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Ask The Volleyball Ref!

Following are questions asked by our readers concerning the rules of volleyball, as well as other aspects of the sport. If you have a question for John Daglian, click here to Ask The Volleyball Ref!

Question:

What is officially considered a block? Is it considered a block if a player on the opposing team touches the ball before it hits the ground on their side?   (Bill from New York)

Answer:

A block is an action that deflects the ball coming from the opponent by a player close to and reaching higher than the net. Thus, what you have described would not be considered a block. Therefore both the player and the ball need to be near the top of the net.

Question:

What is the official height of the volleyball net for high school girls?   (Karen from Gibraltar)

Answer:

The net height for High School Girl's is 7 Feet 4 and 1/8 inches.

Question:

What is the regulation height for the net for men?   (Michael from Collinsville, AL)

Answer:

Men's net height is 7 feet 11 5/8 inches.

Question:

I play volleyball for a club team up here in Canada. I was wondering, my coach got a yellow card a few games back for hitting a ball hard. But he only did it once and was calm the rest of the game. I was wondering if the ref had to give him a warning before giving him a card or if he can give it to him without one. Thank you for your time.   (Mark from Red Deer, AB)

Answer:

The official does not have to give a warning first. It's all in his/her judgement about the severity of the offense. In fact, the official can skip the yellow card altogether and just go to red or disqualification based on the play.

Question:

Are you allowed to have an assisted block (where one person helps another to jump higher)?   (Jon from State College, PA)

Answer:

No - The only time you may assist another player would be to prevent him/her from crossing the center line or going out of play.

Question:

At a 7th grade volleyball game I attended recently, the players on the bench of one team would yell every time a player on the other team was about to serve. The whistle would blow and right before the server tossed the ball the players on the bench would yell "serve up" or "short" or something else. No one complained and the refs didn't say anything, but it did distract the a few of the servers. I've never seen it done before so I was wondering if it is legal to do this or is it one of those things that teams normally don't do out of sportsmanship but is not against the rules?   (Brian from Springfield, IL)

Answer:

As you stated there is nothing specifically in the rules to prevent this, however, if the official determines that the comments are intentionally attempting to distract the server it would be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. The comments you mentioned appear to be directed more at their teammates to make sure they are ready to play. You might hear comments like "short", "deep", "jump", etc. after the serve has been contacted. Again these would be designed to help the service receive and not distract the server.

Question:

I was wondering what constitutes overlapping in a volleyball game? I know the basic rules about overlapping, however whenever I attempt to setup certain serve receive positions I am a little confused as to what I can do? Thanks.   (Kevin from Pittsburgh, PA)

Answer:

Alignment is determined by the players feet and only their feet. Each front row player must have at least part of one foot closer to the centerline than both feet of the corresponding backrow player. (RF/RB, CF/CB, LF/LB) Additionally, the right/left side player must have at least part of one foot closer to the respective sideline than the player in the middle.

I hope this helps out.

Question:

How many times consecutively (in a row) can a player hit a volleyball?   (Kerrie from Kansas City, MO)

Answer:

Short Answer: Players are not allowed consecutive contacts during play.

Exceptions: Blocking - A block does not count as a contact, therefore, anyone may play the ball after it is blocked.
Team's First Contact - Multiple contacts are permitted on the first ball over the net during a volley. However, the player is only allowed one attempt to play the ball and it can not be caught or thrown.

Question:

Is there a ceiling height requirement for high school volleyball?   (Rich from Anchorage, AK)

Answer:

There is no minimum or maximum ceiling height for High School Volleyball under Federation rules. Any ball hitting the ceiling on that team's side in a playable area remains in play as long as that team has a hit remaining.

Question:

Hi, I was woundering what the dimensions of a court for middle school girls is and also the height of the net and the distance the serving line is from the net? Thank you very much.   (Dustin from Lorain, OH)

Answer:

The court dimensions used for middle school play should be identical to the Federation rule book. The court is 59 feet long and 29 feet 6 inches wide. It is divided equally so each side is 29 feet 6 inches long and wide. The net height for girls would be 7 feet 4 and 1/8 inches.

