Multiple vs. Prolonged Contact

[bbsbvb83]

First, let's be clear about when a referee should never make a double-hit call. All three rule sets (NFHS, NCAA, USAV) state that during a team's first hit, successive contacts are permitted as long as there is only one attempt to play the ball. A ball rolling up a player's arms - as long as the ball does not come to rest - is considered multiple contacts in one act of playing the ball. In that case, referees should allow play to continue as long as it occurs on the team's first contact.

The above paragraph comes from an article written by a PAVO national referee. I am questioning the bolded portion as it relates to NFHS rules, since I work under no other rules set. It has always been my understanding that a ball, which "rolls up" a player's arms is prolonged contact (illegal even on a team's first hit). To be clear, I am not referring to a ball that hits off the players wrist, then arm, then shoulder (legal multiple contact) on the team's first hit. I am referring to a ball that actually rolls up the players arm. Do you view this as prolonged contact or multiple contact?

[Antonio.King]

I don't view it as prolonged contact, no. Prolonged contact to me, and it looks like this other referee, means the ball came to rest at some point (or in USAV terms, "caught"). If the ball stopped moving completely prior to moving up the arm, shoulder, what have you, then I'd whistle it for it being a caught ball (USAV/NCAA) or a prolonged contact ball (NFHS/NCAA).

Otherwise, if it's still in motion throughout, play on.

Disclaimer: doesn't mean you won't get complaints from the opposing coaches.

[pavbref]

Had this exact situation in a USAV tournament: The ball rolled up the arm, but it stopped when it reached the elbow. The player twitched to get the ball to move, and when I called a lift, the coach went ballistic on the call. I was being observed, and a National rated ref (both USAV & PAVO) stated that I made the correct call.

I would not call a prolonged contact unless you see the ball come to a stop.

[MCBear]

Posted by: bbsbvb83

First, let's be clear about when a referee should never make a double-hit call. All three rule sets (NFHS, NCAA, USAV) state that during a team's first hit, successive contacts are permitted as long as there is only one attempt to play the ball. A ball rolling up a player's arms - as long as the ball does not come to rest - is considered multiple contacts in one act of playing the ball. In that case, referees should allow play to continue as long as it occurs on the team's first contact.

As you stated, the above was quoted by a PAVO National Referee. As such, it does not apply to NFHS. The NFHS interpretation is totally different from NCAA(PAVO) and USAV. NFHS is the only rules set that utilizes "prolonged contact".

In NFHS, a ball that rolls up a player's arms is always considered to be prolonged contact. NCAA and USAV consider such contact to be successive contacts and thus legal. Be careful about mixing apples and oranges.

[FMadera]

Originally Posted by MCBear

NFHS is the only rules set that utilizes "prolonged contact".

Incorrect. NCAA 14.2.2:
14.2.2 Caught or Thrown Ball
The ball must be hit cleanly and not caught or thrown. Prolonged contact with the ball is a fault. The ball can rebound in any direction.

[Antonio.King]

Shoot. You beat me to it Felix.

We use it in NCAA, however, we class it as a "caught" ball.

[bbsbvb83]

Originally Posted by MCBear

The NFHS interpretation is totally different from NCAA(PAVO) and USAV...
In NFHS, a ball that rolls up a player's arms is always considered to be prolonged contact. NCAA and USAV consider such contact to be successive contacts and thus legal. Be careful about mixing apples and oranges.

Thank you and thanks to all who replied. I will add this to my list of reasons to allow my Referee Magazine subscription to expire.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by pavbref

Had this exact situation in a USAV tournament: The ball rolled up the arm, but it stopped when it reached the elbow. The player twitched to get the ball to move, and when I called a lift, the coach went ballistic on the call. I was being observed, and a National rated ref (both USAV & PAVO) stated that I made the correct call.

I would not call a prolonged contact unless you see the ball come to a stop.

This is pretty much exactly like the USAV instructor described at a recent clinic. Rolling - fine. Stopped and changed directions is "caught" (No such thing as carry!).