Volleyball is a popular sport around the world, governed by the FIVB. Established in Paris in 1947, the FIVB reviews and adjusts the rules of the game every four years.
A major part of the game is net violations, which are governed by the Official Volleyball Rules for 2017-2020. This article will focus on 23 net violations in volleyball and the rules behind them.
Net violations involve players not being allowed to touch the net while playing the ball, with the exception of being outside the sideline boundary. Other net violations include reaching over the net to play the ball without certain conditions being met, and attacking the ball before it crosses the vertical plane of the net.
Out of bounds violations include a ball hitting the antennae, pole, referee, or referee’s stand, while other violations include players not being allowed to penetrate under the net if they interfere with the opponent’s play, and back row players being restricted from attacking the ball from in front of the attack line.
These violations, and the rules behind them, help to make volleyball an exciting and fun sport.
FIVB Overview
The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), founded in Paris, France in 1947 and headquartered in Switzerland, is the highest governing body in volleyball and promotes the sport as an exciting and fun activity.
The FIVB reviews and adjusts the rules every four years with the current official Volleyball Rules spanning 83 pages. Net violations, out of bounds violations, and other violations are all covered by the official rules.
When it comes to net violations, players are not allowed to touch the net while playing the ball, but they can touch it outside the sideline boundary without fault. Ball hitting the net on a serve is allowed but intentionally touching the net on a swing is a fault. Reaching over the net is a violation unless certain conditions are met, and a simultaneous touch by a hitter and setter is an illegal block.
Out of bounds violations include a ball hitting the antennae, pole, referee, or referee’s stand, and any part of the body, besides the hand or foot, touching the centerline is a foul.
Lastly, players are not allowed to lean on the net for support.
Net Violations
Reaching over the net to play the ball without meeting certain conditions is a violation. This is just one of the many net violations that can occur in the game of volleyball. Other violations include touching the net while attempting to hit the ball, attacking the ball before it crosses the vertical plane of the net, touching the centerline, and leaning on the net for support.
| Rule | Fault | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hitting the net during a serve | Service error |
| 2 | Intentionally touching the net while attempting to hit the ball | Fault |
| 3 | Attacking the ball before it crosses the vertical plane of the net | Fault |
| 4 | Touching the centerline without interfering with the opponent’s play | Fault |
Breaking any of these rules can result in a fault being awarded to the opposing team. It is important for players to remember the rules and abide by them to ensure a fair and enjoyable game.
Out of Bounds/Other Violations
Out of bounds/other violations in the game of volleyball include:
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The ball is out of bounds if it hits the antennae, pole, referee, or referee’s stand.
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Players can play the ball back onto their side if it goes out of bounds in the free zone.
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The ball must cross between the antennae to be considered in bounds.
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Players may touch the centerline as long as it doesn’t interfere with the opponent’s play.
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Any part of the body, besides the hand or foot, touching the centerline is a foul.
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Players can penetrate under the net as long as there is no interference with the opponent’s play.
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Back row players cannot attack the ball from in front of the attack line and must not have touched the front zone or attack line at takeoff.
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Leaning on the net for support and touching an opposing player while reaching over the net are also violations of the rules.