Question:

In one of your answers you used the phrase "term of service". I have been looking everywhere for the exact meaning of that phrase. I am a USAV Regionally certified up ref and have been asked to provide reffing clinic for an intermural league using high school rules. In USAV a player may let the service toss drop one time for each service attempt for players 14 years and under. In the high school rulebook it states once per term of service. Is the rule the same as USAV or must the players position move six rotations before allowing a re-serve?   (Larry from Jefferson City, MD)

Answer:

The phrase "term of service" comes out of the Federation Rule book. When a team gets the serve, they have begun their "term of service". This term ends when a side out occurs. A player's term of service begins when they start to serve. It can end if they are substituted for or on a side out. However, it can continue if they re-enter the game during the same term of service for their team. In Federation each player is allowed only one re-toss during their term of service. Thus, once used they would not be allowed to do it again until they rotated 6 places back to the server's position. This is different than the exception for USAV for 14-and-under play where a re-toss is permitted prior to every serve.

Federation Example:

  1. Player A is allowed a reserve and then serves 5 points.
  2. Player B enters the game has a reserve and serves 5 points.
  3. Player A reenters the game and has a reserve.
  4. Ruling: Side Out (2nd Reserve during the same team's term of service).

Question:

How far back from the net is the serving line for middle school?   (Lauren from Coppell, TX)

Answer:

The serving line for middle school would follow the Federation rule which puts it 30 feet from the net. However, the rule book also uses 9 meters which translates to 29 feet 6 inches. Therefore, you could use either distance.

Question:

Hi, I was wondering if it is legal to overhand serve with your fist, or is serving with your palm only legal? Also, when you spike the ball, can you use your fist, or once again, can you only use your palm? Thanks!   (Nicole from Nowhere)

Answer:

You may overhand serve or spike the ball with either a closed fist or open hand.

Question:

What is the official height for a volleyball net?   (Steven from New London, CT)

Answer:

The official height for a volleyball net is 7 Feet 11 5/8 inches for Men's and 7 Feet 4 1/8 inches for Women's.

Question:

During a game of volleyball, are you allowed to hit the ball with your foot?   (Kathleen from Saint John)

Answer:

If you are playing USA Volleyball rules, you may contact the ball with any part of your body. If you are playing Federation rules (High School), no foot contact is permitted. Above the waist only in Federation.

Question:

What is the NCAA standard size of a volleyball (diameter)? What is the weight in pounds of a volleyball? Thank you.   (Stephanie from Pullman, WA)

Answer:

The circumference of the volleyball should be between 65 to 67 cm or 25.5 to 27 inches. It should weigh between 9 and 10 ounces and be inflated to 4.3 to 4.6 pds/sq inch.

Question:

Can a back row player that is setting leave the floor and tip the ball over the net? Also, if we receive first do we have to rotate before our first serve?   (Robin from Tazewell, VA)

Answer:

A back row player may not hit the ball over the net when the ball is completely above the height of the net. The type of hit does not matter and leaving their feet does not enter into the test. However, it can be an indicator to help the official as to where the ball may have been. Therefore, in your case if the ball was not completely above the top of the net it is a legal play.

You do rotate each time you get the service per USA and Federation rules.

Question:

In Junior High can you step on or over the center line if you have no contact with the opposite side?   (CB from Anchorage, AK)

Answer:

You are allowed contact with the center line with either your hands or feet. As long as some part of your hand or foot is on or above the line, it is legal. You can not go completely across the center line. However, you are allowed to cross the center line extended as long as you don't interfere with the opposition's attempt to play the ball. The extended center line is the part outside the court boundaries (between the sideline and poles and after the poles).

Question:

What are the ways a team can commit a sevice fault?   (Brenda from Chicago, IL)

Answer:

There are several ways to commit a service fault. I've listed some below:

  1. Ball lands out of bounds
  2. Ball does not cross over the net between antennas
  3. Ball touches a player on the serving team
  4. Ball passes over players considered to be screening
  5. Ball touches the net (Federation only, not USA)

Question:

Which order does each of these skills generally occur during a point (dig, block, spike, dink, set pass)?   (Brenda from Chicago, IL)

Answer:

Since the point starts with a serve and the service receive is generally considered to be a pass, that would be first. This is followed by the set, an attack (spike or dink), then a block or if unsuccessful a dig.

