Volleyball Comments on the Rules - 2025-26
3-2-1 NOTE (NEW) — Beginning in 2026-27, state associations will be permitted to adopt the use of a textured ball – commonly utilized in boys volleyball – for boys and/or girls matches. Textured volleyballs must still meet the size requirements of the traditional smooth ball but will not have restrictions on color or shape of panels to be inclusive of all current textured volleyballs on the market. The delayed implementation allows volleyball manufacturers the time necessary to go through the authenticating mark process as well as allows state associations time to make informed decisions.
4-2-1h(3), 4-2-1i(2) — Aligning with other NFHS rules codes, team members may wear black, white or gray undergarments in addition to undergarments that match the predominant color of the uniform top/bottom under the uniform top and/or bottom. All team members, other than the libero, wearing an undergarment must wear the same color.
4-2-4d, f — Beginning July 1, 2029, the prescriptive measurements for number placement on the front of the uniform top will be eliminated. The number placement will be considered legal if it is centered on the upper half of the uniform top. This creates consistency in number placement and allows for small variances due to player body types and uniform styles.
5-3-2b, 5-5-3b(9) — The lineup card is now an optional tool for the second referee. Second referees who choose not to use the lineup card will now use the coach’s submitted lineup to check the starting lineups and use their memory and knowledge of the game to track rotations. The lineup card should still be used as a training tool for newer officials and/or officials not familiar with offensive patterns and rotations.
9-4-8c (NEW) — The second team contact when directed to a teammate has been added to the list of times when multiple contacts (more than one contact by a player during one attempt to play the ball) are allowed. If the ball is directed into the plane of the net or goes over the net with multiple contacts and next contacted by an opponent a fault has occurred. Allowing multiple contacts on the second team contact that is next contacted by a teammate eliminates the judgment call when no advantage is gained.
10-4 PENALTIES 1 — Illegal alignment cannot occur until contact for service. The previous penalty for illegal libero replacement required officials to indicate illegal alignment when an illegal libero replacement was identified after the whistle/signal for serve which did not align with the definition of illegal alignment. The change to adjudicating this penalty based on service contact corrects this issue.