder (ex, 6K). If a team has no available substitutes, record
NO SUBS in this space. When a substitution request is made,
the number of the substitute is verifed as being legal and is
slashed (or dotted) in this section.
Copyright 2009
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form,
under the international Pan-American and Universal Copyright Conventions.
153
The tournament is the 2009
USAV Open Championships held
at the convention center in Minne-
apolis, Minn. This is the first set of
a Womens 50s match (match No.
2) from the pool R1G1P3. The
Cobras are playing the Eagles.
It will be held May 27, 2009, on
court 10 with the scheduled match
time of 9:05 a.m. The first referee
is Jane Doe, the second referee is
John Public and the scorekeeper
is Sam Uncle. The work team
is Spider Monkeys from the XY
region.
Eagles win the coin toss and
choose to receive. Cobras
choose the court to the left of
the scorekeeper.

SCOREKEEPING EXAMPLES
(SAMPLE SETS)
Explanation of Scorekeeping Example
Non-deciding Set
Information Action
Prior to the first set of the
match, complete all heading in-
formation in blue or black ink. In
the OFFICIALS section,print
the names of the referees
and scorekeeper (last name,
first name) in capital letters.
Write 1 in the SET box in the
RESULTS section (if not pre-
printed).
Using blue or black ink, print
COBRAS on the left side and
EAGLES on the right side.
Print an A in the circle next to
Cobras and B in the circle next
to Eagles. Place an X over the
circled R for the receiving team
and an X over the circled S
for the serving team. In addi-
tion, place an X in Service
Rounds box 1 for the Eagles
Position I player.

154
Cobras and Eagles submit
their line-ups as shown below.
Eagles will use a Libero, #16,
while Cobras will not. Based
on the team rosters, the avail-
able subs for Cobras are 6, 14
and 18. The available subs for
Eagles are 4 and 22.
While checking the Eagles
line-up, the second referee
notices that Eagles #4 is on the
court instead of #14. Eagles
#14 is not present at the mo-
ment, so the team must use a
substitution (#4 for #14). After
the second referee checks the
Eagles line-up, Eagles Libero
replaces #7.
Use blue or black ink to enter
the line-ups in the N
o
of
Players section. Enter the
Libero number in the Libero
# box next to the Eagles
team name. Place an X in
the Libero # box next to the
Cobras team name. (Recom-
mended technique: Record
each teams available substi-
tutes in the space next to the
Substitution section [below
the Time Outs box]).
This information may be re-
corded in pencil or ink. Slash
the number 14 in the Eagles
N
o
of Players section and
write 4 to the right on the
same line. In the frst box in the
Score at Change section
for position IV, record Eagles
score in the upper half and
Cobras score in the lower half
(0-0). Slash number 1 in the
Substitution row below the
Eagles scoring section. (Rec-
ommended technique: Use
the list of available substitutes
to confrm the incoming player
is legal. Indicate the available
substitute was used by plac-
ing a dot next to or slashing
through the number. (contd)
Information Action
155
After the second referee
checks Cobras line-up, the
frst referee notices that Co-
bras #23 is wearing a neck-
lace and issues a team delay
warning.
The frst referee whistles and
beckons for serve at 9:05 a.m.
Cobras #15 serves and wins
a point.
Cobras #15 serves an ace,
then serves the ball out of
bounds.
Eagles #3 serves and wins
the rally on a close line call.
The Cobras captain com-
plains persistently about the
line call and the frst referee
issues a verbal warning.
This information may be re-
corded in pencil or ink. In the
frst row of the SANCTIONS
box, slash the D in the W
Warning column, record A
in the A/B column, write 1 in
the SET column, and record
the score (0-0).
Using blue or black ink, enter
the time (09:05) in the START
box.
Pencil is now optional. Record
a small check mark (a) on
top of the 1 in the Service
Rounds box for Cobras #15.
Then slash point 1 in the Points
column of Cobras.
Sl ash poi nt 2 for Cobras.
Write the exit score of 2 for
Cobras and slash point 1 in the
Points column of Eagles.
Check the 1 in the Service
Rounds box of #3 and slash
point 2 in the Points column.
The verbal warning is not re-
corded on the scoresheet.
Information Action
156
Eagles #3 serves again and
wins the next point. Cobras
make a substitution, #14 for
#15.
While the substitution is ad-
ministered, the Cobras captain
displays strong disagreement
over a ball-handling no-call
and the previous line call. The
frst referee sanctions Cobras
#10 with a yellow card.
Slash point 3 in the Points
column. Slash #15 in Cobras
N
o
of Players section and
write 14 to the right on the
same line. Record the score
(2-3) in the first box in the
Score at Change section
and slash number 1 in the
Substitution row. (Recom-
mended technique: Use the
list of available substitutes to
confrm the incoming player is
legal. Indicate the available
substitute was used by plac-
ing a dot next to or slashing
through the number.)
In the frst available row of the
SANCTIONS box, write 10
in the P Penalty column,
write A in the A/B column,
record 1 in the SET column,
and record the score at the
time of the sanction, listing
Cobras score frst (2-3). In
addition, slash and circle point
4 for Eagles.
Information Action
157
Cobras take a time-out.
the rally. Cobras make a sub-
stitution, #6 for #47. Eagles
#3 serves and wins two quick
points, then serves the ball
into the net.
Cobras #8 serves and wins a
point. Then #8s next serve
results in the loss of rally.
Information Action
Record the time-out in the Time
Outs box located under the
Cobras Points column, listing
Cobras score frst (2-4).
Slash point 5 for Eagles in the
Points column. Slash Cobras
#47 in the N
o
of Players
section and write 6 to the im-
mediate right on the same line.
In the frst box in the Score at
Change section for position
IV, record the Cobras score in
the upper half of the box and the
Eagles score in the lower half
(2-5). Slash number 2 in the
Substitution row below the
Cobras scoring section. Slash
points 6 and 7 for Eagles in the
Points column. Record the
exit score of 7 and slash point
3 for Cobras.
Rounds box of Cobras #8.
column. Record the exit score
of 4 and slash point 8 for
Eagles.
158
Eagles #7 replaces the Libero.
Eagles make a sub, #22 for #1.
three points. Cobras make a
substitution, #18 for #2.
two more points, then serves
the ball out.
Slash Eagles #1 and write
22 to the right on the same
line. In the frst box in the
Score at Change section,
record the Eagles score in
the upper half of the box and
the Cobras score in the lower
half (8-4). Slash number 2 in
the Substitution row below
the Eagles scoring section.
Rounds box of Eagles #22.
Slash points 9, 10, and 11 for
Eagles. Slash Cobras #2 in
the N
o
of Players section
and write 18 to the right on
the same line. In the frst box
in the Score at Change
section for position VI, record
the Cobras score in the upper
half of the box and the Eagles
score in the lower half (4-11).
Slash number 3 in the Sub-
stitution row.
Slash points 12 and 13. Re-
cord the exit score of 13 and
slash point 5 for Cobras.
Information Action
159
Eagles Libero replaces #22.
Cobras #6 serves the ball
instead of the correct server,
#10.
Cobras captain requests a
line-up check. Eagles #4
serves and the frst referee
stops the rally when a ball
rolls onto the court. The frst
referee signals a play-over.
After the frst referee whistles
to authorize the serve, Eagles
#14 (who arrived after the set
started) enters the substitution
zone. The second referee
denies the request (contd)
Information Action
The scorekeeper should know
the wrong server is going to
serve but must wait until the
serving fault occurs. As soon as
#6 contacts the ball for service,
the scorekeeper notifies the
second referee, either verbally
or by sounding a horn or whistle.
Since #10 never served the
ball during this term of service,
no check mark is made in the
Service Rounds box. Record
the exit score of 5 and slash
point 14 for Eagles. No ad-
ditional notations or comments
are required.
If requested, the scorekeeper
should use the scoresheet to
inform the second referee of Co-
bras correct rotation. Check the
1 in the Service Rounds box
of Eagles #4. The scorekeeper
does not record play-overs
on the scoresheet. Verify the
visible scoreboard refects the
correct score and that no point
was inadvertently added.
column. In the next available row
of the SANCTIONS box, slash
the IR in the IR Improper Re-
quest column, write B in the
A/B column, write 1 in (contd)
160
without whistling, and the rally
continues. Eagles win the
rally. The frst referee sanc-
tions Eagles with an improper
request.
Eagles #4 serves and wins a
point. Cobras make a sub,
#15 for #14. Eagles make a
sub, #14 for #4. Eagles #14
serves and the Cobras win
the rally.
point on a kill.
Immediately after indicating
Cobras won the rally, the frst
referee realizes the line judge
signalled an antenna viola-
tion against Cobras. The frst
referee changes the call and
signals that Eagles won the
previous rally.
the SET column, and the
score (14-5). Note that the
score should refect when the
improper request actually oc-
curred, which was before the
last rally was completed.
Slash point 16. Slash Cobras
#14 and write 15 to the right
on the same line. Record the
score (5-16) in the second box
in the Score at Change
section below the previous
score. Slash number 4 in the
Substitution row. Slash
Eagl es #4 and wri te 14
on the same line. Record
the score (16-5) in the third
Score at Change box.
Slash number 3 in the Sub-
stitution row. Record the
exit score of 16 and slash
point 6 for Cobras.
Rounds box for #6. Slash
point 7 for Cobras.
If the scorekeeper slashed point
7 in pencil, the scorekeeper can
erase the slash mark. If the
scorekeeper slashed point 7 in
ink, place an X over the slashed
point and write 7 next to the X.
If available, the scorekeeper may
use correction fuid/tape to delete
the slashed point (contd)

Information Action
161
Eagles #5 serves and Eagles
win the rally on a great block.
#5 serves again but commits
a foot fault.
Cobras have some confu-
sion and take a time-out to
regroup.
At the end of the time-out,
Cobras players are cleaning
up a large water spill near
the sideline, which delays the
game. The frst referee is-
sues a team delay penalty.
Eagles #1 replaces the
Libero. Eagles #7 serves the
ball and wins the rally.
and write 7 in the Points
column. Record the exit score
Eagles.
Check number 1 in the Service
Rounds box for position V and
slash point 18. Record the exit
score of 18 and slash point 7
for Cobras. No other action is
needed for a foot fault.
Record the score (7-18) in Cobras
second Time Outs box.
In the next available row of the
SANCTIONS box, write D in
the P Penalty column, write
A in the A/B column, write
1 in the SET column, and
write the score (7-18). The
penalty results in a loss of rally
for Cobras. Since Cobras #23
did not serve, do not check the
1 in Service Rounds box.
Record the exit score of 7 for
Cobras and slash and circle
point 19 for Eagles.
Check number 1 in the Ser-
vice Rounds box in position
IV. Slash point 20.

