USAV Rules for 2009-2011 (PDF)
2009-2011 Significant Rule Changes (PDF)
2008-2009 Ball Handling Guidelines (PDF)
Rule Comparison NCAA/NFHS/USAV (PDF)

Recent Significant Rule Changes

USAV 4.5.1 – Add: “Casts, even if padded, are forbidden.”
1. Deleted USAV 4.5.1: “It is forbidden to wear hats or jewelry.  An exception will be made for religious or medical medallions and, for adult competition, a flat band ring worn on the finger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than a flat band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a manner as not to create a safety hazard. Braces, prosthetic limbs or headgear that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary.”

2. Replaced with USAV 4.5.1: “It is forbidden to wear hats or jewelry. An exception will be made for religious or medical medallions and, for adult competition, a flat band ring worn on the finger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than a flat band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a manner as not to create a safety hazard. Braces, prosthetic limbs or headgear that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary. Casts, even if padded, are forbidden.”

Add 10.1.3: new under the net rule
New 10.1.3: “The ball that is heading towards the opponent’s court through the lower space is in play until the moment it has completely crossed the vertical plane of the net.”

11.2.2.2: new centerline rule
1. Deleted 11.2.2.2: “To contact the opponent’s court with any other part of the body is forbidden.”
2. Replaced with 11.2.2.2: “to touch the opponent’s court with any part of the body above the feet is permitted provided that it does not interfere with the opponent’s play.”

11.3.1: new net touch rule
1. Deleted 11.3.1: “Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, unless it is made during the action of playing the ball, or it interferes with the play. Some actions of playing the ball may include actions in which the players do not actually touch the ball.”
2. Replaced with 11.3.1: “Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, unless it interferes with the play.”

11.3.2: new net touch rule
1. Deleted 11.3.2: “Once the player has hit the ball, he/she may touch the post, rope or any other object outside the total length of the net, provided that it does not interfere with play.”
2. Replaced with 11.3.2: “Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play.”

11.4.2: new centerline rule
1. Deleted 11.4.2: “A player penetrates into the opponents’ space under the net, interfering with the latter’s play.”
2. Replaced with 11.4.2: “A player interferes with the opponent’s play while penetrating into the opponent’s space under the net.”

11.4.3: new centerline rule
1. Deleted 11.4.3: “A player penetrates into the opponents’ court.”
2. Replaced with 11.4.3: “A player’s foot (feet) penetrates completely into the opponent’s court.”

11.4.4: new net touch rule
1. Deleted 11.4.4: “A player touches the net or the antenna during his/her action or playing the ball or interferes with the play.”
2. Replaced with 11.4.4: “A player interferes with the opponent’s play by (amongst others):
a. touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm of the antenna during his/her action of playing the ball, or
b. taking support from the net simultaneously with playing the ball, or
c. creating an advantage over the opponent, or
d. making actions which hinder an opponent’s legitimate attempt to play the ball.”