Question:

How many feet back is the net from from the serving line?   (Jacey from Seneca)

Answer:

In High School (Federation) the court is defined as 60 feet by 30 feet or 18 meters by 9 meters. Thus, the service line is 30 feet behind the net. In USA the court is defined as 18 meters by 9 meters. Thus, the service line is 29 feet 6 inches behind the net. Since 18 meters is actually 59 feet, the 29 foot 6 inch court size is also permissible for high school play.

Question:

How many feet back do you serve in women's volleyball?   (Marla from Hallock, MN)

Answer:

The depth of the service area is determined by the playable area behind the court. The service area is marked by the end line and two side line extensions. Therefore, you can serve from anywhere behind the end line provided you are in a playable area.

Additionally, if the playable area behind the end line is not at least 6 feet (Federation) or 6 feet 6 inches (USA), the serving area will extend into the court and be marked to make up the depth.

Question:

For high school volleyball in the national federation rule book, is it legal to serve a ball that goes over, but touches the net? Will the serve still count? Thanks.   (Melody from Austin, TX)

Answer:

The National Federation has not adopted the let serve rule. Thus, any serve hitting the net will be considered a service fault.

Question:

What is the official height of a volleyball net supposed to be?   (Deano from Waterloo, IA)

Answer:

The net height for Men's competition is 7 feet 11 and 5/8 inches. The net height for Women's competition is 7 feet 4 and 1/8 inches.

Question:

On the net antennas, how long are they; and how high are they above the net (in regulation size)?   (Marty from ???)

Answer:

The antennas are 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) long and 1 cm in diameter. They extend 80 cm or 32 inches above the net.

Question:

I'm a setter, and when I play a 6:2 I know I'm not allowed to block the ball or spike it or tip it. Is there anything else I can't do if I'm in a 6:2.... and are the any exceptions to these rules?   (Bree from P-town)

Answer:

Your restrictions are defined by your position and the ball's position. While in the back row you can not participate in a solo block or a collective block. Additionally, you can not execute an attack hit when the ball is completely above the top of the net and your feet last touched the ground on or in front of the 10 foot line or its extenstion.

An attack hit is defined as any action directing the ball into the opponents court. It is completed when it is either legally blocked or completely crosses the plane of the net.

Question:

What is the net height in girls highschool volleyball?   (Ashley from El Dorado, CA)

Answer:

The net height for Girl's High School Volleyball is 7 feet 4 and 1/8 inches.

Question:

I play for high school and when we set up to serve, we have 3 plays upfront in the center of the net. The one in the middle is bending down and than the other two are standing up. Our coach said that is legal. I see teams that have 3 players standing right next to each other, none bending down. They are real close together, about a foot of distance or less. Now is that legal? Can you verify the rules in easier terms to understand? Thank you.   (Geoff from Stratford, NJ)

Answer:

This all goes toward the screening rule. Bear with me, this explanation is going to be long.

Anytime players are standing close together, the potential for a screen exists. Close together is normally defined as an arm's length or less apart. The word "potential" is used because the ball must be served over these players in a low trajectory for the screen to be called. Additionally, a single player standing near the server could create a screen if he is upright and the server sends a low trajectory serve directly over that player. Another single player screen can be created if they are deliberately moving to block the view of a receiving team's player. It's important to note that the receiving team players are not guaranteed any specific spot on the court to receive a serve. Therefore, they must move if a single player from the serving team is blocking their view of the server. However, if they move and the same serving team player follows them to continue to block the view of the server, a potential screen exists. Again, the ball must be served over that player.

For your team's serving formation, the only way a screen would be called is if the two upright players had their arms fully extended and a low trajectory serve went over the group of players. If their arms remain at shoulder height or lower, no screen potential exists. The second situation is exactly what was described above, and a screen potential exists. It's important to note that just standing together is not illegal. The ball must be served over the group in a low trajectory.

Generally, the officials will use preventative officiating and warn teams of a potential screen.

