Guide To Volleyball Basics 2006
Guide To Volleyball Basics 2006
Guide To Volleyball Basics 2006
There are thirty rules of the game of volleyball. Each of these rules is made up of articles which address specific aspects
of the rule. Each of the articles is subject to interpretation which is usually addressed in rule books as ‘commentary.” In
some cases, there are current practices that differ from international rules. This review of the rules is not intended to give
you a complete explanation, but rather, like the rest of this brochure, just an overview of the basics. It is critical that to be
a proficient player, or just to avoid needless interruptions brought on by debate of the rules of play, you should become
very familiar with all the rules. Additionally, it should be noted that high school, collegiate women, international
competition, and beach volleyball rules all vary somewhat from what is presented here. Get your own personal copy of
the rules. Call 88.US.VOLLEY (888.786.5539) to order, or visit www.usavolleyball.org/officiat/main.htm.
NOTE: Use your rule book to advance your own understanding of the rules, not like a traffic cop whose job it is to point
out other people’s violations.
A set is won by the team which first scores 25 points with a minimum lead of two points. In the case of a 24-24 tie, play is
continued until a two point lead is achieved.
rd th
The deciding set of any match (3 or 5 game) is played to 15 points. The winner is the first team to achieve 15 points
with a minimum lead of two points. Play is continued until a two point lead is achieved.
A default game results if a team cannot field six players or fails to begin play after the referee request. Default games are
scored either 25-0 or 15-0 depending on the set being played. In a set to 25 points, if a default is due to injury, the losing
team keeps its points and the winning team is credited with at least 25 points or up to 27 if necessary to provide a two
point victory.
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RULE 9: Team Line-up
At least two minutes prior to a match and thirty seconds prior to the expiration of the intermission between games, a
coach or game captain submits the team line-up.
The Libero:
• Must wear a jersey of contrasting color to his/her teammates.
• Is restricted to perform as a back-row player.
• Is not allowed to complete an attack hit from anywhere.
• Is not allowed to serve, block or attempt to block.
• Is not allowed to set a teammate for an attack hit when the Libero is in front of the 3 meter line. The Libero may set a
teammate when the Libero is completely behind the 3 meter line.
• Is allowed to replace any back-row player on any dead ball.
• Is not counted as a regular substitution and has unlimited entries. A rally must occur between Libero replacements.
• Can only be replaced by the player whom he/she replaced.
• Substitution occurs on the sideline between the endline and three-meter line and need not be authorized by a referee.
An injured or ill player has 30 seconds to decide whether to continue playing or exit the game. After 30 seconds, the team
must take a time-out or replace the player.
RULE 12: States of Play. The ball is in play when it is legally contacted for service.
RULE 13: Playing Faults. Any playing action contrary to the rules is a playing fault.
The consequence of a fault is loss of rally. The opponent of the team committing the fault wins the rally and is awarded a
point.
If opponents simultaneously commit a fault, a double fault is called and the rally is replayed. If opponents commit faults at
st
nearly the same time, the 1 referee must determine which one happened first and only penalize that one.
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RULE 14: Playing the Ball.
Each team is entitled to three hits (in addition to blocking) to return the ball to their opponents.
In addition, if a player serves out of turn, the team loses service and any points won during those services. The players
must move back to correct positions.
The receiving team must not be screened from seeing the serve. All players must also be in proper positions relative to
one another when the ball is served. They may move to other positions only after the server contacts the ball initiating a
rally.
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Jump serves are allowed providing the jump is taken while the server is in the proper service area regardless of whether
the server strikes the ball while over the court or not.
RULE 18: Attack Hit. All actions directing the ball to the opponents court except for a serve or block.
A front-row player can carry-out an attack hit at any height.
A back-row player can’t strike a ball in front of the attack line until the ball is at least partially below the top of the net.
Spiking above the net by a back-row player is allowed providing the player jumped from behind the attack line regardless
of where he/she lands.
RULE 19: Block. Blocking is the action that deflects the ball coming from the opponent by a player close to the net
reaching higher than the net.
The first Referee has the right to overrule all other officials. The first Referee also has the power to impose sanctions on
players.
The first Referee is positioned at one end of the net; with her/his head approximately 19” above the net. After blowing a
whistle to stop play, the first Referee uses hand signals to indicate who won the point, the fault committed, or replay.
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RULE 27: Second Referee:
The second Referee is concerned with such matters as service order of each team, keeping time, assisting in making
calls, supervision of substitutions, signaling the end of play, and replacing the first Referee, if necessary.
The second Referee is positioned on the floor at the opposite end of the net from the first referee.
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