Rule Changes

As written about back in January, the NCAA has officially adopted recommended rules that will alter the game as we know it. The big rule change is that double contacts made with one attempt when played to a teammate will now be allowed. Middles that find themselves with a second ball heading their way with no setter in sight (because they are little) can now rejoice!

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel also approved the use of two liberos. Most of us have seen this rule implemented in club so nothing unusually there. Basically, only one libero is allowed on the court at a time and they can only serve once in a full 6-rotation. It opens the door for a serving specialist if teams want to use it that way but it would mean the libero is off the court for another half rotation. (Do we use the term “half-rotation”? Is there a cool volleyball term for each half of a rotation?)

In what I’m calling the CMS Rule, the referee is now allowed to issue an administrative red card to the home team in instances where spectators encroach the playing area and the host administration fails to resolve the issue. (That was just a joke. I don’t want CMS fans to start encroaching my playing area.)

The last rule accepted that I’ll note is an expanded jewelry rule to allow small, snug-fitting nose rings and ear cuffs. The jewelry rule has really expanded from the initial implementation of “no jewelry”. I will say I’ve never understand the nose rings but far be it from me to be your fashionista.

Read my previous article if you want my thoughts on the double contact rule. I’m sure it will be fine and I look forward to some spectacularly horrid sets that lead to a point this upcoming year.