Volleyball Points of Emphasis - 2015

Unnecessary Delay and the Use of Administrative Cards – The penalty for unnecessary delay has been changed from the loss of a time-out, or a point if no time-outs are remaining, to a warning for the first offense in a set and a subsequent delay in the same set resulting in a loss of rally/point.  If a team has unnecessary delays in multiple sets, the first referee may consider this unsporting conduct and penalize accordingly.  A yellow card shall be displayed for the warning using new mechanics for unnecessary delay.  If there is a second delay in the same set, a red card shall be displayed using the new mechanics.  Cards do not carry over from set to set. The cards issued for unnecessary delay are administrative cards and are not cards issued for unsporting conduct.  The mechanics of issuing the card will be distinguishable from the unsporting yellow/red card.  The head coach is not required to remain seated for an administrative card issued for an unnecessary delay.

Solid-Colored Uniform – The use of the solid-colored uniform is required beginning July 1, 2016.  Schools are already purchasing uniforms compliant to the rule.  Who must wear the solid-color jersey?  1) The libero may wear the solid-colored jersey and the color must be in contrast to the predominant color(s) of the team uniforms. 2) The team may be in solid-colored jerseys that are in contrast to the predominant color(s) of the libero’s uniform top. 3) Both team and libero may be in solid-colored jerseys but the libero’s jersey must be in contrasting color to the teammates’ jerseys.  The official should ask the coach which jersey is solid-color; at that point, the official observes that jersey for compliant as a solid-colored jersey.  The purpose of the rule is to clearly and consistently identify the libero and thus the referees can judge legal player action by the libero. Rule 4-2-2 NOTE should be carefully reviewed before purchasing jerseys. Requirements and restrictions for trim, numbers, size of logos, etc., are outlined in the rule.  The coach has the responsibility to place his/her athletes in legal uniforms and should not rely on a sales representative or manufacturer to interpret the uniform rule.  Questions on the solid-color jersey should be directed to the respective state high school association.

Resuming Play After Intermission – With the option to utilize an intermission, schools may conduct promotional or special recognition activities between Set Nos. 2 and 3 (Set Nos. 1 and 2 in a three-set match).  It is important that each team’s coach meets his/her responsibility to have the team on the court no later than the expiration of the intermission.  A team that delays the start of play by not returning to the court on time shall be issued an unnecessary delay penalty. The intermission, when used, includes, in addition to the standard three-minute interval between sets, an extra two minutes bringing the total time to five minutes between Set Nos. 2 and 3.

Preventive Officiating – The first and second referees set the overall tone for the competition. Attending to prematch responsibilities with the bench officials and line judges and discussing any informal communication signals to be used during the match may prevent delay. Thoroughly checking roster and lineups may also eliminate delays or the need for penalties. Preventive officiating is a valuable tool for all officials.

Annual Review of Equipment and Facilities – The school coach and athletic administrator have the responsibility to be certain all equipment is in compliance with the rules and kept in good condition. Equally important is the facility set-up for the match to have clear playing area, and proper floor markings and officials table in the proper location along with team benches. The review of equipment should be done annually as well as checking to be sure all is in good order for the night of the contest. This includes the referees platform. If problems arise with equipment, the proper staff member should be notified so the matter can be resolved. Taking time to review your equipment and facilities will benefit the teams and officials.