Volleyball Rules
USAV, NCAA, National Federation

Volleyball rules for all that love the sport of volleyball. Whether you are a official, coach, player, or parent... it's important understand the rules of volleyball. The following are the key differences between the most common volleyball organizations. 

Click on the images for a closer look. 

Above 15 feet, play as if part of the ceiling. If there is something below 15 feet, (for example, a basketball goal) then if the ball hits it, blow the whistle and make a judgement call. So, below 15 feet is discretionary, above 15 feet, play as if it was the ceiling. 

For the discretionary call, if the ball would have been playable if the ball didn't hit the object, then award a replay. If the ball wouldn't have been playable if the ball didn't make contact with the object, then call the ball "out of bounds". 

For the play off the ceiling... the ball must contact the ceiling where the ceiling is above the playable surface. If the ball hits the ceiling above a non-playable surface then rule the the ball "out of play". 

In NCAA, the teams don't turn in an official roster before the match. In USAV, rosters may be used, but aren't often used at tournaments except national qualifiers or national tournaments. In National Federation, rosters are submitting before a match. Adding additional players to a roster will cost a team a "loss of rally" and point to the opponent.  

If you enjoyed these tips and would like to keep it close to you at any time, just save this pin to your Pinterest Volleyball Training Board.

In NCAA, any coach may instruct players or request game interruptions (example, substitution, timeout or line up check).

In USAV, only the head coach can intervene in the match and communicate with the officials. For example, in USAV, an assistance coach can't talk to the R2 and ask questions during the match. And the assistance can't call timeouts or interact with the officials during the match.

In National Federation, only the head coach is permitted to stand during play. All players, assistant coaches, and other personnel must remain seated on the bench during the match. Also, for National Federation, the head coach must attend the captains meeting and pre-match coin toss. 

For NCAA, legal numbers are 0-99, inclusive.

For USAV, legal numbers are 1-99, inclusive.

For National Federation, legal numbers are 00, 0-99, inclusive. 

Volleyball Rules Related Pages

Advantages to Knowing the Rules
Rules of volleyball and what you need to know to have more fun playing, coaching, and enjoying being a volleyball parent. There are many advantages to knowing rules...

Official Volleyball Rules
Official rules for players, coaches, and parents. Learn the official rules and be prepared for these common game situations. The new net rule, centerline rule, and ball handling...

New Rules
New rules for competitive volleyball players. The following are the new rules for fivb, usav, high school, middle school, ncaa, and club...

Substitutions
Volleyball substitution rules for usav, ncaa, and national federation (high school) volleyball. Differences include total subs, libero replacements...  

Basic Rules
Basic rules that help your team win. Learn the official rules of the game to get an edge over competition. Learn how to referee... 

Beach Rules
Official beach rules for 2017 to 2020. Setting, serving, attacking, blocking, passing, and defense. Court lines, net, equipment., posts, balls, standards, reaching over...

Libero
Libero rules includes playing actions, replacements, serving, and attacking. Libero must only play back row and is not allowed to attack or attempt to block...

Rotation Rules
Volleyball rotation rules for usav, fivb, ncaa, high school and middle school volleyball. 

Rules for Dummies
Rules for dummies. OK, not everyone is a volleyball genius. So here are some basic rules explained in a way even a moron can understand...

Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations for competitive volleyball players, coaches, trainers, and parents. Learn and know the rules to improve your performance volleyball IQ. 

Volleyball › Volleyball Rules