Rules

Changes for 2026

1 - Molten volleyball v5m5000 (pictured above) for SFVC league play and championships (all ages)

2 - ‘Push-Carry-Catch-Throw’ Tip Attack Rule 9.2.2 

• The ball must not be caught and/or thrown.  It can rebound in any direction. 

  • To better understand the text of Rule 9.2.2: 

    • 1. A thrown ball involves two playing actions, first catching and then throwing the ball. 

    • 2. Playing the ball means that the ball rebounds from the contact point. (legal)

• Summary 

  • 1. NO Push / NO Carry / NO Catch / NO Throw 

  • 2. The tip must be executed with ONE HAND 

  • 3. The tip must be executed with a SHORT CONTACT 

  • 4. The tip must be executed in a STRAIGHT LINE 

Video - “Push–carry–catch–throw-tip” attack - Rule 9.2.2

3 - Two (2) Handed Attacks - For any two-handed action sending the ball over the net, which is NOT a blocking action: 

• 1. A deliberate two-handed attack hit, and 

• 2. A two-handed overhead pass (setting action) that sends the ball over the net. 

• The first action is a FAULT. The second action is a legal playing action, and only results in a fault based on the quality of the contact. 

With respect to Blocking Actions: 

• 1. Any ball coming from the opponent’s side, including a ball rebounding off the opponent’s block, may be legally blocked. 

• 2. Any ball coming from a team’s own side, including a ball rebounding off its own block, is considered an attack hit when directed towards the opponent’s court. The referee’s attention should be drawn to the fact that a player’s blocking action will not be legal if he/she does not simply intercept the ball coming from the opponent, but holds it (or pushes, carries, throws, accompanies it).  In such cases the referee must whistle this fault as a catch. 

4 - Two contacts on a setting motion during second contact

• There is no more "double contacts" on balls played in a setting motion that is contacted next by a player's teammate.  Set balls that are next played by the opponent or go over the net are subject to the double contact rule based on the quaility of the contact.  

• Note -  1st contact rules remain the same as before with no double contact rules in place at all. 

5 - Court Side Selection and Switching

Teams shall remain on their designated sides for the duration of the match unless a side change is requested by a coach and approved by the match official due to court conditions (e.g., uneven basketball hoops or restricted serving space).

At the start of the match:

• Coin Toss Winner: May choose to change sides instead of choosing the initial serve.

• Coin Toss Loser: If the winner chooses the serve, the loser may then choose their preferred side.

Old rule changes but still relevant

1- Two libero rule - all levels

• two libero clarification document

2 - Change on screening during serve

• 12.5 Screening

  • 12.5.1 - the players of the serving team must not prevent their opponent, through individual or collective screening, from seeing the service hit and the flight path of the ball.

  • 12.5.2 - Any player of the serving team is forbidden to raise hands above the head during service, until the ball has passed beyond the net - to be clear, hands on heads to protect is fine, above is not.  Back row is not permitted to have hands raised at all.  

  • The first referee is permitted to caution (advise) a team through the game captain, if he/she suspects that is is deliberately screening.  After the warning a fault will be administered on the next instance awarding the point from that rally to other team along with next serve. 

3- Uniforms etc

• Jewellery no longer has to be removed or taped (still recommended)

• Leggings - must be uniform with team - ex.  black shorts/black leggings

• Uniforms must be worn during warmup (can be under a t-shirt etc but no changing into after warm up has completed) 

4 - Net Heights

Girls Boys

Grade 8 – 2.15 m Grade 8 – 2.20 m

Grade 9/10 – 2.20 m Grade 9/10 – 2.35 m

Snr – 2.24 m Snr – 2.43

Warm up Protocols

In an effort to reduce the incidence of injuries and concussions during league play and playoffs, the South Fraser Volleyball Commission will be continue a warm-protocol for this season. This will be a required protocol for all games played in our region.

The following guidelines summarize the protocol which is recommended to be followed by all teams during the hitting portion of the team warm up:

1. Athletes hitting are not permitted to cross under the net after completing their attack.

2. Athletes should step out of the way after completing their attack and collect ball or either side of court from opposing players who are ball shagging for them

3. Coaches are to toss off the court for warm up if on the opposition side of the net.

4. Teams should be behind their bench while opposition is in serving warmup and have individuals looking for stray served balls

Teams who do not follow the protocol will have a note added to their game sheet by the referee.