In volleyball, players keep the ball in play by hitting it over the net before it touches the ground. USA Volleyball, the governing body for the sport in the United States, provides standards for the net in its official rules for domestic competition. These rules provide a standard for nets in all competitive play.
Net Location
The net crosses the court directly above the center line. The 2-inch wide center line divides the court into two equal sides, each measuring 29-1/2 feet by 29-1/2 feet. The center line belongs to both sides of the court.
Net Height
Volleyball officials should measure the net height from the center of the playing area. The net's height at the sides should not exceed its height at the center by more than 0.75 inches. In official USAV men's volleyball competition, the net measures 7 feet and 11.63 inches. In official USAV women's volleyball competition, the net measures 7 feet and 4.125 inches. The USAV rulebook indicates that the appropriate net height varies by age and sex in unofficial competition. Players ages 10 and under can play with a net that measures only 6.-1/2 feet for girls or 7 feet for boys.
Net Structure
The net measures 39 inches from the bottom to the top and runs 31-1/2 feet to 33 feet across. The net's material must be square black mesh. The net should have white bands running along the top, bottom and sides. Posts fixed to the ground about 20 to 39 inches from either sideline hold up the net.
Antennae
Standard volleyball nets have vertical antennae on either side. These antennae reach 32 inches above the net and represent the outside edges of the crossing space over the net. The ball cannot cross the net outside either antenna and it cannot touch the antennae. If the ball touches an antenna or passes outside of it, the team that hit the ball loses the point.
Net Violations
Players cannot reach over the net to attack the ball. Players can reach over the net to block the ball or to follow through on an attack. Players cannot reach under the net if it will distract their opponents. Players can touch the net and posts as long as it does not interfere with a play. Players cannot step beyond the center line and into their opponent's side of the court under the net.
Member Comments