New Net Contact Rules


Have you ever been to an Indoor Volleyball game and there was uncertainty when it came to the net rule? Sometimes the reason for this confusion is because different volleyball organizations may play with different rules when it comes to touching the net. Here at the Club, the rules are as follows:

• A player is allowed to touch the net as long as it does not interfere with the play. Interference includes, but is not limited to the following:
  • Touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm of the antenna during his/her action of playing the ball.
  • Taking support from the net simultaneously while playing the ball.
  • Creating an advantage over the opponent.
  • Making actions which hinder an opponent's legitimate attempt to play the ball.
• Players are allowed to touch the posts, ropes or any other object outside the antennae or court lines as long as it does not interfere with the play.
• Players are not allowed to touch the part of the antennae that is above the top of the net.
• If the ball is driven into the net causing the net to touch an opponent, it is not a fault.
• Examples to clarify new net rules:
  • Legal (provided it does not interfere with the play):
    • In the act of playing the ball (hitting, blocking, bumping, setting, etc.), players may make contact with the mesh or bottom band.
    • An offensive player that fakes a hit/spike may contact the top band.
  • Illegal (always results in interference with the play):
    • Touching the top band in the act of playing the ball (hitting, blocking, setting, etc.)>
    • Pulling the net down to lower it for a teammate or themselves.
    • Purposely touching the net to change the direction of a ball.

Some of the reasons why we’ve chosen to allow teams to touch the net as long as it doesn’t interfere with the play is because we feel it is more fun to keep the rally going, some players/teams are newer and may have more accidental net touches that do not affect the game, and we believe the game feels more fair when teams must ‘earn’ their points.

We hope this helps clear up any confusion and of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us!