Beach voleyball rules
Beach Volleyball is a sport played by two teams of two players
each on a sand court divided by a net. There are different versions available for specific circumstances in order to offer the versatility of the game to everyone. The object of the game is to send the ball over the net in order to ground it on the opponent’s court, and to prevent the same
effort by the opponent. The team has three hits for returning the ball (including the block touch).
The ball is put in play with a service: hit by the server over the net to the opponents. The rally continues until the ball is grounded on the playing court, goes “out” or a team fails to return it properly. In Beach Volleyball, the team winning a rally scores a point (Rally Point System). When the receiving team wins a rally, it gains a point and the right to serve. The serving player must be alternated every time this occurs.
OFFICIAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL RULES
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
1
PLAYING AREA
The playing area includes the playing court and the free
zone.
1.1 DIMENSIONS
The playing court is a rectangle measuring 16 x 8 m (52’6” x 26’3”), surrounded by a free zone with a minimum of 3 m (9’10”) wide and with a space free from any obstruction up to a height of a minimum of 7 m (23’) from the playing surface.
1.1.2 For FIVB World Competitions, the playing
court is a rectangle measuring 16 x 8 m,
(52’ x 26’) surrounded by a free zone with
a minimum of 5 m (16’) and a maximum of
6 m (20’) from the end lines/side lines and
with a space free from any obstruction
up to a minimum height of 12.5 m (41’)
from the playing surface.
1.2 PLAYING SURFACE
1.2.1 The terrain must be composed of leveled sand, as flat and uniform as possible, free of rocks, shells and anything else, which can represent risks of cuts or injuries to the players.
1.2.2 For FIVB World Competitions the sand
must be at least 40 cm (15 3/4”) deep and
composed of fine, loosely compacted grains.
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1.2.3 The playing surface must not present any danger
of injury to the players.
1.2.4 For FIVB World Competitions the sand
should also be sifted to an acceptable size
not too coarse, free of stones and
dangerous particles. It should not be too
fine to cause dust and stick to the skin.
USAV 1.2.4: Grass courts shall consist of maintained
grass surfaces that are free of holes, puddles and
uneven ground.
1.2.5
For FIVB World Competitions a tarp to cover
the central court is recommended in case of
rain.
1.3 LINES ON THE COURT
1.3.1 Two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing
court. Both side and end lines are placed inside the
dimensions of the playing court.
1.3.2 There is no centerline.
1.3.3 All lines are 5-8 cm (2”-3’8”) wide.
USAV 1.3.3: Rope lines of .5 cm to 1 cm (3/16 to
3/8”) may also be used.
1.3.4 The lines must be of a color which contrasts sharply
with the color of the sand.
1.3.5 Court lines should be ribbons made of a resistant material, and any exposed anchors should be of a soft,flexible material.
1.4 SERVICE ZONE
The service zone is the area behind the end line and
between the extensions of the two sidelines. In depth, the service zone extends to the end of the free zone.
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1.5 WEATHER
The weather must not present any danger of injury to the players.
1.6 LIGHTING
For official international competitions played
during the night, the lighting on the playing area
should be 1,000 to 1,500 lux measured at 1 m
(3’9”) above the playing surface. For FIVB World
Competitions, the technical supervisor, the
referee delegate, and the tournament director
shall decide if any of the above conditions
present any danger of injury to the players.
2
NET AND POSTS
2.1 NET
The net is 8.5 m (27’10 1/2”) long and 1 m (+/- 3 cm/39”) wide when it is hung taut, placed vertically over the axis of the center of the court. It is made of 10 cm (4”) square mesh. At its top and bottom there are two 7-10 cm (21/2-4”) wide horizontal bands made of two-fold canvas, preferably in
dark blue or bright colors, sewn along its full length. Each extremity of the upper band has a hole through which passes a cord fastening the upper band to the posts to keep the top of the net stretched. Within the bands, there are: a flexible cable in the upper one and a cord in the bottom one for fastening the net to the posts and keeping its top and bottom taut. It is permissible to have advertising
on the horizontal bands of the net.
For FIVB World Competitions an 8.0 m (26’3”) net
with smaller meshes and brandings displayed
between the end sides of the net and the poles
may be used provided that the visibility of the
athletes and officials will be preserved. Publicity
may be printed on the above items as per
FIVB regulations.
2.2 SIDE BANDS
Two color bands, 5-8 cm (2-31/8”) wide (same width as the court lines) and 1 m (39”) long, are fastened vertically to the net and placed above each sideline. They are considered part of the net.
Advertising is permitted on the side bands.
2.3 ANTENNAE
An antenna is a flexible rod, 1.8 m (5’11”) long and 10 mm(3/8”) in diameter. It is made of fiberglass or similar material. Two antennae are fastened to the outer edge of each side band and placed on opposite sides of the net).
The top 80 cm (32”) of each antenna extend above the net and are marked with 10 cm (4”) stripes of contrasting colors,preferably red and white.
The antennae are considered part of the net and laterallydelimit the crossing space.
2.4 HEIGHT OF THE NET
The height of the net shall be 2.43 m (7’11
5/8”) for men and2.24 m (7’4 1/8”) for women.
It is measured from the center of the playing court with a measuring rod. The two ends of the net (over the side lines)must both be the same height and may not exceed the official height by more than 2 cm.
2.5 POSTS
The posts supporting the net must be rounded and smooth,with a height of 2.55 m (8’4”), preferably adjustable. They must be fixed to the ground at an equal distance of 0.7-1 m (27-39”)from each sideline to the post padding. Fixing the posts to
the ground by means of wires is forbidden. All dangerous or obstructing devices must be eliminated. Posts must be
padded.
2.6 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
All additional equipment is determined by FIVB regulations.
3 BALL
3.1 CHARACTERISTICS
The ball shall be spherical, made of a flexible material
(leather, synthetic leather, or similar) which does not absorb humidity, i.e. more suitable to outdoor conditions since matches can be played when it is raining. The ball has a bladder inside made of rubber or a similar material. Approval of synthetic leather material is determined by FIVB regulations.
Color: bright colors (such as orange, yellow, pink, white, etc.)
Circumference: 66 to 68 cm for FIVB international
competitions (25.5” to 27” for USA competitions)
Weight: 260 to 280 g (9-10 oz)
Inside pressure: 171 to 221 mbar or hPa (0.175 to 0.225 Kg/cm
2
)
(2.5 to 3.2 lb/sq in)
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3.2 UNIFORMITY OF BALLS
All balls used in a match must have the same characteristics
regarding color, circumference, weight, pressure, type, etc.
Official international competitions must be
played with FIVB homologated balls.
3.3 THREE-BALL SYSTEM
For FIVB World Competitions three balls shall
be used. In this case, six ball retrievers are
stationed at each corner of the free zone and
behind each referee (Diagram 6).Page 21
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CHAPTER II
PARTICIPANTS
4 TEAMS
4.1 COMPOSITION AND REGISTRATION
4.1.1 A team is composed exclusively of two players.
USAV 4.1.1: For triples competition only: the roster
size is limited to five players, unless otherwise spe-
cified in the Tournament Rules.
For four-player competition only: the roster size is
limited to six players, unless otherwise specified in
the Tournament Regulations.
4.1.2 Only the two players recorded on the scoresheet
may participate in the match.
USAV 4.1.2: Triples: three players and two substitutes
maximum; four-player: four players and two sub-
stitutes maximum; six-player: six players and six
substitutes maximum.
Players are the team members on the team court.
Substitutes are team members in uniform who are
not in the starting line-up of a game.
Beach volleyball may be played with two, three, four
or six players per team. Types of outdoor comp-
etitions are: Doubles: two players on the court per
team; Triples: three players on the court per team;
Four-Player: four players on the court per team; Six-
Player: six players on the court per team.
All competitions must involve teams with the
required number of players. Teams with fewer than
the required number of players are incomplete and
forfeit the set or match. For Three-Player, Four-
Player and Six-Player competition only: Only players
and substitutes recorded on the roster may
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participate in the match. The roster shall be written
prior to the start of each match on the scoresheet
for the first game of the match. Once the team
captain or coach has signed the roster, the recorded
players and substitutes cannot be changed.
