VOLLEYBALL (MINTONETTE)

History of the Volleyball

Volleyball is a popular team sport played worldwide. It was invented in the late 19th
century by William G. Morgan, a physical education instructor from Holyoke, United
States.

In 1895, Morgan introduced the game of volleyball, originally known as "Mintonette," at

the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) in Holyoke.

The Volleyball sport gained popularity quickly, and the first rules of the game were
published in 1896. Volleyball was initially played with a bladderless ball and a net that
was six feet and six inches high. The rules evolved over time, and in 1900, the first
official ball specifically designed for volleyball was introduced.

Volleyball spread beyond the United States, and in 1900, it was introduced to Canada.
The game gained international recognition, and in 1947, the International Volleyball
Federation (FIVB) was founded as the governing body for the sport. The FIVB
established the rules and regulations for international competitions and organized the first
official world championships in 1949.

Volleyball made its Olympic debut in 1964 at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Since
then, it has been a regular part of the Olympic program, with separate tournaments for
both men and women.

Today, volleyball is played at various levels, from recreational and school teams to
professional leagues and international competitions. The FIVB continues to govern the
sport, organizing major events such as the World Championships, World Cup, World
Grand Prix (for women), and Nations League (replacing the World League and World
Grand Champions Cup).

Invention of volleyball: 2017

In 1895, William G. Morgan, an instructor at the Young Men’s Christian Association
(YMCA) invented the game.

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Volleyball court: 2006, 13, 16, 19

Dimensions of Volleyball court: 2014

The playing court is a rectangular measuring 9m X 18m surrounded by a free zone which
is 3m to 5m wide on all sides.
Playing surface: The surface must be flat, horizontal and uniform. For the official

competitions, only a wooden or synthetic surface is allowed. It must be of light colour.

The lines on volleyball court:
Both sidelines and end lines are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court.
All lines are 5 cm (0.05m) wide. They must be of a light colour.
1) Boundary lines:
Two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing court are the boundary lines. They are
drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court.
2) Centre line:
The axis of centre line divides playing court into two equal halves measuring 9mx9m
each. This line extends beneath the net from sidelines to sidelines. A fault is called if a
player crosses this line with any part of the body.
3) Attack line: 2005,10,13,14, 17, 19
The attack line is drawn parallel to the net and divides the playing area into the front court
and back court. It is 3m away (parallel) from centre line (net).
4) Back line (End line or base line): 2005, 14, 18
The backline is drawn parallel to the net. It is 9m away from the centre line. It is 9m long.
The service is done from behind the end line.

