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Volleyball Comments on the Rules - 2026-27
4-2-1a, 4-2-1i(3) (NEW), 4-2-2 — The libero must be easily distinguishable from their teammates on the court. Permitting liberos to wear any color uniform bottom allows flexibility for teams while maintaining the integrity of the contrasting uniform.
5-5-3b(21) — Providing 15 additional seconds to the second referee for the administration of lineup checks before the final audio signal and resumption of play improves the pace between sets. Teams will still have 3 minutes (5 minutes when intermission is used) between sets before the final audio signal.
6-4-2, 10-4-3a, 10-4-3d — Allowing up to two liberos to be designated for each game increases the opportunity for more student-athletes to participate. A team may designate zero, one or two liberos, but only one libero can be in the game at a time. When a team designates two liberos and one is injured/ill, a new libero may be re-designated. When a team designates two liberos and one is disqualified, the team must continue with one libero.
6-4 PENALTIES 1c (NEW), 12-2-8b NOTE (NEW) — When a non-playing teammate(s) (bench player) enters the court during play it is illegal alignment (loss of rally/point awarded to the opponent) unless the non-playing teammate(s) enters to engage in behavior that would facilitate a conduct violation (disconcerting acts, disrespectful language, etc.). It remains a conduct violation if a coach or team attendant (anyone not in uniform) enters the court while the ball is in play.
6-5-1 — Players on the serving team are not permitted to raise their hands above their heads during service until the ball has passed beyond the net. There is no game-playing need for players to raise their hands above their head during service. This positioning has been used to disguise potential screening making it harder for officials to adjudicate the rules.
9-2-1 NOTE 1 (NEW) — Clarifying the prohibition of the use of audio and video equipment by on-field players, reinforces fair play and ensures that electronic communication is not used during competition. This language aligns with other NFHS sport codes.
12-2-8m (NEW) — The use of props by bench personnel as a part of bench celebrations is an unsporting conduct violation as their use has the potential to create disruptions and present safety concerns.