1. Guide for beginner volleyball referees
Referees are the “keepers of the rules.” They are the people on the court who should have the most knowledge about the rules of the game, the spirit and intent of the rules, and the interpretations and applications of the rules. Referees must be “Students of the Game.” They must study, review, discuss and dissect the rules. Test, quizzes and rules interpretation bulletins enhance and compliment the NFHS Volleyball Rules Book and the NFHS Volleyball Case Book and Officials’ Manual.
It may take years for a volleyball referee to become a master of the rules, but this should be a goal of every volleyball referee. Mastery requires continuous review, self-evaluation, and an ability to view a play and then apply the appropriate rule(s) instantaneously. It starts with an understanding of the basic rules of the game, so let’s get started.
Chapter 3: Basic Volleyball Rules

2. The court: rule 2-1 Lines = 2” (5cm) wide
Free space = at least 6’ (2m) around court
Attack line = 10’ (3m) from center line
Service area = width of court, defined by hash marks
Let’s start with the court. Keep in mind that the metric system (meters and centimeters) is generally used to define lengths and widths for all court areas and markings. US English measurements (inches and feet) are also referenced in the rules and are approximate equivalents of the corresponding metric measurements.
All lines are two inches (5 cm) wide and are a part of the court, meaning the lines are drawn within the dimensions of the court. Hence, a ball landing on a line is IN BOUNDS.
At least 6’6” (2 meters) free space/clearance around court.
Attack line is 10 feet from mid-point of center line.
Service area is the width of the court behind the end line.
Hash marks (6” long, 2” wide) define service area as extension of sidelines.
NOTE that non-playable areas include walls, bleachers, team benches and area behind them, or any area deemed unsafe by the referees.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the court “areas”…
The court: rule 2-1

3. Benches & Substitution Zone
Officials’ Table
Bench
Bench
The benches are located on the same side of the court as the officials’ table, across the court from the first referee’s stand. Benches are no closer to the court/sideline than 2 meters (6’6”) and must be placed no closer to the center line extension than the imaginary extension of the attack line (at least 3 meters or 10’ from the center line extension), as shown in the diagram.
The Substitution Zone, highlighted in purple, is on the bench side of the court, near the sideline, between attack line and center line.

4. Libero Replacements Officials’ Table Bench Bench
The Libero Replacement Zone, highlighted in green, is on the bench side of the court, near the sideline, between attack line and end line.

5. Overhead obstructions: Rule 2-2
Ceiling/overhead obstruction is playable provided the team has a hit remaining
Ball hits ceiling then crosses net = OUT
Ball crosses net then hits ceiling = OUT
In the US, under all rules codes, the ball may be played off the ceiling provided the team has a hit remaining and the ball remains on that team’s side of the net after it hits the ceiling. When the ball hits the ceiling and then crosses the net, or crosses the net and hits the ceiling above the opponent’s playing area, it is out of bounds.
A served ball that hits the ceiling is OUT.
NFHS has special rulings regarding basketball backboards, which we often encounter in high school and junior high gyms….
Overhead obstructions: Rule 2-2

6. Vertical backboard: rule 2-3-1h
Raised horizontal = overhead obstruction; playable
Vertical position = dead ball; possible replay
Rule 2-3-1h covers vertical backboards. Basically, if the backboard is raised in a horizontal position, it is considered part of the ceiling and is a PLAYABLE overhead obstruction. If the backboard is in a vertical position and the ball hits the backboard or its vertical supports, the play is whistled dead and a replay is granted IF a player was in position to play the ball had the backboard not been there. If no player was in the vicinity when the ball hits a vertical backboard, it is ruled OUT and the opponent is awarded a loss of rally/point.
Vertical backboard: rule 2-3-1h

7. The net: rule 3-1 Net, including antennas Referee stand/platform
Proper padding on equipment
The net is 36-39” wide and at least 31’6” in length. The antennas are attached the net and are aligned along the outside edge of each sideline.
The referee’s platform should elevate the first referee’s head 2-3 feet above the top of the net.
The net posts/standards and the referee’s stand should be padded to a minimum height of 5’6” with at least one-inch-thick, resilient, shock-absorbing material, such as foam padding.
The net: rule 3-1

