VOLLEYBALL

FIVBThe federation International de volley-ball was formed in 1947 in paris. Volleyball was first
introduced in Olympic Games in 1964 in Tokyo.
VFIThe volleyball federation in India was established in 1951.
The Rules of Volleyball:
1) Total number of player are 12 (6 playing & 6 reserves) including libero player.
2) The game starts with toss. Team winning the toss chooses side or service.
3) The match begins with service. The ball may be served by hitting it with arm or hand
4) The service must fall in opposite court and pass over the net and between the antennas.
5) Each team returns the ball with hitting not more than thrice.
6) The team to serve will rotate one position clockwise before serving.
7) A maximum of six players can be substituted in a set.
8) A player designated as Libero can be changed unlimited times without informing the official and is restricted to
the back or defense zone only. He must wear different colored shirt.
9) Duration allowed for time out is 30 seconds. Each team can take two time outs in a set.
10) The volleyball match consists of best of five sets.
11) Each game set is consists of 25 rally points. The team who first secures 25 points win the game. However, the
5th set consists of 15 points.
12) In case of tie at 24-all, the two consecutive points are required to win the game. i.e.26-24, 27-25etc.
Volleyball Court- 2006, 13

Dimensions of volley ball court:The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18x9m., surrounded by a free zone which is a minimum
of 3m. wide on all sides.
Playing surface:The surface must be flat horizontal and uniform on indoor courts the surface of the playing court
Must be of a light colour on outdoor courts a slope of 5mm. per meter is allowed for drainage.
Lines on the court:All lines are 5cm. wide. They must be of a light colour which is different from the colour of the
floor & from any other lines Boundary the playing court. Both sidelines and end lines are drawn
inside the dimensions of the playing court.
Boundary lines:
Boundary lines: Two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing court. All boundary lines
are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court.
Area around the court (free zone)
The free zone surrounds the court with a recommended minimum width of 2 m (6'6").
Centre line:The axis of centre line divides playing court into two equal courts measuring 9x9m. each.
Attack line:-2005,10,13
On each court, the front zone is limited by the attack line 3m parallel to the middle of the centre line.
Beyond the side lines both attack lines and front zones are considered to be extended indefinitely.
Back line 2005
The back line is the line going left to right (the length) it is 9m long. It is also known as the second 10 foot line.
Service zone 2008,10,13
The service zone is a 9 m wide area behind each end line.
Service area:-2005,11
Two lines each 15 cm. long mark indefinitely by the side limits of the service zones at the end of each court.

Substitution zone:-2011,13
An area 3m away towards side lines from where the substitution is allowed to more for substitution.
Penalty area:A penalty area, sized approximately 1x1m & equipped with two chairs, is located in the control area, outside the
prolongation of each end line. They may be limited by a 5cm. wide red line
The net:1)Height of the net:- (Height of net post) 2005, 08
i) Height for men:2.43m.
ii) Height for women:- 2.24m.
2) Length of the net:- 2009 :- 9.50. to10m.
3) Breadth of the net:- 2009:- 1m.

4) Height of the net post:-2008

2.55m

5) Size of the net mesh:-2009 :-

10cm2

Structure of net:The net is 1m wide and 9.50 to 10m. long, made of

black mesh. At its top a horizontal band 7m wide,
two-fold white canvas, is sewn along its full length.
bottom of the net there is another horizontal band,
which to the posts and keeps its lower part taut.

10cm2
made of
At the
through

Side bands:2007,08,10,11
Two white bands are fastened vertically to the net
directly above each sidelines. They are 5cm. wide
and are considered as a part of net.

and placed
1m. long,

Antennae: 2006
A stick of 1.80m. height shall be tightened with both the sides of the net, which will be of 1m. inside the net and
80cm. outside it. Red-and-white striped pole attached to the net that extends 32 inches above the net and indicates
out-of-bounds along the sideline.
Posts:The posts supporting the net are placed at a distance of 0.50 to 1.00m. outside the sidelines. They are 2.55m. high.
The posts are rounded and smooth, fixed to the ground without wires.
The ball:Colour of the ball:Uniform light colour, or combination of colours.
Shape of the ball:-2004
Spherical
Material:2010
Flexible or synthetic leather case with a bladder inside made of rubber or a similar material.
Circumference of ball:-2004, 08, 09,13

65 to 67cm.

Weight of the ball:-2004,08, 13

260 to 280 grams

Pressure inside the ball:-2013

0.30 to 0.325 kg/cm2

Game related terminology:Misconduct:2007

Behavior towards officials, opponents, spectators or team may be incorrect and depending upon the
degree of the offence. Misconduct is punished strictly. Misconduct is subject to sanction by the first
referee.
Ace:
A serve that results directly in a point, usually when the ball hits the floor untouched on the receiving team's side of
the court
Assist:
Passing or setting the ball to a teammate who attacks the ball for a kill.
Volleyball Dig :
Act of retrieving an attacked ball close to the floor and making a successful pass.
Volleyball Dink :
A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent's court using the fingertips.
Extension Roll :
A move to the floor which enables a player to dig the ball.
Free Ball :
Returning the ball to the opponent without the intent to get a kill.
Joust:
When two opposing players contact the ball simultaneously above the net causing the ball to momentarily come to
rest; the point is replayed if this is called by the official.

