VOLLEYBALL RULES

SOA upholds a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for derogatory or vulgar language of any kind. If the SOA Code of Conduct is to be upheld at all time.  No warnings will be issued and the offender will be removed from the facility. Smoking and Alcohol is not permitted on any SOA facility


Official Volleyball Rules
2-2-2, 2-3j (NEW), 2-4-1e(NEW), 2-4 PENALTIES 3 (NEW), 9-8-1i: When the ball strikes the cables and/or the diagonal poles used to retract ceiling suspended net systems the referee will stop play and determine if the ball was playable. The referee will signal out-of-bounds or replay.
Rationale: Establishes the cables and diagonal poles used to retract suspended net systems as restricted play and aligns officials’ treatment of a ball striking either the cables and/or the diagonal poles.
 
 4-2-1, 4-2-1a (NEW), 4-2-1e (NEW), 4-2-2(NEW): Eliminates the solid-colored uniform requirements, establishes that the libero uniform must clearly contrast with his/her teammates’ uniforms and reorganizes the legal uniform rule.
Rationale: Clarifies the requirements for all legal uniforms and simplifies the requirements for the contrasting libero uniform maintaining the compliance of all currently compliant team and libero uniform jerseys.
 
4-2-4b: Eliminates the use of double zero (00) as a uniform number option.
Rationale: Eliminates confusion surrounding the signaling of “00” and “0”.
 
4-2-4c: Beginning with the 2023 season the body of the uniform number must clearly contrast with the uniform top regardless of borders. This will eliminate the allowance of borders to provide contrast between the number and the uniform number.
Rationale: Allows officials and scorers to easily identify uniform numbers.
 
5-5-1b, 5-6-1b, 7-1-1a, 7-1 PENALTIES 1, 7-1-2, 7-1-4: Requires the second referee to collect team rosters at the prematch conference while allowing changes to be made until 10 minutes remain on the pregame clock and establishes lineups to be submitted to the second referee before each set.
Rationale: Eliminates warmup interruptions by officials requesting rosters with 10 minutes remaining on the warmup clock, allowing for a smoother warmup process for coaches, players, officials and scorers.
 
5-9-2 NOTE: Establishes that the line judge shall take their position and move in line with the extension of the end line when the ball is being served near the line judge’s position replacing the old technique to move directly back in line with the sideline.
Rationale: Allows the line judge to watch for foot contact with the end line and move quickly back for a view of the sideline. This is a more appropriate position and transition for line judges.
 
8-2-5g (NEW), 8-2-6d: Establishes that the ball remains dead when tossed for serve and it touches any part of the backboard or supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area and is an illegal serve (Signal 13) and not a service fault.
Rationale: Accurately reflects the action since the ball is not contacted for serve.
 
2019-20 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
 
2-1-5: Clarifies that the attack line shall be measured from the edge of the attack line farthest from the center line to the axis of the center line.
4-2-7: Clarifies the penalty for the removal of any part of the uniform top or bottom as a yellow card charged to the coach for unsporting conduct. 
5-5-3b(26): Provides additional instructions for the second referee when conducting the coin toss prior to the deciding set by requiring the second referee to communicate with the first referee the serving team and the proper team benches. 
8-1-6, 8-2-5g: Establishes the proper signal for a tossed ball that contacts a backboard or its supports hanging in a vertical position over the serving area is officials signal 13.
NFHS Official Signals Chart: Removes signal 7 “Legal Back-Row Attack” from the chart and establishes the signal as an informal officials’ signal in the NFHS Officials Manual renumbering remaining signals.
 
2019-20 Volleyball Editorial Changes
2-4-1b; 5-2-1b; 10-2 PENALTIES 2; 11-4-2; 12-2 PENALTIES 1a, b; Scoring Section; Officials Signals 19A
 
2019-20 Volleyball Points of Emphasis
  1. Informal Officials Signals
  2. Ball-handling
  3. Side Folding Retractable Backboards


Code of Conduct (Coaches)
  • I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of my personal desire to win.
  • I will treat each player as an individual and expect age appropriate skills from all my players.
  • I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach and will teach the rules to my players.
  • I will attend and be on time for all practices and games, and if I am not able to be there, will ensure that someone else is available to coach my team.
  • I will review the Player’s Code of Conduct with my players and encourage them to abide by it.
  • I will do my best to provide a sage playing environment for my players.
  • I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play, a positive attitude, and good sportsmanship to all my players on and off the field.
  • I will be available to my players and parents to address any concerns that arise.
  • I will respect the decisions of referees, coaches, and SOA Staff.
  • I will treat all players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability and expect the same in return.
  • I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children, not adults.
  • I will adhere to the Coach’s Code of Conduct while representing SOA at all practices, games, and events.

Code of Conduct (Parents)
  • I (and my guests) will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other SOA event.
  • I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, arguing calls or coaching decisions, or using profane language or gestures.
  • I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
  • I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake of losing a competition.
  • I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
  • I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a SOA coach and that the coach upholds the Coach’s Code of Conduct.
  • I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
  • I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all SOA events.
  • I will remember that the game is for youth - NOT adults.
  • I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
  • I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability, and expect the same in return.
  • I will help my child enjoy the SOA experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.
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Code of Conduct (Players) 10U & Above
  • I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
  • I will attend all practices and games, be on time, in uniform, and ready to play.
  • I will learn the rules of the game and play by them.
  • I will listen to and learn from my coaches and parents.
  • I will show respect for players, coaches, and parents and expect the same in return.
  • I will be responsible for my performance, behavior, and attitude both on the court and off.
  • I will respect the decisions of my coaches, parents, and referees.
  • I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team.
  • I understand that it is a privilege to play sports, not a right.
  • I will do my best in school and remember that school comes first.
  • I will remember that I am part of a team.
  • I will remember that winning is fun, but it isn’t everything.
  • I will have fun.