The ball and net are the two most important pieces of equipment in the sport of volleyball. The game cannot be played without either piece, and therefore the United States and international governing bodies of the sport have several rules that regulate the size and use of balls and nets in the game.
History
The game of volleyball was invented by Holyoke, Massachusetts, YMCA education director William G. Morgan in 1895. The ball used in the original game was the rubber bladder out of a basketball, and the net was repurposed from a badminton set. The net was set at a height of 6 ½ feet to make it easy for the ball to pass over. Standard regulations for the size of balls and nets began to first be implemented in 1928 with the formation of the United States Volleyball Association, and international standards were introduced with the formation of the FIVB in 1947.
Size
Balls used in USA Volleyball or FIVB competitions must measure between 65 and 67 cm in circumference and weigh between 9 and 10 oz. The inner pressure of the ball should be between 4.3 and 4.6 lbs. per square inch. For junior competitions held by USA Volleyball, the weight of the ball is reduced to between 7 and 8 oz.
The net used is 1 m wide and has a 7 cm band of folded white canvas over the top edge. The bottom edge is contained within a 5 cm canvas, and within both bands are the cables used to tighten the net to the posts.
Features
According to FIVB rules, the ball used for a match must be spherical and have a leather or synthetic leather cover that is light in color. The inner bladder of the ball must be made of rubber or a "similar material." In addition, each ball used in an officially sanctioned competition must be uniform with all other balls used.
Apart from the width rules laid out for nets, rules also exist for the vertical antennae that attach to either end of the net and are considered part of it during competition. These antennae measure 1.8 m in length, and the top 80 cm should be marked every 10 cm in red and white stripes.
Placement
The standard height of the net from the court surface is 2.43 m for a male or co-ed match and 2.24 m for a women's match. The height measurement is taken from the center of the court to the bottom edge of the net. The net must be the same height on both sides where it connects to the posts and should not be more than 2 cm above the regulated height at the center.
Considerations
Different formats of volleyball may require changes to the specifications of the ball and net used. For example, the ball used in beach volleyball should measure between 66 and 68 cm in circumference and be brightly colored. Also, when the players are younger or older than the average adult, the net may be lowered. For men over 55, the net should be set to 2.38 m, while women of the same age should play at 2.19 m. Boys and girls under the age of 13 should have the net lowered to a height between 2.24 m and 1.98 m.
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