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The zones on volleyball court:
1) Front Zone/ Attack Zone: - 2023
The front zone is the area between the center line and the attack line. It is 3m x 9m.
2) Back Zone (Defence zone): 2019 , 22
The back zone is a zone between the attack line (3 m line from center line) up to the end line.
It is 6m x 9m area.
3) Service zone (Service area): 2005, 08, 10, 13, 17
The service zone is an area behind the service line (end line) from where the service is
performed. The service zone is 9 meters (29 feet 6 inches) in width.
4) Substitution zone: 2011, 13, 17
An area 3m away towards side lines from where the substitution is allowed to move for
substitution. It is limited by both attack lines up to the scorer’s table.
5) Free Zone (Area around the court): 2012, 14, 18, 19
The free zone is the area that borders the volleyball court. It is 3 to 5 m wide area. The
border must be a least 3m wide and in international matches it is 5m to 8m wide.
6) Libero replacement zone: 2015
It is the part of free zone on the side of team benches, limited by the extension of the
attack line up to the end line. Libero must enter within the libero replacement zone.
The areas on volleyball court:
1) Penalty area: 2015
A penalty area, sized 1m X 1m and equipped with 2 chairs, is located in the control area,
outside the prolongation of each end line. They may be limited by a 5cm. wide red line.
2) Warm up area: 2015
The warm up area is sized approximately 3m x 3m, are located in both of the bench-side
corners, outside the free zone.
The net:
1) Height of the net: 2005, 08, 14, 19
i) Height for men: 2.43m ( 243 cm or 2.65yards or 7.97feet)
ii) Height for women: 2.24m. (224 cm or 2.44 yards or 7.34 feet)
2) Length of the net: 2009 9.50. to 10m. (10.38 yards to 10.93 yards)
3) Breadth of the net: 2009 1m. (1.09 yards or 3.28 feet)
4) Height of the net post: 2008 2.55m (255 cm or 2.78 yards or 8.36 feet)
5) Size of the net mesh: 2009 10 cm2 (o.1m X 0.1m)
Structure of net:
The net is placed vertically over the center line and divide the playing area into two parts.
It is 1m wide and 9.50 m to10 m long, made of 10 cm2 black mesh. At the top of the net,
there is a horizontal band (0.05 m wide), made of two-fold white canvas, is sewn along its
full length. Each extreme end of the band has a hole, through which passes a cord,
fastening the band to the posts
for keeping its top tight. At the
bottom of net there is another
horizontal band (0.05m wide),
similar to the top band, through
which is a rope is threaded.
This rope fastens the net to the
posts and keeps its lower part
tight.
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Side bands: 2007,08,10,11, 15, 22
Two white bands are fastened vertically to the net and placed directly above each
sidelines. They are 5cm wide and 1m long, and are considered as a part of the net.
Antenna: 2006, 18, 22
An antenna is a flexible rod, 1.80 m long and 10 mm in diameter, made of fiber glass or
similar material. It is fixed on the opposite sides of the net to mark the side boundaries to
see the ball crosses the net within the prescribed width of the court. The top of each
antenna (80 cm) extends above the net and is marked with 10 cm stripes of red and white
colour. A ball touching the antenna during the game is considered foul.
Posts:
The posts are rounded and smooth, fixed to the ground. The posts supporting the net are
placed at a distance of 0.50 m to 1m outside the sidelines. They are 2.55 m high.
The ball:
1) Shape of the ball: 2004, 12 Spherical.
2) Material: 2010, 12 Synthetic leather case with a bladder inside made of rubber.
3) Colour of the ball: 2012
Uniform bright colour (such as orange, pink, yellow), or a combination of colours.
4) Weight of the ball: 2004, 08, 12, 13, 14 260 to 280 grams (9.17 oz to 9.87oz)
5) Circumference of ball: 2004, 08, 09, 12, 13, 14 65 to 67cm. (25.6 inches to 26.5 inches)
6) Pressure inside the ball: 2012, 13 0.30 to 0.325 kg/cm2
Team composition: 2009
A team may consist of a maximum of 12 players (6 playing members and 6 substitute players),
one coach, one assistant coach, one trainer and one doctor. One of the players, other than
libero is the team captain, who shall be indicated on score sheet. Only the players
recorded on the score sheet may enter the court and play in the match. Once the coach and
the team captain have signed the score-sheet, the recorded players cannot be changed.
Incomplete team: 2009
Playing with less than 6 players in a team is called incomplete team. A team that is
declared incomplete for the set or for the match loses the set or the match.
Default team:
If a team refuses to play after being summoned to do so, it is declared in default and
forfeits the match with the result 0-3 for the match and 0-25 for each set.
Player’s equipment’s: 2010, 17
A player’s equipment consists of a jersey, short, socks and sports shoes. The colour and
the design for the jerseys, shorts and socks must be uniform for the team ( except libero).
The shoes must be light with rubber or leather soles. Player’s jerseys must be numbered
from 1 to 20. It is forbidden to play barefoot. The players can use protective equipment’s
like knee pad, elbow pad. The numbers on jersey should be 15 to 20 cm in height.
Forbidden objects:
It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury or give an artificial advantage to
the player such as jewellery, and bracelets. Players may wear glasses at their own risk.
Team leaders:
I) The Captain: The leader of a team is called as captain.
The duties of the captain prior to the match: 2023
1) Captain may join the manager in deciding the first team for a certain game.
2) The captain signs the score sheet.
3) He represents his team in the toss.
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The Duties of Captain during the match: 2012, 16, 23
1) He decides the team and their positions.
