[Scrapper1]

Setter is positioned in Rotation 1, right next to the referee stand. First contact is a bad pass that sends the ball toward the R2. Thinking the setter needs help, another player moves to play the ball near the net. The setter, however, is hustling to the ball and pushes the other player out of the way. The other player contacts the net as the setter plays the ball, but the setter does not contact the net.

As R2, I had no whistle. I felt the second player was just trying to get out of the setter's way at that point. My partner, who is a much better official than I am, called a net fault.

In looking through my rulebook (NCAA), I can't seem to find a justification for a net fault, UNLESS you consider the second player to be playing the ball.

Anybody have any insight for me on how to think about this play?