Information Action
162
The assistant scorekeeper
notifes the second referee
that Eagles #22 should have
replaced the Libero instead
of Eagles #1. The frst
referee signals that Eagles
lost the previous rally due to
an improper player on the
court. Eagles #22 returns to
the court and Eagles Libero
replaces #7.
Eagles make a substitution,
#1 for #22. Cobras #18
serves the ball and wins the
rally.
At the end of the previous rally,
Cobras #10 twists an ankle and
cannot continue to play. Cobras
make an exceptional substitu-
tion, #47 for #10. The second
referee asks #10 who (contd)
Information Action
In the REMARKS section,
record the comment, CANCEL
PT 20, B, SET 1, 20-7, IM-
PROPER PLAYER on CT. If
point 20 was slashed in pencil,
the scorekeeper can erase the
slash mark. If point 20 was
slashed in ink, the scorekeeper
should place an X over the
slashed point and write 20
next to the X. If available,
the scorekeeper may use cor-
rection fuid/tape to delete the
slashed point and write 20 in
the Points column. Record
the exit score of 19 and slash
point 8 for Cobras.
Slash Eagles #22 and write 1
to the right on the same line.
Record the score (19-8) in the
second Score at Change
box below the previous score.
Slash number 4 in the Substi-
tution row. Check number 1
in the Service Rounds box
for Cobras #18. Slash point 9.
In the REMARKS section,
record the comment, EX SUB 47
FOR 10, A, SET 1, 9-19. Circle
#10 (to indicate #10 can no longer
enter the match) and write 47 to
the right on the same (contd)
163
will be the new playing cap-
tain. #6 is designated as the
replacement captain.
Cobras #18 serves and loses
the rally.
Eagles make a sub, #4 for
#14. Eagles #9 serves and
wins four quick points. #9
serves again and loses the
rally.

line. Since an exceptional
substitution is not charged as
a team substitution, do not re-
cord a score in the Score at
Change section and do not
slash the next number in the
Substitution row. Record
a small c next to #6.
Record the exit score of 9 and
slash point 20 for Eagles.
4 to the right (if the frst line
is flled, write 4 to the far left
of the second line). Record
the score (20-9) in the third
box in the Score at Change
section. Slash number 5 in the
Substitution row. Check
number 2 in the Service
Rounds box for Eagles #9.
Slash points 21, 22, 23 and 24.
Record the exit score of 24.
Slash point 10 for Cobras.

Information Action
All Service Rounds boxes labeled with the number 1
have now been used. For the next round of serves, the
scorekeeper will use the Service Rounds boxes labeled
with the number 2.
164
into the net.
The set ends at 9:22 a.m.

Check number 2 in the Ser-
vice Rounds box for Cobras
#15. Record the exit score
Eagles. Write 25 in the Ser-
vice Rounds box of the next
Eagles server (#3). Since #3
didnt serve for that point, do
not make a check mark in this
box.
Use blue or black ink for the
post-set procedures. Re-
cord the time (09:22) in the
END box. Circle the fnal exit
score (in the last Service
Rounds box) for each team.
Record the Winning Team
and score and the Losing
Team and score in the RE-
SULTS section. The score-
keeper draws an hourglass
through the unused points in
the Points column.
The scorekeeper checks the
scoresheet carefully to ensure
its completeness and accura-
cy, then signs the scoresheet.
If the scoresheet has sets
1 and 2 on a single page,
the scorekeeper will sign the
scoresheet after the second
set is complete. If a separate
(contd)
Information Action
165

scoresheet will be used for
set 2, the scorekeeper will
copy the pertinent informa-
tion in the SANCTIONS
and REMARKS sections to
the set 2 scoresheet. (Note:
the CANCELLED POINT
comment does not affect the
administration of subsequent
sets and should not be cop-
ied). After the match, the frst
referee will sign each complet-
ed scoresheet. Additionally,
after the match, the team A
captain and the team B cap-
tain will sign each scoresheet
in the box marked A and B,
respectively (EXCEPTION:
for juniors competition, the
coach will sign the scoresheet
instead of the captain).
Information Action
166
167
The tournament is the 2009
USAV Open Championships
held at the convention center
in Minneapolis, Minn. This is
the deciding set (set 3) of a
Womens 50s match (match
#2) from pool R1G1P3.
The Cobras are playing the
Eagles. It will be held May
27, 2009, on court 10 with the
scheduled match time of 9:05
a.m. The frst referee is Jane
Doe, the second referee is
John Public, and the score-
keeper is Sam Uncle. The
work team is Spider Monkeys
from the XY region. Cobras
started set 1 on the left court
(team A). Eagles won set 1,
25-10. Cobras won set 2, 25-
20, which ended at 9:47 a.m.
Eagles win the coin toss for
the deciding set and choose
the court on the right. Cobras
choose to receive.
The scorekeeper records all
heading information, offcials
names, and sanctions and
pertinent remarks carried over
from sets 1 and 2, using blue or
black ink. Write 3 in the Set
box in the RESULTS section.
Record the start time (09:50) in
the START box.
Using blue or black ink, the
scorekeeper writes COBRAS
on the far left and far right sec-
tions and writes EAGLES on
the middle section. Write the
appropriate A and B desig-
(contd)
Information Action
SCOREKEEPING EXAMPLES
(SAMPLE SETS)
Explanation of Scorekeeping Example
Deciding Set