Side Out:
A rally won by the team who is receiving serve, resulting in the right to serve. You cannot score a point if your team
is trying to side out.
Side Out Scoring:
Scoring method used in games one through four of matches where points can be won only by the serving team.
Campfire:
A ball, that falls to the floor in an area that's surrounded by two, three, four or more players. At the instant after the
ball hits the floor, it appears as if the players are encircling and starting a campfire.
Double Hit:
Successive hits or contacts by the same player. (Illegal)
Down Ball:
A ball that is hit overhand and driven over the net with topspin while the player remains standing.
Held Ball:
A ball that comes to rest during contact resulting in a foul.
Off-Speed Hit:
Any ball spiked with less than maximum force but with spin.

Pancake:
A one-handed defensive technique where the hand is extended and the palm is slid along the floor as the player
dives or extension rolls, and is timed so that the ball bounces off the back of the hand.
Power Tip:
A ball that is pushed or directed with force by an attacking team.
Reception Error:
A serve that a player should have been able to return, but results in an ace.
Roof: A ball that when spiked is blocked by a defensive player such that the balls deflects straight to the floor on
the attackers side.
Setter:
The player who has the 2nd of 3 contacts of the ball who 'sets' the ball with an overhand pass for a teammate to hit.
The setter is like the quarterback in football - they run the offense.
Six Pack:
Occurs when a blocker gets hit in the head or face by a spiked ball.
Stuff:
A ball that is deflected back to the attacking team's floor by the opponents blockers. A slang term for block.
Wipe:
When a hitter pushes the ball off the opposing block so it lands out of bounds.
Ball Handling Error:
Any time the official calls a double hit, a thrown ball or a lift.
Approach:
Fast run by a spiker before jumping in the air.
Volley
A volley is keeping the ball in play and returning it to your opponent without committing any playing faults.
Overlap
An overlap occurs when players are out of alignment. Players must be in corrent position on the court when the
server is contacting the ball to serve.
Out of Alignment
A team may be whistled for out of alignment, if they are out of rotation order at the moment of service contact.
Front-row:
Three players whose court position is near the net.
Game plan:
Offensive and defensive emphasis for an opponent. Usually organized for each rotation.
Middle Back:
A defensive system that uses the middle back player to cover deep spikes.
Multiple-attack:
Offense consisting of plays where two or more players attack at different places on the net at different times.
Off-blocker:
Outside blocker not included in the double block.

Offside Block:
Player at the net which is on the side away from the opponent's attack.
On-Hand Side:
When attacking, the setter is on the same side as the hand you will use to strike the ball. Also called "strong side".
Off-Hand Side:
Set delivered from left side of right-handed spiker and vice-versa. Ball crosses the body of the spiker before
attacked.
Outside Hitter:
Usually plays at the ends of the net when in the front row.
Penetration:
It occurs when reaching across the net to block a hit.
Power Alley:
The term for long hit that avoids the spiker and moves to the farthest point of the court.
Power Tip:
The ball hit with maximum force by opposing team player.
Fundamental skills in volleyball:Following are the fundamental skills:Passes, the service the set up, the net recovery, the attack, the block, rotation sequence
1) Passes:
Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to control the ball to another player.
The passes can be performed by one or both hands.
Types of passes:-Following are the types of passes overhead pass, Under arm pass, forward dive and pass forward
dive and one arm pass with side rolling.
i) Over head pass (Upper hand pass) :In this pass the feet should be placed parallel to each other at shoulder width. The elbows are also bend and
positioned between the chest and with open fingers facing upwards palms and fingers make a basket shape. The ball
is pushed upward.
ii) Under hand pass:When the ball falls two close to the net making the execution of upper hand in that situation the under hand pass
with one or both hand is used.
In this both arms work together. It is joined together with the fingers of one hand kept over the other. This is to raise
the ball upward.
iii) Forward dive and pass:- The ball is traveling very fast & low the player will pass by rolling on to the back as
he plays the ball
iv) One arm pass:-2009
The ball is played underneath by sweeping the arm forward and upwards. It involves stretching the body as far as
possible towards the ball and running to the side of the ball.
v) Volley Pass:
The passing of the ball to a teammate using the fingers.
vi) Forearm Pass :
Contacting the ball with the forearms in order to deliver the ball to the setter in an underhanded manner. Join your
arms from the elbows to the wrists and strike the ball with the fleshy part of your forearms in an underhand motion.
Introduced in the late 1940's as a desperation play, the forearm pass is now rated by many as the most important
fundamentals in volleyball.
vii) Bump Pass
A volleyball bump is done by joining your forearms together to pass a ball. Its most common to volleyball pass the

ball when it's coming from the other side of the net. However, some passers may decide to play the ball overhead
instead of bump passing.
2) Service:- 2004, 08, 09, 13
Service is the act of putting the ball into play. This is done by the right hand back line player, who hits the ball with
his open or closed hand, in order to send the ball over the net into the opponents court. The server stands in the
service area and hits the ball.
Server:
The team member who places the ball into play.
Service Winner:
A successful serve resulting in a point for the serving team.
Ball sent in opponents court (Ball crossing the net):- 2011
Service is the act to putting the ball into play. The ball must cross the vertical plane of the net within the crossing
space is the free space in the vertical plane of the net limited by the upper edge of the net and on the sides by the
antennas and their imaginary extension.
Service attempt:-2004,11
When the ball lands after it has been tossed or released by the server, this is considered a service attempt. Provided
that the ball did not touch the server nor the server touched the ball before it ends.
Service order:The players must follow the service order recorded on the line up sheet. After the first service in a set, the player to
serve is determined as follows:i) When the serving team wins the rally, the player who served before, serves again.
ii) When the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the right to serve and rotates before actually serving. The player
who moves from the front right position to the back-right position will serve.
Ball in the net (Other than the service ball) 2011.
A ball drive into the net may be recovered provided it does not touch the floor nor is contacted the fourth time. If the
net down the play is cancelled and there will be play over (replay)
Service changed 2010
When the serving team loses a point this is called service change, which means that the opposition becomes the
serving team and serves the next point.
Service fault (Service Error):-2006,10
If any of the following faults are committed, the referee will blow his whistle for the change of service.
i) When the ball touches the ground.
ii) When the ball passes under the net.
iii) When the ball touches the antennae.
iv) When the server touch the court or floor outside the service zone.
v) When the ball before it reaches the opponents courts touches some player or some object
vi) When a service executed before the referees whistle.
vii) The server commits a foot fault.
Type of service:Following are the types of services:i) Under arm service:The ball is held on the extended hand at waist height in front of the right shoulder. One foot is kept in front of other
foot. The ball is tossed a few inches into the air by the hand. As the hitting arm swing through, the body weight