2) He should be able to create unity between the players.
3) Be able to control all his players discipline.
4) He has the right to request legal interruption in the game.
The duties of the captain at the end of the match: 2023
1) He thanks the referees and signs the score-sheet.
2) If he previously submitted a protest, he may confirm it in writing on the score-sheet.
II) The Coach: A coach is the in charge of a team.
Duties of the coach before (prior) the match: 2006, 09
1) The coach writes the names and numbers of his/her player on score sheet.
2) He will decide the captain.
3) He writes the positions of the players on score sheet and signs it.
4) He may direct warm-up sessions of his players on the playing court prior to the match.
Duties of the coach during the match: 2006, 13, 14, 17
1) During the match, the coach prior to each set, gives the second referee or the scorer the
line-up sheets duly filled in and signed.
2) He sits on the team bench nearest to the scorer, but may leave it.
3) He requests time outs, the substitutions.
4) He may give the instructions to the players on the court.
III) Assistant coach: The assistant coach sits on the team bench. If the coach leaves the
ground he assumes the coach’s function.
Duties of Assistant coach:
1) Assist and provide guidance to all volleyball players on court.
2) Develop and implement strategies to develop physical fitness of the players.
3) He facilitates spirit of sportsmanship, and social development in the players.
To score a point:
A team scores a point in the following ways:
1) By successfully grounding the ball on the opponent’s court.
2) The opponent team has played the ball more than three times consecutively.
3) The ball is held or pushed by opponent player.
4) Opponent player touches the ball two times consecutively.
5) The opponent team is out of position at service.
6) Opponent player crosses completely the center line and interferes with another player.
7) A ball is not passed over the net completely by the opponent player.
8) An illegal substitution is made by opponent team.
9) Service is performed out of rotation order by the opponent team.
A rally (A rally point): 2012, 16, 19
A rally is the sequence of playing actions from the moment of the service hit by the server
until the ball is out of play. The team that wins the rally gets a point and the serve.
To win a Set (volleyball game): 2005, 13, 17
A set (except the deciding, 5th set) is won by the team which first scores 25 points with a
minimum lead of two points. In the case of a 24-24 tie, play is continued until a 2-point
lead is achieved. e.g. 26-24, 27-25.
To win the Match (Volleyball Match): 2005, 13, 17
The match is won by the team that wins three sets. In the case of a 2-2 tie, the deciding set
(5th set) is played of 15 points with a minimum lead of 2 points.
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The toss (How to start a game): 2008, 13, 19
Before entering the playing court the 1st referee carries out a toss in the presence of two
team captains. The winner of the toss chooses: either the right to serve or the side of the
court in the first set. If the deciding set to be played, a new toss will be carried out. The
match begins with service. The ball may be served by hitting it with arm or hand.
Official warm up session: 2008
Prior to the match each team will have 3 min. warm up session at the net. If both captain
ask to warm up at the same time both teams may be at the net for 6 or 10 min. If either
captain request for separate warm-ups at the net, the teams may do so for 3 to 5 min each.
Team starting line-up:
There must be six players per team in play. The teams starting line-up indicates the
rotational order of the players on the court. This order must be maintained throughout the
set. Before the start of each set, the coach has to present the starting line –up of his team
on a line-up sheet. The sheet is submitted, duly filled in and signed, to the scorer.
Faults in volleyball: 2005, 09
1) Positional fault, 2) Rotational faults, 3) Service fault 4) Foot fault and 5) Penetration fault
1) Positions: 2013
At the moment the ball is hit by the server, each team must be positioned within its own
court in the rotational order. The positions of the player are as follows: 1 (back right),
2 (Front right), 3 (Front center), 4 (Front left), 5 (Back left), 6 (Back center).
Positional Fault: 2005,11, 17, 22
The players of a team commit a fault if they are not in their regulation position at the
moment the ball is hit by the server.
The positional fault leads to the following consequences:
1) The team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent.
2) The player’s positions are rectified.
2) Rotation: 2005, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19
When the team receiving the serve wins the rally or the opponent commits a fault, it wins
the right to serve and its players must rotate one position clockwise. The rotational order
is recorded on the score-sheet at the beginning of each set.
Rotational fault: 2011, 17
A fault in rotation is committed when the service is not made according to the rotational
order. The rotational fault leads to the following consequences:
1) The team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent.
2) The player’s positions are rectified.
3) Foot fault: 2019, 22
A foot fault is committed when the server put his foot over the back line while serving or
when a player puts his foot over the center line into the opposition side of the court.
4) Penetration fault: 2007, 14, 18
A penetration means the movement of a back court player into the front court in order to
perform a set. It is the act of reaching over the net on the block.
A player commits a penetration fault if he:
1) Touches a ball in the opponent’s space before or during the opponent’s attack-hit.
2) Interferes with any other ball contact in the opponent’s space.
3) Enters into the opponent’s court while the ball is in play.