168
Cobras and Eagles submit
their line-ups as shown
below. Based on the team
rosters, the available subs
for Eagles are 14, and 22.
The available subs for Co-
bras are 8 and 14.
After the second referee
checks the line-ups, Eagles
Libero replaces #7. Eagles
#3 serves and wins the rally.
#3 serves again and wins the
next three points. Cobras take
a time-out.
Pencil is now optional. Check the
number 1 in the Service Rounds
box for Eagles #3. Slash points
1, 2, 3, and 4. Record the Co-
bras time-out on the far left and
far right sections (0-4).
Information Action
nations in all three sections.
The scorekeeper places an
X over the circled S next
to Eagles. The scorekeeper
places an X over the circled R
for Cobras. On the far left side
only, the scorekeeper places an
X in the Service Rounds
box 1 for the Cobras position
I player.
Use blue or black ink to enter
the line-ups in the N
o
of Play-
ers section. Write Cobras
line-up on the far left and far
right sections. (Recommend-
ed technique: Record each
teams available substitutes
in the space next to the Sub-
stitution section [below the
Time Outs boxes on the
right half]).
169
Eagles #3 serves and loses
the rally.
point. #47 serves and wins two
more points. #47s next serve
lands out.
Cobras make a substitution, #8
for #47. Eagles #1 serves and
Cobras win the rally.
Write number 4 in the Ser-
vice Rounds box for Eagles
#3. Slash point 1 for Cobras
in the far left Points column
only.
Check the number 1 in the
Service Rounds box for
Cobras #47. Slash points 2, 3,
and 4 for Cobras in the far left
Points column only. Write 4
as the exit score. Slash point
5 for Eagles.
On the far left side, slash Cobras
#47 and write B to the right
on the same line. Record
the score in the Score at
Change box (4-5) and slash
number 1 in the Substitu-
tion row. Copy ALL substitu-
tion information to the far right
side. (Recommended tech-
nique: Use the list of avail-
able substitutes to confirm
the incoming player is legal.
Indicate the available substi-
tute was used by placing a dot
next to or slashing through the
number.) Check the number 1
in the Service Rounds box
for Eagles #1. Write 5 as the
exit score and slash point 5 for
Cobras in the far left Points
column only.
Information Action
170
Information Action
Cobras #6 serves and earns
two points. #6 serves the next
ball out.
Eagles #14 serves the ball and
loses the rally.
The frst referee whistles and
signals for the teams to switch
courts.
Check the number 1 in the Ser-
vice Rounds box for Cobras #6
and slash points 6 and 7 in the far
left Points column only. Write 7
as the exit score and slash point
6 for Eagles.
Eagles #14. Record 6 as the
exit score and slash point 8 for
Cobras in the far left Points
column only.
While the teams switch courts,
write 8 in the Pts at Chg circle
on the far right side (above the
Cobras Points column). The
next point that will be slashed
in the far right Points column
will be point 9. Transfer the
last action from the far left
Service Rounds box to the
far right (the a in the box on
the far left becomes an x on
the far right). In this case, in
the Service Rounds box
under Cobras #6 on the far
right, mark an x over the
number 1 and write 7 as the
exit score. The next Service
Rounds box to be used will
be for Cobras #23. Do not
record anything else on the
far left side for the remainder
of the set.
171
Information Action
Write the score (6-8) in Eagles
frst Time Outs box.
Slash #8 and record 47 (use
the second line if the frst line
is filled). Record the score
(8-6) in the second Score at
Change box below the frst
score and slash number 2 in
the Substitution row. Check
the number 1 in the Service
Rounds box for Cobras #23
and write 8 as the exit score.
Slash point 7 for Eagles in their
Points column.
Slash Eagles #14 and record
4 to the right and slash Eagles
#9 and record 22 to the right.
Write the score (7-8) in the frst
Score at Change box for
both subs and slash numbers
1 and 2 in the Substitution
row. Check the number 1 in
the Service Rounds box for
Eagles #5 and slash points 8,
9, and 10. Record the score
(8-10) in Cobras second Time
Outs box.
Eagles request a time-out at
the same time that Cobras #47
enters the sub zone. The sec-
ond referee acknowledges the
time-out request and informs
#47 that the sub will be admin-
istered after the time-out.
Cobras substitute #47 for #8.
and loses the rally.
Eagles make two subs, #4 for
#14 and #22 for #9. Eagles #5
serves and wins three points.
Cobras take a time-out.
172
Information Action
Eagles #5 serves the ball into
the net. Cobras #2 serves and
loses the rally.
Cobras make a sub, #14 for
#47. Eagles #7 serves the ball
out of bounds.
Cobras #15 serves and Eagles
win the rally.
Eagles make a sub, #9 for #22.
Eagles #4 makes an extremely
rude comment through the net
toward the opponents. The
frst referee sanctions #4 with
a misconduct penalty.
Write 10 as the exit score
for Eagles #5 and slash point
9 for Cobras. Check the
Rounds box for Cobras
#2. Write 9 as the exit
score and slash point 11 for
Eagles.
Slash Cobras #47 and write
14 to the right. Record the
score (9-11) in the Score
at Change box and slash
number 3 in the Substitu-
tion row. Check the number
1 in the Service Rounds
box for Eagles #7 and write
11 as the exit score. Slash
point 10 for Cobras.
Cobras #15. Write 10 as
the exit score and slash point
12 for Eagles.
22 to the right (use the
second line if the frst line is
flled). Write the score (12-
10) in the second Score at
Change box. Slash number
3 in the Substitution row
In the next available row of
the SANCTIONS box, write
4 in the P Penalty col-
umn, write B in the (contd)
173
Information Action
Eagles #14 enters the sub zone.
However, there was no completed
rally between the Eagles two sub-
stitution requests, and the second
referee denies the sub (without
whistling). Since this is the Ea-
gles second improper request in
the match, the frst referee issues
a team delay warning.
Cobras #18 serves and wins
the rally. Eagles make a sub,
#14 for #4. Cobras #18s next
serve lands out.
A/B column, write 3 in the
SET column, and the score
(12-10). The penalty results
in a point and service to Co-
bras. Write 12 as the exit
score but do not check the
Rounds box for Eagles #9.
Slash and circle point 11 for
Cobras.
In the next available row
of the SANCTIONS box,
slash the D in the W Warn-
ing column, write B in the
A/B column, write 3 in the
Set column, and record the
score (12-11).
Check the number 2 in the Ser-
vice Rounds box for Cobras
#18 and slash point 12 for Cobras.
Slash Eagles #4 and write 14
(use the second line if the first
line is filled). Record the score
(12-12) in the second Score at
Change box and slash number
4 in the Substitution row. Write
12 as the exit score and slash
point 13 for Eagles.
All Service Rounds boxes labeled with the number 1 have
now been used. For the next round of serves, the scorekeeper
will use the Service Rounds boxes labeled with the number 2.
174
Information Action
Eagles #3 serves and wins the
next two points.
The set ends at 10:17 a.m.
Eagles #3 and slash points
14 and 15.
Use blue or black ink for the
post-set procedures. Record
the time (10:17) in the END
box. Circle the fnal exit score
(in the last Service Rounds
box) for each team. Record
the Winning Team and
score and the Losing Team
and score in the RESULTS
section. The scorekeeper
draws an hourglass through
the unused points in the
Points columns on the right
half only.
The scorekeeper checks the
scoresheet for completeness
and accuracy, then signs the
scoresheet. After the match,
the frst referee will sign
each completed scoresheet.
Additionally, after the match,
the team A captain and
team B captain will sign
each scoresheet in the box
marked A and B, respective-
ly (EXCEPTION: for juniors
competition, the coach will
sign the scoresheet instead
of the captain).
175
176
BASIC PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING
A USA VOLLEYBALL MATCH/COMPETITION
FOR REFEREES
These are the basic procedures to be followed when conducting
offcial USA Volleyball matches or competitions. More detailed
information for each of these items can be found in the USAV
Referee Guidelines and Instructions.
1. OFFICIALS
a. The offcials should be certifed USA Volleyball refer-
ees and scorers.
b. The prescribed USA Volleyball uniform and certifcation
patch should be worn by all referees.
c. At a minimum, referee equipment includes a whistle
with lanyard, a set of yellow/red cards, a fipping coin
and a watch or timing device.
2. ARRIVAL
a. Referees should arrive at the playing venue no fewer
than 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition.
b. The tournament director or event manager should be loca-
ted at that time, and playing formats, ground rules, warm-up
procedures and other protocols should be determined.
3. MATCH PREPARATION
a. Referees should examine the court and playing equipment
prior to the frst match: identify court lines, playing area,
and any foor obstructions; determine rulings for overhead
obstructions; examine the playing equipment (including
net, antennas, posts, referee stand and game balls); and
verify the net height and ball pressure.
b. Scorers should ensure pens, pencils, score sheets and
Libero tracking sheets are available at the scorers table.
Lineup sheets and rosters may also be required.
177
4. REFEREES PRE-MATCH DUTIES
a. Prior to the coin toss, the frst and second referees
must discuss their match responsibilities, as well as
communication techniques that will be used between
them during the match. This should include: discreet
help from the second referee; addressing conduct issues;
and ensuring consistent application of ground rules.
b. Preferably prior to the coin toss, or immediately there-
after, the referees will meet with the offciating crew to
give instructions to the line judges (frst referee) and
scoring crew (frst or second referee).
c. Conduct a coin toss between the team captains prior to
the start of the timed warm-up period. Once tossed, the
coin should be caught and the result immediately revealed.
d. After the coin toss, the frst referee will supervise warm-
up periods and may request the second referee to time
their duration. Note: In the event a team does not choose
to use its time on the court, the court shall remain unoccupied.
e. During the warm-up period, the frst referee must verify
the legality of each teams player and Libero uniforms.
All players must wear uniforms as prescribed in Rule 4.3.
f. At the end of the warm-up period, the frst or second
referee will blow a whistle to indicate that the warm-up
period is over and players are to clear the court.
g. Referees and other offcials take their assigned places.
5. START OF THE FIRST SET OF THE MATCH
a. Teams line up on the end line of their respective team
courts. When both teams are ready, the frst referee will
blow a whistle and motion for players to take their posi-
tions on their court.
b. The second referee, using each teams submitted line-up
sheet, and the scorer, using the score sheet, will verify
that players are in the correct positions on the court. No
corrections may be made unless an error or omission has
178
been made by the scorer prior to the start of play under the
provisions of Rules 4.1.3, 7.3.2 and 7.3.4. No other
changes may be made in the line-ups to correct an error
made by teams in preparing the line-up sheets. NOTE: A
substitution prior to the start of any set is permitted.
c. Upon completing the line-up check, the second referee
will permit any Libero replacements to occur and confrm
that the assistant scorer has recorded them.
d. The second referee then retrieves the game ball from the
score table and delivers it to the frst server of the match.The
second referee will then take a position on the receiving
teams side of the net and indicate ready to the frst referee.
The frst referee whistles and beckons for the frst service of
the set. This marks the time the set offcially begins.
e. Prior to the contact of the serve, serving team players
should be in their correct positions on the court, with no
distracting movements. Continual or distracting movement
may be construed as screening. The frst referee must be
aware of screening during all service actions.
6. DURING THE MATCH
a. Each referee has specifc duties and responsibilities du-
ring the match as outlined in Rules 23 and 24.
b. Judgment and ball handling decisions, as well as match con-
trol, fow and tempo, are very important for any frst referee.
c. Match administration (substitutions, time-outs, etc.), com-
munication with the team benches and scorers table,
and positioning/focus during net play are important as-
pects of working as a second referee.
d. Line judge, scorer and assistant scorer duties are clarifed
in Rules 25, 26 and 27, respectively.
7. PROCEDURES FOR REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
a. Substitutes should enter the substitution zone and
wait to be authorized to enter. Only entry into the sub-
179
stitution zone is considered a request for substitution. For
multiple substitutions by the same team during a dead
ball period, each player and his/her substitute must enter
the substitution zone in succession, one pair at a time,
and must wait until entry is authorized by the second
referee. For multiple substitutions by the same team,
there can be no delay between incoming substitutes.
When opponents request substitutions simultaneously,
the second referee must ask that one team wait while the
other teams substitution is administered and recorded.
After this substitution has been recorded, the second
referee will whistle to recognize the substitution for the
other team and then authorize the substitute to enter the
game.
b. When the coach or playing captain requests a time-out,
the second (or frst) referee should immediately whistle,
show Signal 4, Time-out, and then indicate the team
by pointing, open-handed, toward that teams bench. The
second referee will then visually inform the frst referee of
the number of time-outs each team has taken. After
30 seconds have elapsed, the second referee must
blow a whistle to end the time-out. Teams should im-
mediately retake the court. The second referee will then
verbally and visually notify each teams coach only when
that teams second time-out has been taken. The frst
referee prepares for the next rally.
8. END OF THE SET AND START OF THE NEXT SET
a. A set offcially ends when the whistle is blown for the
fault resulting in the winning point. The set interval
begins when the frst referee executes Signal 9, End
of Set. Following the whistle indicating the end of a set,
the referee will direct the teams to change playing areas
and benches immediately, with the exception of the
interval before the deciding set. In all but the deciding
180
set, the players proceed to their right until they reach
their new bench area with the team on the left passing
behind, or if court space is limited, directly in front of, the
frst referee and proceeding to the bench.
b. The second referee will collect the line-ups from both
teams as quickly as possible during the set interval; how-
ever, line-ups must be submitted within two minutes
and 30 seconds during the set interval. With 30 sec-
onds remaining in the interval, the second referee will
blow a whistle and teams shall immediately report to the
court and line up in their proper positions to start the set.
c. When a deciding set will be necessary, the teams follow
a different procedure at the end of the set prior to the de-
ciding set. Following the whistle indicating the end of the
set, the frst referee will release the teams to their respec-
tive benches. The game captains for each team then im
mediately meet at the scorers table, where the frst (or
second) referee will conduct the coin toss for the deciding
set. Once the choice of sides has been determined, the frst
referee whistles and directs the teams to their appropriate
team areas, using the procedure specifed in 8a above if
a change of court is necessary. The procedure for the start
of the deciding set is the same as stated in 8b.
9. CHANGE OF TEAM AREAS DURING A DECIDING SET
a. When teams change team areas during a deciding set of
a match (Rule 18.2 & USAV 6.3b), the frst referee will
blow a whistle and show Signal 3, Change of Courts.
Teams will change playing areas as noted in 8a above,
without delay and with player positions remaining the
same.
b. Substitutes and other team personnel will change team
areas in front of the scorers table.
c. If requested, the second referee will verify that players
are in their correct positions on the court.
181
10. AT THE END OF THE MATCH
a. Following the whistle indicating the last rally of a
match, the frst referee will whistle again and display
Signal 9, End of Match, and direct the players of each
team to line up on the end line of their team court.
b. When both teams are in position, the frst referee will
blow a fnal whistle and motion for the teams to
proceed to the center of the court to shake hands with
the opponents.
c. The second referee will ensure that the game ball is
returned to the designated area for safekeeping.
d. Both team captains shall thank the referees.
e. The frst referee will then review the scoresheet to
verify the fnal results. The second referee will locate
the coaches (or captains for adult competition) to sign
the scoresheet(s). After the captains/coaches have
signed the scoresheet(s), the frst referee will sign the
scoresheet(s).
f. Referees will then immediately depart the playing area.

