It is Good to be Different: Rule Changes from Different Levels A discussion on the proposed FIVB rule changes

By Virginia Elite as a follow up to The Art of Coaching Volleyball's article "Volleyball Rules, Some Need Changing Some Don't"

The 2014 club volleyball season is fast approaching.  As is the case with most clubs, we at VA Elite are turning the page on the 2013 season: reports are being run, board meetings are being called to order, and we have begun preparing for the season ahead.  As we plan for another year, our training cadre discusses the possible rule changes that the FIVB has proposed.

Decrease the number of points per set to 21

Score: 2-1 in favor

Statistics dictate that 60% of matches are won by the team that reaches the 10 point mark first. 

By making the game to 21 will make each set a sprint.  One benefit is that the 5^th game will also be played to 21, therefore, statistically we are only talking about a net loss of 3 points a match.  The majority feel that if the matches are 2 out of 3 to 21, maybe court 126 won’t be three hours behind with the winner having an 8:00 a.m. match.

Servers are required to land behind the end line

Score: 1-2 against

Coaches and trainers in the women’s club scene we have debated ballet lessons as a potential benefit  to players as they are standing on their toes hovering over the concrete barely touching the last sport court tile.  Large tournaments and qualifiers are already packing the courts in convention centers and large halls, which means this rule change would create logistical issues and crowd the aisles even more.  

On the plus side, maybe less missed/easier serves might mean, “We can change her position back to middle hitter instead of middle blocker.”   Volleyball is already an offensive sport and this would allow for more creative offensives to develop.

There are very few club players reaching the high level jump serve to make a need for this rule.

Back row attackers must land behind the 3-meter line

Score: 0-3 Really!!!

As with the jump top-spin serve, there are very few women club teams that have players performing this skill consistently at a high level.  Due to the specialization in our sport the back row attack is used far less than in the men’s game, which means it affects you less if you run a 6-2 with a libero and now there is only one player that can attack back row.  In the men’s game there is more cross-over, so you may have 2 back row attackers landing 1 foot from the net.  

As the popularity of the back row attack has grown more in the women’s game this attack is sometimes the great equalizer for teams that have less depth or players that have a shorter vertical.  Adding more attackers for a smaller team helps spread the defense, however, if you only have one big attacker she can be effective in certain situations for you in the back row.  To change this attack for women may be a rich get richer scenario.  If you have the big kids then you win.

Any net touch or center line is a violation

Score: 3-0 No brainer

This is easy from a safety aspect as well as a second referee duty.  Too many times we have seen a player land on a player’s foot that has come under the net, and we have all seen the questionable plays that may harm the other team.  They go uncalled or debated due to the subjectiveness of the current rule.  In our club format, as with many other clubs,  most down referees are players.   Changing these rules makes it easier for a 14 year old to call the match which actually protects the down referee from the ugliness she may endure due to her subject call.  She was brave and confident to make the call, to only have parents yell and comment from the sideline, therefore, “Protect the ref, make these calls black and white.”

Eliminate Open hand Tip

Score: 2-1 For the finesse players

Ironically, in the grand scheme of things, this has been one of the most contentious rules.  For teams with smaller setters and big hitters they love this rule.  For teams that play a more finesse game they love the option to tip, swipe, push down line and setter dump.

We do understand that from a fan perspective this would eliminate the arguments over throws and lifts, however, club volleyball is about participation.  Changing this rule would limit the effectiveness of some players, and in ten years every setter will be a lefty.   Right handed setters tip too much!

Eliminate overhead Serve Receive

Score: 1-1-1 Toss up!

I think that this potential rule change may look different even within the confines of JO’s. Passing with hands takes a certain amount of upper body strength. That average level of strength, or ability to hand pass serves at all, looks very different from 12 and under to 18 and under. You do see bigger, stronger girls use their hands at the older age levels when they are not as refined using their forearms. This will either reduce the opportunity for those kids to pass and keep the ball in play or require more specialization. For the most part, the objective of these rule changes are to continue play. This rule change may have the opposite impact.

Free Substitutions

Score: 0-3 with reservations

This is a very interesting rule for juniors. This rule could allow for teams that have “thinner” rosters to compete with teams that have “deeper” rosters. That is, a core group of kids could be subbed in and out to mitigate the less-dynamic players on the court. It would specialize players more and potentially lead to more competitive volleyball, however, part of the Junior Olympic experience should be opportunity for kids to participate. This also allows college coaches to see more athletes in different positions. I can’t say that letting a 6’ 6” kid, that can’t do anything but be subbed in to stunt-block in serving rotations, makes the game better at the juniors level or, more importantly, improves player exposure/opportunity.

Some of us can remember three plus hour matches and playing to 15 in all five games.  Change is growth, and growth in our sport is always welcomed, but we must consider the inherent difference in how our sport is played at multiple levels.  Women’s lacrosse has different rules than men’s lacrosse.   Some college women’s basketball coaches have proposed lowering the rim, adding a new scoring system to award teams points for winning a quarter or half and restrictions banning defense outside the three-point line at selected times.  Rules should benefit the level of play.

For us the idea is plausible that women’s club volleyball should not be dictated by the men’s international style of play.  We are not saying return to the NAGWS rules, but we do feel there is a difference of play.  We understand the need to have a more fan friendly sport, but our fans are the mothers and fathers of the players.  Let’s do what is best for the players at the appropriate levels.

Additional reading on possible FIVB rules changes:

http://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/volleyball-rules-some-need-changing-some-dont/

http://prepvolleyball.yuku.com/topic/12476/Possible-Rule-Changes#.Uguo3pK1GSo

http://www.fivb.org/TheGame/TheGame_VolleyballRules.htm