Men’s teams are composed of male players
competing on a 2.43 m (7’11
5/8”) net. Women’s teams
are composed of female players competing on a
2.24 m (7’4
1/8
”) net.
Co-Ed teams are composed of male and female
players competing on a 2.43 m (7’11
5/8
”) net.
Reverse Co-Ed teams are composed of male and
female players competing on a 2.24 m (7’4
1/8
”) net.
For Doubles, Four-Player or Six-Player competition
only: Co-Ed or Reverse Co-Ed teams must contain
equal numbers of males and females on each team,
unless otherwise specified in the Tournament
Regulations.
For Triples competition only: Each Co-Ed or Reverse
Co-Ed team must contain at least one male and at
least one female player. Unless otherwise specified
in the Tournament Regulations, opposing teams
need not contain equal numbers of males and
females.
4.1.3 For FIVB World Competitions, coaching is
not allowed during a match.
4.2 CAPTAIN
The team captain shall be indicated on the scoresheet.
USAV 4.2: For Triples competition only: The roster size is
limited to five players, unless otherwise specified in the
Tournament Regulations.
For Four-Player competition only: The roster size is limited
to six players, unless otherwise specified in the Tournament
Regulations.
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For Six-Player competition only: The roster size is limited
to 12 players, unless otherwise specified in the Tournament
Regulations.
Only players recorded on the scoresheet may participate
in the match.
5 PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
5.1 EQUIPMENT
5.1.1 Aplayer’s equipment consists of shorts or a bathing
suit. A jersey or “tank-top” is optional except when
specified in Tournament Regulations. Players may
wear a hat.
5.1.2 For FIVB World Competitions players of a
given team must wear uniforms of the
same color and style according to tour-
nament regulations.
5.1.3 Player’s uniforms must be clean.
5.1.4 Players must play barefoot except when authorized
by the referees.
5.1.5 Player’s jerseys (or shorts if players are allowed to
play without shirt) must be numbered 1 and 2. The
number must be placed on the chest (or on the front
of the shorts).
USAV 5.1.5: Players’shirts or shorts do not require
numbers for USA competition.
5.1.6 The numbers must be of a contrasting color to the jer-
seys and a minimum of 10 cm (4”) in height. The stripe
forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 1.5 cm
(1/2”) wide.
5.2 AUTHORIZED CHANGES
5.2.1 If both teams arrive at a match dressed in jerseys
of the same color, a coin toss shall be conducted to
determine which team shall change.
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5.2.2 The first referee may authorize one or more players:
a)
to play with socks and/or shoes,
b)
to change wet jerseys between sets provided
that the new ones also follow tournament and
FIVB regulations (Rules 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 above).
5.2.3 If requested by a player, the first referee may
authorize him to play with undershirts and training
pants.
5.3 FORBIDDEN OBJECTS AND UNIFORMS
5.3.1 It is forbidden to wear any object that may cause an
injury to a player, such as pins, bracelets, casts, etc.
5.3.2 Players may wear glasses at their own risk.
5.3.3 It is forbidden to wear uniforms without official
numbers (Rules 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 above).
6 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
PARTICIPANTS
6.1 BOTH PLAYERS
6.1.1 Participants must know the Official Beach Volleyball
Rules and abide by them.
6.1.2 Participants must accept referees’ decisions with
respectful conduct, without disputing them. In case
of doubt, clarification may be requested.
6.1.3 Participants must behave respectfully and cour-
teously in the spirit of FAIR PLAY, not only toward
the referees, but also toward other officials, their
teammate, the opponents, and spectators.
6.1.4 Participants must refrain from actions or attitudes
aimed at influencing the decisions of the referees
or covering up faults committed by their team.
6.1.5 Participants must refrain from actions aimed at
delaying the game.
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6.1.6 Communication between team members during the
match is permitted.
6.1.7 During the match, both players are authorized to
speak to the referees while the ball is out of play
(Rule 6.1.2) in the three following cases:
a)
To ask for an explanation on the application or
interpretation of the Rules. If the explanation
does not satisfy the players, either one must
immediately indicate to the first referee their
wish to institute a Protest Protocol.
b)
To ask authorization:
• to change uniforms or equipment,
• to verify the number of the serving player,
• to check the net, the ball, the surface etc.,
• to realign a court line.
c)
To request time-outs (Rule 19.3).
Note: the players must have authorization from
the referee to leave the playing area.
6.1.8 At the end of the match:
a)
Both players thank the referees and the
opponents.
b)
If either player previously requested a Protest
Protocol to the first referee, he/she has the right
to confirm it as a protest, having it recorded on
the scoresheet (Rule 6.1.7a above).
6.2 CAPTAIN
6.2.1 Prior to the match, the team captain:
a)
Signs the scoresheet.
b)
Represents his/her team in the coin toss.
6.2.2 At the end of the match, the team captain verifies
the results by signing the scoresheet.Page 26
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6.3 LOCATION OF PARTICIPANTS (Diagram 1)
The player’s chairs must be 5 m (16’3”) from the sideline,
and no closer than 3 m (9’10”) from the scorer’s table.
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CHAPTER III
PARTICIPANTS
POINT, SET AND MATCH WINNER
7 SCORING SYSTEM
7.1 TO WIN A MATCH
7.1.1 The match is won by the team that wins two sets.
7.1.2 In the case of a 1-1 tie, the deciding set (the 3rd) is
played to 15 points with a minimum lead of 2 points.
7.2 TO WIN A SET
7.2.1 A set (except the deciding 3rd set) is won by the
team that first scores 21 points with a minimum lead
of two points. In the case of a 20-20 tie, play is
continued until a two-point lead is reached (22-20,
23-21 etc.).
7.2.2 The deciding set is played according to Rule 7.1.2
above.
7.3 TO WIN A RALLY
Whenever a team fails in its service or fails to return the
ball, or commits any other fault, the opposing team wins
the rally, with one of the following consequences:
7.3.1 If the opposing team served, it scores a point and
continues to serve.
7.3.2 If the opposing team received the service, it gains
the right to serve and also scores a point.
7.4 DEFAULT AND INCOMPLETE TEAM
7.4.1 If a team refuses to play after being summoned to
do so, it is declared in default and forfeits the match
with the result 0-2 for the match and 0-21, 0-21 for
the sets.
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7.4.2 A team that does not appear on the playing court
on time is declared in default with the same result
as in Rule 7.4.1 above.
7.4.3 A team declared incomplete for the set or for the
match loses the set or the match (Rule 9.1). The
opposing team is given the points, or the points and
the sets needed to win the set or the match. The
incomplete team keeps its points and sets.
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CHAPTER IV
PREPARATION OF THE MATCH, STRUCTURE OF
PLAY
8 PREPARATION OF THE MATCH
8.1 COIN TOSS
Before the warm-up, the first referee carries out a coin toss
in the presence of the two team captains. The winner of
the coin toss chooses:
a) Either the right to serve or receive the service or
b) The side of the court
The loser takes the remaining choice.
In the second set the loser of the coin toss in the first set will have the choice of a) or b). A new coin toss will be conducted for the deciding set.
8.2 WARM-UP SESSION
Prior to the match, if the teams have previously had another playing court at their disposal, they will have a 3-minute warm-up period at the net; if not, they may have 5 minutes.
9 TEAM LINE-UP
9.1 PLAYERS
Both players of each team (Rule 4.1.1) must always be in play.
9.2 SUBSTITUTIONS
There are NO substitutions or replacement of players.
USAV 9.2: For Triples, Four-Player or Six-Player Com-
petition only: Unlimited substitutions are allowed as long as one player does not occupy more than one position in the service order during a single game.
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If a player becomes injured and no legal substitute isavailable for that position in the service order, a player on the roster not playing at the time of the injury may enter the game as an exceptional substitution for the injured player.
This substitute may not be replaced for the remainder of the game, unless s/he also becomes injured. If no team members are available to make a legal or exceptional substitution, an injury time-out may be granted.
10 PLAYERS’ POSITIONS
10.1 POSITIONS
10.1.1 At the moment the ball is hit by the server, each
team must be within its own court (except the
server).