182
USA Volleyball Match Protocol for Use at the Adult
Open Tournaments
Countdown Activity in Control Area
to First Serve
10:00 REFEREES: Check net height.
TEAMS: Stretch/pepper on own courts.
9:30 REFEREES/CAPTAINS/HEAD COACHES:
Coin toss; captains sign scoresheet, followed
by head coachs signature; second referee
delivers line-up sheets.
TEAMS: Continue to stretch/pepper on own courts.
8:30 REFEREES: First referee whistle starts 6
minutes (or 3/3) warm-up; instruct line judges
and scorers; check equipment.
TEAMS: Teams warm up on (off) court.
6:00 REFEREES: Second referee collects line-
ups from coaches, submits to scorer.
(5:30) (1st REFEREE ends/starts 1st/2nd warm-up.)
2:30 REFEREES: First referee whistles end of warm-up.
TEAMS: Go to benches/prepare for presen-
tation of match.
2:00 REFEREES: Line-up on sideline in front zone
near scorers table.
TEAMS: Line up on sideline in back zone
(captain frst).
RFS/TMS: 1st leads all to center/whistles to
shake hands/then teams return to benches
for fnal talk.
1:00 REFEREES: Presentation/shake hands,
then to positions.
TEAMS: All at benches/prepare for start.
:30 REFEREES: 2nd checks line-ups/gives ball
to frst server.
TEAMS: Starters line up on court/Libero
awaiting 2nds approval/substitutes seated at
bench or in warm-up area.
:00 REFEREES: 1st whistles for frst service.
183
USA Volleyball Junior Match Protocol
184
GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING INDOOR
TOURNAMENTS/LEAGUES
To assure maximum effciency and consistency throughout USA
Volleyball in the conduct of sanctioned competition, as well as
fair and equitable treatment of teams and players, principles
and guidelines have been established by USA Volleyball.
These Guidelines should be considered as the national mini-
mum standard and should be an integral part of the sanction
agreement with USA Volleyball and/or the Regional Volleyball
Association.

It is recognized that not all organizations and facilities have the
minimum resources available to meet these minimum standards
continually. In these cases, reasonable alternatives should be
provided.

