Rule Changes & Policies
2024 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2024-2025 volleyball rule changes
4-2-3a, 7-1-1 NOTE: Allows a player to change uniform numbers without penalty when a uniform is damaged in addition to when a uniform has blood on it.
Rationale: Adds language to Rule 4: Uniforms regarding the proper procedure for a legal uniform number change and expands to include a damaged uniform as a legal reason for changing a uniform number. Aligns language in Rules 4 and 7.
5-4-3c(1): Allows all players on the roster, not just starting players, to stand on their respective end lines prior to the first set.
Rationale: Encourages the inclusion of all players in the prematch announcements.
5-9-2b NOTE (NEW), State Association Adoption Chart: Requires line judges to switch sides of the court between sets when, by state association adoption, teams remain on the same benches throughout the match.
Rationale: Aligns with the original intent of the rule allowing line judges to alternate between each set to promote fair officiating.
11-4-1b: Allows teams to substitute during an injury time-out for the libero replacement if the libero is injured or ill.
Rationale: Allows for the immediate substitution of the libero replacement who may be playing out of position due to the injury to the libero
2024-25 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
Click here for NFHS 2024-2025 volleyball rule changes
4-2-3a, 7-1-1 NOTE: Allows a player to change uniform numbers without penalty when a uniform is damaged in addition to when a uniform has blood on it.
Rationale: Adds language to Rule 4: Uniforms regarding the proper procedure for a legal uniform number change and expands to include a damaged uniform as a legal reason for changing a uniform number. Aligns language in Rules 4 and 7.
5-4-3c(1): Allows all players on the roster, not just starting players, to stand on their respective end lines prior to the first set.
Rationale: Encourages the inclusion of all players in the prematch announcements.
5-9-2b NOTE (NEW), State Association Adoption Chart: Requires line judges to switch sides of the court between sets when, by state association adoption, teams remain on the same benches throughout the match.
Rationale: Aligns with the original intent of the rule allowing line judges to alternate between each set to promote fair officiating.
11-4-1b: Allows teams to substitute during an injury time-out for the libero replacement if the libero is injured or ill.
Rationale: Allows for the immediate substitution of the libero replacement who may be playing out of position due to the injury to the libero
2024-25 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
- Ball Handling
- Scoring Best Practices
- Host Management Best Practices
2023 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2023-2024 volleyball rule changes
2-1-9 (NEW), 12-2-5: Creates a coaching zone defined by the libero replacement zone extending beyond the end line and sideline extended.
Rationale: Defines and clarifies the area in which coaches may stand.
4-1-7: Allows small, secured stud or post jewelry to be worn above the chin.
Rationale: Maintains consistency with current trends of other NFHS and volleyball rules codes.
4-2-4b: Eliminates the use of uniform numbers with a leading zero (01, 02, 03, etc.) beginning in 2028.
Rationale: Clarifies legal numbers and eliminates confusion when signaling while aligning with other rules codes.
10-2-1: Allows requests for substitution by the head coach to be signaled or verbalized.
Rationale: Creates consistency by allowing either a verbal or non-verbal signal for as substitution.
12-2-6: Establishes that one assistant coach may stand within the coaching zone to provide instruction during dead-ball situations only.
Rationale: Allows an assistant coach to stand and coach during dead-ball situations in addition to the head coach. The assistant coach that stands may change throughout the match, but only one can stand at a time.
2023-24 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-1-1, 2-1-3, 2-1-4, 2-1-5, 2-1-6, 10-2-1
2023-24 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
Click here for NFHS 2023-2024 volleyball rule changes
2-1-9 (NEW), 12-2-5: Creates a coaching zone defined by the libero replacement zone extending beyond the end line and sideline extended.
Rationale: Defines and clarifies the area in which coaches may stand.
4-1-7: Allows small, secured stud or post jewelry to be worn above the chin.
Rationale: Maintains consistency with current trends of other NFHS and volleyball rules codes.
4-2-4b: Eliminates the use of uniform numbers with a leading zero (01, 02, 03, etc.) beginning in 2028.
Rationale: Clarifies legal numbers and eliminates confusion when signaling while aligning with other rules codes.
10-2-1: Allows requests for substitution by the head coach to be signaled or verbalized.
Rationale: Creates consistency by allowing either a verbal or non-verbal signal for as substitution.
12-2-6: Establishes that one assistant coach may stand within the coaching zone to provide instruction during dead-ball situations only.
Rationale: Allows an assistant coach to stand and coach during dead-ball situations in addition to the head coach. The assistant coach that stands may change throughout the match, but only one can stand at a time.
2023-24 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-1-1, 2-1-3, 2-1-4, 2-1-5, 2-1-6, 10-2-1
2023-24 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
- Using the Lineup Card Effectively
- Coaches Zone Privileges
2022 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2022-2023 volleyball rule changes
3-1-3 PENALTY, 4-2 PENALTY 3: Adds language allowing state associations to determine the appropriate action/penalty when padding requirements are not met and a team does not have six legal uniforms.
