NFHS Volleyball Rules Changes 2011-12

1-3 new 3 Outlines the procedure for scoring when a vacant position rotates to serve in the right back position due to the team playing with fewer than six players as a result of illness, injury or disqualification. 
Rationale:  Provides clarification of proper scoring protocol when a team plays with fewer than 6 players due to injury, illness, or disqualification, after the start of the match.

2-1 new 9 and 10   Adds the definitions for playable and nonplayable areas and stipulates the first referee has the authority to identify other area (s) as unsuitable for play. 
Rationale:  The rules currently refer to playable and nonplayable areas.  For clarification, these areas are now defined.  The first referee has the authority to identify other unsuitable area(s) for play.

3-1-1   The overall width and length of the net may now fall within a range with the width of the net overall being 36 inches to 39 inches and the length being 31 feet 6 inches to 33 feet. 
Rationale: The inclusion of a range makes legal the various equipment being utilized by high school teams should matches be conducted in college facilities.  The change does not require new equipment and eliminates need for manufacturers to make different nets which many schools are not correctly purchasing. 

3-1-1  The plain white tape along the top of the net shall be 2 inches up to 2 ¾ inches wide.  A white net sleeve, no wider than 3 3/8 inches, with the school name, insignia, school mascot and/or advertising may be installed along the top of the net. 
Rationale:  The inclusion of the range makes legal the various equipment being utilized by high schools should matches be conducted in college facilities.  The use of a manufactured sleeve allows the school to place their name, mascot, insignia and/or advertising on the net without expense of a custom net to promote school spirit and opportunity as a source for additional revenue. 

4-1-6  Expands the style of items that may be worn in the hair to include unadorned flat barrettes no longer than 2 inches. 
Rationale:  Flat, unadorned barrettes, no longer than two inches, do not create a concern for risk of injury and can be securely fastened and serve as efficient means to control a player’s hair. 

5-2-1 new NOTE 2  The individual state association may make a temporary adjustment in the official’s uniform and permit the wearing of a white shirt or sweater to address cold conditions within competition facilities. 
Rationale:  Many times officials will be required to work in gymnasiums in which the temperature is quite cool.  Rather than each official wearing different visible undergarments or different style shirts, the state association may develop a policy to permit a standard style long-sleeved shirt or sweater and still maintain the integrity of the officials’ uniform. 

Volleyball Signals #1, Case Book 

The illegal alignment signal shall be used for a libero replacement after the whistle/signal for serve.  It is also used to communicate a penalty being assessed for failure to submit and accurate lineup. 
Rationale:  Clarifies “Illegal Alignment” is the penalty for a libero replacement that takes place after the whistle/signal for serve regardless of whether or not the ball is contacted for serve.  The additional use of the signal is to indicate a penalty is being assessed for failure to submit an accurate lineup and will improve communication between officials and spectators when this violation occurs. 

2011-12 MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES 

4-1 New Note   Clarifies the authority and criteria for the state association to authorize exceptions to the playing rules to provide a reasonable accommodation to individual participants. 

 8-1-1  Reference to a “let “ serve is removed from the rules and replaced with language indicating a serve contacting and crossing the net entirely within the antennas remains in play. 

9-5-5 Note  An illegal back-row attack is called when the ball completely crosses the net or is contacted by the opponent.