The rules offer many options to allow for a wide range of use.
It is the responsibility of the Tournament or League Director to
specify in writing which options or modifcations to the rules will
be enforced. Players must be notifed of all Tournament/League
Regulations prior to the start of play and preferably before the
acceptance of any entries.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. All tournament regulations must be within the guidelines
of the governing organization.
2. Common sense may dictate that adaptations to the
rules may enhance the playing experience in certain
situations.
3. All adaptations to the rules and tournament guidelines
must be for the improvement of the game for the
participants involved. Principles of fairness and
increased participation should guide decisions to
adapt playing rules.
185
4. When in doubt, contact the volleyball authority within
your organization.
B. APPLICATION/PREPARATION
1. Tournament Directors should apply for and receive
sanction from their respective state, regional or national
authority. Requests for any waivers to the rules should be
submitted to the appropriate authority at this time or as
soon as the need has been determined.
2. Obtain the correct forms and equipment to have avail-
able at the site such as:
a. Appropriate equipment (nets, standards, anten-
nae, volleyball, etc.) to conduct competition
consistent with the rules.
b. A copy of the current Domestic Competition
Regulations and any specifc tournament/league
guidelines.
c. USA Volleyball score sheets, line-up sheets and
Libero tracking sheets. These may be printed
from the web site at www.usavolleyball.org or
purchased through the on-line store.
3. For large, multi-court tournaments, the following is
recommended:
a. A non-playing tournament director/manager with
the sole responsibility of keeping the tournament
on schedule and properly recorded; OR
b. A court manager for every 1-4 courts, all of whom
are collectively charged with the above responsi-
bilities; AND
c. A non-playing certifed referee in charge who shall
be designated to handle all referee assignments.
d. The duties of the Head Referee may include identi-
fying a protest committee and working with the
tournament director to identify ground rules. He/
she may also be charged with setting a referee
186
schedule when certifed match offcials are used.
4. For smaller tournaments and leagues, some of
these duties may be combined.
a. A one-court facility may require only one person
to act as the site director and the referee.
b. A two- to four-court facility with a paid referee on each
court might require only one tournament/league
director, who may also act as head offcial.
C. FEES/AWARDS
1. Each tournament situation is unique. The entry fee
should be commensurate with expenses incurred.
Some considerations should be:
a. paid offcials,
b. cost of facilities, equipment and administrative
supplies/costs,
c. awards,
d. sale of food items, merchandise, etc., to help
defray expenses,
e. contribution to USA Volleyball Foundation, En-
dowment Fund or other charity,
f. payment of expenses to team(s).
2. Selection of awards is generally dependent upon the
number of teams entered, the age of the participants
and the fnancial resources available. Awards may
include:
a. team trophies or plaques,
b. individual awards such as medals, plaques,
t-shirts or other merchandise,
c. money back in the form of expenses or future
tournament entry fees.
187
D. TYPES OF TOURNAMENTS
1. Double Elimination: Because of the obviously limited
play potential for the weaker teams, this type of
tournament is discouraged.
2. Round Robin: This is more universally accepted be-
cause all teams are guaranteed a reasonable num-
ber of sets/matches. It also is more practical for the
assignment of support offcials. A multi-court round
robin in the same division/class will require a champ-
ionship playoff. A single-court round robin does not
require a playoff. Such an arrangement is discouraged.
3. Many large national-level and festival-type tourna-
ments have more than one round of pool play (round
robin) culminating in a single- or double-elimination round.
E. SCHEDULING PARAMETERS
1. Scheduling matches for a tournament must be real-
istic. These time allowances provide for a six-minute
warm-up between matches and three minutes be-
tween sets. Although playing formats may be
adjusted to ft the needs of the tournament, only the
results of full matches (two out of three or three out
of fve 25 rally point sets with the deciding set to 15
rally points) are acceptable for seeding purposes for
national-level events.
Two 25 rally point sets 50 minutes
Two 21 rally point sets 45 minutes
2/3 25 rally point sets per 1 hr. 5 min.
match (15-pt. third set)
2/3 21 rally point sets per 1 hour (JOV format)
match (15-pt. third set)
One 15 rally point set 20 minutes
One 25 rally point set 26 minutes
3/5 25 rally point set 1 hr. 45 min.
per match (15-pt. ffth set)
188
2. At least fve additional minutes of warm-up shall be
allotted for the frst match for each team except in
those facilities that provide an adequate warm-up
area not in confict with the playing areas.
3. Teams should play at the announced time when
their match is sequentially ready to be played, regard-
less of the time schedule. The time schedule is only
a guideline.
EXCEPTION: The frst match of the day for each team
should be governed by the announced/scheduled
starting time only. Some large tournaments (na-
tional level) may have their own written guidelines
for their tournament schedules. For example, it is
standard at large junior tournaments for pool play
matches to start at the scheduled time with the
provision that a match may start no more than 10
minutes early, provided both playing teams and the
referees agree.
4. The tournament schedule and forfeit procedures
should be clearly posted and all teams informed.
5. Samples of various round robin schedules (offciat-
ing team in parentheses):
4-TEAM 4-TEAM 4-TEAM 4-TEAM 4-TEAM
1 vs. 3 (2) 1 vs. 4 (3) 2 vs. 3 (1) 2 vs. 4 (3) 1 vs. 4 (3)
2 vs. 4 (1) 2 vs. 3 (1) 1 vs. 4 (2) 1 vs. 3 (4) 2 vs. 3 (1)
1 vs. 4 (3) 1 vs. 3 (4) 2 vs. 4 (3) 2 vs. 3 (1) 1 vs. 3 (4)
2 vs. 3 (1) 2 vs. 4 (3) 1 vs. 3 (2) 1 vs. 4 (3) 2 vs. 4 (3)
3 vs. 4 (2) 1 vs. 2 (4) 3 vs. 4 (1) 3 vs. 4 (2) 3 vs. 4 (2)
1 vs. 2 (4) 3 vs. 4 (2) 1 vs. 2 (4) 1 vs. 2 (4) 1 vs. 2 (4)
5-TEAM 5-TEAM
2 vs. 5 (4) 3 vs. 5 (1) 2 vs. 5 (3) 4 vs. 5 (1)
3 vs. 4 (2) 2 vs. 4 (3) 1 vs. 4 (2) 2 vs. 3 (4)
1 vs. 5 (3) 1 vs. 3 (5) 3 vs. 5 (1) 1 vs. 5 (2)
2 vs. 3 (5) 4 vs. 5 (1) 2 vs. 4 (5) 3 vs. 4 (5)
1 vs. 4 (2) 1 vs. 2 (4) 1 vs. 3 (4) 1 vs. 2 (3)
189
JOV FORMAT
F. METHOD OF PLAY
(ONE-DAY TOURNAMENTS)
1. When round robin competition is scheduled, a maximum
of fve teams only should be accepted per available court.
2. When round robin play qualifes teams for a champion-
ship playoff, no more than 50 percent of the teams
entered should advance to the championship playoff
bracket.
3. The championship bracket is not to exceed eight teams.
4. When two four-team brackets are scheduled, a cham-
pionship and consolation pool may be formed from a
frst-round robin competition. Subsequent competition
utilizing the top two and bottom two teams will determine
frst, second, third from the championship pool and
6 TEAMS ON 2 COURTS 7 TEAMS ON 2 COURTS
Court 1 Court 2 Court 1 Court 2
4 vs. 6 (1) 3 vs. 5 (2) 3 vs. 7 (6) 2 vs. 5 (1)
1 vs. 6 (4) 2 vs. 5 (3) 4 vs. 7 (5) 1 vs. 6 (2)
1 vs. 4 (6) 2 vs. 3 (5) 4 vs. 5 (7) 2 vs. 3 (6)
4 vs. 5 (1) 3 vs. 6 (2) 6 vs. 7 (4) 1 vs. 3 (2)
2 vs. 4 (7) 1 vs. 5 (3)
30-minute lunch break 30-minute lunch break
1 vs. 5 (3) 2 vs. 6 (4) 3 vs. 6 (4) 5 vs. 7 (1)
1 vs. 3 (5) 2 vs. 4 (6) 2 vs. 6 (3) 1 vs. 4 (5)
3 vs. 4 (1) 5 vs. 6 (2) 2 vs. 7 (6) 3 vs. 5 (1)
1 vs. 2 (3) 1 vs. 7 (3) 4 vs. 6 (5)
3 vs. 4 (7) 5 vs. 6 (2)
1 vs. 2 (4)
190
fourth place by winning the consolation pool.
5. In round robin play the following will prevail:
a. If fve teams are entered and a championship play-
off is scheduled, matches may consist of either
two 21 rally point sets or two 25 rally point sets.
Time might not allow the use of either the best of
three or three-set matches.
b. If fve teams are entered and a championship play-
off is not scheduled, matches may consist of
either two 21 rally point sets or two 25 rally point
sets. Time may not allow the use of the best of
three or three-set matches.
c. If four teams are entered, matches may consist of
any format, as long as it meets a reasonable
time frame and is fair to all team entries propor
tionate to their entry fee and travel time. Some
options include four-team pool play three sets to
25 rally points or best two-out-of-three 25 rally
point sets (15 rally point third set).
d. Where there is only one pool, and a total round
robin is scheduled, additional matches are not
recommended. If a championship playoff is
scheduled, the following criteria should be met:
(1) Projected time schedule will permit such
additional scheduling.
(2) Playoffs should be restricted to the frst- and
second-place teams only.
(3) The second-place team should win at least
75 percent of its sets in round robin
competition.
6. Finals should be scheduled to begin no later than 9
p.m. and earlier if possible.
191
G. WARM-UP PROCEDURES
Adult Competition:
1. Usually, because of limited time, the teams preparing to
play the next match must be ready to take the court im-
mediately at the end of the previous match. Warm-up
time for the teams will probably vary from 5 to 10 min-
utes, depending on the tournament guidelines.
2. After the coin toss, one of the following warm-up proce-
dures is specifed:
a. The warm-up time is split evenly in two, with the
serving team taking the court for the frst half and the
receiving team taking the court for the second half.
The teams may use the entire court in whatever man-
ner they choose during their time, including serving
practice.
b. Shared hitting - both teams using the court to practice
hitting at the net. The court should be split down the
middle, perpendicular to the net so that the teams are
hitting from their left side and down the line. Each
team may practice blocking its own players. For the
safety of the players, the referees should monitor that
teams are not hitting into each other. If the teams are
unable or unwilling to control their hitting, the referee
would have the teams revert to the previous option
a or c. Shared hitting/serving is usually prohibited at
Junior events.
c. A variation of a and b is to allow both teams to
serve together for the last minute or two of warm-
up. For example, if the total warm-up time is fve
minutes, the teams would share the court for four
minutes and serve together for one minute (option a)
or each would use the court for two minutes sepa-
rately and then serve together for one minute (option b).
d. Pre-match Protocol for Adult Open Divisions can be
found on page 182.
192
Junior Olympic Competition:
1. For National Junior Olympic Volleyball events, the 2-4-4
format is used and may be used at any event. The frst
two minutes are for ball handling on a teams own side of
the court, followed by four minutes of the entire court
use by the serving team and then 4 minutes for the
receiving team. Serving is conducted during each teams
four minutes. Pre-match Protocol for the Junior Olympic
National Championships can be found on page 183.
H. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF PLAYOFF POSITION(S) IF TIED -- METHOD ONE
1. Teams qualifying for the playoffs, but tied for position
only, should not compete in a playoff set to determine
position; rather, position assignment should be de -
termined by the priority system listed below based on
point differential to the extent possible.
a. Results of the match(es) between the tied
teams, frst on the won-lost record, and second
on the point spread. If still tied, then;
b. comparison of the point differential based on
the total round robin competition. Point differential
should be determined by subtracting the total
points lost from the total points won. The highest
plus or the lowest minus remainder should be
considered the superior team for tie-breaking
purposes. If still tied, then;
c. Coin toss.
2. If there are more teams tied for the playoffs than there are
positions, the tied teams must compete for the position(s)
in further direct competition. Teams should NOT be
eliminated from assignment to championship competi-
tion by point differential or any other non-competition system.
3. If two or more teams are tied for a single playoff posi-
tion, the minimum number of one additional 25 rally
193
point set should be played. Teams should change
sides at 13 points. No cap shall be in effect. Where
tournament guidelines stipulate, 15-point sets may be
used. For example:
a. Two teams tie for last position: One 25 rally point set.
b. Three teams tie for last position: Superior as deter-
mined by the criteria in G1 shall be the bye team
and play the winner of the match between the two
remaining teams. Two 25 rally point sets total.
c. Four teams tie for last position: As determined by
the criteria in G1, team 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3 and winners
playoff. Three 25 rally point sets total.
4. If three teams tie for two playoff positions, the team
with the greater point spread shall be awarded frst
place. The other two teams shall play one 25 rally
point set for the remaining playoff position. The same
priorities as listed in G1 shall prevail, except that if a
tie shall exist after the second priority, the fip of a coin
shall determine the bye team, and all teams must play
for position as follows:
a. Team Blue wins over Team White and gains one
playoff berth.
b. Team Red plays the loser, in this case Team White,
for the second playoff berth. Two 25 rally point sets
total.
5. These are only guidelines. Other methods are accept-
able, as long as they are printed and distributed before
the start of the event.
194
I. TIE BREAKER PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL-
LEVEL JUNIOR OLYMPIC COMPETITION
Check the USAV website for the most updated procedure
for specifc events including National Qualifers and National
Championship Events. At the conclusion of a pool, teams in
the pool will be ranked according to their match records. If a
tie-in-match record exists between two or more teams, tie(s)
will be broken using these USA JOVC National Tie Break For-
mats for competition in which there is an opportunity to win a
bid. The following policies apply to all tie-breaking situations:
Divisions playing 3-out-of-5 sets: If there are more
teams tied by match record for advancing positions into the
Gold Level than there are available positions, advancement
will be decided by the win/loss ratio for the total number of
sets played in the pool. If a tie still exists, the remaining tie-
breaking procedures will be followed.
All tie-breaking sets will be played to 25 points, with one
team winning by two points and no point cap.
In a tie breaker situation of three teams or more, if more
than one team leaves the site, the remaining teams will play
for position. The team(s) that left will be placed lower than the
team(s) that remained. The position of all teams that left the
site will be decided following the tie breaker procedure for non-
gold division divisions (set percentage, point w/l, and coin fip.
Two-way Ties (two teams tied in match record)
The frst place team will be the team that won the pool play
match between the two tied teams (head-to-head).
This procedure will be used for all two-way ties, even when
there is an opportunity to win a bid. The rationale is that the
tied teams have already determined the better team through
head-to-head competition.
Three-way Ties (three teams tied in match record)
There are several situations in which three-ways ties can oc-
195
cur. The resolution for each tie-breaking situation depends on:
The number of teams that will advance from the pool.
Which pool placement fnish is at stake for the tied teams.
For tie breaking purposes, all ties will be broken using
match % as the frst criteria, including those cases where a
third set is played regardless of the outcome of the frst two
sets.
Scenario One
All three teams will participate in tie-breaking sets. The
seeds for the tie-breaking playoffs will be determined in this
order:
1. Win/loss ratio of the total number of sets played in
the pool: Sets won divided by total sets played.
2. Point percentage: Each teams total points scored
divided by the total points scored by the teams op-
ponents in that pool.
3. Coin toss.
Set 1: the #2 seed will play the #3 seed and the #1
seed will offciate. The loser of Set 1 will be third place in the
pool and will offciate the next tie-breaking set.
Set 2: the winner of Set 1 will play the #1 seed and the
loser of Set 1 will offciate. The winner of Set 2 will be frst in
the pool and the loser will be second.
If one of the teams in a three-way tied pool leaves the site be-
fore the determination that a tie-break is necessary, that team
will automatically become the third-place team and the other
two teams will play one tie-breaking set.
196
Scenario Two
The seeds for the tie-breaking playoffs will be deter-
mined in this order:
3. Coin toss.
The #1 seed does not have a playoff set. The #1 seed
fnishes frst in the pool.
The #2 seed will play the #3 seed and the #1 seed will
offciate. The winner will be second place in the pool and the
loser of this set will be third place in the pool.
If one of the teams in a three-way tied pool leaves the site that
team will be ranked third in the pool. The remaining two teams
will fnish frst and second in the pool based on the tie-break
seeding process. No other penalty will be applied and no tie-
breaking set is played.
Scenario Three
All three teams will participate in tie-breaking sets. The
seeds for the tie-breaking playoffs will be determined in this
order:
1. Win/loss ratio of the total number of sets played in the
197
pool: Sets won divided by total sets played.
3. Coin toss.
Set 1: the #2 seed will play the #3 seed and the #1
seed will offciate. The loser of Set 1 will be fourth place in
the pool and will offciate the next tie-breaking set.
Set 2: the winner of Set 1 will play the #1 seed and the
loser of Set 1 will offciate. The winner of Set 2 will be frst in
the pool and the loser will be third.
If one of the teams in a three-way tied pool leaves the site
before the determination of a tie-break is necessary, that team
will automatically become the fourth-place team and the other
two teams will play one tie-breaking set.
Scenario Four
The seeds for the tie-breaking playoffs will be deter-
mined in this order:
divided by the total points scored by the teams
opponents in that pool.
3. Coin toss.
The #1 seed does not have a playoff set. The #1 seed
fnishes second in the pool.
The #2 seed will play the #3 seed and the #1 seed will
offciate. The winner will be third place in the pool and the
loser of this set will be fourth place in the pool.
If one of the teams in a three-way tied pool leaves the site
198
and does not fulfll the offciating assignment, that team will be
ranked fourth in the pool. The remaining two teams will fnish
second and third in the pool based on the tie-break seeding
process. No other penalty will be applied and no tie-breaking
set is played.
Non-elimination Scenarios
If no team is eliminated from an opportunity to win a bid, there
will be no tie-breaking sets. In three-way ties, ties will be
broken, without repetition, in this order:
1. Pool match record.
2. Head-to-head results.
3. Set percentage: Sets won divided by total sets played.
4. Point percentage: Each teams total points scored divided
by the total points scored by the teams opponents in that
pool.
5. Coin toss.
J. DUTIES OF COURT MANAGERS
1. The court manager is responsible for getting matches
and offcials on and off the court.
2. The offcials for each match at major tournaments include
a frst referee, second referee, scorer, assistant scorer,
timekeeper/visual scoreboard operator and two line
judges.
3. The court manager needs to check equipment (nets,
standards, volleyballs, antennas, etc.) to make certain
they are in good condition at all times.
K. PROCUREMENT/ASSIGNMENT OF REFEREES
1. All referees assigned to sanctioned USA Volleyball or
Regional competition should be duly certifed USA Vol-
leyball referees unless otherwise approved by the Re-
gional Referees Chair.