10.1.2 The players are free to position themselves. There
are NO determined positions on the court.
10.1.3 There are NO positional faults.
USAV 10.1.3: For Six-Player Competition only: At the
time the ball is contacted for service,the placement
of players must conform to the service order
recorded on the scoresheet as follows: In the
front or back row, the center player may not be as
near the right sideline as the right player nor as
near the left sideline as the left player. No back-
row player may be as near the net as the
corresponding front-row player.
The server is exempt from these restrictions.
After the ball is contacted for service, players may
move from their respective positions.
A captain may request the scorekeeper to indicate
which player should be serving for his/her team.
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10.2 SERVICE ORDER
Service order must be maintained throughout the set (as
determined by the team captain immediately following the
coin toss).
10.3 SERVICE ORDER FAULT
10.3.1 A service order fault is committed when the service
is not made according to the service order.
10.3.2 The scorer must correctly indicate the service order
and correct any incorrect player.
10.3.3 A service order fault is punished by loss of rally
(Rule 12.2.1).
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CHAPTER V
PLAYING ACTIONS
11 STATES OF PLAY
11.1 BALL IN PLAY
The rally begins with the referee’s whistle. However, the
ball is in play from the service hit.
11.2 BALL OUT OF PLAY
The rally ends with the referee’s whistle. However, if the
whistle is due to a fault made in play, the ball is out of play
from the moment the fault was committed (Rule 12.2.2).
11.3 BALL “IN”
The ball is “in” when it touches the ground of the playing
court including the boundary lines (Rule 1.3).
11.4 BALL “OUT”
The ball is “out” when it:
a)
falls on the ground completely outside the boundary
lines (without touching them);
b)
touches an object outside the court, the ceiling or a
person out of play;
c)
touches the antennae, ropes, posts or the net itself
outside the side bands and antennae;
d)
crosses completely the vertical plane of the net, totally
or even partly outside the crossing space during
service (Rule 14.1.3, Diagram 3) or the third hit of the team.
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12 PLAYING FAULTS
12.1 DEFINITION
12.1.1 Any playing action contrary to the Rules is a playing
fault.
12.1.2 The referees judge the faults and determine the
penalties according to these Rules.
12.2 CONSEQUENCES OF A FAULT
12.2.1 There is always a penalty for a fault: the opponents
of the team committing the fault win the rally
according to Rule 7.3.
12.2.2 If two or more faults are committed successively,
only the first one is counted.
12.2.3 If two or more faults are committed by the two
opponents simultaneously, a DOUBLE FAULT is
counted and the rally is replayed.
13 PLAYING THE BALL
13.1 TEAM HITS
13.1.1 Each team is entitled to a maximum of three hits for
returning the ball over the net.
USAV 13.1.1: For Doubles and Triples Competition
only: blocking does constitute a team contact, and
any player may make the second contact of the ball
after the block.
For Four-Player and Six-Player Competition only:
Blocking does not constitute a team contact, and
any player may make the first contact of the ball
after the block.
13.1.2 These team hits include not only intentional hits by
the player, but also unintentional contacts with the ball.
13.1.3 A player may not hit the ball two times consecutively
(exceptions, see Rules: 13.4.3 a), b) and 18.2).
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13.2 SIMULTANEOUS CONTACTS
13.2.1 Two players may touch the ball at the same moment.
13.2.2 When two teammates touch the ball simultaneously,
it is counted as two hits (except at blocking, Rule
18.4.2).
If two teammates reach for the ball but only one
player touches it, one hit is counted.
If players collide, no fault is committed.
13.2.3 If there are simultaneous contacts by the two
opponents over the net and the ball remains in play,
the team receiving the ball is entitled to another three
hits. If such a ball goes “out,” it is the fault of the
team on the opposite side.
If simultaneous contacts by the two opponents over
the net lead to a “held ball,” it is NOT considered a
fault.
13.3 ASSISTED HIT
Within the playing area, a player is not permitted to take
support from a teammate or any structure/object in order
to reach the ball. However, the player who is about to commit
a fault (touch the net or interfere with an opponent, etc.)
may be stopped or held back by a teammate.
13.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT
13.4.1 The ball may touch any part of the body.
13.4.2 The ball must be hit, not caught or thrown. It can
rebound in any direction.
Exceptions:
a)
In defensive action of a hard-driven ball. In this
case, the ball can be held momentarily
overhand with the fingers.
USAV 13.4.2.a: As well as doubled with fingers.
b)
If simultaneous contacts by the two opponents
leads to a “held ball.”
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13.4.3 The ball may touch various parts of the body, only if
the contacts take place simultaneously.
Exceptions:
a)
At blocking, consecutive contacts (Rule 18.4.2)
by one or more blockers are authorized,
provided that they occur during one action.
b)
At the first hit of the team, unless it is played
overhand using fingers (exception Rule 13.4.2
a), the ball may contact various parts of the
body consecutively, provided that the contacts
occur during one action.
13.5 FAULTS AT PLAYING THE BALL
13.5.1 FOUR HITS: a team hits the ball four times before
returning it (Rule 13.1.1).
13.5.2 ASSISTED HIT: a player takes support from a
teammate or any structure/object in order to reach
the ball within the playing area (Rule 13.3).
13.5.3 HELD BALL: a player does not hit the ball (Rule
13.4.2) unless when in defensive action of a hard-
driven ball (Rule 13.4.2 a) or when simultaneous
contacts by the two opponents over the net lead to
a momentary “held ball” (Rule 13.4.2 b).
13.5.4 DOUBLE CONTACT: a player hits the ball twice
in succession or the ball touches various parts of
his/her body successively (Rule 13.1.3, 13.4.3).
14 BALL AT NET
14.1 BALL CROSSING THE NET
14.1.1 The ball sent to the opponent’s court must go over
the net within the crossing space (Diagram 3). The
crossing space is the part of the vertical plane of
the net limited as follows:
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a)
below, by the top of the net,
b)
at the sides, by the antennae and their
imaginary extension,
c)
above, by a ceiling or structure (if any).
14.1.2 The ball that has crossed the vertical plane of the
net to the opponent’s free zone (Rule 15) totally or
partly outside of the crossing space, may be played
back within the team hits provided that:
The ball when played back crosses the vertical
plane of the net again outside, or partly outside, the
crossing space on the same side of the court.
The opposing team may not prevent such action.
14.1.3 The ball is “out” when it crosses completely the lower
space under the net (Diagram 3).
14.1.4 A player, however, may enter the opponents’ court
in order to play the ball before it crosses completely
the lower space or passes outside the crossing
space (Rule 15.2).
14.2 BALL TOUCHING THE NET
While crossing the net (Rule 14.1.1 above), the ball may
touch the net.
14.3 BALL IN THE NET
14.3.1 A ball driven into the net may be recovered within
the limits of the three team hits.
14.3.2 If the ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down,
the rally is cancelled and replayed.
15 PLAYER AT THE NET
Each team must play within its own court and playing space.
The ball may, however, be retrieved from beyond the free
zone.
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15.1 REACHING BEYOND THE NET
15.1.1 In blocking, a blocker may touch the ball beyond
the net, provided that he/she does not interfere with
the opponent’s play, before or during the latter’s
attack-hit (Rule 18.3).
15.1.2 A player is permitted to pass his/her hand beyond
the net after his/her attack-hit, provided that his/her
contact has been made within his/her own playing
space.
15.2 PENETRATION INTO THE OPPONENT’S SPACE,
COURT AND/OR FREE ZONE
A player may enter into the opponent’s space, court and/or
free zone, provided that this does not interfere with the
opponent’s play.
15.3 CONTACT WITH THE NET
15.3.1 It is forbidden to touch any part of the net or the
antennae (exception: Rule 15.3.4).
15.3.2 Once the player has hit the ball, he/she may touch
the posts, ropes or any other object outside the total
length of the net provided that this action does not
interfere with play.
15.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net, which causes it
to touch an opponent, no fault is committed.
