Rules of Volleyball

Rules of Volleyball

Scoring. The first team to reach 25 points and by at least two points wins a set. Matches are usually the best-of-three or best-of-five sets. The offense scores on a defensive miss or out-of-bounds hit, while the defense scores on an offensive miss, out-of-bounds hit or serve that goes into the net. A team also can score if the opposing team commits a penalty.

One, two, three. The ball can be hit up to three times per side (in addition to blocking) before it must go over the net. A fourth hit is not allowed.

Two hits equal one. If two or more teammates contact the ball simultaneously, it is considered one play. Neither player, however, may touch the ball again until another teammate touches it.

The serve. A volleyball player can serve underhand or overhand, but can’t step over the end line until after contacting the ball. The serve (or any volleyball hit) can graze the net as it goes over the net.

Serve return. The volleyball serve must first be hit by the opposing team with a bump, or underarm pass, before it is can be hit with a set, block or attacking shot.

Serve rotation. A team will rotate one spot in a clockwise manner each time it regains the volleyball serve from the opposing team.

Net game 1. The volleyball can be played off the net on a serve or during a volley.

Net game 2. A volleyball player can’t reach over the net except on a follow-through or to make a block (and only after the opponent contacts the ball). A player’s body can go under the net as long as it doesn’t interfere with the opposing team.

Position switch. Players can switch positions during a rally.

Boundary line is in. The ball is in play if it lands on a sideline or end line.

Rules in Netball

Rules

Starting Play

Play is started with a pass from the centre circle – this is called the centre pass. There is a centre pass at the

beginning of each quarter and half, and after each goal is scored. The teams take turns making the centre pass. The person making the centre pass must stand in the centre circle.

 The opposing centre can stand anywhere in the centre third but all other players must stay in the goal thirds (behind the middle third lines) until the umpire blows the whistle to start play. The centre pass has to be received in the centre third.

Contact 

A player cannot accidentally or deliberately contact another player, in such a way that interferes with that player or causes contact to occur. For example, pushing, holding, leaning or tripping. 

Obstruction

 A player with arms extended cannot defend a player with the ball closer than 0.9m (3 feet). 

Held Ball

 You’ve got to be quick! A player must pass the ball or shoot for goal within three seconds of receiving the ball.

Footwork / Stepping 

Having caught the ball, a player may land or stand on: 

• One foot – while the landing foot remains grounded, the second foot may be moved anywhere any number of times, pivoting on the landing foot if desired. Once the landing foot is lifted, it must not be regrounded until the ball is released.

 • Two feet (simultaneously) – once one foot is moved, the other is considered to be the landing foot, as above. Hopping or dragging the landing foot is not allowed.

Over a Third

The ball cannot be thrown over a complete third without first being touched or caught first by a player in that third. 

Offside

Players must stay within their designated playing areas. If a player goes offside, a free pass is awarded to the opposing team where the player went offside. A player may reach over and take the ball from an offside area provided that no part of their body touches the ground in that area. The lines that bound each area are part of that area.  

Playing the Ball (or Replay)

A player who has possession of the ball may not bounce the ball and re-gain possession of the ball (replay it). 

If a player does not catch the ball cleanly, it may be allowed to bounce once to gain possession or batted or bounced to another team mate. After throwing the ball, a player cannot play it again until it is touched by another player, or rebounds off the goal post.

Umpires 
Two umpires have control of the game and make the on-court decisions about the run of play.