8. Other Game equipment Game balls Scoreboard or flip score
Game clock or timing device
Scoring materials
In addition to the court equipment., we’ll also need:
A game ball with the NFHS authentication (approval) marking
A visual scoreboard and clock, and scoring materials.
A game clock/timing device
Scoring materials
Now let’s discuss the playing format for a match…
Other Game equipment

9. “Rally scoring” is used in all matches – a point is scored each serve
Sets are played to 25 points, win by two; no point cap
Deciding sets are played to 15 points, win by two; no point cap
A match consists of best three of five sets; first team to win three sets wins the match
Best two of three sets may be played in regular-season tournaments and is used for all sub-varsity matches with deciding set to 25 points
Here are the basic match details:
“Rally scoring” is used – a point is scored each serve except when play is interrupted and a replay issued
Sets are played to 25 points, win by two; no point cap
Deciding sets for Varsity are played to 15 points, win by two; no point cap
A match consists of best three of five sets; first team to win three sets wins the match
Best two of three sets may be played in tournaments and this format is used for all sub-varsity matches with deciding set to 25
So who’s playing?! ….
Point, set and match

10. Team composition: rule 6-1
Coach(es)
Players and substitutes
Team personnel:
Team manager(s)
Athletic trainers
Statisticians
Roster and lineups
A team’s make-up includes:
Coaches, the players (on the court) and the substitutes (on the bench), as well as other team personnel, including a team manager, trainer or statistician. Let’s take a look at the role of the key members of the team…
Team composition: rule 6-1

11. Coaches: rule 12-2-6 Head coach may:
stand during play at least 6 feet from sideline in libero replacement zone
request substitutions, time-outs, lineup checks
may ask for rule clarification
Assistant coaches and other personnel sit on bench, except to:
participate in timeouts
greet players at bench
spontaneously react to outstanding plays
During the match, the team’s (head) coach may:
stand during play at least 6 feet from sideline outside substitution zone
request substitutions, time-outs, lineup checks
may ask for rule clarification
Assistant coaches, team managers or other bench personnel may:
participate in timeouts
greet players at bench
spontaneously react to outstanding plays
NOTE: When a conduct sanction (yellow or red card) is assessed to any coach or bench personnel, the head coach loses the right to stand during play.
Coaches: rule

12. Players & substitutes: rule 6-2 & 6-3
Six players on the court at a time; may play with fewer than six due to injury/illness
One player is designated as the team captain; if captain is not on the court, another player is designated as game captain
Substitutes must be seated on the team bench or may stand behind bench to warm up before entering court
Substitutes may stand briefly to react to an outstanding play or to greet a player leaving the court
Regarding a team:
Any number of players may be on the team’s roster, but only six players are on the court at a time. A team may play with fewer than six only when the team is reduced to less than six players due to injury/illness.
One player is designated as the team captain; if captain is not on the court, another player is designated as game (playing) captain.
Substitutes must be seated on the team bench or may stand behind bench to warm-up before entering court.
Substitutes may stand briefly to react to an outstanding play or to greet a player leaving the court.
Players & substitutes: rule 6-2 & 6-3

13. The libero: rule 6-4-2 Back-row defensive specialist
Different jersey than rest of team; shorts must be the same color
May replace a back-row player; does not count as a substitution
Replacements occur between end line and attack line when ball is out of play
May serve in one position in service order for any player or substitute in that position
May not block/attempt to block
While in front zone, may not “set” ball to a teammate for completed attack while ball is higher than top of net
Completed rally must occur between replacements except when on-court libero’s next action is to serve
In addition to “regular” team players, each team has the option to designate a Libero. The Libero:
Is a back-row defensive specialist
Must wear a different jersey than rest of team; shorts must be the same color
May replace a back-row player; this does not count as a substitution
Replaces a teammate by entering the court between the end line and attack line when the ball is out of play
May serve in one position in service order for any player or substitute in that position
May not block/attempt to block
May not use overhand “setting” action while positioned ON OR IN FRONT OF THE ATTACK LINE to set the ball to a teammate IF the teammate completes an attack while the ball is higher than the top of the net
A completed rally must occur between replacements except when the on-court libero’s next action is to serve, in which case the Libero goes directly from center- or left-back to the right-back serving position.
The libero: rule 6-4-2