Question:

A question about position on the court. If my team is receiving serve, and I'm playing in the left front position, I know I have to line up closer to the net than the person in the left back position. Do I also have to be closer to the net than the middle back (or right back) position? The rule book seems to say no, but I've been called for overlap when the middle back is closer to the net than I am. Thanks for your help.   (Irish from Five Points, NJ)

Answer:

For alignment purposes at the moment of serve you are correct. As LF you must be to the left of CF and in front of LB. Your position relative to the CB or RB doesn't matter. If you are called out of rotation because of being behind the CB, the official probably mistook your actual position as the CF.

Question:

We have a volleyball court on our private beach and we would like to know the regulation height for a beach volleyball court. Please Help, we can not find this answer anywhere. Thank You.   (Melanie from Cape May, NJ)

Answer:

The proper net height can be found in the official USA Beach Rules. It is 7 Feet 4 1/8 inches for Women or Reverse Co-ed and 7 Feet 11 5/8 inches for Mens play.

Question:

I noticed that at the high school level, the line judges are usually selected from the teams participating in the match. Is this true and why aren't they provided with a flag or whistle to indicate foot faults or other court violation? What are the responsibilities of the line judges?   (Vincent from Blackwood, NJ)

Answer:

At the High School level, line judges are normally selected from the participating teams. At that point they are considered members of the officiating crew and should not be communicating with teammates until the conclusion of the match. Their responsibilities are listed below:

  1. Signal In or Out relative to the two lines they are watching.
  2. Signal Out if any part of the ball travels over or outside the antenna including hitting the portion of the antenna in the net or the net outside the antenna.
  3. Signal foot fault by pointing to the service line and raising their hand if the server steps on the line or in the court before or during contact with the ball. Note: If the server reestablishes contact behind the service line prior to contact, the serve is considered legal.
  4. Bring to the nearest official's attention if they see a player standing either completely or partially off of the court at the moment of serve.
  5. Assist the official by indicating the ball struck an overhead obstruction while traveling from the other team's court.
  6. Signal touch any time the ball deflects off of one player and then lands out of bounds.
Currently, at the high school level flags are considered optional, however, I suspect they will be used permanently in the near future at matches. It's also important to remember that the referee can overule any calls by any other member of the officiating crew he/she thinks may have been in error.

Question:

Is it a fault to distract or intimidate a hitter/setter by stomping ones feet directly in front of the play? Along the same lines is it a fault to yell "out" or "good" in an attempt to confuse the opponent? Thanks.   (Tim from Bowie, MD)

Answer:

The actions you describe fall under the unsportsmanlike conduct section of the rule books. In any of those cases the official could stop play and give anything from a warning to a red card depending on their interpretation of the offense. However, normally the official would just warn the players to stop the behaviour before issuing any cards.

Question:

What's the height of the volleyball net?   (Christine from Riverside, NJ)

Answer:

The net height is 7 feet 4 and 1/8 inches for Women's and Reverse Co-ed. It is 7 feet 11 and 5/8 inches for Men's and Co-ed.

Question:

When I played volleyball in school we had six girls play the first match and then six other girls play the second match. Any sub. put in could not have already played in the first match. The third match could be played by anyone. Is that a rule or was the coach trying to give some game time to more girls? If it is a rule, how do we do it with our school's team which only has nine girls? Thanks.   (Anne from Cleveland, OH)

Answer:

It's not a rule. The coach was probably just making sure everyone played. All players on the roster are eligible to play in all games. Any one replaced by a substitute may return to the game provided they return to the same place in the rotation. In high school you're allowed 18 team substitutions per game and in USA you get 15.

Question:

What is the size of a recreational volleyball court?   (Zac from Edinborough)

Answer:

A volleyball court is 59 feet by 29 feet 6 inches. Thus each half is 29 feet 6 inches by 29 feet 6 inches.

Question:

Which sides of the net are the antennas supposed to be on and why?   (Megan from Hoonah, AK)

Answer:

The antenna can be placed on either side of the net. When placing the antenna remember that they are considered out of bounds, thus they should be placed just outside the sidelines.

