There's no standard when it comes to the height of a regulation volleyball net because several factors go into determining how high the net should be. The age of the players, whether it's men or women playing, the number of players on a team and where the game is played all have an effect on the height of the net.
Women's Nets
The standard net height for women is 7 feet, 4-1/8 inch. The height of all volleyball nets are measured from the center of the court and the height of the two ends of the net must be the same height and cannot be more than three-quarters of an inch higher than the official height.
Men's Nets
The standard net height for men is 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches.
Youth Nets
The two major volleyball organizations, USA Volleyball and the Federation Internationale de Volleyball, both permit net height allowances for younger players. Boys ages 13 and 14 are permitted to use a net set at 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches, which is the same height as the standard net height for women. Boys 12 years and under can use a 7-foot net, while girls 11 and 12 can also use a 7-foot net. The net height for girls 10 and under is 6 feet, 6 inches.
USA Volleyball allows additional net reductions for two-, three- or four-player youth leagues. The net height can be as little as 5 or 6 feet for younger players.
Senior Nets
Older players are permitted a reduction in net height. Women playing in events for ages 45 to 59 can use a net that is 7 feet, 2-1/8 inches, while events for women age 60 and older can use a 7-foot net.
For men, the net height can be lowered to 7 feet, 9-5/8 inches for ages 55 to 69, while events for age 70 and over players can use a net set at 7 feet, 6 inches.
Ourdoor Volleyball
Outdoor volleyball, which is played on grass, uses the standard net heights of 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches for men and co-ed play. Women will use a net set at 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches. Grass volleyball measurements are taken from the center of the court and measured from the ground, not the top of the grass.
Beach Volleyball
The standard net height for women in beach volleyball for adult players is 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches, while the men will use a net that is set at 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches.
Youth players are allowed to use lower nets, but no differentiation is used for boys and girls. For players 14 years and younger, the net can be lowered to 6 feet, 11-1/2 inches, while players 12 and younger can use a 6 foot, 6-3/4 inch net.
The net height measurement is taken with the sand raked level and does not take into account that players' feet will likely sink into the sand.
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