should be transferred from the back foot to the front foot. The ball can be contacted with the heel of the hand, or the
wrist.
ii) Over head service (Tennis service):The player stands facing the net with his left foot little forward. The ball is held by the left hand just above the head
in front of the right shoulder. To hit the ball the player uses the palm of the hand. The ball is tossed a few inches in
the air as the right hand withdrawn in the ear. Both the back and arm are extended to contact the ball sharply as it
drops down.
iii) Round arm service:Stand with left or right side towards the net. The ball is tossed above the head. The body weight shifts to the right
leg and the left leg remains relaxed. The right arm makes a swing upwards. Then shift the body weight to the front
leg for hitting ball. The ball is hit at the highest point with the complete straight arm.
iv) Floating service-2005
Hold the ball in left hand or right hand, the other hand is kept ready to hit the ball. Toss the ball to a comfortable
height. Hit at the center of the ball with an open hand or with a fist.
v) Overhand Serve:
Serving the ball and striking it with the hand above the shoulder. A serve performed with an overhand throwing
action.
vi) Overhand Spin Serve:
The server contacts the lower mid-section of the center of the ball; he uses the heel of the hand to initially contact
the ball and then uses wrist snap to roll the hand over the
ball, imparting topspin.
v) Jump Serve:
A serve that is started by the server tossing the ball into the air and jumping into and hitting the ball in its downward
motion.
3) The Set up:
The pass that is placed high above and close to the net for a front line player to smash across the net is called set up.
Set:
The strategy move to set the ball skillfully so that a team member can spike it.

Setter(Booster):2005
A person raising the ball for spiker or smash is called as a setter.
Auxiliary setter:
the player assigned to set when the designated setter cannot; usually the right-front player.
Quick:
A player approaching the setter for a quick inside hit.
Quick Set:
A set usually 2' above the net in which the hitter is approaching the setter and may even be in the air,
before the setter delivers the ball. This type of set requires precise timing between the hitter and setter.
Volleyball Dump :
Usually performed by the setter, who delivers the ball into the opponent's court on the second contact.

4) Attack (smash or Spike) 2004

A ball contacted with force by a player on the offensive team who intends to terminate the ball on the opponent's
floor or off the opponent's blocker. The ball set by the booster is put into the opponents court by the smasher by
jumping over the net. The main aim of smash is to create difficulties for the opponents team to receiving the ball.
Attacker:
The team member who tries for a team point by hitting or spiking the ball.
Spiker (Smasher or Hitter):2003, 05
When the ball is hit hard or smashed by the attacker is called spiker.
Hitting Percentage:
A statistic derived from total kills minus total attack errors and divided by total attempts.
Cross-Court Attack :
An attack that is directed diagonally from the point of attack.
Back Row Attack :
When a back row player takes off to jump behind the 10-foot/3-meter line and attacks the ball.
Kill:
A kill is a successful hit by an attacker that results in a point for the attacking team. Kills are executed by hitting the
ball off a block or down onto the opponents floor.
Attack Block:
Opposing player who tries to block a spike before it crosses the net.
Back Row Attack:
the act of a player in the back row who attacks the ball and attempts to score, usually in the form of a spike. Usually
occurring behind the attack line.
Slide Attack:
A low back set to the antenna that the middle hitter swings behind the setter to attack.
Outside Hitter:
Usually plays at the ends of the net when in the front row.
Types of smash:i) Straight smash:-When a player smashes the ball in the direction corresponding to the direction of his approach.
ii) Smash with the turn of body:- In this take the jump on the legs. The body is slightly inclined backward. Arms are
pulled backward and the ball is hit hard and sends the other court.
iii) Smash with turn of wrist:- The player while in jump, turns his hand, with the turn of wrist to the direction of the
smash
iv) Round arm smash.
Attack Error:
An unsuccessful attack which does one of the following:
1. the ball lands out of bounds,
2. the ball goes into the net and terminates the play or goes into the net on the third hit,
3. The ball is blocked by the opposition for a point or side out,
4. the attacker is called for a center line violation, or
5. the attacker is called for illegal contact(lift, double hit) on the attack hitting the ball to the floor on the opponents
side.

5) Blocking:Block : 2007,10
A defensive play by one or more players meant to deflect a spiked ball back to the hitter's court. It may be a
combination of one, two or three players jumping in front of the opposing spiker and contacting the ball with the
hands. OR
A successful attempt by any front row player to intercept the ball near the net that results in the termination of the
rally.
Block Assist :
A successful attempt by any two or more front row players to intercept the ball near the net that results in the
termination of the rally. Any person involved in the block attempt that terminates the rally receives a block assist.
Block Solo :
A successful attempt by any one front row player to intercept the ball near the net that results in the termination of
the rally.