Rationale: Clarifies that state associations have the authority to determine the action and/or penalty(s), if necessary, to address these issues.
4-1-6: Allows hair adornments provided they are securely fastened and do not present a safety hazard while eliminating the length limitation of 2 inches for bobby pins, flat clips and flat barrettes.
Rationale: Creates inclusivity of hair styles while maintaining that the risk of injury to the athlete, teammates and opponents should not be compromised.
4-2-1f: Eliminates the manufacturer logo/trademark/reference restrictions on the waistband ONLY of the uniform bottom.
Rationale: Allows for multiple and eliminates size restrictions of manufacturer logos/trademarks/references on the uniform waistband ONLY, minimizing issues related to illegal uniform bottoms.
5-6-3b, e; 5-7-3e: Eliminates the sounding of the audio device when an improper server or an illegal libero replacement is recognized by the official’s table and establishes that the official scorer shall notify the second referee during the first dead ball.
Rationale: Allows the match to continue without interruption until the second referee is notified and can verify the improper server/illegal replacement during the next dead ball.
7-1-2c (NEW): Requires the head coach to indicate the playing captain with a “C” next to the player’s number on the lineup.
Rationale: Aligns language in the Case Book and Officials Manual that requires playing captains to be indicated on the lineup.
11-2-1: Allows requests for time-outs by the head coach or playing captain to be signaled or verbalized.
Rationale: Establishes that both verbal and non-verbal signals for a time-out are permitted.
12-2-5a: Adds that assistant coaches may stand during a dead ball situation and ask the second referee to verify the number of substitutions used by their team.
Rationale: Clarifies that assistant coaches may ask the second referee, during a dead-ball situation, for the number of time-outs and/or the number of substitutions used by their team.
2022-23 Volleyball Editorial Changes
5-4-1h, 7-1-1 PENALTIES 2 & 3, 5-2-5d
2022-23 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
Click here for NFHS 2022-2023 volleyball rule changes
3-1-3 PENALTY, 4-2 PENALTY 3: Adds language allowing state associations to determine the appropriate action/penalty when padding requirements are not met and a team does not have six legal uniforms.
Rationale: Clarifies that state associations have the authority to determine the action and/or penalty(s), if necessary, to address these issues.
4-1-6: Allows hair adornments provided they are securely fastened and do not present a safety hazard while eliminating the length limitation of 2 inches for bobby pins, flat clips and flat barrettes.
Rationale: Creates inclusivity of hair styles while maintaining that the risk of injury to the athlete, teammates and opponents should not be compromised.
4-2-1f: Eliminates the manufacturer logo/trademark/reference restrictions on the waistband ONLY of the uniform bottom.
Rationale: Allows for multiple and eliminates size restrictions of manufacturer logos/trademarks/references on the uniform waistband ONLY, minimizing issues related to illegal uniform bottoms.
5-6-3b, e; 5-7-3e: Eliminates the sounding of the audio device when an improper server or an illegal libero replacement is recognized by the official’s table and establishes that the official scorer shall notify the second referee during the first dead ball.
Rationale: Allows the match to continue without interruption until the second referee is notified and can verify the improper server/illegal replacement during the next dead ball.
7-1-2c (NEW): Requires the head coach to indicate the playing captain with a “C” next to the player’s number on the lineup.
Rationale: Aligns language in the Case Book and Officials Manual that requires playing captains to be indicated on the lineup.
11-2-1: Allows requests for time-outs by the head coach or playing captain to be signaled or verbalized.
Rationale: Establishes that both verbal and non-verbal signals for a time-out are permitted.
12-2-5a: Adds that assistant coaches may stand during a dead ball situation and ask the second referee to verify the number of substitutions used by their team.
Rationale: Clarifies that assistant coaches may ask the second referee, during a dead-ball situation, for the number of time-outs and/or the number of substitutions used by their team.
2022-23 Volleyball Editorial Changes
5-4-1h, 7-1-1 PENALTIES 2 & 3, 5-2-5d
2022-23 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
- Sportsmanship
- Playable-Nonplayable Situations
- Injury Procedures
2021 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2021-2022 volleyball rule changes
4-1-6a, b (NEW): Allows players to wear head coverings for religious reasons that fit securely and are made of non-abrasive or soft materials while still requiring head coverings worn for medical reasons to be approved by the state association.
Rationale: Eliminates the need for authorization from the state association for the wearing of religious headwear without data to support an increased risk while maintaining the requirement for approval of head coverings worn for medical reasons – allowing the state association to review for the purposes of risk minimization.
5-3-1, 5-3-1 NOTES: Allows state associations to approve of gray and/or bright blue (cyan) in addition to the white short or long-sleeved polo-style shirts while maintaining that officials must dress in like colors. Simplifies the accommodations for varying climate conditions within the competition facility.