Question:

  1. Front Line Players A)may B)can't C)must, shift position after serve.
  2. The ball must be served by the A)left back B) right back C)center back.
  3. Only A)1 B)2 C)3, trial serve is/are allowed per side.
  4. The ball may be played only A)two lines B)three times C)four times, by one team in a volley.
  5. Players of the serving team must rotate A) counterclockwise B)in any direction C) clockwise, when receiving the ball to serve.
  6. Touching the net, reaching over or under the net, touching an opponent, or stepping over the center line is A)permitted B)a foul C)a point for opponent.

If you could please help me with this question, I would appreciate it, Thanks.   (Joshi from Nashville)

Answer:

Since you did not specify which set of rules, I will answer for both Federation (High School) and USA.

  1. Front Line players may change position after contact of the serve.

  2. The ball must be served by the player in the right back position. This serve can be executed anywhere behind the back line.

  3. In USA once the server tosses the ball they must serve it, there are no reserves. In High School each server gets one reserve for each term of service.

  4. Each team is allowed a maximum of 3 hits every time the ball is on their side. Note: A block does not count as a contact.

  5. Each time a team sides out to obtain the serve the entire team must rotate clockwise. RF to RB, RB to CB etc.

  6. In High School touching the net, going completely over the center line and making anything but incidental contact with an opponent is considered a foul (Point/Side Out). The only difference is in USA a player is allowed to make incidental contact with the net. Thus, if net contact is made and it is not relevant to the play, that contact is allowed. For example, a player after completing a block attempt turns to play defense and brushes the net with their shoulder. Anything other contact is considered a foul.

Question:

  1. What rules regulate the serve?
  2. When can you hit the ball twice in a row?
  3. What happens if the ball hits the ceiling on a team's third hit and the 1st and 2nd hit?
  4. What happens if the server steps on the end line before serving the ball?
  5. When can a ball touch the net?
  6. When can your team touch the ball four times?
  7. What happens if a player runs out of bounds and catches the ball?
  8. What happens if two teammates touch the ball at the same time?

Answer:

  1. For USA Volleyball, Rule #17 tells you everything you need to know about the serve. For High School, it's Rule #8. To summarize, the player must wait until the Referee's whistle and then complete his/her service motion having touched the floor last within the service area and in the alloted time. (USA - 8 sec., High School - 5 sec.) In USA the player only gets one toss per service attempt. In High School the player is allowed one reserve for each term of service.

  2. You are allowed multiple contacts on any first ball over the net. This is provided you make only one attempt to play the ball. In USA, these contacts may involve finger action. In High School, no finger action (setting motion) is permitted. Since a block does not constitute a hit, you may have multiple contacts during a single attempt to block, and then multiple contacts during a single attempt to retrieve the block attempt. (See Question #8)

  3. A ball striking the ceiling after the team's third hit becomes dead. (Point/Side Out) A ball striking the ceiling on a first or second hit remains in play provided the ball has remained on the team's side of the net the entire flight.

  4. A server who steps on the end line while serving has committed a foot fault which results in a side out. If that server steps on the end line and then clearly re-establishes position behind the end line, they can serve the ball legally.

  5. The ball can touch the net at any time except on a served ball. Additionally, a ball striking the net outside the antennas or hitting the antennas is considered dead. (Point/Side Out)

  6. A team is technically never allowed four hits. However, since a block does not count as a team contact, you may consider that to be a team getting four hits.

  7. The ball is not dead until the whistle has blown, thus a player catching a ball out of bounds would result in their team losing the volley.

  8. When two teammates play the ball simultaneously, it counts as the team's first contact and any team member can play the next ball.

Question:

I really don't know anything about adult league play. As to the levels, is "B" higher than "BB"? Is there a set of generally recognized "standards" a team must meet to move from one level to the next, or is it strictly a matter of experience (if your team plays even with a "B" team, then you're a "B" team)? Thanks in advance for your help.   (Dave from Sewell, NJ)

Answer:

Generally, BB is considered better than B. There really aren't any recognized standards to determine whether your team is B, BB, A, etc. As you said, teams will use their experience and results against other teams to determine which level they should play.