Middle Blocker :
Usually plays in the middle of the net when in the front row and moves laterally to her blocking assignments.
Types of blocking:i) Single block:-2009
When only one player takes part in block. It is essential to select a place to make a jump for block.
ii) Double block:When two players take part in a block the hands of the blockers should be raised at one level. The hands position is
in such way that the ball after hitting hands returns to the opponents court.
iii) Triple block:-2009
When three players take part in a block. The hands of the blockers should be raised at one time and level. It raises a
wide screen over the net.
Blocking fault (Block Error):-2004,07,11
The blocking faults are as follows:1) The blocker touches the ball in the opponents space either before or simultaneously with the opponents attack
hit.
2) The back row player or a libero completes a block or participates in a completed block.
3) Blocking the opponents service
4) The ball is sent out off the block.
5) Blocking the ball in the opponents space from outside the antenna.
6) A libero attempts an individual or collective block.
7) The ball goes into the net and terminates the play
8) The blocker commits a net violation or center line violation.
Team:A team may consist of a maximum of 12 players one coach, one assistant coach, one trainer and one medical
doctor.
Incomplete team:- 2009
Playing with less than 6 players on a team is called incomplete team. A team that is declared incomplete for the set
or for the match loses the set or the match.
Players equipments:-2010
A players equipment consists of a jersey short socks and sports shoes. The colour the design for the jerseys, shorts
and socks must be uniform for the team (except libero). The shoes must be light with rubber or leather soles without
heels. Players jerseys must be numbered from 1 To 18.

Team leader: Captain

The leader of a team is called as captain. Prior to the match, the team captain signs the score sheet and represents
his/ her team in the toss.
During the match and while on the court, the team captain is the game captain. When the team captain is not on the
court, the coach or the team captain must assign another the role of game captain. When the ball is out of play, only
the game captain is authorized to speak to the referee.
Another responsibility of the captain is to be a leader that team members can look to for help, advice, or even just
spirit. The captain needs to remain positive all of the time so that the rest of the team's attitudes will reflect that, and
be a role model for his or her teammates in accordance with what the coach expects from them.
Default team:If a team refuses to play after being summoned to do so, it is declared in default and forfeits the match with the
result 0-3 for the match and 0-25 for each set.
Point
A point is the result of a rally. Points are scored in various ways - by players committing faults, ball landing in,
ball landing out, etc.
To score a point:A team scores a point.
1) By successfully grounding the ball on the opponents court.
2) When the opponent team commits a fault
3) When the opponent team receives a penalty.
Volleyball Game (Set):-2005, 13
A set is won by the team which first scores 25 pints with a minimum lead of two points. In the case of a 24-24 tie,
play is continued until a two-points lead is achieved. E.g- 26-24, 27-25
Volleyball Match (To win the Match):-2005, 13
The match is won by the team that wins three sets In the case of a 2-2 tie, the deciding set (the 5th) is played to 15
points with a minimum lead of 2 points.
Playing Fault
A fault is a violation of the rules. The result of a fault is a point.
Examples of playing faults are:
1) The team hits the ball 4 times without returning it back over the net,
2) A player contacts the ball 2 consecutive times,
3) A player touches the net when blocking or attacking,
4) A player catches and throws the ball.
Fault:A team commits a fault by making a playing action contrary to the rules. The referees judge the faults and determine
the consequences according to the rules .
1) If two or more faults are committed successively only the first one is counted.
2) If two or more faults are committed by opponents simultaneously, a double fault is called and the rally is
replayed.
A rally:
A rally is the sequence of playing actions from the moment of the service hit by the server until the ball is out of
play.
If the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and continues the service.
If the receiving team wins a rally, it scores a point and it must serve next.

Rally Scoring:
When a match is played with the rule of sideout scoring, every rally results in a point being scored, either by the
team serving or the team receiving.
Toss:-2008,13
Before entering the playing court the first referee carries out a tossup in the presence of two team captains The
winner of the toss chooses:- Either the right to serve or to receive the service or the side of the court.
Warm up session:-2008
Prior to the match each team will have 3 minutes warm up session at the net. If both captain ask to warm up at the
same time both teams may be at the net for 6 or 10 minutes.
Faults in volleyball:-2005, 09
1) Positional fault
2) Rotational faults
3) Service fault
4) Foot fault
5) Penetration fault
Positions:-2013
At the moment the ball is hit by the server, each team must be positioned within its own court in the rotational order
(except the server).
The positions of the player are numbered as follows:The players occupying positions 1 (back right), 2 (Front right), 3( Front centre), 4 (Front left), 5 (Back left), 6 (Back
centre).

Positional Fault:-2005,11
The players of a team commit a fault if they are not in their regulation position at the moment the ball is hit by the
server.
The positional fault leads to the following consequences:1) The team is sanctioned with loss of rally.
2) The players positions are rectified.
Rotation:-2005,11