Rationale: Provides state associations with additional officials’ uniform options while aligning with trends in the game.
7-1-4 PENALTIES, 9-9-1b (NEW): Eliminates the loss of rally/point penalty for failure to submit the lineup no later than two minutes prior to the end of the timed prematch warmup and one minute prior to the end of the timed interval between sets. The penalty was changed to an unnecessary delay (administrative yellow card) with the escalation of a second unnecessary delay (administrative red card) if not submitted by the end of the timed prematch warmup or interval.
Rationale: Aligns the penalty with the late roster and lessens the severity of the penalty for a late lineup.
2021-22 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
State Association Adoption Chart (NEW): Clarifies and organizes all rules that allow for state association adoption.
2021-22 Volleyball Editorial Changes
5-4-3c(22), 5-5-3b(21), Unnecessary Delays Chart
Click here for NFHS 2021-2022 volleyball rule changes
4-1-6a, b (NEW): Allows players to wear head coverings for religious reasons that fit securely and are made of non-abrasive or soft materials while still requiring head coverings worn for medical reasons to be approved by the state association.
Rationale: Eliminates the need for authorization from the state association for the wearing of religious headwear without data to support an increased risk while maintaining the requirement for approval of head coverings worn for medical reasons – allowing the state association to review for the purposes of risk minimization.
5-3-1, 5-3-1 NOTES: Allows state associations to approve of gray and/or bright blue (cyan) in addition to the white short or long-sleeved polo-style shirts while maintaining that officials must dress in like colors. Simplifies the accommodations for varying climate conditions within the competition facility.
Rationale: Provides state associations with additional officials’ uniform options while aligning with trends in the game.
7-1-4 PENALTIES, 9-9-1b (NEW): Eliminates the loss of rally/point penalty for failure to submit the lineup no later than two minutes prior to the end of the timed prematch warmup and one minute prior to the end of the timed interval between sets. The penalty was changed to an unnecessary delay (administrative yellow card) with the escalation of a second unnecessary delay (administrative red card) if not submitted by the end of the timed prematch warmup or interval.
Rationale: Aligns the penalty with the late roster and lessens the severity of the penalty for a late lineup.
2021-22 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
State Association Adoption Chart (NEW): Clarifies and organizes all rules that allow for state association adoption.
2021-22 Volleyball Editorial Changes
5-4-3c(22), 5-5-3b(21), Unnecessary Delays Chart
2020 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2020-2021 volleyball rule changes
4-1-4 (NEW): Allows the use of a molded protective face mask made of hard material during play.
Rationale: Creates consistency with other NFHS rules codes.
7-1-1; 7-1-1 PENALTIES; 7-1-1 PENALTIES 2 (NEW); 9-9-1a (NEW); 10-3-7b: Eliminates the loss of rally/point penalty for failure to submit the team roster during the prematch conference and replaces the penalty with an unnecessary delay (administrative yellow card).
Rationale:Eliminates the double penalty for a late roster and an incorrect roster before the start of the match.
7-1-4a(1) & (2) NEW: Allows a team to correct a submitted lineup if it lists a libero number that no team member is wearing.
Rationale:Creates consistency in allowing the correction of a clerical error (listing a number that no team member is wearing) on the lineup for a starting position and the libero position.
12-2-6: Establishes that a yellow card issued for unsporting conduct to the head coach, assistant coach(es) or team bench will no longer require the head coach to remain seated, while maintaining that a red unsporting conduct card will require the head coach to remain seated for the remainder of the match.
Rationale: Creates a penalty progression by allowing an official to warn a head coach with a yellow unsporting conduct card without requiring the coach to remain seated for the remainder of the match.
Official Signal #15: Establishes that an official will rotate their forearms around each other with closed hands to signal substitution.
Rationale:Aligns with current trends of the sport.
2020-21 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
4-2-1e: Removes language referencing the size restrictions of mascots and/or school names placed on the uniform sleeve as a part of the 2019-20 uniform rules changes.
10-3-6b, 10-3-6c, 10-3-6 NOTE (NEW): Clarifies the order of priority for an exceptional substitution for an injured/ill player aligning the language with Rule 10-4-3b.
2020-21 Volleyball Editorial Changes
5-4-3c(22); 5-4-4b, c; 5-5-3b(20); 9-7 PENALTIES 3; Rule 9 Unnecessary Delay Chart (NEW)
2020-21 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
Click here for NFHS 2020-2021 volleyball rule changes
4-1-4 (NEW): Allows the use of a molded protective face mask made of hard material during play.
Rationale: Creates consistency with other NFHS rules codes.
7-1-1; 7-1-1 PENALTIES; 7-1-1 PENALTIES 2 (NEW); 9-9-1a (NEW); 10-3-7b: Eliminates the loss of rally/point penalty for failure to submit the team roster during the prematch conference and replaces the penalty with an unnecessary delay (administrative yellow card).