Question:

I wasn't quite clear on this rule maybe you can explain a little better. Say you decide that you want to set the ball over the net on hit #2. Do your shoulders have to be parallel or perpendicular with the net?   (Ramon from Sicklerville, NJ)

Answer:

I assume you are talking about either doubles or triples. The 2000 USA Beach rules (13.4.5) specify that a player intentionally setting the ball into the opponents' court must play the ball with two hands above the shoulders and send it either directly behind or in front of him/her. Thus, the ball's flight must be in line with the player's hands and shoulders once he/she has finished the play.

Thus, the position of the player relative to the net does not matter. However, it would not be possible for a player whose shoulders are perpendicular to the net to legally and intentionally set the ball into the opponents court. Furthermore, if your shoulders are parallel (both the same distance away from net) to the net, it is very easy to determine that the ball's flight was legal because the net can be used as a reference. When a player's shoulders are at some angle to the net, it becomes more difficult to determine that the ball was set directly in front or behind the player.

Question:

What is the correct height for a volleyball net?   (Kevin from Big Flats)

Answer:

The correct net height for Men or Coed play is 7' 11 5/8". The height for Women or Reverse Coed play is 7' 4 1/8". The height is measured from the center of the net. The two ends should be at the same height within 3/4" of the correct height.

The height can be modified for younger players:

  • Boys 14 and under:   7' 4 1/8"
  • Players 12 and under:   7' 0"
  • Girls 10 and under:   6' 6"

Question:

How many times can a hard hit ball be hit when it's returned? If I get hit by a spike, while in the back row, and it hits both of my hands at different times, is that a legal play?   (Dave from Cherry Hill, NJ)

Answer:

The rule provides for multiple contacts of a hard driven ball on the first contact by the receiving team. Thus, as long as the player only makes one attempt to play the ball it may contact him/her any number of times. For example, the ball could deflect from your arms to your chest and then to your head. However, there are differences between USA and High School in this area. In USA the multiple contacts are permitted on any first ball and may involve finger action. In High School (Federation) the only time multiple contacts are permitted is on a hard driven non served ball with no finger action.

Your position on the court does not matter for the second question. As long as you have only made one attempt to play the ball and there was no prolonged contact, it is a legal play.

Question:

On a struck ball that hits the line, but does so on compression of the ball to the floor, while the balls first contact with the floor is outside the the line, is this ball considered In or Out?   (Mark from Marlton, NJ)

Answer:

A very carefully worded and interesting question. Because the ball's first touch with the floor is outside the line, the ball is considered out of bounds (Rule 12.4). Once the ball makes contact with the floor, the play is over and ball compression does not matter. However, it is extremely difficult to determine first touch location vs. ball compression on a hard driven ball.

Question:

I've heard a rumor that Served Balls that hit the net and go over are going to be considered legal. Any truth to the rumor?   (Karch from California)

Answer:

My sources indicate that your rumor is true. In fact, as early as next season (2000-2001) a served ball will remain in play after contact with the net.

Question:

How come you are allowed to block the serve? I have seen this in the girl's high school league.   (Reggie from Redbank, NJ)

Answer:

You are not allowed to block a serve in USA or High School play.

Question:

With all the rules that are changing, I noticed that now you can hand set a serve. When and why did they add this rule? I haven't played volleyball in years and I am finding out the rules are changing the basics of the game.   (Lisa from Moorestown, NJ)

Answer:

Hand setting a serve is one of the great myths of the game. You could always hand set a serve, but because of a serve's velocity and/or spin it was very difficult to do so with out double hitting. The rule you are referring to allows the player to have multiple contacts, including finger action, on any first ball. About 3 years ago USA Volleyball incorporated this rule change. It orginated from the popularity of the beach game. The intent was to achieve longer volleys and add more excitement into each point. While multiple contacts are allowed, the player still can't catch or throw the ball.

Interestingly, Federation rules (High School) have not incorporated this change except as an experiment in a few states. Federation rules only allow multiple contacts, no finger action, on any non-served hard driven first ball.

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FIVB Official Volleyball Rules

USA Volleyball Rule Book

NFHS Volleyball Rules

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whistle.gif John Daglian is a member of the Central Jersey Volleyball Officials Association, and an original member of NJVBOA - South (since 1993). He has officiated at NJ Boys State Championships the last 4 years, and has been officiating Rec Ball since 1983.

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