When the team receiving the serve wins the rally or the opponent commits a fault, it wins the right to serve and its
players must rotate one position clockwise. The rotation order as recorded on the score sheet at the beginning of
each set must remain the same throughout that set.
Rotational fault:-2011
A fault in rotation is committed when the service is not made according to the rotation order. This represents an
absolute positional fault for which the game must be suspended until the error is corrected and the team fault
penalized as in case of positional fault.
Overlap:
A violation called when a team lines up out of rotation on a service attempt.
Service fault:The server does not toss the ball properly or the ball should cross between the poles.
Foot fault:A foot fault is committed when the server put his foot over the back line while serving or when a player puts his
foot over the centre line into the opposition side of the court.
Penetration fault:-2007
A player commits a penetration foul if he:i) Touches a ball in the opponents space before or during the opponents attack-hit.
ii) Interferes with any other ball contact in the opponents space.
iii) Enters into the opponents court while the ball is in play.
iv) Touches the net or a antenna because of his action.
Screening:-2004,06
The players of the serving team must not prevent their opponent, through individual or collective screening from
seeing the server or the flight path of the ball. A player or a group of player of the serving team makes a screen by
waving arms, jumping or moving sideways during the execution of the service or by standing grouped to hide the
flight path of the ball states of play.
Ball in play:-2011, 13
The ball is in play from the service hit to the moment the referee blows his whistle.
Ball out of play:- 2013
The ball is out of play at the moment of the fault which is whistled by one the referees in the absence of a fault, at
the moment of the whistle.
Ball in:The ball is in when it touches the floor of the playing court including the boundary lines.
Ball out:-04,08
The ball is out when
1) The part of the ball which contacts the floor is completely outside the boundary lines.
2) It touches an object outside the court, the ceiling or a person out of play.
3) It touches the antennae, ropes, posts or the net itself outside the side bands.
4) It crosses completely the lower space under the net.
Playing the ball:1. Number of contacts:- 2004, 09, 11,13
Each team is entitled to a maximum of 3 contacts (in addition to back) to return the ball over the net to the
opponents court. Each time a player touches the ball, it courts as a contact for the team. Except a blocker, a player
may not touch the ball two times consecutively.
2) Hit:-

A Hit is any contact with the ball by a player in play.

Double Hit:
Successive hits or contacts by the same player. (Illegal)
Four hits:-2008,09
The team is entitled to a maximum of three hit (in addition to blocking) for returning the ball. If more are used, the
team commits the fault of four hits.
3. Consecutive contacts:-2004, 07, 08
A player may not hit the ball two times consecutively. It is known as consecutive contacts
4). Simultaneous contact:Two or three players may touch the ball at the same moment. When two or three team mates touches the ball
simultaneously, it is counted as two or three hits.
5). Assisted hit:-2007
A player takes support object in order to reach the ball within the playing area.
6) Catch:-2008
The ball is caught and or thrown; it does not rebound from the hit. It is a foul.
7) Double contact ( Double touch):-2008, 13
A player hits the ball twice in succession or the ball contacts various parts of his/her body in succession.
8) Attack hit:-2004, 06
All action which directs the ball towards the opponents, with the exception of service and block, are considered as
attack hit.
Time out:-2004, 07, 11
All time out last for 30 second for world and official competitions, during sets 1to4. Only one time out per set per
team may be requested.
Technical time outs:-2004, 06, 07
For FIVB world and official competitions, in set 1-4, two additional 60 seconds Technical Time outs are applied
automatically when the leading team reaches the 8th and 16th points.
In the deciding (5th) set, there are no Technical time outs; only two time outs of 30 seconds duration may be
requested by each team.
Substitution:-2007, 13
A Substitution is the act by which the referees authorize a player (other than the libero) to leave the court and
another player to occupy his position on the court after being recorded by the score, substitution requires the
referees authorization. Each team is allowed 15 substitutions per game. Each player is allowed an unlimited
number of entries
Types of substitution:-2006, 07
There are two types of substitution:i) Legal or exceptional substitution and
ii) Illegal substitution
i) Legal or Exceptional substitution:- 2004, 08, 10, 11
A team is compelled to substitute a player in the following cases.
1) An expelled player must be changed through a legal substitution, and if this is not possible the team will be
declared incomplete.

2) An injured player who cannot continue to play, must be legally substituted, but if the team has exhausted its
allowable substitution, the team must have an exceptionally illegal substitution.
ii) Illegal substitution:-2006, 07
A substitution is illegal when it does not fulfill the conditions provided. The request must be refused and a time-out
is charged instead, to the team at fault An exception is a substitution for injured player.
Limitations of substitution:Six substitution is the maximum permitted per team per set. One or more players may be substituted at the time. A
player of the starting line-up may leave the game, but only once in a set, and re0enter, but only once in a set, and
only to his/her previous position in the lineup.
Substitution procedure:-2010
A substitution must be carried out within the substitution zone. A substitution shall only last the time needed for
recording the substitution on the score sheet, and allowing entry and exit of the players.
At the moment of the substitution request the substituted player must be ready to enter the court, standing close to
the substitution zone.
For FIVB world and official competitions numbered paddles are used to facilitate the substitution.
If a team intends to make simultaneously more than one substitution, the number of substitution must be indicated at
the time of the request. In this case substitution must be made in succession, one pair of players after another.
Change of court:-2009
After each set, the teams change court, with the exception of deciding set. In the deciding set, once the leading team
reaches 8 points, the teams change courts without delay and the player positions remain the same.
Libero player (Defensive specialist) 2006, 07
The libero plays a special role in team defence and passing the lebero is the volleyball team that can come into the
game and replace any player on the back row. The libero is sometimes called as defensive specialist. The libero may
also serve in one rotation.
The libero must be recorded on the score sheet before the match. The libero can be neither team captain nor game
captain.
Equipments of libero:-2005(Rules related to libero player)
The libero player must wear a uniform whose jersey at least must contrast in colour with that of the other members
of the team. The libero uniform may have a different design, but it must be numbered like the rest of the team
members
Sanction cards:-2006
Sanction cards used by the referee:i) Yellow card:- It is shown for misconduct penalty
ii) Red card:- It is shown for expulsion.
iii) Yellow + Red card (jointly):Yellow Card (Warning:):