Rationale:Eliminates the double penalty for a late roster and an incorrect roster before the start of the match.
7-1-4a(1) & (2) NEW: Allows a team to correct a submitted lineup if it lists a libero number that no team member is wearing.
Rationale:Creates consistency in allowing the correction of a clerical error (listing a number that no team member is wearing) on the lineup for a starting position and the libero position.
12-2-6: Establishes that a yellow card issued for unsporting conduct to the head coach, assistant coach(es) or team bench will no longer require the head coach to remain seated, while maintaining that a red unsporting conduct card will require the head coach to remain seated for the remainder of the match.
Rationale: Creates a penalty progression by allowing an official to warn a head coach with a yellow unsporting conduct card without requiring the coach to remain seated for the remainder of the match.
Official Signal #15: Establishes that an official will rotate their forearms around each other with closed hands to signal substitution.
Rationale:Aligns with current trends of the sport.
2020-21 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
4-2-1e: Removes language referencing the size restrictions of mascots and/or school names placed on the uniform sleeve as a part of the 2019-20 uniform rules changes.
10-3-6b, 10-3-6c, 10-3-6 NOTE (NEW): Clarifies the order of priority for an exceptional substitution for an injured/ill player aligning the language with Rule 10-4-3b.
2020-21 Volleyball Editorial Changes
5-4-3c(22); 5-4-4b, c; 5-5-3b(20); 9-7 PENALTIES 3; Rule 9 Unnecessary Delay Chart (NEW)
2020-21 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
- Bench Behavior/Sportsmanship
- Management of Non-Team Personnel
- Officials’ Communication
- Uniform Bottom Compliance
2019 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2019-2020 volleyball rule changes
2-2-2, 2-3j (NEW), 2-4-1e(NEW), 2-4 PENALTIES 3 (NEW), 9-8-1i: When the ball strikes the cables and/or the diagonal poles used to retract ceiling suspended net systems the referee will stop play and determine if the ball was playable. The referee will signal out-of-bounds or replay.
Rationale: Establishes the cables and diagonal poles used to retract suspended net systems as restricted play and aligns officials’ treatment of a ball striking either the cables and/or the diagonal poles.
4-2-1, 4-2-1a (NEW), 4-2-1e (NEW), 4-2-2 (NEW): Eliminates the solid-colored uniform requirements, establishes that the libero uniform must clearly contrast with his/her teammates’ uniforms and reorganizes the legal uniform rule.
Rationale: Clarifies the requirements for all legal uniforms and simplifies the requirements for the contrasting libero uniform maintaining the compliance of all currently compliant team and libero uniform jerseys.
4-2-4b: Eliminates the use of double zero (00) as a uniform number option.
Rationale: Eliminates confusion surrounding the signaling of “00” and “0”.
4-2-4c: Beginning with the 2023 season the body of the uniform number must clearly contrast with the uniform top regardless of borders. This will eliminate the allowance of borders to provide contrast between the number and the uniform number.
Rationale: Allows officials and scorers to easily identify uniform numbers.
5-5-1b; 5-6-1b; 7-1-1a; 7-1 PENALTIES 1; 7-1-2; 7-1-4; 7-1-4 PENALTIES 1, 2: Requires the second referee to collect team rosters at the prematch conference while allowing changes to be made until 10 minutes remain on the pregame clock and establishes lineups to be submitted to the second referee before each set.
Rationale: Eliminates warmup interruptions by officials requesting rosters with 10 minutes remaining on the warmup clock, allowing for a smoother warmup process for coaches, players, officials and scorers.
5-9-2a NOTE: Establishes that the line judge shall take their position and move in line with the extension of the end line when the ball is being served near the line judge’s position replacing the old technique to move directly back in line with the sideline.
Rationale: Allows the line judge to watch for foot contact with the end line and move quickly back for a view of the sideline. This is a more appropriate position and transition for line judges.
8-1-6, 8-2-5g (NEW), 8-2-6d: Establishes that the ball remains dead when tossed for serve and it touches any part of the backboard or supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area and is an illegal serve (Signal 13) and not a service fault.
Rationale: Accurately reflects the action since the ball is not contacted for serve.
2019-20 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
2-1-5: Clarifies that the attack line shall be measured from the edge of the attack line farthest from the center line to the axis of the center line.
4-2-7: Clarifies the penalty for the removal of any part of the uniform top or bottom as a yellow card charged to the coach for unsporting conduct.
5-5-3b(26): Provides additional instructions for the second referee when conducting the coin toss prior to the deciding set by requiring the second referee to communicate with the first referee the serving team and the proper team benches.
8-1-6, 8-2-5g: Establishes the proper signal for a tossed ball that contacts a backboard or its supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area is officials signal 13.
NFHS Official Signals Chart: Removes signal 7 “Legal Back-Row Attack” from the chart and establishes the signal as an informal officials’ signal in the NFHS Officials Manual renumbering remaining signals.