14. Player Positions: rules 6-4-1 & 6-4-3
Three front-row, three back-row players
Right-back is serving position
Right Back (pos 1), Right Front (pos 2), Center Front (pos 3), Left Front (pos 4), Left Back (pos 5), Center Back (pos 6)
Players may move after service contact but must be in service order at moment of serve
Front row players must be closer to center line than corresponding back-row player (RF-RB, CF-CB, LF-LB)
Left-side players must be closer to left sideline than adjacent center players (LF- CF, LB-CB)
Right-side players must be closer to right sideline than adjacent center players (RF-CF, RB-CB)
Throughout each set, the players on the court must maintain their positions in the rotation/serving order. At the start of each rally, all players must be in their proper positions. After the ball has been served, the players are free to move around the court. There are restrictions for back-row players, which will be discussed shortly. The general rules regarding player positions are:
There are three front-row and three back-row players
The right-back position is the serving position. Further,
Right Back (pos 1), Right Front (pos 2), Center Front (pos 3), Left Front (pos 4), Left Back (pos 5), Center Back (pos 6)
Players may move after service contact but must be in service order at the moment of the serve
Front row players must be closer to center line than their corresponding back-row player (RF-RB, CF-CB, LF-LB)
Left-side players must be closer to the left sideline than their adjacent center players (LF-CF, LB-CB)
Right-side players must be closer to the right sideline than their adjacent center players (RF-CF, RB-CB)
Player Positions: rules & 6-4-3

15. Rosters & lineups: rules 7-1-1, 7-1-2 & 7-1-4
Due at least 10 minutes before end of timed pre- match warm-ups
Liberos may be listed with two numbers
Accuracy verified by referees and/or scorer
Lineups
Pre-match: Due at least two minutes before end of timed pre-match warm-ups
During match: Due at least one minute before the expiration of the interval between sets
Each team must submit a roster at least 10 minutes before the end of the timed warm-up period. The roster includes the names and uniform numbers of each eligible player. If a player will also be the libero during the match, that player may have two uniform numbers – one as a regular player and a different number as the libero. Example: 6/L10. However, the player may also wear the same uniform number as either a regular player or the libero. During warm-ups, the referees generally compare the roster uniform numbers to the players on the court to ensure the accuracy of the roster. If players are wearing warm-ups and numbers are not visible, referees sometimes count the number of players. At times, there are rostered players from the Freshman or JV teams also on the court which may complicate verification. In any case, any discrepancies should be immediately brought to the attention of the coach. Preventive officiating may be appropriate to avoid the need for a penalty or sanction when a roster correction must be made before the start of the match.
Lineups for the first set of the match are due at least two minutes before the end of timed pre-match warm-ups. For subsequent sets, lineups are due by the time one minute remains in the interval between sets. When lineups are submitted, the second referee and/or scorer should confirm: 1) there are six unique numbers listed as starting players; 2) a libero is listed if the team will play with a libero, AND the libero’s number is not a duplicate of the six starters’ numbers; 3) a captain is designated with a “C”.
Working with rosters and lineups leads us to a few important administrative rules…
Rosters & lineups: rules 7-1-1, & 7-1-4

16. Time-outs, Substitutions & set intervals: RULES 10 & 11
Two per team per set
60 seconds each
Substitutions
18 per team per set
Requested by the head coach OR when a substitute enters the substitution zone
Set intervals
3 minutes between sets
Extended interval permitted between Sets 2 & 3, maximum of 5 minutes
We have a few important administrative rules that all referee must be familiar with:
Time-outs (Rule 11-2)
Two per team per set
60 seconds each
NOTE: The second referee notifies a coach when his/her team has used its second timeout of the set
Substitutions (Rules 10-1, 10-2, 10-3)
18 per team per set
Requested by the head coach OR when a substitute enters the substitution zone
NOTE: The second referee notifies a coach when his/her team has used its 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th substitutions of the set
Set intervals (Rule 11-5)
3 minutes between sets
Extended interval permitted between Sets 2 & 3, max of 5 minutes ONLY if a promotional activity or presentation will take place
Time-outs, Substitutions & set intervals: RULES 10 & 11