15.3.4 Incidental contact of hair is not a fault.
15.4 PLAYER’S FAULTS AT THE NET
15.4.1 A player touches the ball or an opponent in the
opponent’s space before or during the opponent’s
attack-hit (Rule 15.1.1).
15.4.2 Aplayer penetrates into the opponent’s space, court
and/or free zone interfering with the latter’s play
(Rule 15.2).
15.4.3 A player touches the net (Rule 15.3.1).
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16 SERVICE
16.1 DEFINITION
The service is the act of putting the ball into play by the
correct serving player who, positioned in the service zone,
hits the ball with one hand or arm.
16.2 FIRST SERVICE IN A SET
The first service of a set is executed by the team determined
by the coin toss (Rule 8.1).
16.3 SERVICE ORDER
After the first service in a set, the player to serve is
determined as follows:
a)
when the serving team wins the rally, the player who
served before, serves again.
b)
when the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the
right to serve and the player who did not serve last
time will serve.
USAV 16.3: For Doubles Competition only:
If a player is discovered serving out of order, the
scorekeeper and the second referee shall correct any
incorrect server prior to the service. If it is not
discovered until after the ball has been put into play,
the second referee shall stop play and allow the correct
player to serve. Should the incorrect server not be
discovered until after points were scored, the service
order is merely corrected with team(s) maintaining their
points and a new service made.
If a scorekeeper is available, the scorekeeper shall
attempt to correct any error in service order prior to
the service contact.
B-26
16.4 AUTHORIZATION OF THE SERVICE
The first referee authorizes the service after having checked
that the correct server is in possession of the ball behind the end
line and that the teams are ready to play (Diagram 8, fig. 1).
16.5 EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE
16.5.1 The server may move freely within the service zone.
At the moment of the service hit or take-off for a
jump service, the server must not touch the court
(the end line included) nor the ground outside the
zone. His/her foot may not go under the line. After
his/her hit, the server may step or land outside the
zone, or inside the court.
16.5.2 If the line moves because of the sand pushed by
the server, it is not considered a fault.
16.5.3 The server must hit the ball within 5 seconds after
the first referee whistles for service.
16.5.4 A service executed before the referee’s whistle is
cancelled and repeated.
16.5.5 The ball shall be hit with one hand or any part of the
arm after being tossed or released and before it
touches the playing surface.
16.5.6 If the ball, after having been tossed or released by
the server, lands without being touched or caught
by the server, it is considered as a service.
16.5.7 No further service attempt will be permitted.
16.6 SCREENING
The teammate of the server must not prevent either
opponent, through screening, from seeing the server or the
path of the ball. On the opponent’s request, they must move
sideways.
USAV 16.6: For Four-Player or Six-Player Competition only:
If the referee judges that screening did occur, the rally is
ended, and the serving team is penalized with a loss of rally.
B-27
16.7 SERVING FAULTS
The following faults lead to a change of service. The server:
a)
violates the service order (Rule 16.3),
b)
does not execute the service properly (Rule 16.5).
16.8 SERVING FAULTS AFTER HITTING THE BALL
After the ball has been correctly hit, the service becomes a
fault if the ball:
a)
touches a player of the serving team or fails to cross
the vertical plane of the net,
b)
goes “out” (Rule 11.4).
17 ATTACK HIT
17.1 DEFINITION
17.1.1 All actions to direct the ball toward the opponent,
except when serving and blocking, are considered
attack-hits.
17.1.2 An attack-hit is completed the moment the ball
completely crosses the vertical plane of the net or
is touched by the blocker.
17.1.3 Any player may carry out an attack-hit at any height,
provided that his/her contact with the ball has been
made within the player’s own playing space (except
Rule 17.2.4 below).
USAV 17.1.3: For Back-Row Players in Six-Player
Competition and Males in Reverse Co-Ed Comp-
etition only: If a player contacts the ball completely
above the height of the net and the player’s foot is
touching or has last touched the ground on or in
front of the attack line, the attack-hit must have an
upward trajectory.
B-28
17.2 ATTACK-HIT FAULTS
17.2.1 A player hits the ball within the playing space of the
opposing team (Rule 15.1.2).
17.2.2 A player hits the ball “out” (Rule 11.4).
17.2.3 A player completes an attack-hit using an “open-
handed tip or dink” directing the ball with the fingers.
USAV 17.2.3: For Doubles, Triples and Four-Player
Competition only: directs as attack-hit with the
fingers, using an “open-hand tip” or “dink.”
17.2.4 A player completes an attack-hit on the opponent’s
service, when the ball is entirely above the top of
the net.
17.2.5 A player completes an attack-hit using an overhand
pass, which has a trajectory not perpendicular to
the line of the shoulders, except when setting his or
her teammate.
USAV17.2.5: For Doubles and Triples Competition only:
intentionally completes an attack-hit using an overahnd
set that gives the ball a trajectory not perpendicular to
the line of the player’s shoulders; or
For Back-Row Players in Six-Player competiton and
Males in Reverse Co-Ed competition only: contacts
the ball completely above the height of the net, while
his/her foot is touching or has last touched the ground
on or in front of the attack line and does not direct the
attack-hit with an upward trajectory.
18 BLOCK
18.1 DEFINITION
Blocking is the action of players close to the net to intercept
the ball coming from the opponent by reaching higher than
the top of the net (Diagram 5).
B-29
18.2 HITS BY THE BLOCKER
The first hit after the block may be executed by any player,
including the one who has touched the ball at the block.
18.3 BLOCK WITHIN THE OPPONENT’S SPACE
In blocking, the player may place his/her hands and arms
beyond the net provided that his/her action does not
interfere with the opponent’s play. Thus, it is not permitted
to touch the ball beyond the net until the opponent has
executed an attack-hit.
18.4 BLOCKING CONTACT
18.4.1 A blocking contact is counted as a team hit. The
blocking team will have only two more hits after a
blocking contact.
USAV 18.4.1: For Doubles and Triples Competition
only: A blocking contact is counted as a team
contact. The blocking team will have two contacts
after the blocking contact.
For Four-Player and Six-Player Competition only: A
blocking contact is not counted as a team contact.
The blocking team will have three contacts after a
blocking contact.
18.4.2 Consecutive (quick and continuous) contacts may
occur by one or more blockers provided that the
contacts are made during one action. These are
counted as only one team hit (Rule 18.4.1 above).
18.4.3 These contacts may occur with any part of the body.
USAV 18.4.4: For Doubles, Triples and Four-Player
Competition only: No restrictions exist as to which
players may participate in a block except in Reverse
Co-Ed competition [USAV 18.4.6].
USAV 18.4.5: For Six-Player Competition only:
Back-row players may not participate in a block.
B-30
USAV 18.4.6: For Reverse Co-Ed Competition only:
Male players may not participate in a block.
18.5 BLOCKING FAULTS
18.5.1 The blocker touches the ball in the opponent’s space
either before or simultaneously with the opponent’s
attack-hit (Rule 18.3, above).
18.5.2 Aplayer blocks the ball in the opponent’s space from
outside the antenna.
18.5.3 A player blocks the opponent’s service.
18.5.4 The ball is sent “out” off the block.
USAV 18.5: For Six-Player Competition only: a back-
row player participates in a block; or for Reverse
Co-Ed Competition only: a male player participates
in a block.
B-31
CHAPTER VI
TIME-OUT AND DELAY
19 TIME-OUTS
19.1 DEFINITION
A time-out is a regular game interruption and it lasts for 30
seconds.
For FIVB World competitions, in sets 1 and 2,
one additional 30-second Technical Time-out is
automatically allocated when the sum of the
points scored by the teams equals 21 points.
19.2 NUMBER OF TIME-OUTS
Each team is entitled to a maximum of one time-out per
set.
19.3 REQUESTS FOR TIME-OUT
Time-outs may be requested by the players only when the
ball is out of play and before the whistle for service, by
showing the corresponding hand signal (Diagram 8, fig. 4).
Time-outs may follow one another with no need to resume
the game.
The players must have authorization from referees to leave
the playing area.
