2006-07 Volleyball Points of Emphasis

Use of lineup card: Training techniques teach umpires to rely less on lineup cards. The umpire is required to use the lineup card to check the lineup, but the rule no longer requires the umpire to record illegal equipment or unsportsmanlike conduct violations on the card. The umpire is required to report illegal equipment and unsportsmanlike conduct violations to the scorer, who records these violations on the official scoresheet. The committee determined it was unnecessary to record this information on the lineup card since the information remains part of the permanent record in the official book. It is important that new officials, when serving as the umpire, consider using the lineup card to record substitutions as many times the umpire must clear-up lineup issues with the scorer. The lineup card will assist while experience is being gained.

Ceiling-suspended net system: Although not common, there exists a net system whereby the net and standards can be retracted toward the ceiling. Cables are present only on one side of the system. These cables are considered playable overhead obstructions and Rule 2-2 shall apply.

Definition of block and libero play: The definition of a block has been revised so that a block is when the blocker is above the height of the net. The definitions have been expanded to include a collective block. If a back-row player is a part of a collective block, which results in a block as defined in Rule 9-5-1c, a violation has occurred regardless of whether or not the back-row player touched the ball. It is important to note that at no time may a libero block or attempt to block. Attempting to block as well as a block itself are violations for the libero.

Head coaches may stand for instruction on dead ball: The head coach of each team has been given the privilege of standing during a dead ball to provide instruction to the team. The coach shall not question officials during this time. The coach shall be located only in the libero replacement zone. It is important that the coach be seated before the referee beckons for serve. This privilege is terminated if a card (yellow or red) is issued to any member of the coaching staff or other team bench personnel.

Libero shall be listed on the roster: As set forth in Rule 7-1-1b, any player designated as a libero for the match shall be listed on the official roster. Although having the same uniform number both as a libero or non-libero is preferred, it is acceptable for the libero to have two uniform numbers. Neither number may be a duplicate number of any other players on the roster. The libero and number are identified by placing an "L" before the libero uniform number L4. If the libero has two uniform numbers, the non-libero number is listed first and the libero number is listed second. (i.e.15 / L4)

Umpire must verify accuracy of lineup on scoresheet: At times, play is interrupted due to players being out of order. The umpire is to check the scoresheet if he/she is needing verification, especially if substitutions have occurred. There are times an error has actually occurred as a result of the lineups being recorded incorrectly at the start of the game. Now, once the official lineups are submitted and recorded on the scoresheet, the umpire is to compare the lineup sheet to the scoresheet to verify accurate recording by the scorer. This responsibility of the umpire will minimize unnecessary interruption of play and inadvertent signaling of a violation.

Coaches educating captains on deciding game coin toss: It is important that coaches educate their captains as to the choices available at the coin toss of the deciding game. The captains should know that the winner of the coin toss shall choose either serve/receive or the playing area. The loser of the toss shall be given the remaining choice. Captains should know in advance which choice they will make should they win or lose the toss. With knowledgeable captains, the flow of play is not delayed by trying to get information from the coach to make these decisions after the toss is completed.

Proper uniforms: It is the responsibility of each coach to be certain his or her players are in proper uniform. This includes the proper ordering of uniforms that meet specific requirements of color, numbering, style and libero uniforms, etc. On site, the coach must insist the players are in legal uniforms and are in compliance with the no-jewelry rule, etc. The placement of the front number on the uniform top is very specific. When ordering, the coach should use rule language with the manufacturer to ensure proper numbering. If using the libero, coaches must pay special attention to guarantee that the uniform top is in contrast to the uniform top of teammates. If a two-piece uniform is worn, the uniform bottom for the libero must be like-colored to teammates.

Scorer assisting with end-of-game score confirmation: It is important the scorer verify the score as game point is approaching. The scorer can assist with the flow of the competition by providing an informal confirmation to the referee that indeed game point is possible with the next score. This will assist the referee when game point is scored, the end-of-game signal is given and players are directed to respective end lines.

Mechanics for Umpire - Checking lineup prior to start of each game: It is the umpire's responsibility to check the players' position on the court with the lineup card prior to the start of the match. Proper mechanics are essential to set a professional tone to the match.  The umpire proceeds to the serving team's side of the court with the game ball in hand. The umpire looks through the net to check the position of each player on the receiving team, and then checks the serving team.  The game ball is rolled to the first server.  The umpire now moves to the proper position on the receiving team's side of the net and signals readiness to the referee.  This procedure occurs prior to the start of each game of the match.