17. Conduct sanctions: Rule 12
Unsporting conduct includes actions considered unbecoming to an ethical, fair and honorable individual; includes taunting, tobacco use (See Rules & )
Sanction levels:
Yellow card (warning) – first minor offense
Red card (penalty) – first serious or second minor offense; loss of rally/point awarded to opponent
Disqualification – first flagrant, second serious or third minor offense; loss of rally/point awarded to opponent; offender may not participate in remainder of match
Conduct sanctions are recorded on the scoresheet
Perhaps one of the most important, and sometimes uncomfortable, aspects of officiating is handling unsporting conduct. But referees must be confident and assertive when addressing conduct issues. The game is about fairness for both teams, and when a member(s) of one team exhibit unsporting behavior, it can have a negative effect on the opponent.
There are numerous actions and behaviors that may be considered unsporting, such as: the use of disconcerting words or gestures; disrespectfully addressing any of the game officials; and, attempting to influence an official; baiting/taunting the opponent. Some behaviors can be controlled without the need for a sanction, but when a sanction is necessary, there are three options:
Yellow card (warning) – first minor offense
Red card (penalty) – first serious or second minor offense; loss of rally/point awarded to opponent
Disqualification – first flagrant, second serious or third minor offense; loss of rally/point awarded to opponent; offender may not participate in remainder of match
All conduct sanctions are recorded on the scoresheet and are for the match. Disqualification may have additional consequences including removal from team bench, playing area or premises.
In addition to conduct sanctions, there are also administrative sanctions, also know as unnecessary delays….
Conduct sanctions: Rule 12

18. Unnecessary delay sanctions: Rule 9-9-1
Delays to the resumption of play, such as:
Repeated improper substitution procedures
Illegal substitution or libero replacement
Player wearing illegal uniform or equipment
Unnecessary delay warning/YUD – first occurrence in a set
Unnecessary delay penalty/RUD – subsequent occurrence in a set; loss of rally/point for the opponent
Unnecessary delay/administrative sanctions are recorded on the scoresheet
Any action by a team or team member that causes a delay in the start of play or the resumption of play may be sanctioned with an unnecessary delay/administrative sanction.
Examples include, among other things:
Repeated improper substitution procedures
Illegal substitution or libero replacement
Player wearing illegal uniform or equipment
The first unnecessary delay of the set is sanctioned with an administrative yellow card (warning) and is recorded on the scoresheet in the Comments area.
A subsequent unnecessary delay in the same set is sanctioned with an administrative red card (penalty – loss of rally/point for the opponent) and is recorded on the scoresheet.
Now let’s talk about playing actions…
Unnecessary delay sanctions: Rule 9-9-1

19. Playing actions Serving Screening Team hits & contacting the ball
Blocking
Play at the net
Now let’s take a look at some playing actions. We’ll discuss each of these in more detail during the next few minutes:
The serve
Screening
Team hits
Blocking
Play at the net
Playing actions

20. Takes place in the service zone, anywhere behind the end line, by the player in right-back position
Occurs after the first referee whistles and beckons
5 seconds to contact the ball
Re-serve permitted; one per player per term of service; 5 seconds
Served ball touches net and crosses – LEGAL
Serving before the authorization for serve – no penalty, re-authorize
Server may not touch end line or outside service zone hash marks at moment of contact with the ball for service
Jump serve – take off behind end line, may land inside court
A rally starts with the serve.
The server must be positioned in the service zone, anywhere behind the end line.
After the first referee whistles and then beckons for service, the ball must be contacted within 5 seconds.
If the server makes a bad toss, she may catch the ball or allow it to drop to the floor, and the first referee will whistle and award a re-serve. The service is again authorized and a new five seconds is allowed. Only one re-serve per player per term of service is permitted.
It is legal and play continues when the served ball touches the net and then crosses to the opponent.
When the server inadvertently serves before the first referee authorizes the serve, the serve is re-authorized with no penalty.
At the moment the ball is contacted for service, the server must be within the service zone, not touching the end line or outside the service zone hash marks.
When a “jump serve” is used to put the ball in play, the take-off point of the server must be behind the end line; the server may land in the court.
The serve: Rule 8

