Ask USAV

As Ali mentioned, this year the FIVB was very active in managing/revising judgement of hand setting... but never with the idea of eliminating it!

 Current interpretations ARE leaning toward allowing more "loose" interpretation of double hits, and more "strict" interpretation of held-ball faults. I wish I could "explain" it all easily... but these topics defy accurate verbal description: each of us brings our own mental video clips... each different... to any discussion. For our group to move forward, we need to train together, on court, with real players and real ball handling. Video can be of use, but is generally not of sufficient resolution, etc etc, to really get the job done.

 All that said...This year, three general categories of held ball faults were identified, and targeted for more stringent scrutiny by FIVB officials: 

            Stopped ball (that visibly comes to rest, regardless of location)

            In/out balls that are over-controlled during both phases of the setting action 

            Extended duration (whether in single direction, or in strictly illegal re-direction)

 Note that these phrases all remind us of the catch-all phrase "deep dish" yet each is distinct, and none refers directly to the actual position of the ball relative to the player's body position.  I infer (from your conversation) that this idea of eliminating hand-setting for younger players might  

 I infer (from your conversation) that this idea of eliminating hand-setting for younger players might be an outgrowth of what I like to think of as the "ground rule phenomenon."

 Ground rules are useful to tournaments and directors in many circumstances. Most often, ground rules are used to keep tournaments moving on time or to avoid arguments among players when trained officials are not present. Commonly employed ground rules include point caps, "no open hand serve receive"  and "no contact of net at any time (aka "continuation rule").

 Some ground rules are employed in an attempt to simplify the game for younger players. Moving in the service line, playing with a lighter ball, etc. Maybe this discussion of eliminating hand-setting was a similar idea? IN any case, I disagree with manipulating the rules for developmental play. Kids surprise us every year with their ability to "do things" that we never thought they could.  I say "show 'em the real game, and let 'em go at it!"

 Ground Rules ARE useful... but this year in particular, they have really caused our organization some trouble. Each region or beach or neighborhood or league wants to design their own ground rules. Obviously, this fails when teams move out of region, or to "larger" competition. With the demise of the AVP and its structured officiating corp, we saw a LOT of this sort of difficulty this year in adult semi/pro competition.

 I have been proposing this season that we work very hard in all venues nationwide to address this issue:

            1) try to avoid utilizing ground rules except when truly necessary

            2) work to "educate" everyone about the differences between ground-rule and the "real" Rules

            3) be very clear to indicate that any ground rules used in an event are "exceptions" to the regular Rules.

 I'm sure that we can all chat about this a bit at the Convention in San Antonio. As usual, Steve Owen and I will be speaking to the Officials group in a classroom session about Beach officiating.

 Last thought: I disagree that "deep dish setting comes from the beach." Bad setting is just that... bad setting. Deep dish is one form... and it's one that is useful to players because it allows a greater level of ball control. Good coaching and good officiating is the answer to the problem. An argument can be made that outdoor volleyball has historically been less carefully managed... but I think that in recent years, "beach" has made great strides towards bringing professional coaching and officiating to the game!