4) Touches the net or an antenna because of his action.
5) Penetrates into the opponent’s space, from the beneath the net.
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Playing Fault in volleyball (Examples of playing faults): 2015, 18, 23
1) The team hits the ball 4 times without returning it back over the net,
2) A player contacts the ball 2 consecutive times,
3) A player touches the net when blocking or attacking,
4) A player catches and throws the ball.
5) A player penetrates in opponent’s court while the ball is in play.
States of play:
Ball in play: 2011, 13, 18
The ball is in play from the service hit to the moment the referee blows his whistle.
Ball out of play: 2013, 17
The ball is out of play at the moment of the fault which is whistled by one the referees. In
the absence of a fault, at the moment of the whistle.
Ball “in”: 2015
The ball “in” when it touches the floor of the playing court including the boundary lines.
Ball “out”: 04, 08, 15
The ball is “out” when
1) The part of the ball which contacts the floor is completely outside the boundary lines.
2) It touches an object outside the court, the ceiling or a person out of play.
3) It touches the antenna, ropes, posts or the net itself outside the side bands.
4) It crosses completely the lower space under the net.
Playing the ball:
1) Hit: A Hit is any contact with the ball by a player in a play.
Characteristics of Hit:
1) The ball may touch any part of the body.
2) The ball must not be caught or thrown. It can rebound in any direction.
3) The ball may touch various parts of the body, provided that the contacts take place
simultaneously.
2) Attack hit (Characteristics of attack hit): 2004, 06, 15, 19
All action which directs the ball towards the opponents, with the exception of service and
block, are considered as attack hit. An attack hit is completed at the moment the ball
completely crosses the vertical plane of the net or is touched by the opponent.
Restrictions on attack hit:
1) A front row player may complete an attack hit at any height, provided that the contact
with the ball has been made within the player’s playing court.
2) A back row player may complete an attack hit at any height from the back zone.
3) No player is permitted to complete an attack hit on the opponent’s service.
4) A back row player may complete an attack hit at any height from behind the front
zone, as his take-off, the player’s foot must neither have touched nor crossed over the
attack line. The player may land in front zone after attack hit.
Faults on attack hit:
1) A player hits the ball within the playing space of the opposing team.
2) A player hits the ball “out”.
3) A back row player completes an attack hit from the front zone.
4) A player completes an attack hit on the opponent’s service, when the ball is in front
zone and entirely higher than the top of the net.
5) A libero completes an attack hit if at the moment of the hit the ball is entirely higher
than the top of the net.
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3) Number of contacts: 2004, 09, 11, 13, 18
Each team is entitled to a maximum of 3 contacts (in addition to block) to return the ball
over the net to the opponent’s court. Each time a player touches the ball, it courts as a
contact for the team. Except a blocker, a player may not touch the ball two times
consecutively.
4) Simultaneous contact:
Two or three players may touch the ball at the same moment. When two or three
teammates touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as one contact.
The faults committed by a player at the time of playing the ball:
1) Four hits (Team hit): 2008, 09, 15, 23
The team is entitled to a maximum of three hit for returning the ball. If more are used, the
team commits the fault of four hits.
2) Assisted hit: 2007, 2015, 16, 18
Within the playing area, a player is not permitted to take support from a team mate or any
structure/object in order to hit the ball. It is a fault.
3) A catch: 2008, 18
The ball is caught and or thrown; it does not rebound from the hit. It is a fault.
4) Carrying the ball: 2012, 14, 18
It means the control over the ball by a player is too long to be legal.
5) Double contact (Double hit or Double touch): 2008, 13, 17, 22
A player hits the ball twice in succession or the ball contacts various parts of his/her body
in succession is called as double hit. It is a fault.
6) Held ball (Consecutive contacts): 2004, 07, 08, 16
If visibly a player contact the ball more than once in succession without any other having
touched in between these contacts, is called as held ball. He commits a fault.
7) Double fault (Illegal contact):
If the ball hit by two opponents simultaneously over the net lead to a catch, a double fault
is called by the referee and the rally is replayed.
The ball at the net:
1) Ball crossing the net:
The ball sent to opponent’s court must go over the net within the crossing space. The
crossing space is the part of the vertical plane of the net limited by below the top of the
net, at the sides by the antennae and their imaginary extension and above by the ceiling.
2) Ball touching the net: While crossing the net, the ball may touch the net.
3) Ball in the net: 2011
A ball driven in the net may be recovered within the limits of the three team hits. If the
ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down, the rally is cancelled and replayed.
Players at the net:
1) Reaching beyond the net:
1) In blocking, a blocker may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that he does not
interfere with the opponent’s play.
2) After an attack hit, a player is permitted to pass his hand beyond the net, provided that
the contact has been made within his own playing space.
2) Penetration under the net:
It is permitted to penetrate into the opponent’s space under the net, provided that this does
not interfere with the opponent’s play. The penetration into opponent’s court, beyond the

