Summary of Volleyball Rule Changes & Clarifications, 1996-1997

Rule 1.2.3 Service Area

The experimental rule has been adopted and is incorporated in the body of the rule. Service may take place anywhere along the end line within the sideline extensions.

Rule 2.3 Vertical Tape Measures

Veritcal tape markers are optional equipment. If used, the same specifications apply.

Rule 3.1 The Ball

The pressure of the ball must be between .3 & .324 kg/sq. cm. (4.3 to 4.6 lb./sq. in.)

Rule 4.5 Commentary C Electronic Aides

Use of Electronic video devices for post game analysis will be permitted provided the viewing takes place outside the bench, playing, and spectator areas. Computers for statistical purposes may be used on the bench. Use of electronic devices to transmit information from any location in the facility to the bench will be considered illegal.

Rule 5.2.1 & 5.2.2 Composition of Teams and Substitutions

Prior to the start of a match, coaches are required to submit team rosters and line-up sheets ten (10) minutes and two (2) minutes respectively prior to the end of the warm-up period.

Rule 6.4 Commentary Change of Team Areas between games

At the end of the game prior to the deciding game, the teams shall line up on their respective end lines. The captains shall immediately report to the center of the court for the coin toss. Once the courts are determined, the teams will be dismissed to their respective benches.

Rule 6.5 Commentary A Change of Team Area in Deciding Game of Match

When changing sides of the court during the deciding game of the match, players may now proceed past the net standard and immediately to their new team court when the change of court signal is given.

Rule 7.8 Screening

The screening rule has been clarified to define that a player cannot take action to prevent receivers from seeing the server and/or the path of the ball.

Rule 9.6 Crossing the Center Line

It is no longer a fault for a player's hand or hands to cross the center line provided some part of the hand or hands remain on or above the center line.

Rule 9.7 Commentary A Ball Penetrating or Crossing the Vertical Plane

Should a ball hit into the body of the net and cross the vertical plane, the opponent will not be permitted to intentionally touch the ball through the net in an effort to prevent further play.

Rule 12.1.1 & 12.1.2 Scoring and Results of the Game

In a two out of three game match, rally point scoring will not be used in any game. In a three out of five game match, rally scoring will be used in the deciding game of the match. In three out of five game matches, tehre will no longer be an optional scoring method.

Rule 14.1 Commentary D Crowd Control

The use of an electronic sound system by event management will only be permitted during the dead ball period.

Rule 17.1 Commentary A Line Judges

During time outs the line judges shall stand at the intersection of the attack line and the sideline on the same side of the court as the first referee.

Summary of Changes in Techniques of Officiating - 1996-1997

Crossing the Center Line
Touching the opponent's team court with the hand(s) is not a fault providing some part of the encroaching hand(s) remain on or above the center line.
Line-up and Roster Submission
Rosters must be submitted 10 minutes prior to the end of the pre-match warm-up period. Line-ups must be submitted at least two (2) minutes prior to the end of the pre-match warm-up period.
Change of Team Areas Before the Deciding Game
At the end of a game prior to a deciding game, the 1^st referee will signal the teams to line up on their respective end lines. The coin toss for the deciding game will be held immediately at the center of the court. The teams will then be released to the appropriate bench.
Change of Team Areas During the Deciding Game
After the 8^th point has been scored, the 1^st referee will signal the teams to line up on their respective end lines. The 1^st referee will then whistle & signal the teams to proceed counter-clockwise down the sideline, past the net standard, and directly to their new court.
2^nd Referee Duties
The 2^nd referee will whistle and signal when a ball completely crosses the vertical plane of the net behind the 1^st referee.
Line judges - Position During Time Outs
During time outs, the line judges will stand on the sideline near the 1^st referee, at the intersection of the sideline and the attack line.

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Rule 1.2.3		Service Area
	The experimental rule has been adopted and is incorporated in the body of the rule. Service may take place anywhere along the end line within the sideline extensions.
Rule 2.3		Vertical Tape Measures
	Veritcal tape markers are optional equipment. If used, the same specifications apply.
Rule 3.1		The Ball
	The pressure of the ball must be between .3 & .324 kg/sq. cm. (4.3 to 4.6 lb./sq. in.)
Rule 4.5 Commentary C		Electronic Aides
	Use of Electronic video devices for post game analysis will be permitted provided the viewing takes place outside the bench, playing, and spectator areas. Computers for statistical purposes may be used on the bench. Use of electronic devices to transmit information from any location in the facility to the bench will be considered illegal.
Rule 5.2.1 & 5.2.2		Composition of Teams and Substitutions
	Prior to the start of a match, coaches are required to submit team rosters and line-up sheets ten (10) minutes and two (2) minutes respectively prior to the end of the warm-up period.
Rule 6.4 Commentary		Change of Team Areas between games
	At the end of the game prior to the deciding game, the teams shall line up on their respective end lines. The captains shall immediately report to the center of the court for the coin toss. Once the courts are determined, the teams will be dismissed to their respective benches.
Rule 6.5 Commentary A		Change of Team Area in Deciding Game of Match
	When changing sides of the court during the deciding game of the match, players may now proceed past the net standard and immediately to their new team court when the change of court signal is given.
Rule 7.8		Screening
	The screening rule has been clarified to define that a player cannot take action to prevent receivers from seeing the server and/or the path of the ball.
Rule 9.6		Crossing the Center Line
	It is no longer a fault for a player's hand or hands to cross the center line provided some part of the hand or hands remain on or above the center line.
Rule 9.7 Commentary A		Ball Penetrating or Crossing the Vertical Plane
	Should a ball hit into the body of the net and cross the vertical plane, the opponent will not be permitted to intentionally touch the ball through the net in an effort to prevent further play.
Rule 12.1.1 & 12.1.2		Scoring and Results of the Game
	In a two out of three game match, rally point scoring will not be used in any game. In a three out of five game match, rally scoring will be used in the deciding game of the match. In three out of five game matches, tehre will no longer be an optional scoring method.
Rule 14.1 Commentary D		Crowd Control
	The use of an electronic sound system by event management will only be permitted during the dead ball period.
Rule 17.1 Commentary A		Line Judges
	During time outs the line judges shall stand at the intersection of the attack line and the sideline on the same side of the court as the first referee.