Rules & Interpret.

USAV 4.3 (page 15): Add: (except the Libero).
1. Deleted USAV 4.3: "If undergarments, including but not limited to t- shirts, boxer shorts, tights, leotards, body suits, bicycle shorts, sports bras, etc., are worn in such a manner that they are exposed, they will be considered a part of the uniform. In that case, they must be similar and the same color for any team members who wear such a uniform. Socks and sport shoes are not part of the uniform."
2. Replaced with USAV 4.3: "If undergarments, including but not limited to t-shirts, boxer shorts, tights, leotards, body suits, bicycle shorts, sports bras, etc., are worn in such a manner that they are exposed, they will be considered a part of the uniform. In that case, they must be similar and the same color for any team members (except the Libero) who wear such a uniform. Socks and sport shoes are not part of the uniform."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
This clarifies the fact that the Libero uniform, which may include any exposed undergarments, need not be similar to, and may be a different, contrasting color from, the regular team uniform.

USAV 4.5.1 (page 18): Delete: Casts.
1. Delete USAV 4.5.1: "It is forbidden to wear hats or jewelry. An exception will be made for religious or medical medal- lions and, for adult competition, a flat band ring worn on the finger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than a flat band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a manner as not to create a safety hazard. Casts, braces, prosthetic limbs or headgear that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. If a cast, brace, prosthetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary."
2. Replaced with USAV 4.5.1: "It is forbidden to wear hats or jewelry. An exception will be made for religious or medical medallions and, for adult competition, a flat band ring worn on the finger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than a flat band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a manner as not to create a safety hazard. Braces, prosthetic limbs or headgear that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
This change removes the possibility that a player may play while wearing a cast.

Add: USAV 5.2.3.4 (page 21)
New USAV 5.2.3.4: "During play, the coach may give these instructions while standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her team's bench from the extension of the attack line up to the warm-up area, no closer to the court than 1.75 m (5' 10") from the sideline and its extension, without disturbing or delaying the match. The extension of the attack line is drawn to a distance of 1.75 m (5'10") from the sideline."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
There is not presently a distance requirement from the court for coaches while they walk or stand in their free zone during play. This would bring the USAV DCR into sync with what the FIVB is now applying in its competition.

USAV 5.3.1 (page 22)
1. Deleted USAV 5.3.1: "While remaining on the bench, the assistant coach(es) may give instructions to the players on the court."
2. Replaced with USAV 5.3.1: "One assistant coach at a time may leave the bench to give instructions to the players on the court. During play, this assistant coach may give these instructions while standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her team's bench from the extension of the attack line up to the warm-up area, no closer to the court than 1.75 m (5' 10") from the sideline and its extension, without disturbing or delaying the match. The extension of the attack line is drawn to a distance of 1.75 m (5'10") from the sideline."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
There is not presently a distance requirement from the court for coaches while they walk or stand in their free zone during play. This would bring the USAV DCR into sync with what the FIVB is now applying in its competition.

USAV 15.6f (page 48), USAV 15.11.3 (page 52) and USAV 16.1 (page 53)
1. Deleted USAV 15.6.f: "The sanction for a wrong position entry request is an improper request."
2. Deleted USAV 15.11.3: "An improper request includes a player substitution that would result in a wrong position entry. Improper requests remain in force for the match."
3. Deleted USAV 16.1: "A delay in substitution results in refusing the request for that substitution. No additional request for substitution from that team may be made until the next interval when the ball is out of play."
4. Replaced with USAV 16.1: "A request for an illegal substitution or excess time-out shall result in an improper request. However, if such a request is acknowledged (i.e., whistled), a team delay sanction shall result. Any substitution request that is improper or causes a delay is denied. No additional request for substitution from that team may be made until the next interval when the ball is out of play."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
This more clearly explains that requests for an illegal substitution or excess time out result in a team delay if acknowledged (i.e. whistled) and are improper requests if not acknowledged.

USAV 19.2a (page 56a)
1. Deleted USAV 19.2a: "It is recommended now and required Nov. 1, 2009, that the Libero uniform must be a contrasting color and not include any color from the regular team jersey (excluding the color of the numbers). Color combinations such as purple/black, dark green/black, or navy/maroon are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules."
2. Replaced with USAV 19.2a: "The Libero player's jersey must contrast in color with that of the predominant colors of the jerseys of the other team members. Color combinations such as purple/black, dark green/black, navy/maroon, and white/light yellow are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
The current rule is too restrictive in not allowing a trim color on the jersey the same color as the regular team jersey. The proposed rule allows for some creativity in the jersey design while retaining the intent of the rule, which is to make the Libero uniform distinctive enough to be immediately recognized on the court.

Add: USAV Rule 26.2.2.1 (page 71)
New USAV 26.2.2.1: "In addition to recording the details of the Libero replacements, the assistant scorer records all substitutions."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
The USAV Libero tracking sheet is different from the FIVB Libero control sheet. Per the USAV Domestic Competition Regulations, the Libero may replace a substitute. It is required that the assistant scorer must track all substitutions.

Add: USAV 26.2.2.4 (page 71)
New Rule 26.2.2.4: "It is recommended that someone other than the assistant scorer operate the visual scoreboard."

Narrative Explanation of Change in Regulation
The primary responsibility of the assistant scorer is to track the Libero replacements, as well as all substitutions. If there is a separate person to operate the visual scoreboard, there is more chance that both tasks will be done correctly.

2008-2009 DOMESTIC COMPETITION REGULATIONS SIGNIFICANT BEACH RULE CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS

All changes are editorial in nature.

2007 - 2008 Significant Rule Changes and Comparisons
Rule 5.3.1 - change 3 (PDF) - Posted 12/07/2007

2007-08 USAV Rules Interpretation #1 - Dated 01/15/2008
2007-08 USAV Rules Interpretation #2 - Dated 04/07/2008
2007-08 USAV Rules Interpretation #3 - Dated 05/19/2008

Rule Comparisons

Rules comparision documents are developed annually by PAVO in conjunction with USA Volleyball and NFHS. Click here to view the 2008-2009 Season Rule Comparison.

Previous Season Rule Comparisons
2007-2008 USAV/NCAA Rules Comparison (PDF)
2007-2008 USAV/NFHS Rules Comparison (PDF)