USA Volleyball Changes

[SCalScoreKeeper]

Does anyone like the current USA center line and net violation definitions? I just worked a pool of 15s coaches and every one of them said they didn't like any of them.

[pavbref]

Most coaches feel that the rules are too loose. With most USAVB matches using players as the R2, the fact that the center line penetration rule requires judgement makes this a non-call most of the time because they don't recognize interference. The centerline rule is close to the NCAA rule, but the NCAA is encouraging more calls for penetration if any opposing player is in the area of the fault. Injuries are more prominent due to contact across the center line.
Net contact can cause the net to bounce, and because of the tightness to the net of the players, potential for injury is increased.

[SCalScoreKeeper]

I came into club last year and in the almost two years I've officiated under USAV rules I've only had 1 player R2 initiate that call.Plus this rule difference requires a little bit of parental education in the definition differences between NFHS and USAV.

[FMadera]

And of course...the rule will change next year to virtually mirror the NCAA Women's rule.

[SCalScoreKeeper]

What is the language of the NCAA rule? I only call college lines so I haven't been exposed to the specific language of the rule.

[pavbref]

The NCAA Penetration rule is as follows:

15.2.4.1 Encroachment into the opponent's court with the foot, feet, or hand(s) is permitted, provided some part of the encroaching extremity remains in contact with or directly above the center line, and there is no interference with opponents. It is not a fault to contact the opponent's team court with the hair.
15.2.4.2 Encroachment into the opponent's court with any part(s) of the body is permitted, provided some part of the body remains either in contact with or directly above the center line, and there is no interference with opponents. In addition, completely crossing the center line with the foot, feet, or hands, or encroachment with other body parts must not present a safety hazard to opponents.
15.2.4.3 It is not a fault to cross the center line after the ball is out of play.
15.2.4.4 It is not a fault to cross the extension of the center line outside the boundaries of the court (see Rule 15.1.1.1) and enter the opponent's free zone, provided there is no interference with opponents.

[SCalScoreKeeper]

So the language is fairly similar to the club rule.How do you all explain the USAV version of the rule to your player R2s?

[FMadera]

I wasn't specific before...the USA *net* rule will change to virtually mirror the NCAA rule. There will be one difference, from what I can tell in what was tested at Adult Open Nationals, and that's when the "playing of the ball" will end.

[SCalScoreKeeper]

That'll be good.I wish we could all unify under 1 book so that there isn't this period of transition as officials move from high school to college or high school to club.

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by SCalScoreKeeper

That'll be good.I wish we could all unify under 1 book so that there isn't this period of transition as officials move from high school to college or high school to club.

Personally I wish the rule would go to "DON'T TOUCH THE NET". Don't completely cross the center line. It removes the judgment from the officials and it lessens the risk for injuries.

These rules are a PERFECT example of rules designed for the elite level and not taking into consideration levels below elite players. What an elite player is able to do with their body is much different than what a recreational player can do, but they generally use the same rules.

Thankfully the league I work uses modifications of both the center line and net rules. We follow the HS center line rule and we use the "old" net rule which is contact while playing the ball.