199
2. Non-player certifed referees, as well as available certifed
player referees, may be used in all sanctioned competition.
3. All non-player USAV certifed referees are required to
wear the approved volleyball offcials uniform.
4. All match assignments shall be made by the designated
Chief Referee. In the absence of a Chief Referee, the
Tournament Director will act in this capacity.
5. Other organizations that sponsor volleyball activities may
want to contact the USA Volleyball Regional Commis-
sioner or Referees Chair to obtain clinic and certifcation
information and gain access to the USA Volleyball certi-
fed offcials in the area.
L. ASSIGNMENT OF SUPPORT OFFICIALS
1. The primary responsibility for the assignment of support
offcials should lie with the Tournament Director.
2. Participating teams may be expected to furnish required
support offcials as requested. Required offcials are
the second referee, the scorer, the assistant scorer, two
line judges and visual scoreboard operator. It is recom-
mended that only USA Volleyball certifed scorers should
serve in the capacity of scorer.
3. A working schedule, including playoff sets, should be
posted prior to the frst match of the day so teams will be
properly informed as to respective responsibilities. In
addition, teams assigned to work the frst scheduled
matches should be notifed at least three days in ad-
vance of the tournament. Those work teams failing to
meet this obligation may be subject to discipline within
their organization.
4. As part of item 3 above, teams playing in the fnal round
robin match of the day, if not otherwise a participating
team, will be assigned to the frst level of the playoff
matches. Losers of the playoff matches will be required
200
to work the next level of the playoffs. Teams not fulflling
these assignments may be subject to discipline within
their organization.
5. Any penalties for teams that do not fulfll their offciating
responsibilities should be posted prior to play. One com-
monly used method is to penalize the assigned offciating
team one point per minute up to a maximum of 25 points
(one set), which would be imposed at the beginning of
the teams next match.
201
GUIDELINES FOR DEALING
WITH BLOOD
If a player incurs an injury that causes bleeding, the
frst or second referee shall immediately stop the set
in accordance with Rule 17.1.1. The player shall leave
the court for evaluation/treatment. If the player can-
not continue play and must be replaced, this should
be done within the guidelines of Rule 15.6 or 15.7. If
substitution cannot be made, refer to Rule 17.1.2. If
a players uniform becomes saturated with blood, a
change of uniform will be authorized. This change
should be accomplished as quickly as possible to
cause no additional delay of set. The replacement
uniform should be of a similar color and style. Though
duplicate numbers will not be allowed, no sanction will
be assessed if the players uniform number is different
than the original number. If a replacement uniform is
not available, the player must be replaced by a legal
substitution. If the referee observes blood on the
playing surface or equipment, the set shall be
stopped immediately and measures taken to clean
any contaminated area or equipment using universal
precautions.
202
ABBREVIATIONS
m = meter
= foot (feet)
cm = centimeter
= inches
gm = grams
mbar = millibars
kg/cm
2
= kilograms per square
centimeter
lbs/sq in = pounds per square inch
lbs/sq in = 68.0 mbar =
0.0703 kg/cm
2
0
C = degrees Celsius (Centi-
grade)
203
Length of playing court 18 m = 59
Width of playing court 9 m = 296
Diagonal of half the playing court 12.728 m = 418
1/2
Minimum length of net 9.5 m = 32
Minimum width of free zone 3 m = 910
Recommended height of posts 2.55 m = 84
Height of mens net 2.43 m = 711
5/8
Height of womens net 2.24 m = 74

1/8
Height of 12 & under net 2.13 m = 7

Height of 10 & under net 1.98 m = 66
Length of antenna 1.8 m = 511
Net width:
Max. side line post distance 1 m = 39
Length of antenna above net 0.8 m = 32
Circumference of ball 65-67 cm = 25
1/2
-27
Referees view above net 50 cm = 19
1/2
Sand depth:
Min. side line post distance 30 cm = 12
Size of net mesh squares 10 cm = 4
Max. width of side line band 8 cm = 3
1/8
Min. width of side line band 5 cm = 2