For minor unsporting offenses such as inappropriately addressing opponents, spectators or officials, shouting and
disrupting the conduct of the set, a warning (individual yellow card) is issued and is
recorded on the score sheet.
Red Card (Penalty or Expulsion ): 2013
Extremely offensive conduct (such as obscene or insulting words or gestures) or repeated rude conduct toward
officials, opponents, other team members or spectators results in expulsion (red and yellow cards held together) of a

team member from the set in which the offense occurred, and is recorded on the score sheet. Additionally, an
expulsion automatically results in a loss of rally by the offending team and a point for the opponent.
Expelled players or substitutes must remain on their team bench for the remainder of the current set. They may
participate in team timeouts.
Expelled coaches or support staff must leave the playing and spectator areas for the remainder of the current set.
The expelled team member is subject to further individual sanctions for continued misconduct.
Disqualification 2013
A second expulsion during a match or any attempted/actual physical aggression towards
others will result in the red and yellow cards held apart, disqualification for the remainder of the match. Disqualified
players must leave the gym for the rest of the night and contact the Intramural Director prior to participating in
another contest.
Composition of the referees corps:-2005, 09, 10
The refereeing corps for a match is composed of the following officials:1. The first referee
2. The second referee
3. The scorer
4. Four (two) line judges.
For FIVB world and official competitions, an assistant scorer is compulsory.
Volleyball Referee
The referee is the person controlling the flow of the match. Organized volleyball is played with two volleyball
referees controlling the match.
1) First referee:
Location:-2008
The first referee carries out his function seated or standing on a referees stand located at one end of net. His view
must be 50cm above the net.
Duties or responsibilities of first referee:-2005
a) Prior to the match, the first referee:1) Inspects the conditions of the playing area, the ball and other equipments.
2) He performs the toss with the team captain.
3) Controls the teams warming-up.
b) During the match the first referee:
1) He decides upon the faults of the server and the positions of the serving team.
2) He decides upon the faults on playing the ball.
3) He decides upon the faults above the net.
4) He decides upon the attack hit faults of the libero.
At the end of the match, he/she check the score sheet and signs it.
The Acts of breach:-2006, 10
The following acts of breach will be punished by the referee:1) To talk again and again to the officials concerning their decisions
2) To make uncivil remarks to the official
3) To act in an uncivil manner so as to influence the decisions of officials.
4) To make uncivil or personal remarks to the players of the opposite team.
5) To give coaching during the game to a players by anyone outside the court.
6) Clapping or crying by the player particularly at service, when the ball is touched.

Referees signals:-

1. Authorization to serve:More the hand to indicate the direction of service

2. Team to serve:-2009
Extended the arm to the side of team that will serve
3. Warning :-2009
Verbal or hand signal, no card warning
4. Change of court:The referee raise the forearms front and back and twist team around the body.
5.Time out:The referee place the palm of one hand over the fingers of the other, held vertically (forming a T) and then
indicate the requesting team.
6. Substitution:The referee makes circular motion of the forearms around each other.
7.Misconduct penalty:The referee shows yellow card for penalty.
8. Expulsion:-2009
The referee shows the red card for expulsion of the player.
9. Disqualification:-2008
The referee show both (red and yellow) cards jointly for disqualification.
10. End of set or match:-2008
The refer cross the forearms in front of the chest and hands open for end set or match.
11. Ball IN
The referee points the arm and fingers towards the floor.
12. Ball out
The referee raise the fore arms vertically, hands open palms towards the body.
13.Catch:The referee slowly lift the forearms, palm facing upward.
14. Double contact:The referee raise two fingers, spread open.
15.Four hit:The referee raise four fingers, spread open.
16. Positional or rotational fault:The refer makes a circular motion with the fore finger.
17. Screening or blocking fault:The referee raise both arms vertically, palms forward
18. Delay in service:The refer raise eight fingers, spread open.
19. Ball not tossed or released at the service hit:The referee lift the extended arm, and the palm of the hand facing upwards.
20. Attack hit fault:The referee makes a downward motion with the forearm, and hand is open.
21. Reaching beyond the net:The referee place a hand above the net, palm facing downwards.
22. Double fault and replay:-2008
The referee raise both the thumbs vertically.
23. Penetration into the opponents court or ball crossing the lower space:The referee point to the centre line.
24.Ball touched:The referee brush with the palm of one hand with the fingers of the other, held vertically.
25. Delay warning or delay penalty:The referee cover the wrist with open hand, palm facing his face.
26. Net touched by a player or served ball fails to pass to the opponent through crossing space:The referee indicate the respective side of the net.

2) Second referee:Location:-2008
The second referee perform his functions standing outside the playing court near the post, on the opposite side
facing the first referee.
Duties or responsibilities of second referee:During the match the second referee decides, whistles and signals:1) Penetration into the opponents court and the space under the net.
2) Positional faults of the receiving team.
3) The faulty contact of the player with the net at its lower part nor with the antenna on his/her side of court.
4) Any completed block by a back row player or an attempt to block by the libero.
5) The contact of the ball with the floor when the first referee is not in position to see the contact.
6) The ball that cross the net totally or partly outside of the crossing space to the opponent court or contacts the
antenna on his/her side of the court.
7) At the end of the match, he/she signs the score sheet.
3) Scorer:-