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center line to touch the opponent’s court with a foot is permitted, provided that some part
of the foot remains either in contact with or directly above the center line.
3) Players fault at the net:
1) A player touches the ball or an opponent in the opponent’s space before or during the
opponent’s attack hit.
2) A player interferes with the opponent’s play while penetrating into the opponent’s
space under the net.
3) A player’s foot penetrates completely into the opponent’s court.
4) A player interferes with the play by touching the net between the antennae during his
action of playing the ball.
4) Contact with a net:
Contact with a net by a player between the antennae, during the action of playing the ball
is a fault. Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae,
including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play. When the ball is
driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed.
Interruption:
An interruption is the time between one completed rally and the 1st referee’s whistle for
the next service.
Types of Interruption: There are two types of interruption:
1) Regular game interruptions (Legal interruption): 2004, 07, 11, 17, 22
The legal interruptions of the game are the time outs, technical time outs and the
substitutions. They are only granted by the referee when the ball is dead.
Number of regular game interruptions:
Each team may request a maximum of 2 time-outs and 6 substitutions per set.
Sequence of regular game interruptions:
1) Request for one or two timeouts and one request for substitution by either team may
follow one another, within the same interruption.
2) A team is not authorized to make consecutive requests for substitution during the same
interruption. Two or more players may be substituted at the same time.
3) There must be a completed rally between 2 separate substitution requests by the same
team.
Request for regular game interruptions:
1) Regular game interruptions may be requested by a coach or captain only.
2) Substitution before the start of a set is permitted, and should be recorded as a regular
substitution in that set.
2) Prolonged interruption (Exceptional game interruption): 2004, 07, 11
The prolonged interruptions are those if unforeseen circumstances interrupt the match i.e
one or several interruptions occur due to outside interference, injuries, bad weather etc.
Exceptional game interruptions:
i) Injury/illness:
If a serious accident occur while the ball is in play, the referee must stop the game
immediately and permit medical assistance to enter the court. The rally is replayed. If an
injured player cannot be substituted legally or exceptionally, the player is given 3-minutes
recovery time. It the player does not recover, his team is declared incomplete.
ii) External interference:
If there is any external interference during the game, the play has to be stopped and the
rally is replayed.
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The game or match started after a prolonged interruption: 2004, 07, 11
The game or the match re-started after prolonged interruption as follows:
i) For prolonged interruption not exceeding 4 hours in total: If the match is resumed on
the same playing court, the interrupted set shall continue normally with the same score,
player and positions. The sets already played will keep their scores. If the game is
resumed on another playing court, the interrupted set is cancelled and replayed with the
same team members and the same starting line ups. The sets already played will keep
their scores.
ii) For prolonged interruption exceeding 4 hours in total: In this case the whole match
shall be replayed.
Time outs: 2004, 07, 11, 15, 18, 19, 23
Usually used tactically by the coach to give his team advice in between play. All time out
last for 30 second for world and official competitions, during sets 1to4. Only two time
outs per set per team may be requested.
Technical time outs: 2004, 06, 07, 12, 16, 19, 23
For FIVB world and official competitions, in set 1-4, two additional 60 seconds Technical
Time outs are applied automatically when the leading team reaches the 8th and 16th points.
In the deciding (5th) set, there are no technical time outs; only two time outs of 30 seconds
duration may be requested by each team.
Substitution: 2007, 13, 15, 17
A Substitution is the act by which the referees authorize a player to leave the court and
another player to occupy his position on the court after being recorded by the scorer. Each
team is allowed 6 substitutions per set. Each player is allowed an unlimited number of
entries. A player cannot be substituted again on the same position, if already been
