Rules Interpretations

2008 NFHS Volleyball Rules Interpretations

Corrections to Rules Book: None
Corrections to Case Book: None

SITUATION 1: Team A is wearing a uniform top that is a medium color blue with (a) solid medium gray number, (b) solid gray number surrounded by a ½ inch white trim or (c) solid gray with a shadowed ½ inch border on part of the number. The referee determines (a) and (c) are illegal uniforms and (b) is legal. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: In (a), the gray is not in sharp contrast to the uniform top and the number is not clearly visible. In (c), a shadow border, which is only on part of the number even though a sharp contrasting color to the top, does completely surround the number to make the number clearly visible. (b) is legal as the trim is ½ inch wide, is in a sharp contrasting color to the body of uniform top and is wide enough to make the number clearly visible. (4-2-4)

SITUATION 2: The libero replaces No. 2 for Team A and now Team B requests and is granted a time-out. When the teams resume their positions on the court, the coach of Team A has player No. 2 replace the libero. The referee is ready to signal for serve but recognizes this problem. The referee calls Team A for an illegal libero replacement and assesses an unnecessary delay. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: There may only be one libero replacement per dead ball. The ball is considered dead during the time-out and does not become live until it is served. The replacement for this dead ball took place prior to the time-out and another replacement could not take place until the next dead ball. The violation occurred prior to the whistle signal for serve so the penalty is unnecessary delay. (10-4-3)

SITUATION 3: At the prematch conference, the coach and two or more captains represent Team A. RULING: Legal, proper procedure. COMMENT: Rule 1-6-2 and Rule 5-3-1h allow more than one captain to participate in the prematch conference. (1-6-2, 5-3-1h)

SITUATION 4: The assistant scorekeeper shall now be referred to as the libero tracker. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Rule 5-1-1 states the game is administered by a first referee and second referee. Assistant officials include scorer, libero tracker, timer and line judges. (5-1-1)

SITUATION 5: All references to referee and umpire shall be changed to first referee and second referee. RULING: Correct. COMMENT: This wording is in line with current terminology for the sport. (5-1-1)

SITUATION 6: Line judges from school A are using flags as prescribed by the state association. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: By state high school association adoption, line judges may use flags. The state association shall determine how and if flags may be used. (5-8-4)

SITUATION 7: Player No. 10 is preparing to enter the game as a substitute. He/she has taken a position directly behind the team bench to warm up (without a volleyball). On the first dead ball the second referee has the coach direct the player to a non-playable area or to be seated until entering the game. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: A player(s) may go to a nonplayable area to warm up. In general, the area directly behind the team bench is the team bench area and should not be used for warm-ups. There are times due to facility constraints that the nonplayable area for warm-ups is limited, and this area might be used. This should be clarified during the prematch conference. This is the general procedure unless state association policy determines otherwise. (12-2-7b)

SITUATION 8: School A is the home team. A student cheering section is located across from the team bench area. During game No. 1, some of the students, while cheering for the team, come off the bleachers and are standing on the floor in the playable area. During a dead ball, the first referee has host management remind the fans to please remain in the bleachers and not on the floor in the playable area while the ball is live. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Spectators should not position themselves in a playable area where they possibly could interfere with play or become unsporting. On occasions, the size of the facility and crowd may present crowded conditions. The referee should review and discuss with host management any issues and/or concerns along with expectations prior to conducting the prematch conference with the head coaches and captains. (12-3)

SITUATION 9: When the referees arrive at the site the gym is very hot and humid. The referees request towels to be available during the match for the officials. The host coach says, this is not a problem, that a towel from the team bench will be there when needed. The referees request that each have his/her own towel and not risk sharing a towel with others for hygienic purposes. The coach agrees and provides the towels. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: It is important that players and officials practice good hygienic principles. It is not appropriate to share towels by players, coaches, team personnel or officials. (NFHS Communicable Disease and Skin Infection Procedures)