Rule 2 — The Net and Posts

1. Due to the elasticity of the net, the first referee should check whether it is correctly tightened. By throwing a ball into the net, he/she can see whether it rebounds correctly. The ball must bounce off the correctly taut net.

If the net bulges, it cannot be used and must be fixed before starting the match.

The vertical plane of the net must be perpendicular to the playing surface and along the axis of the centre line.

The antennae must be placed on the opposite sides of the net in position 4 of each side, above the outer edge of the side lines according to Diagram 3 in the VC Rulebook to make each court as identical as possible.

2. A match shall not be played if the mesh of the net is torn. (See also Rule 10.3.2)

3. The second referee must measure the height of the net before the toss by means of a measuring rod (if possible metallic) designed for this purpose and belonging to the required auxiliary equipment of the court. On the rod should be the marked heights of 243/245 cm and 224/226 cm for men and women, respectively. The first referee remains near the second referee during this verification to supervise and confirm the measurement.

Note: Net heights for Volleyball Canada Youth competitions should also be marked. (See Rule 2.1.1 for net heights)

4. During the match (and especially at the beginning of each set), the corresponding line judges must check whether the side bands are exactly perpendicular to the playing surface and over the sidelines and whether the antennae are just at the outer edge of each side band. If this is not the case, they should be readjusted immediately.

5. Before the match (before the official warm-up) and during the game, the referees must check that the posts and the referee’s stand present no danger to the players (e.g., protruding parts of the posts around the winches, cables fixing the posts, etc.). If such objects are discovered which risk injury, the referees should request that the organizers remove or cover them.

6. Additional Equipment:

Benches for the teams; Ball pressure gauge; Scoreboard (at scorer’s table); Referee’s stand; Spare Net; Ball Pump; Electronic buzzer (at scorer’s table); Rod to measure the net; Stand for 5 match balls; 2 reserve antennae

In case of FIVB competition:

Numbered paddles (no. 1-20); 2 penalty chairs in each area; A buzzer with light for each area; Electronic & manual scoreboard; 6 mops; 2 libero bibs/jackets; A thermometer; Coach/post tablets (if used); 8 towels (40x40cm or 40x80cm); Stand for 6 match balls; A hydrometer

The electric buzzers with red/yellow lamps are used to signal requests for regular game interruptions (timeouts and exceptional substitutions or a substitution caused by discrepancy between the line-up sheet and the line up on the court). The scorer’s table buzzer is used to signal rotation faults, Libero faults, substitutions, and technical time outs. The organizer must also provide two reserve antennae and a net under the scorer's table.