replaced.
Types of substitution: 2006, 07,
i) Legal substitution: 2004, 08, 10, 17
A substitution is the act by which a player, after being recorded by the scorer, enters the
game to occupy the position of another player who must leave the court at that moment.
Substitution requires the referee’s authorization.
ii) Illegal substitution: 2006, 07, 17
A substitution is illegal when it does not fulfill the conditions provided. The request must
be refused and a time-out is charged instead, to the team at fault, an exception is a
substitution for injured player.
iii) Exceptional substitution:
An injured player (except the libero) who cannot continue to play should be legally
substituted. It means that any player who is not on the court, at the time of injury, except
the libero or his replacement player may substitute into the game for the injured player.
vi) Disqualification substitution (Expulsion substitution):
An expelled or disqualified player must be substituted immediately through a legal
substitution. If this is not possible, the team is declared incomplete.
When a team is compelled to substitute a player: 2011, 19
A team is compelled to substitute a player in the following cases.
1) An expelled player must be changed through a legal substitution, and if this is not
possible the team will be declared incomplete.
2) Injured player who cannot continue to play must be legally substituted, but if team has
exhausted its allowable substitution, team must have an exceptionally illegal substitution.
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Substitution procedure: 2010, 16, 18
1) A substitution must be carried out within the substitution zone.
2) A substitution shall only last for the time needed for recording the substitution on the
score sheet, and allowing entry and exit of the players.
3) The coach or team captain must request the first or second referee for substitution.
4) At the moment of the substitution request, the substituted player must be ready to enter
the court, standing close to the substitution zone.
5) If a team intends to make simultaneously more than one substitution, the number of
substitution must be indicated at the time of the request. In this case substitution must be
made in succession, one pair of players after another.
6) For FIVB world and official competitions numbered paddles are used for substitution.
Limitations of substitution:
Six substitutions is the maximum permitted per team per set. One or more players may be
substituted at the same time. A player of the starting line-up may leave the game, but only
once in a set, and re-enter, and only to his/her previous position in the lineup.
Improper requests of substitution:
It is improper to request any regular game interruption during a rally or at the moment of
or after the whistle to serve, by a non-authorized team member, for a second substitution
by the same team during the same interruption and after having exhausted the authorized
number of time-outs and substitutions.
Delay: 2008, 16, 17
An improper action of a team that defers resumption of the game is a delay. It may be due
to delaying regular game interruptions or improper requests.
Types of delay: 2023
1) Delaying regular game interruptions.
2) Prolonged interruption, after having been instructed to resume the game.
3) Requesting an illegal substitution.
4) Repeating an improper request.
Delay sanctions:
1) Delay warning & delay penalty are team sanctions and are recorded on the score sheet.
2) The first delay in the match by a team member is sanctioned with a delay warning.
3) The second and subsequent delays of any type by any member of the same team in the
same match constitute a fault and are sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent.
Interval:
An interval is the time between each set. All the intervals must be 3 minutes. During this
period of time, the change of court and line-up registrations of the teams on the score
sheet are made. In between 2nd and 3rd set the interval is extended up to 10 minutes
Change of court: 2009, 14, 15, 19
After each set teams changes court, with the exception of deciding set. In the deciding set,
once the leading team reaches 8 points, the teams change courts without delay and the
players positions remain the same.
Libero player (Defensive specialist): 2006, 07, 15, 18
In 1998, the libero player was introduced internationally. He plays a special role in team
defence and passing. He can come into the game and replace any player on the back row.
He may not serve, block or attempt to block, smash. He can be neither team captain nor
game captain. He must be recorded on the score sheet before the match.