19.4 IMPROPER REQUESTS
Among others, it is improper to request a time-out:
a)
during a rally or at the moment of, or after the whistle
to serve (Rule 19.3 above),
b)
after having exhausted the authorized time-out (Rule
19.2 above). Any improper request that does not affect
or delay the game shall be rejected without any
sanction unless repeated in the same set (Rule 20.1 b).
B-32
20 DELAYS TO THE GAME
20.1 TYPES OF DELAY
An improper action of a team that defers the resumption of
the game is a delay and includes, among others:
a)
prolonging time-outs, after having been instructed to
resume the game,
b)
repeating an improper request in the same set (Rule
19.4),
c)
delaying the game (12 seconds shall be the maximum
time from the end of a rally to the whistle for service
under normal playing conditions).
USAV 20.1: For Triples, Four-Player or Six-Player
Competition only: delaying a substitution.
20.2 SANCTIONS FOR DELAYS
20.2.1 The first delay by a team in a set is sanctioned with
a DELAY WARNING.
20.2.2 The second and subsequent delays of any type by the
same team in the same set constitute a fault and are
sanctioned with a DELAY PENALTY: loss of a rally.
21 EXCEPTIONAL GAME INTERRUPTIONS
21.1 INJURY
21.1.1 Should a serious accident occur while the ball is in
play, the referee must stop the game immediately.
The rally is then replayed.
21.1.2 An injured player is given a maximum of 5 minutes
recovery time one time a match. The referee must
authorize the properly accredited medical staff to
enter the playing court to attend the player. Only
the referee may authorize that a player may leave
the playing area without penalty. At the conclusion
of the 5-minute recovery, the referee will whistle and request the player to continue. At this time, only the player can judge whether he/she is fit to play.
If the player does not recover or return to the
playing area at the conclusion of the recovery time,
his/her team is declared incomplete (Rules 7.4.3,
9.1). In extreme cases, the doctor of the
competition and the technical supervisor can
oppose the return of an injured player.
Note: the recovery time will begin when the properly
accredited medical staff member(s) of the
competition arrives at the playing court to attend to
the player. In the event that no accredited medical
staff is available, the time will begin from the moment
the recovery time was authorized by the referee.
21.2 EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE
If there is an external interference during the game, play
has to be stopped and the rally replayed.
21.3 PROLONGED INTERRUPTION
If unforeseen circumstances interrupt the match, the first
referee, the organizer and the Control Committee, if there
is one, shall decide the measures to be taken to re-
establish normal conditions.
21.3.1 Should one or several interruptions occur not
exceeding 4 hours in total, the match is resumed
with the score acquired, regardless of whether it
continues on the same court or another court.
The sets already played will keep their scores.
21.3.2 Should one or several interruptions occur, exceeding
4 hours in total, the whole match shall be replayed.
B-34
22 COURT SWITCHES AND INTERVALS
22.1 COURT SWITCHES
22.1.1 The teams switch after every 7 points (Set 1 and 2)
and 5 points (Set 3) played.
22.2 INTERVALS
22.2.1 The interval between each set lasts 1 minute.
During the interval before a deciding set, the first
referee carries out a coin toss in accordance with
Rule 8.1.
22.2.2 During court switches (Rule 22.1 above) the teams
must change immediately without delay.
22.2.3 If the court switch is not made at the proper time, it
will take place as soon as the error is noticed.
The score at the time that the court switch is made
remains the same.
B-35
CHAPTER VII
MISCONDUCT
23 MISCONDUCT
Incorrect conduct by a team member toward officials,
opponents, their teammate or spectators is classified in four
categories according to the degree of the offense.
23.1 CATEGORIES
23.1.1 Unsportsmanlike conduct: argumentation,
intimidation, etc.
23.1.2 Rude conduct: acting contrary to good manners
or moral principles, expressing contempt.
23.1.3 Offensive conduct: defamatory or insulting words
or gestures.
23.1.4 Aggression: physical attack or intended
aggression.
23.2 SANCTIONS
Depending on the degree of the incorrect conduct,
according to the judgment of the first referee, the sanctions
to be applied are (they must be recorded on the scoresheet):
23.2.1 MISCONDUCT WARNING: for unsportsmanlike
conduct, no sanction is given but the team member
concerned is warned against repetition in the same
set.
23.2.2 MISCONDUCT PENALTY: for rude conduct or
repeated unsportsmanlike conduct, the team is
sanctioned with the loss of a rally.
23.2.3 EXPULSION: repeated rude conduct or offensive
conduct is sanctioned by expulsion. The team
member who is sanctioned with expulsion must
leave the playing area and their team is declared
incomplete for the set (Rules 7.4.3, 9.1).
B-36
23.2.4 DISQUALIFICATION: for aggression, the player
must leave the playing area and his/her team is
declared incomplete for the match (Rule 7.4.3, 9.1).
23.3 SANCTION SCALE
MISCONDUCT is sanctioned as shown in the sanction scale
(Diagram 7).
A player may receive more than one MISCONDUCT
PENALTY in a set.
Sanctions are cumulative in nature only within an individual
set.
DISQUALIFICATION due to aggression does not require a
prior sanction.
23.4 MISCONDUCT BEFORE AND BETWEEN SETS
Any misconduct occurring before or between sets is
sanctioned according to (Diagram 7) and the sanction is
applied in the following set.
B-37
CHAPTER VIII
REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES
24 REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES
24.1 COMPOSITION
The refereeing corps for a match is composed of the
following officials:
• the first referee
• the second referee
• the scorer
• four (two) line judges
Their location is shown in Diagram 6.
24.2 PROCEDURES
24.2.1 Only the first and second referees may blow a whistle
during the match:
a)
the first referee gives the signal for the service
that begins the rally,
b)
provided that they are sure that a fault has been
committed and they have identified its nature,
the first and second referees signal the end of
the rally.
24.2.2 They may blow the whistle during an interruption of
play to indicate that they authorize or reject a team
request.
24.2.3 Immediately after the referee blows the whistle to
signal the end of the rally, they have to indicate with
the official hand signals (Rule 29.1):
a)
the team to serve,
b)
the nature of the fault (when necessary),
c)
the player at fault (when necessary).
B-38
25 FIRST REFEREE
25.1 LOCATION
The first referee carries out his/her functions seated or
standing on a referee’s stand located at one end of the net.
His/her view must be approximately 50 cm (19”) above the
net (Diagram 6).
25.2 AUTHORITY
25.2.1 The first referee directs the match from the start
until the end. The first referee has authority over all
officials and team members.
During the match, the first referee’s decisions are
final. He/she is authorized to overrule the decisions
of other officials, if he/she judges that the latter are
mistaken.
The first referee may replace officials who are not
performing their functions properly.
25.2.2 The first referee also supervises the work of the ball
retrievers.
25.2.3 The first referee has the power to decide on any
matters involving the game, including those not
provided for in the Rules.
25.2.4 The first referee shall not permit any discussion
about his/her decisions. However, at the request of
a player, the first referee will give an explanation on
the application or interpretation of the rules upon
which he/she has based his/her decision.
If the player disagrees with the explanation and
formally protests, the first referee must authorize
the commencement of a Protest Protocol.
25.2.5 The first referee is responsible for determining
before and during the match whether the playing
area and the conditions meet playing requirements.
B-39
25.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
25.3.1 Prior to the match, the first referee:
a)
inspects the conditions of the playing area, the
ball and other equipment,
b)
performs the coin toss with the team captains,
c)
controls the teams warming-up.
25.3.2 During the match, only the first referee is authorized:
a)
to sanction misconduct and delays,
b)
to decide upon:
• the faults of the server,
• the screen of the serving team,
• the faults in playing the ball,
• the faults above the net and at its upper part.
USAV 25.3.2: For Six-Player Competition only:
position faults by serving team.
26 SECOND REFEREE
26.1 LOCATION
The second referee performs his/her functions standing at
the post outside the playing court on the opposite side of
and facing the first referee (Diagram 6).
26.2 AUTHORITY
26.2.1 The second referee is the assistant of the first
referee, but has also his/her own range of jurisdiction
(Rule 26.3). Should the first referee be unable
to continue officiating, the second referee may
replace him/her.
