First hit from back row question

[MCBear]

So am I correct? A back row player can contact the ball with an overhead pass (setting action) [Rule 9:5 Art 1, Def'n 2] on a serve so long as you do not play the ball back across the net?

refnrev, no...a back-row player may contact the ball in any legal manner and return it to the opponent's court at any time as long as the ball is NOT above the height of the net (see Rule 9.6.6). The player can play the ball with an overhand setting action as long as there is not prolonged contact (on any of the three allowed team contacts), it is not multiple contacted (on the second or third team contact), and/or it is not caught nor thrown.

The more I read what you saw, the more I am sure that the officials in question have been making an error in judging ball-handling.