Rules & Interpret.

USA Volleyball Rule Change Announced (effective immediately)

As per the Executive Committee decision of October 8, 2007, the USA Volleyball Rules Interpreter Steve Thorpe has released the following rule change wording to be effective immediately.

New USAV 5.3.1
"One assistant coach may leave the bench to give instructions to the players on the court. This assistant coach may give these instructions while standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her team bench from the extension of the attack line up to the warm-up area, no closer than 1 meter from the court, without disturbing or delaying the match. Other assistant coaches may give instructions to players on the court while remaining seated on the team bench."

To replace Old USAV 5.3.1
"While remaining on the bench, the assistant coach(es) may give instructions to the players on the court."

Q & A - What does this really mean?
1) For teams with multiple assistant coaches on the bench, will the "one" assistant coach that is allowed to stand up be "one-at-a-time" per dead ball or will it be a pre-defined assistant coach prior to the start of the match/set? One at a time; but not just during a dead ball, at any time during play. There is no need to designate a "Stand-up Assistant" for a set or match.

2) Will the teams be able to change the "one" assistant coach for each set (ala the libero). If so, how will such a change be noted and communicated? Not necessary. See answer above.

3) Can that assistant coach talk to the referee? The Head Coach, Yes, within the usual limits specified in Rule 5.2.1. The Assistant Coach, No. The Rule (5.3.1) still says the assistant coaches have no right to intervene in the match.