Location:-2008
The scorer performs his functions seated at the scorer table on the opposite of the court facing the first referee.
Responsibilities or duties of score:He / She keeps the score sheet according to the rules, co-operating with the second referee. He uses a buzzer or
other sound device to give signals to the referees.
Duties of scorer before match starts:-2009
1) The score registers the data of the match and teams, including the name and number of the libero player,
according to the procedures in force, and obtains the signatures of the captains and the coaches.
2) The score records the starting line-up of each team from the line-up sheet.
3) If He/She fails to receive the line-up sheets on time, He/ She immediately notifies this fact to the second referee.
Duties of scorer during the match:-2003
i) The scorer records the point scored.
ii) The scorer controls the serving order of each team.
iii) The score indicates any error to the referee immediately after the service hit.
4) Linesman:Officials located at the corners of the court; each linesman is responsible for ruling if the ball is legally in play along
the lines for which or she is responsible. There are four(two) linesman (line judges) for FIVB world and official
competitions.
Location:-2008
They stand in the free zone between 1m TO 3m from each corner of the court on the imaginary extension of the line
they control.
Duties of linesman:-2003, 04, 05, 06, 07, 11, 13
Following are the duties of the linesman:1) With the help of flag, they signal the ball in or out whenever the ball lands near their line.
2) To check the ball is in or out of the court.
3) They signal when ball touches the antenna, the served ball crosses the net outside the crossing space.
4) He checks the foot fault by any player during service.
Linesmans signals:1. Ball IN:-2009
He point down the flag
2. Ball OUT
He raise the flag vertically
3. Ball touched:He raise flag and touch the top with the palm of the free hand.
4. Ball out or foot fault by any player during service:He wave the flag over head and point to the antenna or the respective line.
5. Judjement impossible:=
He raise and cross both arms and hands in front of the chest.
Volleyball Coach
A coach is the person in charge of a team. Coaches make all the big decisions for the team submitting the lineup,
calling time-outs, communicating with referees, etc.
Duties of the coach before (prior) the match:-2006, 09
The coach records or checks the names and numbers of his/her player on score sheet and sign it.
Duties of the coach during the match:-2006,13
1) During the match, the coach prior to each set, gives the second referee or the scorer the line-up sheets duly filled
in and signed.

2) He sits on the team bench nearest to the scorer, but may leave it.
3) He requests time outs and substitutions
4) He may give the instructions to the players on the court,
Delay:-2008
Delay means the interruption in the regular game or set.
The game may be delayed due to injury, bad weather and substitution.
Types of interruption:There are two types of interruption:1. Legal interruption:- (Regular game interruption) 2. Prolonged interruption
i) Legal interruption (Regular game interruption) 2004, 07, 11
The legal interruptions of the game are the time outs, technical time outs and the substitutions. They are only
granted by the referee when the ball is dead at the request of either the coach or the game captain.A maximum of
two time-up and six substitutions are allowed in each set.
ii) Prolonged interruption:-2004, 07, 11
The prolonged interruptions are those if unforeseen circumstances interrupt the match i.e one or several interruption
occur due to outside interference, injuries bad weather etc.
The game or match started after a prolonged interruption:-2004, 07, 11
The game or the match re-started after prolonged interruption as follows:i) For prolonged interruption not exceeding 4 hours in total:If the match is resumed on the same playing court, the interrupted set shall continue normally with the same score,
player and positions. The sets already played will keep their scores.
If the is resumed on another playing court, the interrupted set is cancelled and replayed with the same team
members and the same starting line ups. The sets already played will keep their scores.
ii) For prolonged interruption exceeding 4 hours in total:In this case the whole match shall be replayed.
QUESTION PAPERS
2003
14a) Who all are authorized to sit on the team bench?
b) Give two functions of each of the following?
i) A spiker ii) A setter iii) A scorer iv) A linesman v) A libero
c) List the categories which constitute a misconduct. Briefly explain each category.
d) With the help of a diagram mention the dimensions of a Volleyball court.
15a) i) When is a team considered to be a default team?
ii) When and by whom is the toss conducted?
iii) What is the duration of a time-out?
iv) What is the duration of the interval between each set?
v) What is meant by Rotation Fault?
b) Explain the meaning of the term attack hit. State the restrictions for a back row
player in commuting an attack hit.
c) State the duties of the second Referee.
d) What actions during the game are considered to be regular game interruptions?
2004
14a) Describe the ball used in Volleyball under the following headings
i) Shape ii) Weight iii) Circumference iv) Pressure
b) When is Technical time out applied a game? State the duration and number
of technical time outs.
c) Explain the following terms:-

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i) Attack-hit ii) Consecutive contacts iii) Collective screen.

d) Differentiate between:i) Positional fault and Rotational fault.
ii) Legal substitution and Compulsory substitution.
e) State the duties of the Line Judges.
15a) What is meant by the following terms in Volleyball:i) Physical contact ii) Service iii) Smash iv) Service Attempt v) Blocking fault.
b) State the number of interruptions and substitution that are allowed during the course of
a game of Volleyball.
What will be the outcome if the interruption period is prolonged?
c) Mention five instances when a ball is considered out.
d) When is a team declared a Default team? How is the score indicated in such a case?
2005
14a) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:i) Spiker ii) Setter iii) Collective block iv) Completed Block v) Positional fault
b) State any two duties each of the following
i) Linesmen ii) First referee iii) Second referee
c) i) State the height of the net for men and women in Volleyball
ii) How many contacts per team may be permitted in returning the ball over the net?
iii) Explain Positional Fault.
d)State any three specific rules related to a Libero Player.
15a) What is meant by:i) Service area ii) Attack line iii) Back line iv) Rotation v) A Floating Service
b) i) State the composition of a team in the game of Volleyball
ii) Explain how a set and a match is won by a team
c) List any six faults , which a player is likely to commit while playing the ball.
d) State the various types of delays in a game of Volleyball.
2006
16 a) Draw a well-labelled diagram of a Volleyball court
b) State the duties of a coach:
i) Prior to the match
ii) During the match
c) Mention any six acts of breach which are punishable.
d) Explain the Procedure to be followed if a match is interrupted due to bad weather
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17) a) Explain the following terms:i) Attack hit
ii) Libero
iii) Screening
iv) Antennae
v) Technical time-outs
b) List the various sanction cards by the referee in the game along with the offence
for which they are used.
c) List any six service fault.
d) Explain legal and illegal substitution in Volleyball.
2007
16a)i) Differentiate between regular game interruptions and prolonged interruptions
ii) How will the game be re-stated after a prolonged interruption?
b)Explain any six blocking faults
i) When does a player commit a penetration foul?
ii) What is the difference between Time-out and Technical time-out?
d) Mention any three duties of the Linesman
17a) Explain the following terms:i) Assisted Hit