2019-20 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-4-1b; 5-2-1b; 10-2 PENALTIES 2; 11-4-2; 12-2 PENALTIES 1a, b; Scoring Section; Officials Signals 19A
2019-20 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
Click here for NFHS 2019-2020 volleyball rule changes
2-2-2, 2-3j (NEW), 2-4-1e(NEW), 2-4 PENALTIES 3 (NEW), 9-8-1i: When the ball strikes the cables and/or the diagonal poles used to retract ceiling suspended net systems the referee will stop play and determine if the ball was playable. The referee will signal out-of-bounds or replay.
Rationale: Establishes the cables and diagonal poles used to retract suspended net systems as restricted play and aligns officials’ treatment of a ball striking either the cables and/or the diagonal poles.
4-2-1, 4-2-1a (NEW), 4-2-1e (NEW), 4-2-2 (NEW): Eliminates the solid-colored uniform requirements, establishes that the libero uniform must clearly contrast with his/her teammates’ uniforms and reorganizes the legal uniform rule.
Rationale: Clarifies the requirements for all legal uniforms and simplifies the requirements for the contrasting libero uniform maintaining the compliance of all currently compliant team and libero uniform jerseys.
4-2-4b: Eliminates the use of double zero (00) as a uniform number option.
Rationale: Eliminates confusion surrounding the signaling of “00” and “0”.
4-2-4c: Beginning with the 2023 season the body of the uniform number must clearly contrast with the uniform top regardless of borders. This will eliminate the allowance of borders to provide contrast between the number and the uniform number.
Rationale: Allows officials and scorers to easily identify uniform numbers.
5-5-1b; 5-6-1b; 7-1-1a; 7-1 PENALTIES 1; 7-1-2; 7-1-4; 7-1-4 PENALTIES 1, 2: Requires the second referee to collect team rosters at the prematch conference while allowing changes to be made until 10 minutes remain on the pregame clock and establishes lineups to be submitted to the second referee before each set.
Rationale: Eliminates warmup interruptions by officials requesting rosters with 10 minutes remaining on the warmup clock, allowing for a smoother warmup process for coaches, players, officials and scorers.
5-9-2a NOTE: Establishes that the line judge shall take their position and move in line with the extension of the end line when the ball is being served near the line judge’s position replacing the old technique to move directly back in line with the sideline.
Rationale: Allows the line judge to watch for foot contact with the end line and move quickly back for a view of the sideline. This is a more appropriate position and transition for line judges.
8-1-6, 8-2-5g (NEW), 8-2-6d: Establishes that the ball remains dead when tossed for serve and it touches any part of the backboard or supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area and is an illegal serve (Signal 13) and not a service fault.
Rationale: Accurately reflects the action since the ball is not contacted for serve.
2019-20 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
2-1-5: Clarifies that the attack line shall be measured from the edge of the attack line farthest from the center line to the axis of the center line.
4-2-7: Clarifies the penalty for the removal of any part of the uniform top or bottom as a yellow card charged to the coach for unsporting conduct.
5-5-3b(26): Provides additional instructions for the second referee when conducting the coin toss prior to the deciding set by requiring the second referee to communicate with the first referee the serving team and the proper team benches.
8-1-6, 8-2-5g: Establishes the proper signal for a tossed ball that contacts a backboard or its supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area is officials signal 13.
NFHS Official Signals Chart: Removes signal 7 “Legal Back-Row Attack” from the chart and establishes the signal as an informal officials’ signal in the NFHS Officials Manual renumbering remaining signals.
2019-20 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-4-1b; 5-2-1b; 10-2 PENALTIES 2; 11-4-2; 12-2 PENALTIES 1a, b; Scoring Section; Officials Signals 19A
2019-20 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
- Informal Officials Signals
- Ball-handling
- Side Folding Retractable Backboards
2018 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2018-19 volleyball rule changes
2-4-1b: A referee shall stop play when any player gains an illegal advantage by contacting any team member while playing the ball.
Rationale: Clarifies that no team member may assist a player during an attempt to play the ball.
5-5-3b(10) (NEW): The second referee has the responsibility to ensure that the head coach remains in the replacement zone no closer than 6 feet to the sideline, when standing during play.
Rationale: Supports the second referee’s responsibilities as outlined in the Officials Manual.
5-5-3b(13), 5-5-3b(20), 5-8-3a NOTE (NEW): When multiple courts are in use, the second referee may end a time-out or interval between sets with a long whistle in place of the timer sounding an audio signal (horn).
Rationale: Clarifies timer and second referee responsibilities during time-outs/intervals when multiple courts are in use.
9-8-2 EXCEPTION (NEW), 11-4-1b (NEW): When a replay is signaled due to an injury/illness and the injured/ill player cannot continue play, the head coach may request a substitute or complete a legal libero replacement for the injured/ill player or take a team time-out(s) if the team has remaining time-outs.
