Switching benches
 

Thought we were all set with the new rule of players proceeding directly to their benches after each set, but then were told by our local association that the new rule only applies to the deciding set.

Is there a conflict in 5-4-4b and 5-4-4c?

Thanks.

I don't have my rule book with me, I'll look it up in a bit. But the 'new' rule is players DO NOT report to the end lines after each set. For a deciding set, they go to their benches and wait for the result of the toss. That is the only difference. You are not the only person to get this confused.....Now I have to go to my rule book to see what you referenced. :D

I guess the association still wants to use the behind the back mechanic and have one team go around the maypole to get to their new bench.

Oldsetter is correct about the new rule being that players need not report to the end line before switching courts. Somehow the slight change morphed into the teams going to their old bench, then switching courts.

I don't see any conflict between 5-4-4b and 5-4-4c. 5-4-4b states..."The first referee then whistles and directs the team to change courts or move to the appropriate team benches." It's written that way to include procedures between non-deciding sets (change courts) and deciding sets (move to appropriate team benches).

5-4-4c states "Following non-deciding sets...The players proceed counter clockwise along the sideline outside the standards, then directly to their new team benches." (bold mine)

5-4-4d addresses the procedure prior to a deciding set. 5-4-4d-1 reads "Whistle, signals the end-of-set and directs team to their benches." (not new benches) 5-4-4d-2,3,& 4 then define how the coin toss is to be conducted and whether teams will remain on the same side or change courts.

Seems to me the wording here is a bit excessive. Counter clockwise outside the standards would work just fine, but along the sideline is confusing for those of us who work rule sets where they don't need to go outside the standards, simply outside the sideline.

If they want people to go outside the standards, then they should just say that.

I think it is the "outside the standards" language that appears conflicting...at least to the higher ups in my association. On a side note, during my last match, with the assigner, I was up official for the JV match and simply had them change benches. I was not instructed that I was incorrect.

Do it correctly all the same. :D