Max. width of side line rope 1 cm = 3/8
Min. width of side line rope 0.5 cm = 3/16
Max. distance of net height
From side line to center 2 cm = 3/4
Min. temperature 10
0
C = 50
0
F
Weight range of ball 260-280 gm = 0.5-0.6 lb
Internal air pressure
of ball (indoor) 0.30-0.325 kg/cm
2
= 4.3-4.6 lb/sq
in
Internal air pressure
of ball (outdoor) 0.175-0.225 kg/cm
2
= 2.5-3.2 lb/sq
METRIC CONVERSIONS
204
For All Your Offciating Needs,
Contact USA Volleyball:
25-Point Rally Score Pad $5.00
Line-Up Sheets (pad of 50) $10.00
2009-11 Domestic Competition Regulations
(rulebook) $6.95
Libero Tracking Sheets (pad of 50) $5.00
Prices do not include shipping & handling.
Phone: (512) 479-5130
(Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central)
E-mail: em2sports@yahoo.com
www.usavolleyball.org
www.em2sports.com
205
VOLLEYBALL RULES INDEX
RULE/GAmE PROcEDURES/ PAGE #
HAND SIGNAL/DIAGRAm
accident, game interruption r17.1.1 55
advantage, two-point r6.2 25
r6.3.2 25
age groups, net height usav2.1 10
aggression r21.2.3 62
antennae r2.4 11
assistant coach r5.3 23
assistant coach duties r5.3.1 23
usav5.3.1 23
assistant coach, assume head coach
function r5.3.2 23
assistant scorer r22.1 65
r26 73
assistant scorer, responsiBiLities r26.2.1 73
r26.2.2 73
r26.2.3 74
r26.2.1.1 73
r26.2.1.2 73
r26.2.2.1 73
r26.2.2.2 74
r26.2.2.3 74
usav 26.2.2.1 74
usav26.2.2.3 74
usav 26.2.2.4 74
r26.2.2.4 74
r26.2.2.5 74
r26.2.2.6 74
usav26.2.3 74
assisted hit r9.1.3 35
assisted hit, fauLts pLaying the BaLL r9.3.2 36
206
attack hit, characteristics r13 43
r13.1.1 43
r13.1.2 43
attack hit, compLeted r13.1.3 43
attack hit, fauLts r13.3 42
r13.3.1 44
r13.3.2 44
attack hit, fauLts, Back row r13.3.3 44
d8a 87
d8b 88
attack hit, fauLts, LiBero r13.3.5 44
r13.3.6 44
attack hit, fauLts, opponents service r13.3.4 44
attack hit, opponents service r13.2.4 43
attack hit, restrictions r13.2 43
attack hit, restrictions, front row r13.2.1 43
attack hit, restrictions, Back row r13.2.2 43
r13.2.2.1 43
r13.2.2.2 43
r13.2.3 43
attack hit, simuLtaneous
with BLocking fauLt usav13.3.6 44
attack hit, tip r13.1.2 43
attack, iLLegaL d11, hs 21 98
attack, iLLegaL Beyond net d11, hs 20 97
attack Line r1.3.4 8
usav1.3.4 8
authority, first referee r23.2 67
authority, second referee r24.2 69
Back-row pLayers (positions) r7.4.1.2 28
BaLL at the net r10 36
BaLL caught or thrown d11 hs10 94
BaLL characteristics & specifications r3.1 13
usav3.1 13
BaLL contacting fLoor r8.4.1 32
BaLL contacting oBject outside court r8.4.2 32
207
BaLL crossing the net r10.1 36
r10.1.1 36
r10.1.3 37
usav 10.1.2 37
r10.1.1.1 36
r10.1.1.2 36
r10.1.1.3 36
r10.1.2.1 37
r10.1.2.2 37
d5 83
d11, hs 19 97
BaLL faiLs to reach net d11, hs 19 97
BaLL heLd against net d11, hs 16 96
BaLL, iLLegaL contact more than once d11, hs 17 96
BaLL in r8.3 32
d11, hs 14 95
BaLL in pLay r8.1 32
BaLL in the net r10.3 37
r10.3.1 37
r10.3.2 37
BaLL, more than 3 contacts By team d11, hs 18 97
BaLL not reLeased at time of service d11, hs 10 94
BaLL out r8.4 32
r8.4.1 32
r8.4.2 32
usav8.4.2 32
r8.4.3 33
d11, hs 15 96
BaLL out after contact d11, hs 24 99
BaLL out of pLay r8.2 32
usav8.4.2 32
r8.4.4 33
BaLL tears the net r8.3.2 35
BaLL touches ceiLing usav8.4.2 32
BaLL touches overhead oBjects usav8.4.2 32
BaLL touches teammate d11, hs 19 97
208
BaLL touching the net r10.2 37
BaLL under the net d11, hs 22 98
BaLLs, uniformity r3.2 14
usav3.2 14
Bench, pLayers not in pLay r4.2.1 16
Bench, team (Location) r4.2.1 16
Bench, team memBers r4.2.2 16
BLock r14 44
BLock and team hits r14.4 45
BLock attempt r14.1.2 42
BLock, coLLective r14.1.4 45
BLock, compLeted r14.1.3 44
d7 86
BLock contact, consecutive r14.2 45
BLock contact, not counted as
team hit r14.4.1 45
BLock, douBLe contact fauLt usav14.2 45
BLock, first hit after r14.4.2 46
BLock, iLLegaL d11, hs 12 95
BLock, iLLegaL Beyond net d11, hs 20 97
BLocking r14.1 44
r14.1.1 44
BLocking, douBLe fauLt usav14.6 46
BLocking fauLts r14.6 46
r14.6.1 46
r14.6.4 46
r14.6.5 46
BLocking fauLts, Back row r14.6.2 46
BLocking fauLts, LiBero r14.6.2 46
BLocking fauLts, LiBero, individuaL/
coLLective BLock r14.6.6 46
BLocking fauLts, opponents service r14.6.3 46
BLocking the service r14.5 46
BLocking, within opponents space r14.3 45
usav14.3 45
209
Boundary Lines r1.3.2 7
captain, coach acting as usav5.1.2.2 21
captain, identified on uniform r4.3.4 18
captain, responsiBLe for team conduct r5 19
captain, signs scoresheet r5.1.1 19
usav5.1.1 20
captain, team r5.1.1 19
catch, fauLts pLaying the BaLL r9.3.3 36
center Line, eXtensions r1.3.3 7
change of courts r18.2 56
d11, hs 3 92
change of courts, after set r18.2.1 56
change of courts, deciding set r18.2.2 56
coach, conduct of pLay r5.2.1 22
coach, duties during match r5.2.3 22
r5.2.3.1 22
r5.2.3.2 22
r5.2.3.3 22
r5.2.3.4 22
usav 5.2.3.4 23
coach, duties prior to match r5.2.2. 22
coach, eXpeLLed r21.3.2.1 62
coach, responsiBLe for team conduct r5 19
coach, restriction Line r1.3.4 8
coach, speak to referees usav5.2.3 23
co-ed ruLes 99
coin toss r7.1 26
r7.1.1 26
coin toss, winner chooses r7.1.2.1 26
r7.1.2.2 26
competition, adjacent court usav9.b 34
consecutive contacts r9.1.1 34
consecutive warm-ups r7.1.3 26
contact Lenses, wearing r4.5.2 19
corps of officiaLs, Location d10 90
210
court dividers/nets usav9.a 34
court Lines, description r1.3 7
court Lines, dimensions r1.3.1 7
deciding set r6.3 25
deciding set, coin toss r7.1 26
defauLt and incompLete team r6.4 25
defauLt match score usav6.4 25
defauLt, team forfeit r6.4.1 25
r6.4.2 25
deLay, penaLty r16.2.1 54
deLay, warning r16.2.1 54
deLays to the game r16.1 54
disquaLification r21.3.3 63
d11, hs 8 93
douBLe contact, fauLts pLaying
the BaLL r9.3.4 36
d11, hs 23 98
douBLe fauLt, score a point r6.1.2.2 24
end of set, match d11, hs 9 94
equipment, deLay sanction usav4.5.2 19
equipment, safety hazard usav4.5.2 19
eXpuLsion r21.3.2 62
d11, hs 25 99
eyegLasses r4.5.2 19
fair pLay r20.2 61
r20.2.1 61
fair pLay, communication r20.2.2 61
fauLt at moment of service r12.7.1 42
fauLt during service r12.6 42
r12.6.1 42
r12.6.1.1 42
r12.6.1.2 42
usav12.6.1.3 42
fauLt, four hits r9.1 34
fauLt Line d11, hs 22 98
211
fauLt, overhead oBstruction usav12.6.2 42
fauLt, score a point r6.1.2 24
fauLt, successive r6.1.2.1 24
fauLts made after service r12.7 42
fauLts, serving and positionaL r12.7 42
first referee r22.1 65
r22 65
first referee, authority r22.2.1 65
r22.2.2 66
r22.2.3 66
first referee, Location r22.1 65
d10 90
first referee, responsiBiLities r23.3 68
first referee, responsiBiLities,
prior to match r23.3.1 68
first referee, responsiBiLities
during match r23.3.2 68
first referee, responsiBiLities
after match r23.3.3 68
forBidden oBjects r4.5 19
r4.5.1 19
forBidden oBjects, casts/Braces usav4.5.1 19
forBidden oBjects, hats/jeweLry usav4.5.1 19
forBidden oBjects, headgear usav4.5.1 19
forBidden oBjects, prosthetics usav4.5.1 19
formaL suBstitution, non-registered
pLayer r7.3.5.3 28
four hits, fauLts pLaying the BaLL r9.3.1 36
free zone r1 6
free zone, adjacent court usav9.b 34
front-row pLayers (positions) r7.4.1.1 28
front zone eXtensions & Limitations r1.4.1 8
game, deciding r6.3.2 25
game deLays r15 47
r16 54
212
game deLays, first r16.2.2 54
game deLays, second/suBsequent r16.2.3 54
game deLays, sanctions r16.2 54
r16.2.1.1 54
r16.2.4 54
game deLays, recording r16.2.1.2 54
game deLays, deLay warning r16.2.1 54
r16.2.2 54
game deLays, deLay penaLty r16.2.1 54
r16.2.3 54
d11, hs 25 99
game deLays, types r16.1 54
r16.1.1 54
r16.1.2 54
r16.1.3 54
r16.1.4 54
r16.1.5 54
game interruption r16 54
usav15.6 49
game interruption, improper request r15.6 49
r15.6.1 49
game interruption, improper request,
first r15.6.2 49
game interruption, improper request,
repeated r15.6.3 49
game interruptions, eXceptionaL r17 55
game interruptions, injury r17.1 55
r17.1.1 55
usav 17.1.1a/b 55
r17.1.2 55
game interruptions, proLonged r17.3 55
r17.3.1 55
r17.3.2 55
game interruptions, proLonged
resume on same court r17.3.2.1 56
213
game interruptions, proLonged
resume on different court r17.3.2.2 56
game interruptions, reguLar r15 47
game interruptions, reguLar, numBer r15.1 47
game interruptions, reguLar, request r15.2 47
r15.2.1 47
r15.2.2 47
game interruptions, reguLar, time-out r15 47
game interruptions, sequence r15.3 47
r15.3.1 47
game interruptions, sequence,
consecutive r15.3.2 47
usav15.3 48
game interruptions, suBstitutions r15 47
usav15.6 49
game interruptions, suBstitutions,
iLLegaL usav16.1 54
game interruptions, time Limit r17.3.3 56
game, winning scores r6.3 25
hit, assisted d11, hs 10 94
hit, characteristics r9.2 35
r9.2.1 35
r9.2.2 36
r9.2.3 36
hit, characteristics, eXceptions r9.2.3.1 36
r9.2.3.2 36
iLLegaL contact, co-ed d11, hs 26 99
impossiBLe to judge d11, hs 9 94
incompLete team r6.4.3 25
r17.1.2 55
incompLete team due to injury r17.1.2 55
individuaL sanction, penaLty d11, hs 6 93
individuaL sanction, eXpuLsion d11, hs 7 93
individuaL sanction, disquaLification d11, hs 8 93
injury, recovery time r17.1.2 55
214
injury, speciaL time-out r17.1 55
injury, suBstitution r17.1.2 55
interference, eXternaL r17.2 55
intervaLs and change of courts r18 56
intervaLs, time Limit r18.1 56
jeweLry r4.5.1 19
joust r9.1.2.3 35
LiBero, actions invoLving r19.3 58
LiBero, designation r19.1 57
r19.1.1 57
usav19.1.2 57
LiBero, equipment r19.2 58
usav19.2a/B 58
LiBero, injury r19.3.3.1 63
LiBero, not team captain r4.1.2 15
r5 19
r19.1.3 57
LiBero, pLaying actions r19.3.1 58
r19.3.1.1 58
r19.3.1.2 58
r19.3.1.3 58
r19.3.1.4 58
LiBero, recorded on scoresheet r19.1.2 57
r19.3.3.2 60
LiBero, redesignation of new r19.3.3 60
r19.3.3.1 60
LiBero, repLacement r19.3.2 59
r19.3.2.3 59
r19.3.2.5 59
r19.3.2.4 59
LiBero, repLacement, not counted as
reguLar suBstitution r19.3.2.1 59
LiBero, repLacement zone r1.4.4 9
LiBero, suBstitute r7.3.3 27
r5 19
215
Lighting, pLaying area r1.6 10
usav1.6 10
Line judges, fLag signaLs 96
BaLL in d12,hs 1 100
BaLL out d12, hs 2 100
BaLL out after pLayer contact d12, hs 3 101
BaLL outside antenna d12, hs 4 101
impossiBLe to judge d12, hs 5 101
service Line fauLt d12, hs 4 101
Line judges responsiBiLities r27.2 75
Line judges, Location r27.1 74