Rationale: Clarifies the procedures for a replay due to an injured/ill player and adds the option of a legal libero replacement.
10-2 PENALTIES 2: After a team is charged with an unnecessary delay, the coach may request no further substitutions until the next completed rally.
Rationale: Eliminates further delay of the set by removing the option to request additional substitutions after a team is charged with an unnecessary delay.
11-5-3 (NEW): Between sets, teams may warm up in their playing area, but may not hit volleyballs over the net into the opponents playing area.
Rationale: Establishes parameters for warming up between sets that minimize the risk of injury.
SIGNAL #21: To signal unnecessary delay, raise the hand on the side of the offending team beside head, palm facing shoulder, hold the appropriate card on the wrist of the raised hand.
Rationale: Simplifies mechanics for unnecessary delay signal and clarifies side at fault.
2018-19 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-5-2c (NEW), 1-7-2 thru 4: Provides consistency by listing all reasons why a match shall be declared a forfeit and clarifies that a forfeit is considered a termination of a match and not a suspension.
5-4-1c: Clarifies that the inspection of net antennas is a prematch responsibility of the first referee.
5-5-3b (13) & (20): Clarifies that the second referee shall use a double whistle to indicate the warning during a time-out and when an intermission is used.
6-4-5 NOTE (NEW): Clarifies that when a team is playing with fewer than six players, the vacant position remains open when rotating to the front row.
2018-2019 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-1-4, 5-2-1b, 5-4-4d(1) & (4), 10-4-3c, 12-2 Procedures for Unsporting Conduct Violations 4 and 5, How to Use the Signals #20
2018-19 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
Click here for NFHS 2018-19 volleyball rule changes
2-4-1b: A referee shall stop play when any player gains an illegal advantage by contacting any team member while playing the ball.
Rationale: Clarifies that no team member may assist a player during an attempt to play the ball.
5-5-3b(10) (NEW): The second referee has the responsibility to ensure that the head coach remains in the replacement zone no closer than 6 feet to the sideline, when standing during play.
Rationale: Supports the second referee’s responsibilities as outlined in the Officials Manual.
5-5-3b(13), 5-5-3b(20), 5-8-3a NOTE (NEW): When multiple courts are in use, the second referee may end a time-out or interval between sets with a long whistle in place of the timer sounding an audio signal (horn).
Rationale: Clarifies timer and second referee responsibilities during time-outs/intervals when multiple courts are in use.
9-8-2 EXCEPTION (NEW), 11-4-1b (NEW): When a replay is signaled due to an injury/illness and the injured/ill player cannot continue play, the head coach may request a substitute or complete a legal libero replacement for the injured/ill player or take a team time-out(s) if the team has remaining time-outs.
Rationale: Clarifies the procedures for a replay due to an injured/ill player and adds the option of a legal libero replacement.
10-2 PENALTIES 2: After a team is charged with an unnecessary delay, the coach may request no further substitutions until the next completed rally.
Rationale: Eliminates further delay of the set by removing the option to request additional substitutions after a team is charged with an unnecessary delay.
11-5-3 (NEW): Between sets, teams may warm up in their playing area, but may not hit volleyballs over the net into the opponents playing area.
Rationale: Establishes parameters for warming up between sets that minimize the risk of injury.
SIGNAL #21: To signal unnecessary delay, raise the hand on the side of the offending team beside head, palm facing shoulder, hold the appropriate card on the wrist of the raised hand.
Rationale: Simplifies mechanics for unnecessary delay signal and clarifies side at fault.
2018-19 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-5-2c (NEW), 1-7-2 thru 4: Provides consistency by listing all reasons why a match shall be declared a forfeit and clarifies that a forfeit is considered a termination of a match and not a suspension.
5-4-1c: Clarifies that the inspection of net antennas is a prematch responsibility of the first referee.
5-5-3b (13) & (20): Clarifies that the second referee shall use a double whistle to indicate the warning during a time-out and when an intermission is used.
6-4-5 NOTE (NEW): Clarifies that when a team is playing with fewer than six players, the vacant position remains open when rotating to the front row.
2018-2019 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-1-4, 5-2-1b, 5-4-4d(1) & (4), 10-4-3c, 12-2 Procedures for Unsporting Conduct Violations 4 and 5, How to Use the Signals #20
2018-19 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
- Safety of Referee Stands
- Warm-Up Safety
- Treatment of Line Judges
- Net Fault Signal Mechanics
MSHSL RULES CLARIFICATIONS - SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
sent via email to athletic directors and head coaches by MSHSL staff member Amie Ince
In the event there is a court that does not have the correct court markings the game official should complete an incident report found on the Officials Corner. At no time is the game to be canceled or forfeited. Once the report is filed, League Staff will follow up with the school administrator to remedy.
Court Markings
As referenced below, there MUST be a boundary line that is 2 inches wide. This line may not be broken by the three-point line of the basketball court. If the boundary line is broken where the court markings intersect, please place floor tape or shoe polish to maintain the integrity of the volleyball court boundary.