26.2.2 The second referee may, without whistling, also
signal faults outside his/her jurisdiction, but must
not persist in such signals to the first referee.
26.2.3 The second referee supervises the work of the
scorer.
B-40
26.2.4 The second referee authorizes the time-outs and
court switches, controls the duration of such and
rejects improper requests.
26.2.5 The second referee checks the number of time-outs
used by each team and reports to the first referee
and the players concerned after completion of their
time-out in each applicable set.
26.2.6 In the case of an injury of a player, the second
referee authorizes recovery time (Rule 21.1.2).
26.2.7 The second referee checks during the match that
the balls still meet the requirements of the
regulations.
26.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
26.3.1 During the match, the second referee decides,
whistles and signals:
a)
the contact of the player with the lower part of
the net and the antenna on the second referee’s
side of the court (Rule 15.3.1),
b)
interference due to penetration into the
opponent’s court and space under the net (Rule
15.2),
c)
the ball that crosses the net outside the
crossing space or touches the antenna on their
side of the court (Rule 11.4),
d)
the contact of the ball with an outside object
(Rule 11.4).
USAV 26.3: For Six-Player Competition only:
Position faults on receiving team and attack
line violations.
B-41
27 SCORER
27.1 LOCATION
The scorer performs his/her functions seated at the scorer’s
table on the opposite side of and facing the first referee
(Diagram 6).
27.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The scorer fills in the scoresheet according to the Rules, in
cooperation with the second referee.
27.2.1 Prior to the match and set, the scorer registers the data
of the match and teams, according to procedures in force
and obtains the signatures of the captains.
27.2.2 During the match, the scorer:
a)
records the points scored and ensures that the
scoreboard indicates the right score,
b)
monitors the serving order as each player
performs his/her service in the set,
c)
indicates the serving order of each team by
displaying a sign numbered 1 or 2 corres-
ponding to the player to serve. The scorer
indicates any error to the referees immediately,
USAV 27.2.2.c: For Triples, Four-Player and Six-
Player Competition only: monitors the serving or-
der of each team, indicating any error in rotation to
the referees immediately after the service contact.
For Doubles Competition only: Monitors the serving
order of each team, indicating any error in rotation
prior to the service contact or as soon as it is
discovered.
d)
records the time-outs checking the number of
such, and informs the second referee,
e)
notifies the referees of a request for time-out
that is improper (Rule 19.4),
f)
announces to the referees the end of the sets
and the court switches.
B-42
27.2.3 At the end of the match, the scorer:
a)
records the final result,
b)
signs the scoresheet, obtains the signatures
of the team captains and then the referees,
c)
in the case of a protest (Rule 6.1.7.a), writes
or permits the person concerned to write
remarks on the scoresheet pertaining to the
incident being protested.
28 LINE JUDGES
28.1 LOCATION
28.1.1 It is compulsory to have two line judges in official
international matches. They stand at diagonally
opposite corners of the court, at 1 to 2 m from the
corner.
Each controls both the end line and sideline on their
side (Diagram 6).
28.1.2 If four line judges are used, they stand in the free
zone at 1 to 3 m from each corner of the court, on
the imaginary extension of the line that they control
(Diagram 6).
28.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
28.2.1 The line judges perform their functions by using flags
(30 x 30 cm), as shown in Diagram 9:
a)
they signal the ball “in” and “out” whenever the
ball lands near their line(s),
b)
they signal the touches of “out” balls by the
team receiving the ball,
c)
they signal when the ball crosses the net
outside the crossing space, touching the
antenna, etc. (Rule 14.1.1).
It is primarily the line judge closest to the path
of the ball who is responsible for the signal.
B-43
d)
the line judges in charge of the end lines signal
the foot faults of the server (Rule 16.5.1).
On the first referee’s request, a line judge
must repeat his/her signal.
29 OFFICIALS’ SIGNALS
29.1 REFEREES’ HAND SIGNALS (Diagram 8)
The referees must indicate by official hand signals the
purpose of the interruption of the game, in the following
manner.
29.1.1 The referee indicates the team having the next service.
29.1.2 When necessary, the referee then indicates the
nature of the fault called or the purpose of the
interruption authorized. The signal is maintained for
a moment, and if it is indicated with one hand, the
hand used corresponds to the side of the team
which has made a fault or a request.
29.1.3 When necessary, the referee finally indicates the
player who committed the fault or the team that
made the request.
29.2 LINE JUDGES FLAG SIGNALS (Diagram 9)
The line judges must indicate by an official flag signal the
nature of the fault called, and maintain the signal for a
moment.
B-44
Official Hand Signals
(Beach)
1. All signals which are made with one hand shall be
made with the hand on the side of the team that
commits the fault or makes the request.
2. After the signal is made, the referee gestures to the
player who has committed the fault or the team that
has made the request.
Extend the arm in
the direction of the
team that will
serve (palm
perpendicular to
the ground).
R1
R2
Loss of Rally
1
Ball crossing
2
plane under net
Point to center line
with open hand.
R1
R2Page 58
B-45
Ball in
3
Point with the flag
down
LJ
(1) Ball “out”
4
(2) Player
illegally in
adjacent
court
Raise the forearms
in a vertical
position with
hands open, palms
facing away from
the court.
R1 R2
Ball “out”
5
Raise the flag.
LJPage 59
B-46
Ball “out” after
6
contact with
a player
Raise forearm on side
that last contacted the
ball, with elbow at
ninety degrees, palm
facing shoulder.
Brush fingers of
opposite hand once
over palm of vertical
hand.
R1
R2
Ball “out” after
7
contact with
a player
Raise the flag to
shoulder height in
front of body and
place the open
palm of the other
hand on top of flag
(No flag - same as
signal #6).
LJ
(1) Wave the flag
and point the
arm toward the
antenna.
(2) Wave the flag
and point to the
service area.
LJ
(1) Ball outside
8
the antenna
(2) Service
line
fault
B-47
Ball contacted
9
more than
three times
by a team.
Raise forearm
vertically with four
fingers extended.
(1) Ball “in”
10
(2) Line fault
(3) Interference
(1) Point to attack
area with index
finger.
(2) Point to line with
finger.
(3) Point below the
net with index
finger.
R1
R1 R2
(1) Caught or
11
thrown
ball.
(2) Ball held
against
net.
Slowly lift the forearm
and hand, with bent
elbow, with the palm
facing upward from
the level of the waist
to the level of the
chest.
R1
B-48
Ball illegally
12
contacted more
than once by a
player.
Raise forearm
vertically with two
fingers extended.
R1
(1) End of game
13
or match (R1).
(2) Impossible to
judge (LJ)
Cross forearms in
front of the chest
(palms facing the
body).
R1
LJ
Time-out
14 Place the palm of one
hand horizontally
over the other hand,
held in a vertical
position, forming the
letter “T.” Indicate the
team requesting the
time-out.
R1
R2
S
B-49
Substitution
15 Make a circular
motion of open
hands around each
other at shoulder
height.
R1 R2
Authorization
16
for service
Extend arm toward
serving team with
palm forward.
Blow whistle for
service and move
hand in a sweeping
motion to the
opposite shoulder.
R1
(1) Illegal hit
17
or service
(2) Ball not
released
at time of
service
(3) Assisted
hit
Lift the extended
arm (palm up)
from the level of
the thigh to the
level of the chest.
R1
B-50
R1
(1) Touch the net.
(2) Touch the net
and indicate the
player committing
the fault.
R1
R2
(1) Double fault
19
(2) Playover
Raise the thumbs
of both hands
(hands held close
together).
R1
Illegal block
20
or screen
Raise hands to
head height (palms
facing away from
body). Indicate
player(s) commiting
the fault.
R2
(1) Served ball does not
18
cross plane of net, or
touches teammate,
or fails to
reach net.
(2) Player
commits
net fault.
B-51
R1
R1 R2
Hold the forearm
(palm down over
the top of the net).
Indicate the player
committing the
fault.
R1
(1) Illegal back-
22
row attack.
(2) Illegal attack
of the serve.
Make a forward and
downward motion
from the shoulder
with the forearm
and hand. Indicate
the player
committing the fault.
