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2012 NCAA Rule Changes
The NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules Committee has adopted a two-year cycle for rule book production and rule changes, and 2012 is a publication and rule change year. A summary of the rule clarifications, points of emphasis, and rule changes are listed below, and may be downloaded in a PDF document by clicking here. Of course, to fully understand the implementation of these, you'll want to attend an NCAA/PAVO Clinic as part of your season preparation. The rule modifications applicable to NAIA and NJCAA are also available - click here for a PDF.
NCAA/PAVO Women's Volleyball Officiating Manual
The NCAA/PAVO Women's Volleyball Officiating Manual includes invaluable information for volleyball referees, line judges and scorekeepers. Protocols, techniques, and mechanics are all covered in detail. All well-equipped officials will own this book as a complement to the rule book. This valuable publication is published every other year in even-numbered years, and is included in the NCAA "Welcome Package" The Officiating Manual can also be purchased on the PAVO E-store.
2012 NCAA Scoresheets, Lineup Sheets & Libero Tracking Sheets
The NCAA develops scoresheets, line-up sheets and libero tracking sheets that accommodate all recent rules and techniques. There were rule changes in 2012 that required a revision on these forms. Click here to download these PDF documents in a bundled file, free of charge.
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Women’s Collegiate Rule and Technique Changes - 2012
RULE CHANGES:
Referee Stand. Rule 1.5.4. The rules language has been changed to require that the referee platform and ladder must be distributed evenly behind the net pole, and that the ladder must be at the back of the referee platform. Some net systems currently have the referee stand and platform inside the net pole with the ladder on one side of the platform. This could create a potentially dangerous situation and uneven playing area for the team on the side of the ladder.
Use of Electronic Aids. Rule 6.1.5. The rules committee determined that transmitting statistical data to the bench area from another location in the facility should be allowed. However, electronic audio communication or video transmission is still prohibited. The committee realizes that technology is changing quickly, and allowing statistical information to be transmitted is a current accepted practice.
Change of Team Areas Between Sets. Rule 9.2.4.4.1. The rules language will now specifically state that the second referee conducts a new coin toss for the deciding set. The previous rule stated that the first referee could either conduct the coin toss or direct the second referee to do it. This rule change will align with the current practice.
Substitutions. Rule 11.3.2. Each team is now entitled to 15 substitutions per set. The 2011 rules survey results showed a vast majority of coaches in favor of increasing the number of substitutions per set. Many programs are being asked to carry more student-athletes on their team roster. This change allows for increased playing opportunities. Associated Technique: The second referee notifies the appropriate coach(es) when the 12th through 15th team substitutions are made, and the first referee when the 15th substitution is made.
Hand Signals. Rule 18.1.5. Starting with the 2012 season, the signal sequence used in women’s collegiate volleyball will be nearly the same as the current USA Volleyball mechanics. If the fault is whistled by the first referee, he or she indicates the result of the play (point or replay) followed by the nature of the fault. The second referee mimics the first referee’s signals. If the fault is whistled by the second referee, the second referee will indicate the nature of the fault and the player at fault (if necessary). The first referee, if in agreement, will then indicate the result of the play (point or replay), and the second referee mimics that signal. The rules committee feels that first indicating which team will serve next facilitates the actions of the scorekeepers, ball crew, media, etc. during the time the ball is out of play. This will add to a more consistent tempo to the match.
The Line Judge. Rule 18.5.1.2. The duties of the line judges has been changed; the line judges will no longer be responsible for calling non-serving players off the court (position fault) at the time of service. The committee felt that the first and second referees should be solely responsible for determining all position faults. Line judges may continue to provide information to the first and second referee at an appropriate time if they notice potential position faults of this nature.
RULE CLARIFICATIONS:
Jewelry. Rule 7.2.2. An ear gauge (a device use to stretch a piercing beyond it normal limits) is considered to be jewelry and is not allowed.
Other Articles. 7.2.4.2. Specific language will now identify a cochlear implant as allowed medical equipment.
Artificial Noisemakers and Bands. Rule 18.2.6.2. Language was added to instruct the public address announcer to cease speaking when the first referee prepares to authorize the service.
Flags. Rule 18.5.3.3. The line judge flag dimensions were modified in the rule to meet the current industry standards.
Event Management. Bullet 5. The language was changed to allow for a three or four-ball rotation system. The rules committee realizes that inexperience ball crew members may need the extra ball to be productive and keep the match flowing at a steady pace.
TECHNIQUE CHANGES AND POINTS OF EMPHASIS
Line Judges
- The first referee should hold the pre-match briefing with line judges in the locker room before the match if possible. If the line judges are not present prior to the 30 minute mark, the officials will go to the court, and have the discussion as previously practiced.
- A line judge will call the ball “down,” then show the “touch” signal when an unsuccessful pancake attempt occurs in the free zone.
First Referee
- At the 30-minute mark, the first referee will whistle and hold up a coin to invite the team representatives for the coin toss. The first referee will no longer use the hand signal indicating “C” for captains. The visitors will still call the toss.
- After the pre-match introduction, the first referee will use one whistle while signaling the team to the net to shake hands. (The first referee will no longer use two whistles, one for the captains, followed by a second whistle for the teams.)
- When signaling a change of court, the first referee will use fists – only one rotation, starting with the right arm in front of the body and the left arm behind the body.
Second Referee
- Prior to each set, the second referee will remind the scorekeeping crew to verify the lineups while the second referee checks the team’s positions on the court.
- The second referee needs to control the substitutes early and firmly regarding their position in the warm-up area. The “whistle and wave” back repeated several times is not appropriate.
- The second referee will notify a coach when their second timeout has been taken using the timeout signal, and then indicate “two.”
- The second referee will give the substitution signal to the coach and indicate the appropriate number of substitutions used when a team has used their 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th substitutions.
- Only after a team’s 15th substitution, the second referee will signal the first referee the number of substitutions used as well.
First and Second Referees
- The signal for substitution is made with closed fists.
- When the second referee judges that a net fault has occurred, the first referee will not mimic the fault signal, but will mimic the numbers provided and then initiate a point signal.
- When the first referee issues a sanction card, they will accompany the signal with a whistle.
- When the second referee requests a sanction card, they will accompany the request with a whistle.