Playing an official game of volleyball, according to USA Volleyball and Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, requires basic equipment including the court, a net, two posts, uniforms for every player and a ball. USAV provides rules that govern domestic play in the United States. Official rules created by the FIVB govern world competitions like the Olympic Games.
Court
A basic volleyball court is a rectangle that measures 59 feet by 29 feet 6 inches, as specified by USAV. This area is divided for the two teams by drawing a line that splits the court into two equal parts. The area completely surrounding the outside of the inbounds playing area is called the free zone and should measure at least 9 feet 10 inches wide. The area above the surface of the volleyball court is called the free playing space and should extend 23 feet high.
Net
The net divides the volleyball court in half and hangs over the center line. The top of the net should be set at a height of 7 feet 11 5/8 inches for men and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for women, according to USAV regulations. It should be constructed of black, 4-inch-square mesh and measure 39 inches wide. The net must be affixed to its posts so the bottom is taught and no gaps appear between the net and the posts. If you adhere to USAV regulations, net systems mounted to the ceiling are permitted.
Posts
Insert the posts 20 to 39 inches outside the sidelines of your volleyball court, as required by USA Volleyball official rules. They should feature a smooth, rounded surface. Metal cables and attached tension devices should be avoided or covered with 1/2-inch-thick padding. To create a playing area according to FIVB world competition standards, place the posts 39 inches outside the sidelines. The posts should measure 8 feet 4 inches high; adjustable posts are permitted. To prevent gaps between the posts and the net, attach the net by wrapping it around the post.
Ball
The volleyball must be spherical and constructed with genuine or synthetic leather. According to USAV regulations, it should have a circumference of 25.6 to 26.4 inches, weigh 9 to 10 ounces and have a psi of 4.26 to 4.61. The volleyball should be a light color; a combination of colors is permitted.
Uniform
The uniform, as stated by the FIVB, “consists of a jersey, shorts, socks and sport shoes.” Each member of your team must wear the same clean uniform, except the libero player, who may wear a different color. Players must wear a jersey displaying their number. The number, from 1 to 18, must appear on the front and back. The numbers and the fabric of the jersey should have a contrasting color. Shoes used to play volleyball must feature nonmarking rubber soles.
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