The sport of volleyball is played by men, women and children of all ages. Volleyball can be played indoors or outdoors on a variety of surfaces, but the constant in volleyball is the net. The height of the volleyball net varies depending on the location, gender and age of the participating players.
Men's, Outdoor And Coed Net Height
The height for men, coed and outdoor volleyball is 2.43 meters or 7 feet, 11 5/8ths inches. It is important to note that, according to volleyball referee Todd Haverkos, when measuring for outdoor play, the sand must be level and for grass the distance is measured to the ground surface not to the top of the grass.
Women's Volleyball
Women's indoor play uses a net height of 7 feet, 4 and 1/8ths inches. This women's net height is standard for indoor play, but outdoor play uses the men's net height. This women's net height is standard from the age of 14 to 45 among international and national competitions.
Measuring Rules
The standard measuring of a volleyball net is made from the center of the net. The height of the net on the sidelines must not be more than 3/4 of an inch higher than the official, standard net height. The two ends of the net over the sidelines must be the same height.
Alterations and Adjustments
Some alternations and adjustments for the standard net heights are made due to age. Men, outdoor and co-ed volleyball younger than the age of 13 use a 7-foot net, while ages 13 to 14 use a women's indoor net height. In addition, players older than 55 in the male group use a net height of 7 feet, 9 5/8 inches. Women's indoor play older than the age of 45 uses a net set at 7 feet, 2 1/8 inches. Women's indoor play under the age of 13 also use different net heights. The 11 to 12 age group uses a 7 foot net, while ages 10 and younger use a net height of 6 feet, 6 inches.
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