New Rules Move Game Closer To Collegiate Level
Germantown, OH (August 12, 2004) If you decide to go watch a volleyball game this season, there are a few things you need to know. The rules are changing.
High school volleyball will no longer be using the old rules with side outs and 15 points. All the games will be scored by rally points.
The varsity squad will play for the best three out of five matches to 25 points with no cap. The matches will still have to be won by a two-point lead and the deciding game will go to 15 points with no cap.
Junior high and junior varsity players will play with the same rules, but in a best two out of three match game. One of the concerns of this new rule change is the amount of time it will take to finish each game.
"People think it's going to last longer, but that's going to depend on any give night, as far as the competition. If two teams are pretty evenly matched, it will last longer," Coach Jill Dickson said.
This season you will also be seeing a player on the floor that is in a different uniform than her other team mates, she is a libero. A libero is a designated defensive player that may be entered into the game at any time and as many times as needed, as a long as she plays in the back row. She will not be able to complete an attack hit from anywhere and will not be permitted to serve.
"I think this a really positive move, especially because it's a college position and it will make it easier on college coaches during recruitment," Dickson commented.
Another extreme change will be at the service line. When a player serves, and the ball hits the net before reaching the opposite side, the ball will be playable.
"Really right now we have someone there to cover those balls, but more than anything we are just going to have to practice on our reactions," Dickson stated.
"We are going to have to react to those serves and get the ball. It's about breaking bad habits, well new bad habits because of the change in rules," Dickson mentioned.
The new rules are a step closer to the college level and the kids are looking forward to the change.
"Through their experience in JO and the summer leagues the girls are somewhat familiar with the new rules. They are excited for the high school season and they think it will make for a more intense and enjoyable game," added Dickson.
As the 2004 volleyball season approaches Dickson is ready to get things started, but also knows that a lot of work needs to be done. She feels the kids need to be preparing for the upcoming season through conditioning and contact with the ball.
"They've had opportunities this summer that only a select few have taken advantage of. I hope in August they show up more dedicated and committed to the team, themselves and the sport," Dickson noted.