Individual
23
sanctions:
(1) Warning
(2) Penalty
(3) Disquali-
fication
(1) show a yellow
card.
(2) Show a red card.
(3) Show red and
yellow cards in
one hand.
(1) Illegal attack
21
beyond the net.
(2) Illegal block
beyond the
net.Page 65
B-52
R1 R2
R1
Team sanctions:
24
(1) Team delay
warming.
(2) Team
penalty
warning.
(1) Show yellow
card held against
opposite wrist.
(2) Show red card
held against
opposite wrist.
Change of courts
25 Raise the forearms
front and back and
twist them around
the body.
B-53
MISCONDUCT SANCTION SCALE
(BEACH)
Behavior
Occurrence
Sanction
Card
Shown
Consequence
Unsports-
manlike
Conduct
First
Warning
Yellow
Warning:
no penalty
Subsequent
Penalty
Red
Loss of rally
Rude
Conduct
First
Penalty
Red
Loss of rally
Subsequent
Penalty
Red
Loss of rally
Offensive
Conduct
First
*Expulsion
Y/R
Together
Dismissed from
the playing area
for the game
Second
Disquali-
fication
Y/R
Apart
Dismissed from
the playing area,
team area and
spectator area for
the match
Aggressive
Conduct
First
Disquali-
fication
Y/R
Apart
Dismissed from
the playing area,
team area and
spectator area for
the match
Diagram 1
*Format B only
B-54
BEACH COURT DIAGRAM
B-55
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE
USA VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL
SCORE SHEETS
1. PRELIMINARY
The following instructions are the procedures to be used
if a scorekeeper (separate from the referee) is assigned
to the match. A referee who is also keeping score may
modify these instructions in accordance with Tournament
Regulations and/or tournament conditions.
2. BEFORE THE MATCH
a.
Use pen or pencil to record the pertinent match infor-
mation in the Heading area on both sides of the score
sheet. All proper names are in lowercase letters except
for the first letter (e.g., Hermosa; Smith, John). Do not fill
in the “A” or “B” designations until after the coin toss.
Match #:
from the tournament schedule
Beach:
Beach name
Court:
#
Date:
DD/MM/YY (e.g., June 8, 2004 = 08/06/04)
Level:
e.g., 18’s, AA, Open, 40’s
Women,
Men, Co-Ed: X the appropriate box
Juniors:
X the box, as appropriate, in addition to the
category above
Team:
Lastname, Firstname/Lastname, Firstname
(e.g., Johnson, Nick/Morris, John). List players
in the same order as shown on the tourna-
ment schedule (names should be in alphabeti-
cal order), with the higher-seeded team listed
first. If necessary, the last name may be
written above the first name.
B-56
b.
In the PRINTED NAMES section of the RESULTS
box (lower left corner of the sheet with Set 3), print the
players’ names in the same order as in the Heading,
with the second name below the first.
c.
In the OFFICIALS box (lower right corner of the
Set 3 side), fill in the officials’ names, using the
format Lastname, Firstname. Do not sign the score
sheet until after the match is complete and you have
verified the score sheet’s accuracy.
d.
After the coin toss, find out from the referee(s) the
following information:
1.)
which team won the coin toss: X that
team’s Choice box in the Heading
2.)
what each team chose for Set 1: record
one of the following codes in the space
behind each team’s Choice
S = Serve
R = Receive
OR
A = Court on left side of scorekeeper
B = Court on right side of scorekeeper
B-57
e.
The team that starts on the left side for Set 1 will
be designated Team A for the entire match. Write
the appropriate “A” or “B” in the circle next to the
team names in the Heading and in the RESULTS
box. The team that serves first will be in the top
portion of Set 1’s scoring section (write the appropri-
ate “A” or “B” in the Team circle next to Service
Order I and III). The team that receives first will be
in the lower portion of Set 1 (write the remaining
team designation in the Team circle next to Service
Order II and IV).
f.
As soon as possible after the coin toss, obtain each
team captain’s signature in the appropriate space
above the PRINTED NAMES section of the
RESULTS box. The captain should indicate the
team’s service order at this time. If helpful, write a
small marker (e.g., asterisk, dot) next to the name of
each team’s first server. Write each player’s name
(Lastname, Firstname) in the appropriate “Player
Identification” box. If there are duplicate last names,
write the first name as well. Since players usually
don’t wear uniform numbers, write a useful identifier
(e.g., knee brace, green shorts, red hair, tattoo) next
to each name. It may be necessary to revise the
identifying characteristic during the match (e.g.,
player removes brace).
B-58
3. DURING THE MATCH
a.
Record the time of the first service whistle/beckon in
ink in the “Game Start Time” (above the Service
Round boxes). Format is HH:MM and 24-hour clock
(e.g., 9:15 a.m. = 09:15; 1:45 p.m. = 13:45).
b.
The scorekeeper is responsible for ensuring the
players serve in the correct order. The scorekeeper
will make every effort to prevent a wrong
server by informing the second referee of the error
before the serve occurs. If a player serves out of
rotation and is discovered after the ball has been put
in play, the rally is stopped immediately and the
correct server is allowed to serve. If the wrong
server is discovered after the rally is completed, the
correct player will serve the next ball. The team
keeps any points earned with the “wrong server.”
[EXCEPTION: If a player insists on serving out of
order after being informed of the correct service
order, the team is penalized with a loss of rally.]
B-59
c.
The scorekeeper monitors and records the results of
each player’s term of service using the numbered
Service Round boxes that extend to the right of each
name (numbered 1 through 20).
1.)
When the first server (Service Order I) serves
the ball to start the term of service, the score-
keeper writes a small check mark (?) over the
“1” in the upper right corner of box 1. If the
serving team wins the rally, the scorekeeper
slashes the earned point in the Team Points
row (numbered 1 through 35) below the
team’s Service Round boxes. If the same
player continues to serve, no additional marks
are recorded in that Service Round box until
the team loses the serve.
2.)
At the loss of service, the scorekeeper records
the total cumulative score earned by the serv-
ing team (called the exit score) in the checked
Service Round box. The scorekeeper will also
immediately record the rally point for the
receiving team by slashing the appropriate
point in the Team Points row below that team’s
Service Round boxes.
B-60
3.)
The scorekeeper repeats this process for
the remaining Service Round 1 boxes,
following the Service Order II, III and IV.
When the player in Service Order I serves
again, the scorekeeper will use the Service
Round 2 box, and so on.
d.
Court Switch
1.)
For the first two sets, the teams switch
courts when the combined team scores
equal multiples of seven (e.g., 2-5, 6-8,
10-11). For the deciding set, the teams
switch courts when the combined team
scores equal multiples of five (e.g., 3-2,
6-4, 9-6).
2.)
The scorekeeper should inform the second
referee (during the dead ball period) when
the next rally will result in a court switch
and, if needed, repeat the reminder at the
time of the court switch.
3.)
When the teams switch courts, the score-
keeper records each team’s score in the
COURT SWITCH SCORE box on the
far right, making sure to enter team A’s
score in the left column each time. If the
teams switch courts and the combined
team scores do not equal the correct
multiple value, record the actual scores
and note the discrepancy in the COM-
MENTS section (e.g., “Set 1, late court
switch at 14 points, 8-7”).
B-61
4.)
Atechnical time-out (TTO), if used, will occur
at the third court switch of the first two sets.
The third COURT SWITCH SCORE box is
specially marked for this purpose. there will be
no TTO in the deciding set. If a TTO is not
used, draw a vertical line through the “TTO”
next to the third COURT SWITCH SCORE
box.
e.) Time-outs are recorded in the space below each team’s
Service Order numbers and Team designation. The
score at the time of a team’s time-out is recorded with the
requesting team’s score listed first. At the beginning of
the time-out period, discreetly signal to the referees
the number of time-outs used by each team, matching
the team information with the team bench location. If
necessary, repeat the time-out information, this time
matching the team information with the team location on
the court.
B-62
f.
Correcting Mistakes
1.)
If the scorekeeper makes an inadvertent error
or the referee makes a mind change and the
information is written in ink, the scorekeeper
must place an “X” through the error and neatly
record the correct information immediately
following the “X”. The scorekeeper must not
miss any action while making the correction.