21. Action that prevents opponent from seeing the contact of the serve or flight path of the served ball
Potential screen exists when:
a group of two or more players stand close together and the ball is served over them
players from serving team wave arms, jump, move sideways or stand close to server, AND the ball is served over these player(s)
Screening is related to the serve. It is an action that prevents the opponent from seeing the contact of the serve or the flight path of the ball.
A potential screen exists when:
a group of two or more players stand close together and the ball is served over them.
players from the serving team wave their arms, jump, move sideways or stand close to the server, AND the ball is served over these player(s).
The first referee is often at a disadvantage in viewing a possible screen due to his/her location at the net. If the first referee is not 100% certain that a screen has occurred, it is appropriate to use preventive officiating to remind the serving team that they may be committing a screen and should attempt to adjust their positions to avoid the need for calling this fault.
Screening: rule 6-5

22. Contacting the ball: rule 9-4
Maximum of three team hits to return ball to the opponent; block does not count as a team hit
Ball may touch any part of the body
Ball cannot be caught/thrown; no prolonged contact; may not come to rest
Multiple contacts – only permitted during blocking or first team contact
Simultaneous contact by teammates – LEGAL, and either player may make next team hit
Successive contacts
When playing the ball, here are the key rules to keep in mind:
A team is allowed a maximum of three team hits to return ball to the opponent; a block does not count as a team hit
The ball may touch any part of the body; this means it is LEGAL to “kick” the ball
The ball cannot be caught/thrown; there must be no prolonged contact; and, the ball may not come to rest
Multiple contacts are only permitted during blocking action or during a team’s first contact, including the first contact with the ball after a block
Simultaneous contact by teammates is LEGAL, and either player may make next team hit
Successive contacts are two or more separate attempts to play the ball with no interrupting contact by a different player; this is ILLEGAL, except in the case of simultaneous contact by teammates OR by opponents, or successive contacts by a player who legally blocks the ball and them makes her team’s first contact
This leads us to our next topic: Blocking…
Contacting the ball: rule 9-4

23. Blocking: rule 9-5-1 Deflect the ball coming from the opponent
Player(s) must be near the net, reaching higher than top of the net
Does not count as one of team’s three allowable hits
Blocker may make team’s first contact after blocking the ball
Completed block – a blocker touches the ball
Back-row players may NOT participate in a completed a block
Libero may NOT attempt to block or participate in a completed block
Blocking is an action intended to deflect the ball coming from the opponent.
To be considered a blocker, a player(s) must be near the net, reaching higher than top of the net.
Blocking does not count as one of team’s three allowable hits, and the blocker may make team’s first contact after blocking the ball.
A completed block is one in which a blocker touches the ball; a block attempt is the action of blocking without actually touching the ball; a collective block involves more than one blocker.
Note that neither back-row players nor the Libero may participate in a completed a block, and the Libero may not even attempt to block.
Blocking: rule 9-5-1

24. Play at the net: Rules 9-5 & 9-6
Ball must cross net entirely between antennas
Fault for player to touch any part of the net, cables or antennas during play
Center line – legal to touch floor beyond center line with foot/feet/hand(s) provided part of foot/feet or hand/hands remains on/above center line
Fault to touch opponent’s court with any other body part
Legal for player to cross center line extension outside court
Back-row player may not complete attack-hit in front of attack line when ball is completely higher than top of net
Some key net play issues to keep in mind:
The ball must cross net entirely between antennas in order to be legal.
It is a fault for a player to touch any part of the net, cables or antennas during play.
It is LEGAL to touch the opponent’s court beyond center line with foot/feet/hand(s) provided part of foot/feet or hand/hands remains on/above the center line. It is a fault to touch the opponent’s court with any other body part. However, it is LEGAL for a player to cross center line extension outside the court boundary lines.
We already mentioned that a back-row player cannot participate in a completed block. In addition, a back-row player may not complete attack-hit with take-off on or in front of attack line if the ball is completely higher than top of net.
Play at the net: Rules 9-5 & 9-6

25. summary Study, study, study Be a Student of the Game
Review rules book and case book throughout the season
Have rules discussions with fellow referees
Challenge yourself with quizzes, exams and online resources
With this review of basic volleyball rules, you should be off to a good start! Going forward, you must:
Study, study, study
Be a Student of the Game
Review rules book and case book throughout the season
Have rules discussions with fellow referees
Challenge yourself with quizzes, exams and online resources
Good luck!
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