Rule 2, Section 1 , Article 3 states…Boundary lines shall be 2 inches wide.
There MUST be a continuous line dividing the court into two halves. This is NOT an option. If when painting the lines on the floor this did not take place, it MUST be corrected with floor tape, shoe polish, or in some method that meets the requirement of the rule below. The line must be continuous.
Rule 2, Section 1, Article 4 states…A continuous line, 2-inches wide, parallel to and equidistant from the end lines, shall separate the court into two playing areas.
NOTE: a solid or shadow-bordered 2-inch wide center line is permissible. A shadow line is a line that designates the required 2-inch width by use of border or outline lines at least 1/4-inch wide, which shall be within the 2-inch width. Border lines that are the natural color of the floor are permissible.
As stated in Article 5…the attack line may not be a line that has a shadowed border. It MUST be a SOLID line that is drawn from sideline to sideline as referenced below.
Rule 2, Section 1, Article 5 states…An attack line shall be solid and of one clearly visible color, 2-inches wide, and shall be drawn across each playing area from sideline to sideline.
Please ensure the floor markings in your gymnasium meet Rule 2 of the 2017 NFHS Volleyball Rules Book.
Uniforms
Uniforms must meet the requirements of Rule 4 of the NFHS Volleyball Rules book. Rule 4-2-2c states…on the solid uniform top piping/trim not exceeding 1-inch in total at its widest point may be placed along the seams and may be a different color than the uniform top. The League’s interpretation of this is that if the piping/trim is less than an inch we will allow even if the piping does not appear on a seam. The intent of the rule is to maintain the solid and contrasting color of the uniform. This interpretation does not open the door to decorative/creative striping on the solid uniform. Please use caution as you order uniforms to ensure the intent of the rule is kept.
Deviation from the Uniform Rule for Religious or Medical Reasons
The process to receive a modification to NFHS Rules for religious or medical reasons is the same for all League activities. Schools must have appropriate paperwork from the League office to allow a student to participate who does not meet the uniform rule. This paperwork MUST be presented to the official prior to the start of the contest. This is for consistency and for the safety of all participants.
sent via email to athletic directors and head coaches by MSHSL staff member Amie Ince
In the event there is a court that does not have the correct court markings the game official should complete an incident report found on the Officials Corner. At no time is the game to be canceled or forfeited. Once the report is filed, League Staff will follow up with the school administrator to remedy.
Court Markings
As referenced below, there MUST be a boundary line that is 2 inches wide. This line may not be broken by the three-point line of the basketball court. If the boundary line is broken where the court markings intersect, please place floor tape or shoe polish to maintain the integrity of the volleyball court boundary.
Rule 2, Section 1 , Article 3 states…Boundary lines shall be 2 inches wide.
There MUST be a continuous line dividing the court into two halves. This is NOT an option. If when painting the lines on the floor this did not take place, it MUST be corrected with floor tape, shoe polish, or in some method that meets the requirement of the rule below. The line must be continuous.
Rule 2, Section 1, Article 4 states…A continuous line, 2-inches wide, parallel to and equidistant from the end lines, shall separate the court into two playing areas.
NOTE: a solid or shadow-bordered 2-inch wide center line is permissible. A shadow line is a line that designates the required 2-inch width by use of border or outline lines at least 1/4-inch wide, which shall be within the 2-inch width. Border lines that are the natural color of the floor are permissible.
As stated in Article 5…the attack line may not be a line that has a shadowed border. It MUST be a SOLID line that is drawn from sideline to sideline as referenced below.
Rule 2, Section 1, Article 5 states…An attack line shall be solid and of one clearly visible color, 2-inches wide, and shall be drawn across each playing area from sideline to sideline.
Please ensure the floor markings in your gymnasium meet Rule 2 of the 2017 NFHS Volleyball Rules Book.
Uniforms
Uniforms must meet the requirements of Rule 4 of the NFHS Volleyball Rules book. Rule 4-2-2c states…on the solid uniform top piping/trim not exceeding 1-inch in total at its widest point may be placed along the seams and may be a different color than the uniform top. The League’s interpretation of this is that if the piping/trim is less than an inch we will allow even if the piping does not appear on a seam. The intent of the rule is to maintain the solid and contrasting color of the uniform. This interpretation does not open the door to decorative/creative striping on the solid uniform. Please use caution as you order uniforms to ensure the intent of the rule is kept.
Deviation from the Uniform Rule for Religious or Medical Reasons
The process to receive a modification to NFHS Rules for religious or medical reasons is the same for all League activities. Schools must have appropriate paperwork from the League office to allow a student to participate who does not meet the uniform rule. This paperwork MUST be presented to the official prior to the start of the contest. This is for consistency and for the safety of all participants.
