Hi - I have a question - I officiate basketball, soccer, and swimming, and run an intramural program at my school. I need to know a better definition of what a carry is (or an "illegal hit") - there has been some debate on this one in the league, and I can't seem to find a good definition of it in the 2000-2001 rules book, which is the most recent one I have. We play by NFHS rules where our own rules don't apply, with many of the details not applicable. Any comments, situations, or assistance in this area would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

The best "test" of a hit that I can think of is "catch and throw".

Some hits look bad, but are good. But, if it looks like they caught and threw the ball, ding.

Besides Brian's definition, I also look for "prolonged contact"

In volleyball, the ball is supposed to be "hit". Look for the ball to pop cleanly off of the hands or arms. If the ball stays in contact with the player by rolling up the arm or being caught and thrown, blow the whistle.

Another way to think of it is that volleyball is a "rebound" sport. The ball "rebounds" or bounces off when contact is made. If it doesn't rebound away cleanly, that's when you are going to have prolonged contact or a lift.