Line judges, responsiBiLities r27.2 75
r27.2.1.1 75
r27.2.1.2 75
r27.2.1.3 75
r27.2.1.4 75
r27.2.1.5 75
r27.2.1.6 75
r27.2.1.7 75
r27.2.1.8 76
usav27.2.1.6 75
Line-up, discrepancy r7.3.5 28
Line-up, discrepancy Before start r7.3.5.1 28
Line-up, pLayer on court not
registered on sheet r7.3.5.2 28
Line-up, no change r7.3.4 28
match, to win r6.3 25
usav6.3.a/b 25
r6.3.1 25
match, to win deciding set r6.3.2 25
match, to win pLayoff game usav6.3.b 25
minor misconduct r21.1 61
misconduct and sanctions r21 61
d9 89
misconduct Before/Between sets r21.5 64
216
misconduct Leading to sanctions r21.2 62
misconduct sanction cards r21.6 64
misconduct, sanctions, rude conduct r21.2.1 62
misconduct, sanctions, offensive
conduct r21.2.2 62
misconduct, sanctions, aggression r21.2.3 62
misconduct, sanctions, appLication r21.4 63
misconduct, sanctions, individuaL r21.4.1 63
misconduct, sanctions, progressive r21.4.2 64
misconduct sanction scaLe r21.3 62
misconduct sanction scaLe, penaLty r21.3.1 62
d11, hs 6 93
misconduct, sanction scaLe, eXpuLsion r21.3.2 62
r21.3.2.1 62
usav21.3.2.1 62
r21.3.2.2 63
r21.3.2.3 63
misconduct, sanction scaLe,
disquaLification r21.3.3 63
r21.3.3.1 63
r21.3.3.2 63
r21.3.3.3 63
r21.3.3.4 63
misconduct, warning r21.4.3 64
net and posts r2 10
d3b 81
net, contact with r11.3 38
r11.3.1 38
r11.3.2 38
r11.3.3 38
net design d3b 81
net fastenings r2.2 11
net fauLt, pLayer d11, hs 19 97
217
net height r2.1 10
r2.1.1 10
r2.1.2 10
net height for age groups usav2.1 10
net size & construction r2.2 10
d3a 80
officiaL hand signaLs r22.2.3.1 64
r22.2.3.2 64
r22.2.3.3 64
r28.1 73
officiaL signaLs r28 73
officiaLs, Location d10 90
outdoor courts, drainage r1.2.3 7
participants conduct r20 61
r20.1.2 61
r20.1.3 61
participants knowLedge of ruLes r20.1.1 61
participants sportsmanLike conduct r20.1 61
penaLty area r1.4.5 9
usav1.4.5 9
penetration into free zone r11.2.4 38
penetration under the net r11.2 38
r11.2.1 38
d11, hs 22 98
penetration under the net,
after BaLL out of pLay r11.2.3 38
Beyond the center Line r11.2.2. 38
r11.2.2.1 38
contact with Body r11.2.2.1 38
r11.2.2.2 38
pLayer at the net r11 37
218
pLayer fauLts at the net r11.4 39
r11.4.1 39
r11.4.2 39
r11.4.3 39
r11.4.4 39
pLayer contact with the net r11.3 38
pLayer, iLLegaLL in adjacent court d11, hs15 96
pLayer positions, after service r7.4.4 29
pLayer positions, Back-row r7.4.1.2 28
pLayer positions, feet r7.4.3 29
usav7.4.3 29
r7.4.3.1 29
r7.4.3.2 29
pLayer positions, front-row r7.4.1.1 28
pLayer positions, reLative r7.4.2 28
r7.4.2.1 28
r7.4.2.2 29
d4a 82
d4b 83
pLayer positions, rotationaL order r7.4 28
pLayer reaching Beyond net r11.1 37
r11.1.2 37
pLayer reaching Beyond net, BLocking r11.1.1 37
pLayers equipment r4.3 16
usav4.3 16
pLayers equipment, change r4.4 18
r4.4.1 18
r4.4.2 18
r4.4.3 19
pLayers equipment, coLor/design r4.3.1 17
r4.3.4 18
usav4.3.4 18
pLayers equipment, jersey,
Logo/trademark usav4.3.4 18
219
pLayers equipment, jersey numBers r4.3.3 17
usav4.3.3 17
pLayers equipment, jersey numBer
pLacement r4.3.3.1 17
usav4.3.3.1a/b 17
pLayers equipment, jersey numBer
size, minimum r4.3.3.2 17
usav4.3.3.2 18
pLayers equipment, jersey numBer,
team captain r4.3.4 18
usav4.3.4 18
pLayers equipment, shoes r4.3.2 17
pLayers fauLts at the net r11.4 39
r11.4.1 39
r11.4.2 39
r11.4.3 39
r11.4.4 39
pLayers on scoresheet r4.1.3 15
pLaying area, defined r1 6
d1 78
pLaying area dimensions r1.1 6
pLaying area, Lighting r1.6 10
pLaying court r1 6
d2 79
pLaying space r1 6
pLaying surface, mop usav1.2.1 6
pLaying surface, requirements r1.2 6
pLaying surface, usav approvaL usav1.2.1 7
pLaying surface, coLor usav1.2.2 7
pLaying the BaLL r9 34
usav9 34
pLaying the BaLL, fauLts r9.3 36
pLayover d11 hs 23 98
220
positionaL fauLt r7.5 29
r7.5.1 29
d11, hs 13 95
positionaL fauLt, after service r12.7.2 43
positionaL fauLt, consequences r7.5.4 29
r7.5.4.2 30
usav7.5.4 30
positionaL fauLt, consequences
Loss of raLLy r7.5.4.1 29
posts r2.5 12
r2.5.1 12
r2.5.2 12
posts, additionaL equipment usav2.6 12
posts, ceiLing mounted usav2.5.2 12
posts, padding usav2.6.c 13
posts, wires usav2.6.a 12
usav2.6.b 12
protest procedures r5.1.2.1 20
raLLy, winning r6.1.3 24
r6.1.3.1 24
r6.1.3.2 24
referee pLatform usav2.6.d 13
referee pLatform, padding usav2.6.d 13
refereeing corps/procedures r22 65
refereeing corps, composition r22.1 65
refereeing corps, procedures r22.2 65
r22.2.1 65
r22.2.1.1 65
r22.2.1.2 65
r22.2.2 65
r22.2.3 65
referees hand signaLs r28.1 76
re-serve usav12.4.5 41
d11, hs 23 98
reverse co-ed ruLes 106
221
roster suBmission r4.1.3 15
usav4.1.3 15
rotation r7.6.2 30
rotationaL fauLt r7.7 30
d11, hs 13 95
rotationaL fauLt, service r7.7.1 30
rotationaL fauLt, canceLLed points r7.7.2 30
usav7.7.2 31
rotationaL fauLt, consequences r7.7.1.1 30
r7.7.1.2 30
usav7.7.2 30
rotationaL fauLt, Loss of raLLy r7.7.1.1 30
r7.7.2 30
usav7.7.2 31
rotationaL order r7.6.1 30
score a point r6.1.1 24
r6.1.1.1 24
r6.1.1.2 24
r6.1.1.3 24
score, officiaL usav1.7 10
scoreBoard usav1.7 10
scorekeeper/scorer r22.1 65
r25 71
scorekeeper/scorer, Location r25.1 71
scorekeeper/scorer responsiBiLities r25.2 71
r25.2.1 71
prior to match r25.2.1 71
during match r25.2.2 72
at end of match r25.2.3 73
scorekeeper, whistLe r22.2.1 65
screen, iLLegaL d11, hs 12 95
222
screening r12.5 41
r12.5.2 41
usav12.5.2 41
d6 85
screening, coLLective r12.5.1 41
d6 85
screening, individuaL r12.5.1 41
screening, sanction usav12.5.2 41
second referee r22.1 65
r24 69
second referee, authority r24.2 69
r24.2.1 69
r24.2.2 69
` r24.2.3 69
r24.2.4 69
r24.2.5 69
r24.2.6 69
r24.2.7 69
r24.2.8 70
r24.2.9 70
r24.2.10 70
second referee, Location r24.1 69
second referee, reporting suBs usav24.2.7 69
second referee, responsiBiLities
start of set r24.3.1 70
during the match r24.3.2 70
end of match r24.3.3 71
serve, iLLegaL attack of d11, hs 21 98
service r12 39
service, authorization r12.1 39
d11, hs 1 91
service, Before referee whistLe r12.4.5 41
service deLay d11, hs 11 94
service, eXecution r12.4 40
r12.4.1 40
223
service fauLty, after hit r7.5.3 29
service, fauLts made during r12.6 42
service, first in a set r12.1 39
service hit, fauLts after r12.6.2.1 42
r12.6.2.2 42
r12.6.2.3 42
service, iLLegaL d11, hs 10 94
service, jump serve r12.4.3 40
service order r12.2 39
r12.2.1 39
service order, determine neXt pLayer r12.2.2 40
r12.2.2.1 40
r12.2.2.2 40
service, time Limit r12.4.4 40
usav12.4.5 41
service toss r12.4.2 40
service tossing error usav12.4.4.b 41
service tossing error, Limit usav12.4.4.d 41
service zone r1.4.2 8
usav1.4.2 9
serving fauLts r7.5.2 29
r12.6.1 42
serving fauLts, change of service r12.6.1 42
r12.6.1.1 42
r12.6.1.2 42
set, to win r6.2 25
shoes, pLaying without r4.4.1 18
side Bands r2.3 11
usav2.3 11
simuLtaneous contacts r9.1.2 35
r9.1.2.1 35
usav9.1.2.1 35
r10.1.2.2 37
sportsmanLike conduct r20.1 61
224
starting Line-up, coach presents r7.3.2 27
usav7.3.2 27
states of pLay r8 32
suBstitutes, definition r7.3.3 27
suBstitution, definition r15.5 48
suBstitution d11, hs 5 92
suBstitution, deLay r16.1 54
usav16.1 54
suBstitution, eXceptionaL r15.7 49
suBstitution, eXceptionaL, injury r17.1.2 55
suBstitution, eXpuLsion/
disquaLification r15.8 50
suBstitution, iLLegaL r15.9 51
usav15.9.1 51
d11, hs 13 95
suBstitution, iLLegaL, procedures r15.9.2 51
r15.9.2.1 51
r15.9.2.2 51
r15.9.2.3 51
suBstitution, Before start of set r15.2.2 47
suBstitution, procedure r15.10a/b/c 52
suBstitution, sanction usav15.6 49
suBstitution, time Limit r15.10.2 52
suBstitution, time Limit, sanction r15.10.3 52
suBstitution zone r1.4.3 9
r16.5.1 46
suBstitution zone Location r1.4.3 9
suBstitutions, improper usav15.10.4a 52
d11, hs 13 95
suBstitutions, Limitations r15.6 49
usav15.6 49
r15.6.1 49
r15.6.2 49
r15.6.3 49
225
suBstitutions, maXimum r15.6.1 49
r15.6 49
usav15.6.b 49
suBstitutions, muLtipLe r15.6.1 49
suBstitutions, tweLve usav 15.6.a 49
team captain r4.1.2 15
r5.1 19
team captain, end of match duties r5.1.3.1 21
team captain, not on court r5.1.2 20
team captain, communication
with referees r5.1.2.1 20
r5.1.2.2 21
r5.1.2.3 21
usav5.1.2.1 20
team composition r4.1 15
team composition, maXimum r4.1.1 15
usav4.1.1a/b 15
team hits, maXimum r9.1 34
team Leaders r5 19
team Location r4.2 16
team sanctions
deLay warming d11, hs 25 99
deLay penaLty d11, hs 25 99
team starting Line-up r7.3 27
team starting Line-up, siX pLayers r7.3.1 27
team starting Line-up, insufficient
pLayers, defauLt usav7.3.1 27
temperature, minimum r1.5 9
three-BaLL system r3.3 14
usav3.3 14
technicaL time-outs r15.4 48
time-outs r15.4 48
d11, hs 4 92
time-outs, duration r15.4.1 48
226
time-outs, pLayer position r15.4.2 48
usav15.4.2 48
uniform, defined r4.3 16
uniform numBers aLLowed r4.3.3 17
usav4.3.3 17
uniform numBers, coLor r4.3.3.1 17
usav4.3.3.1 17
uniform numBers, minimum height and
width r4.3.3.2 17
usav4.3.3.2 18
uniform numBers, pLacement and size r4.3.3.2 17
usav4.3.3.2 18
uniforms, appareL not aLLowed r4.3.4 18
uniforms, changing wet jerseys r4.4.2 18
uniforms, in coLd weather r4.4.3 19
u-voLLey ruLes 98
warm-up area r1.4.5 9
warm-up during set intervaLs r4.2.4 16
usav4.2.4 16
warm-up period r7.2.1 26
warm-up, aduLt competition usav7.2.2.a 26
warm-up, junior competition usav 7.22.b 26
warm-up period, simuLtaneous r7.2.2 26
usav7.2.2 26
warm-up, pLayers not in pLay,
without BaLLs r4.2.3 16
without BaLLs during pLay r4.2.3.1 16
without BaLLs during time-out r4.2.3.2 16
warm-up session r7.2 26

227
U-VOLLEY RULES
height restrictions 102
cO-ED RULES
RULE/cOmmENtARY/HAND SIGNAL PAGE #
BLocker, Back-row r1.4 104
fauLt, douBLe r1.2.3 104
hit, iLLegaL r1.2.3 104
service order r1.1 103
team hit, more than one r1.2 103
net, height r1.5 105
reverse co-ed r2 105
uniforms r1.3 104
ScOREkEEPING INStRUctIONS
deciding set procedures 167
match procedures 129
non-deciding set procedures 153
post-set/match procedures 140
pre-set/match procedures 126
228

Usa Volleyball Indoor Rules Final

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i

Height of womens net 2.24 m = 74

Height of 12 & under net 2.13 m = 7

Min. width of side line band 5 cm = 2

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