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ii) Consecutive contacts

iii) Libero
iv) Misconduct
v) Blocking
b) Explain the term Substitution. Mention the various types of substitutions.
c) Differentiate between:i) Service zone and Substitution zone
ii) Positional Fault and Rotational Fault.
d) What are the dimensions of the side-bands and where are they positioned?
2008
16a) Explain the following terms:i) Service zoneii) Consecutive contact iii) Side Bands
iv) Exceptional substitution v) Service.
b) What are the dimensions of the ball with regard to its:i) Weight
ii) Circumference
c)
i) When is the toss conducted and by whom?
ii) What is the height of the post?
d)Explain the following faults committed by a player in playing the ball:i) Four hits
ii) Catch
iii) Double contact
17a) What signal shall the Referee give for the following?
i) Disqualification ii) End of set iii) Double fault and replay
b) i) What is the duration of a warm-up session?
ii) What is a delay? What are the various ways in which a game may be delayed?
c)When is the considered out?
d) What is the location of the following officials on the court?
i) First Referee
ii) Second Referee iii) Scorer iv) Line Judge
2009:16a) What is the:i) Length and breadth of the net
ii) Size of the net mesh
iii) Width of the attack area
iv) Circumference of the ball
b) i) State the duties of the coach before the match.
ii) State the composition of the referees corps for a match
iii) What do you mean by the referees corps for a match.
c) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) team to serve
ii) expulsion iii) warning
iv) ball in
17a) Explain:
i) Single block ii) Triple block iii) Double touch
iv) Incomplete team
b) i) Explain the technique of one arm pass
ii) How many times can player make contact with the ball? What are the provisions?
iii) Write any three duties of the scorer before the match
c) i) State any four faults in the game of Volleyball
ii) When do the teams change courts?

2010
16a) i) What are the dimensions of the field?
ii) Explain the team attack zone.
iii) Explain the team service zone
iv) What are side-bands?
b) i) If bad weather prevents the completion of a match then how is this problem solved?
ii) When is a team compelled to substitute a player?
iii) State any three service faults.

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c) i) State the basic compulsory equipment of a player.

ii) State any four acts of breach that will be punished by the referee.
17a) i) List the officials appointed to conduct the match
ii) What is the material used to make the ball and bladder?
iii) Who requests the referee for a substitution?
iv) When is the service changed during a match?
b) i) What is the service changed during a match?
ii) Is hand passing over the net a fault? Explain.
iii) Explain the procedure of substitution during play?
c) Draw a neat diagram of a Volleyball court with all dimensions.
2011
16a) i) List any four Blocking Faults.
ii) Give any two conditions when a team is compelled to substitute a player.
b) i) Write any three duties of the linesman
ii) Define the following terms:
1. Time out
2. Front zone
3. Service attempt.
c) What is meant by service area, side bands, rotation and substitution-zone?
17a) i) What is meant by:
1. Positional fault
2. Rotational fault?
ii) How many legal interruption are allowed in a game?
Who grants the legal interruptions?
b) i) What is meant by ball in play?
ii) Explain is rule related to the number of contacts per team.
c) Explain the following rules:
i) The ball sent into the opponents court
ii) The ball in the net.
2012
16a)i)Write the dimensions and characteristics of the ball used in a game of Valley
Ball.
ii) How is a point scored in the game of Volleyball?
b) Enumerate the duties of:
i) A First referee.
ii) An Assistant referee.
iii) A Captain on the court.
c) Briefly explain the following
i) Rotation
ii) A Collective block
iii) Screening
iv) Technical time-out
17a) Explain the following terms:
i) Carrying the ball
ii) Consecutive-Contact
iii) Setter
iv) Free-Zone-Area
b) i) What is a rally point?
ii) What is spiking and how is it performed?
iii) What are the three different skills of the game of Volleyball?
c) What is mean by:
i) A floating-service
ii) Antennae
iii) Libro

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iv) Ace.
2013
Question 16
a)Define the following terms :
i)A double touch ii)A ball out of play iii)A disqualification iv)A service
b)
i)Define the ball under the following headings :
1.
Weight 2.
Circumference 3.
Air pressure
ii)Draw a neat diagram of a Volley ball court and mark the following :
1.side line 2.service line 3.attack line 4.front zone 5.rotation position 6.back zone
c)
i)
List the responsibilities of the Linesman during the match.
ii)
List any four responsibilities of the coach of the team.
Question 17
a)
Briefly explain the following terms :
i)A service zone. ii)A substitution zone.iii)An attack line.iv)A substitution.
b)
i)
When is the ball considered in and out of play ?
ii)
What do you mean by expulsion ?
iii)
Explain how a set and a match is won by a team ?
c)
i)
What is the procedure adopted to start a game ?
ii) How many contacts are permitted in returning the ball over the net ? Explain the procedure.

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