2007-2008 USA VOLLEYBALL DOMESTIC COMPETITION REGULATIONS

2007-08 USAV Rules Interpretation #1
2007-08 USAV Rules Interpretation #2

USA Volleyball Launches Referee Training Site with First Referee Training Video

USA Volleyball and its Officials Division have launched the first USAV-sanctioned referee training web site with the release of the only comprehensive training video of its kind.

First Referee Basics, a 23-minute video available on line at www.volleyballreftraining.com, is the first of many such training modules and covers such topics as attire, necessary equipment, pre-match briefings, basic first referee mechanics and the three elements of making a call.

Click here for more information.

USA Volleyball Rule Change Announced (effective immediately)

As per the Executive Committee decision of October 8, 2007, the USA Volleyball Rules Interpreter Steve Thorpe has released the following rule change wording to be effective immediately.

New USAV 5.3.1
"One assistant coach may leave the bench to give instructions to the players on the court. This assistant coach may give these instructions while standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her team bench from the extension of the attack line up to the warm-up area, no closer than 1 meter from the court, without disturbing or delaying the match. Other assistant coaches may give instructions to players on the court while remaining seated on the team bench."

To replace Old USAV 5.3.1
"While remaining on the bench, the assistant coach(es) may give instructions to the players on the court."

Q & A - What does this really mean?
1) For teams with multiple assistant coaches on the bench, will the "one" assistant coach that is allowed to stand up be "one-at-a-time" per dead ball or will it be a pre-defined assistant coach prior to the start of the match/set? One at a time; but not just during a dead ball, at any time during play. There is no need to designate a "Stand-up Assistant" for a set or match.

2) Will the teams be able to change the "one" assistant coach for each set (ala the libero). If so, how will such a change be noted and communicated? Not necessary. See answer above.

3) Can that assistant coach talk to the referee? The Head Coach, Yes, within the usual limits specified in Rule 5.2.1. The Assistant Coach, No. The Rule (5.3.1) still says the assistant coaches have no right to intervene in the match.

The 2007-2008 United States Volleyball Domestic Competition Regulations are now available! Printed copied may be ordered from our website for just $6.95 or by calling (800) 339-0859 or (303) 762-1900! The new book contains regulations for both indoor and outdoor play and conveniently fits in your pocket.

Buy your copy now!

Download Indoor Rules

Download Beach Rules

Rule Comparisons

Rules comparision documents are developed annually by PAVO in conjunction with USA Volleyball and NFHS. Click here to view rule comparisions.

PAVO Volleyball Officials’ Guidebook

This valuable publication is published every other year in even-numbered years. In odd-numbered years, a "supplement" is published with updated text, corrections, rule and technique changes, and a current-season practice examination. This supplement is in PDF format, and may be downloaded from the PAVO website. The 2007 supplement is only useful when used in conjunction with the 2006 PAVO Volleyball Official's Guidebook. Copies of the 2006 Guidebook are still available for purchase. To order, call PAVO (888/791-2074), or order on-line at the PAVO e-store on the PAVO website. The PAVO Volleyball Official’s Guidebook includes important information for volleyball referees, line judges, and scorekeepers, including a complete casebook, comparisons with USAV and NFHS rules, information on official's certifications, and chapters on the mechanics and techniques for all officials. All well-equipped officials will own this book as a complement to the rulebook.

Rule Interpretations

Steve Thorpe
3939 Stirrup Lane
Doylestown PA 18901
Email: vbinterp@usav.org

Indoor

Outdoor

WOVD