2017 NFHS VOLLEYBALL RULE CHANGES
Click here for NFHS 2017-18 volleyball rule changes
5-5-3b(12): Outlines mechanics for the second referee to sound a warning whistle at 45 seconds or any other time when both teams take the court ready to play before the audio signal (horn) is sounded at 60 seconds. Clarifies all time-outs are officially ended with the audio signal (horn).
Rationale: The defining end of a time-out shall be the horn and the warning of the impending end of the time-out is the second referee’s whistle at 45 seconds or at any other time when both teams take the court ready to play before the audio horn is sounded at 60 seconds.
5-4-3c(17): On a time-out, the first referee shall whistle the warning if the second referee is still checking the scoresheet.
Rationale: A procedure is needed for the sounding of the warning whistle should the second referee still be involved with checking the scoresheet.
5-8-3a: Outlines the new procedures for the timer to give the audio signal (horn) only to officially end a time-out and no longer for the warning at 45 seconds into the time-out.
Rationale: Clarifies that the audio signal (horn) shall only be sounded to indicate the official end of a time-out.
9-8-2 New: A replay is considered to be a part of a single play action. Therefore, once a replay has been called, by the first referee, no requests, e.g., time-out, service order, lineup, substitution, libero replacement, etc., may be recognized until after the rally is completed.
Rationale: A replay is a single action to repeat the start and completion of a rally that was interrupted under Rule 9-8-1. Clarifies when resuming play, all circumstances should be the same and no requests shall be recognized for, e.g. time-out, service order, lineup, substitution, libero replacement etc.
Officials Signals: Omit the illegal substitution signal (Signal # 20) as the penalty is Unnecessary Delay if attempting to enter the set and illegal alignment if observed in the set.
Rationale: The penalty for illegal substitution is "unnecessary delay--administrative yellow or red card;" there is no longer a need to have two penalty signals, illegal substitution and unnecessary delay.
2017-18 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
2-1-5: Clarifies the language regarding the attack line shall be solid and one clearly visible color.
5-2-1b: Clarifies when the second referee will indicate both the nature of the fault and the number of the player committing the net fault.
2017-2018 Volleyball Editorial Changes
4-1 Penalty 3, 4-2 Penalty 2, 10-3-3, 11-2 Penalties 1 and 2, Sample Sets
2017-18 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
1. Conduct and Privileges of Assistant Coaches
2. Court Boundary Lines and Attack Lines
3. Second Referee-Handling of Request for Third Time-Out
4. Letters of Authorization
5. Mechanics of Signals and Communication
Click here for NFHS 2017-18 volleyball rule changes
5-5-3b(12): Outlines mechanics for the second referee to sound a warning whistle at 45 seconds or any other time when both teams take the court ready to play before the audio signal (horn) is sounded at 60 seconds. Clarifies all time-outs are officially ended with the audio signal (horn).
Rationale: The defining end of a time-out shall be the horn and the warning of the impending end of the time-out is the second referee’s whistle at 45 seconds or at any other time when both teams take the court ready to play before the audio horn is sounded at 60 seconds.
5-4-3c(17): On a time-out, the first referee shall whistle the warning if the second referee is still checking the scoresheet.
Rationale: A procedure is needed for the sounding of the warning whistle should the second referee still be involved with checking the scoresheet.
5-8-3a: Outlines the new procedures for the timer to give the audio signal (horn) only to officially end a time-out and no longer for the warning at 45 seconds into the time-out.
Rationale: Clarifies that the audio signal (horn) shall only be sounded to indicate the official end of a time-out.
9-8-2 New: A replay is considered to be a part of a single play action. Therefore, once a replay has been called, by the first referee, no requests, e.g., time-out, service order, lineup, substitution, libero replacement, etc., may be recognized until after the rally is completed.
Rationale: A replay is a single action to repeat the start and completion of a rally that was interrupted under Rule 9-8-1. Clarifies when resuming play, all circumstances should be the same and no requests shall be recognized for, e.g. time-out, service order, lineup, substitution, libero replacement etc.
Officials Signals: Omit the illegal substitution signal (Signal # 20) as the penalty is Unnecessary Delay if attempting to enter the set and illegal alignment if observed in the set.
Rationale: The penalty for illegal substitution is "unnecessary delay--administrative yellow or red card;" there is no longer a need to have two penalty signals, illegal substitution and unnecessary delay.
2017-18 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
2-1-5: Clarifies the language regarding the attack line shall be solid and one clearly visible color.
5-2-1b: Clarifies when the second referee will indicate both the nature of the fault and the number of the player committing the net fault.
2017-2018 Volleyball Editorial Changes
4-1 Penalty 3, 4-2 Penalty 2, 10-3-3, 11-2 Penalties 1 and 2, Sample Sets
2017-18 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
1. Conduct and Privileges of Assistant Coaches
2. Court Boundary Lines and Attack Lines
3. Second Referee-Handling of Request for Third Time-Out
4. Letters of Authorization
5. Mechanics of Signals and Communication