2.)
If the scorekeeper makes an inadvertent error
or if the referee makes a mind change and the
information is recorded in pencil, the score-
keeper may erase the error and record the
correction. The scorekeeper must not miss
any action while making the correction.
g.
Set Point and Match Point: During the dead ball period,
discreetly inform the referees when a team is one point
away from winning the set or match. Repeat this infor-
mation each time there is a new set point or match point
situation.
h.
Misconduct and Team Delay
1.)
Misconduct warning (individual yellow
card) is recorded in the space to the right
of the individual’s Player Identification. Record
the score at the time of the warning, with that
team’s score recorded first. No other action is
taken against the team or player.
B-63
2.)
Misconduct penalty (individual red card) is
recorded in the space to the right of the indi-
vidual’s Misconduct Warning box. Aplayer
may receive a penalty without previously
receiving a warning and may receive multiple
penalties in the same set. Record the score at
the time of the penalty (before the resultant
loss of rally), with that team’s score recorded
first. Slash the next point of the opposing
team, and circle that point to indicate it was
earned through a penalty. In addition, the
opposing team will serve the next ball. If the
player receiving the penalty was on the serv-
ing team, record the exit score in the appro-
priate Service Round box. If the penalty results
in a loss of rally before the penalized team has
served, there will be no check mark in that
Service Round
B-64
3.)
A player may be expelled (yellow and red
cards in one hand) from a set, and the
team is declared incomplete and must default
the set. The expulsion and default must be
recorded in the COMMENTS section (e.g.,
“Exp, set 2, team B Jeremy Simpson, 17-15;
Default, set 2, team B, 17-15”).
Give the opposing team the points needed to
win the set by slashing the necessary points
but do not circle these points.
4.)
Aplayer may be disqualified (yellow and
red cards held separately) for the
match, and the team is declared incomplete
and must default the remainder of the match.
The disqualification and default must be
recorded in the COMMENTS section (e.g.,
“DQ, set 2, team B Jeremy Simpson, 17-15;
Default match, set 2, team B, 17-15”).
Give the opposing team the points needed to
win the match by slashing the necessary
points but do not circle these points.
5.)
Improper requests are not recorded on the
score sheet.
6.)
Team delay warning (yellow card on op-
posite wrist) is recorded in the box to the
right of the Time-Out box. Record the
score at the time of the warning, with the
score of the sanctioned team recorded
first. No other action is taken against the
team.
B-65
7.)
Team delay penalty (red card on oppo-
site wrist) is recorded to the right of the
Team Delay Warning box. Record the
score at the time of the penalty (before the
resultant loss of rally), with the sanctioned
team’s score recorded first. Slash the next
point of the opposing team and circle this
point to indicate it was earned through a
penalty. In addition, the opposing team will
serve the next ball. If the player receiving
the penalty was on the serving team,
record the existing score in the appropriate
Service Round box. If the penalty results in
a loss of rally before the penalized team
has served, there will be no check mark in
that Service Round box.
8.)
If a player or team receives more sanc-
tions than available boxes, record the
sanction(s) in the COMMENTS section.
For set 1 or set 2, place an “X” in the
appropriate
B-66
4. POST-SET PROCEDURES
a.
When the referee blows the whistle to end the last rally of
the set, slash the winning point in the Team Points row.
Record this final point as the exit score for the winning
team. If the receiving team earned the winning point from
the opponent’s loss of service, record the winning point
in the Service Round box of the player who would have
been the next server and do not make a check mark in
the upper right corner of the box. Additionally, record the
appropriate exit score in the Service Round box of the
losing team’s last server.
b.
The “end of set” signal by the first referee marks the time
the set ended. Record the time (using the 24-hour clock
format, HH:MM) in the Set End Time space, located to
the right of the Set Start Time space.
1.)
Calculate the duration of the set by de-
termining the elapsed time between the
Set Start Time and Set End Time. Record
this data in minutes in the Set Duration
space to the right of Set End Time.Page 80
B-67
c.
Circle the final exit score (in the Service Round box)
for each team and write each team’s score in the
appropriate Team Points box, located to the left of
the Team Points row.
d.
Transfer the set duration and the final scores to the
appropriate columns in the Results section.Page 81
B-68
e.
Cancel the unused COURT SWITCH
SCORE boxes by drawing a single large X
through the empty boxes.
f.
Cancel each team’s unearned points by
drawing a vertical line immediately to the
right of the last slashed point, then drawing
a horizontal line through unearned points.
g.
The interval between set 1 and set 2 is one minute.
the scorekeeper should add one minute to the
previous Set End Time and record this time as the
Set Start Time for set 2.
h.
The team that lost the coin toss for set 1 can choose
one of the following: (1) to serve or receive, or (2)
the side of the court on which to start the set. The
other team will select the remaining choice. There-
fore, the scorekeeper must wait for these decisions
before preparing set 2. Record the appropriate code
(see paragraph 2d2) in the space behind each
team’s Choice for set 2. Each captain will also
indicate the service order, which may be different
from the previous set. Once the scorekeeper has the
necessary data, fill in the scoring section for set 2,Page 82
B-69
remembering that the teams retain their
original “A” and “B” designations. Record the
set 2 action, using the same match and post-set
procedures described above.
i.
Deciding Set: If the teams are tied 1-1 after set 2,
the first referee will conduct a coin toss for the
deciding set.
1.)
Flip the score sheet ot the set 3 side. The
interval between set 2 and set 3 is one
minute. Place an X in the choice box of the
team that won the coin toss. Record the
coin toss results in the space behind each
team’s Choice and prepare the scoring
section accordingly.
2.)
Record the set 3 action, using the same
match and post-set procedures described
above, except the teams will switch courts
when the combined scores equal multiples
of five.
5. POST-MATCH PROCEDURES
a.
In the RESULTS box, calculate and record the Total
Duration in minutes, including the interval
between sets. Write the name of the Winning
Team, listing the names in the same order as in the
Heading. Behind the team name, record the set
scores, with the match winner’s scores listed first.
Take care to use the data in the Points column and
not the Duration column.
b.
Review the score sheets to verify they are accurate
and complete, then sign below your printed name.
c.
Deliver the completed score sheet to the tournament
coordinator.
GUIDELINES FOR BEACH (OUTDOOR)
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS
MATCH WARM-UP
Ten minutes are allowed for warm-up (ball-handling, shared
hitting) for the first match of the day played by a team. Six
minutes warm-up (maximum of three minutes on court, three
minutes retrieving balls) is allowed for all other matches.
FORFEIT PROCEDURES
The following match forfeit procedures apply to Format B
matches only. When the match start has been called, a late
or incomplete team forfeits game 1. The late or incomplete
team will have 10 minutes before forfeiting game 2 and the
match. If the late or incomplete team arrives with sufficient
players before the 10-minute period has elapsed, they will be
allowed to warm up during the remaining time.
Forfeit procedures for Format A matches should be published
and announced in advance to the participating teams.
TEAM OFFICIATING PROCEDURES
In pools, the refereeing duties are assigned. In elimination
events, the losing team referees the next match. Teams
should be warned not to skip refereeing assignments after
they lose. They do not have to referee personally, but they
are responsible. Failure to referee should have pre-an-
nounced penalties. When there is a choice of two losing
teams to referee one match, the earlier finishing losing team
should be excused (not the losing team that is a “better”
team).
B-79
Each court should have a clipboard, pool chart and pencil,
and a team on that court in charge of posting the match
results. Pool winners should return the pool sheets to the
Tournament Desk.
OPTIMUM POOL DESIGNATIONS
Waiting list teams should not be accepted unless the addition
creates a desirable number of teams. In large events (30 or
more teams), only four-team pools should be used or very
good court supervision is required.
While pools of four are the ideal number, you can put more
teams on a court, using pools of five, if space is limited. Many
tournaments have four-team pools that play only two games
to 21 points instead of best-two-of-three matches.
When the same division has pools with different numbers of
teams, the point differential should be calculated as the
average point differential per game. This will account for the
pools playing different numbers of games during pool play.
