2019 Rules questionnaire
 

The annual end of season rules questionnaire is now available to be taken.

My biggest observation is that the possible rule changes going forward would bring the rules in line with college/USAV regarding net and centerline violations.

Here's the link: http://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-...uestionnaires/

I'm torn. I like the college rules much better, but I'm not confident NFHS will achieve consistency across all states with enforcing them correctly.

I'm not confident the rules would be enforced consistently WITHIN my state of Ohio, let alone across states!

There is no consistency in enforcing rules in Illinois now with the current rules. At least this way, those of us that work NCAA/USAV/NHFS will have similar rules in all three rule sets.

I also favor the USAV interps of net and centerline, but the NFHS versions do make it easier for officials as there is no judgement required, only the illegal act.

I'm a newer official, so I voted for the "simplicity" of the rules. ;)

Consistency in rules is needed
 

The rule sets for any net or center line violations across all levels should be consistent.

In Missouri we are finally moving to 3 out of 5 sets next fall, so if we are really preparing our athletes for the college level, let the coaches teach the same concepts.

As the second referee at the NFHS level, we should be more involved in the match. Meaning, we are not just there to assist the scorers table and waive in the subs. Some matches I had this fall, I did not have any whistles.
There should be some level of judgement on the net violations, as some have no NFHS matches.
Not because of the USAV rule, but more to keep the ball flying as there was no advantage gained by the violation.

If you have other college rule (or USAV if so inclined) level thoughts that could be brought down to the NFHS Level to make our game more consistent, please share.

Standardizing the way lineups are submitted would be nice:)

I for one do not favor changing the rule. I think the rules are absolutely correct the way they are. A player should not be allowed to contact the net or step across the center line.

1) I don't like the idea of "safety" rules being judgment calls. The center line rule is a safety rule.

I have witnessed too many cases of injuries because of players stepping under the net to feel we should be loosening the rule.

2) I think the rule as currently used by the NFHS does provide the most consistency in officiating because the rule is clear. Are there missed net calls or center line faults? Absolutely, but the rule is not the reason why.

Agreed. We have too many coaches at the HS level and MS too, that don't know how to properly submit a lineup because the rule codes are different.

I completely disagree with you on this. The best way I have seen it described came from the meet referee I worked with this weekend at a state final swim meet. "Officials are to be noticed, but not seen." Our presence at the match should be noticed, but our actions should not be seen because we are not the important part of the match, the players are. The best games, matches, and meets I have done are the ones where I have the least to call. They are normally played at the best level with the best competition, and require the least "calls" to be made.

One of the best games I've had has a basketball official had 4 foul calls total. All 4 were in the first minute because it set the tone for how the game would be called. The next 23 minutes of play had no fouls called because the teams knew what would be called. As officials we should not be the focus of the game and wanting more to do as an official is contrary to that belief.