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Number of libero players: 2015, 23
One or two.
Designation of libero:
Each team can designate one specialized player as Libero. The libero must be recorded on
the score sheet before the match in the special line reserved for this. The number must be
recorded on the line-up sheet of the first set. The libero’s number must be indicated on the
line-up sheet for each set.
Re-designation of libero:
Each team has two libero, when one libero is unable to play so the team cannot
redesignate the libero unless the remaining libero is unable to continue the match. In case
of re-designation of a libero, the libero’s number must be recorded on score sheet and he
must remain libero for the remainder of the set.
Equipments of libero:
The libero player must wear a uniform whose jersey at least must contrast in colour with
that of the other members of the team. The libero’s uniform may have a different design,
but it must be numbered like the rest of the team members.
Rules related to libero player (Actions involving libero): 2005, 15, 19, 22
1) The libero plays a special role in team defence.
2) The libero may not serve, block or attempt to block.
3) The libero can be neither team captain nor game captain.
4) The libero player must wear a uniform whose jersey at least must contrast in colour
with that of the other members of the team.
5) The libero can replace any back row player and has no right to complete an attack hit
when the ball is above the height of the top of the net.
Libero replacement procedure:
1) The libero player can be substituted unlimited times but he can only be replaced by the
player whom he replaced.
2) He should be replaced when the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service.
3) The libero and the replacing player may only enter or leave the court through the libero
replacement zone.
Participant’s conduct:
1) Sportsmanlike conduct:
1) Participants must know the official volleyball rules and abide by them.
2) Participant must accept the referee’s decision with sportsmanlike conduct.
3) Participants must refrain from actions or attitudes aimed at influencing the decision of
the referee or covering up faults committed by their team.
2) Fair play:
Participants must behave respectfully in the spirit of fair play towards the referee, other
officials, the opponent, team-mates and spectators.
3) Misconduct: 2007, 14, 16
Behavior towards officials, opponents, spectators or team may be incorrect and depending
upon the degree of the offence, the misconduct is punished strictly. Misconduct is subject
to sanction by the first referee.
Sanction scale:
According to the judgement of the 1st referee and depending on the seriousness of the
offence, the sanctions to be applied and recorded on the score sheet are penalty, expulsion
and disqualification.
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Sanction cards: 2006, 2015
Sanction cards used by the referee:
i) Warning: Stage 1: Verbal warning, no card and Stage 2: Yellow card is shown.
ii) Penalty: Red is shown.
iii) Expulsion: Yellow and Red card shown jointly.
iv) Disqualification: Yellow and Red card shown separately.
1) Warning:
Minor misconduct offenses are not subject to sanctions. It is the first referee’s duty to
prevent the teams from approaching the sanctioning level by issuing a verbal warning in
stage 1 and by showing yellow card in stage 2. It should be given to the team member
through the team captain. This warning should not be recorded on the score sheet.
2) Penalty (Red Card): 2018
For minor unsporting offenses such as inappropriately addressing opponents, spectators
or officials, shouting and disrupting the conduct of the set, a warning is given to the
player and shown a red card. It is recorded on the score sheet.
3) Expulsion (Yellow card and Red card jointly): 2013, 14, 18, 22
Extremely offensive conduct or repeated rude conduct toward officials, opponents, other
team members or spectators results in expulsion (Yellow card and red card jointly) of a team
member from the set in which the offense occurred, and is recorded on the score sheet.
An expulsion automatically results in a loss of rally and a point for the opponent.
4) Disqualification (Red card and Yellow card held separately): 2017
A second expulsion during a match or any attempted/actual physical aggression towards
other’s will result in the red and yellow cards held apart, disqualification for the
remainder of the match. The disqualified player must leave the Competition Control Area.

Punishable acts (The Acts of breach): 2006, 10, 17, 22

The following acts of breach will be punished by the referee:
1) To talk again and again to the officials concerning their decisions
2) To make uncivil remarks to the official
3) To act in an uncivil manner so as to influence the decisions of officials.
4) To make uncivil or personal remarks to the players of the opposite team.
5) To give coaching during the game to a players by anyone outside the court.
6) Clapping or crying by the player particularly at service, when the ball is touched.
Composition of the referee’s corps (Officials in the Volleyball match): 2005, 09, 10, 16
The refereeing corps for a match is composed of the following officials:
The 1st referee, the second referee, the scorer, an assistant scorer, and 2 or 4 linesmen.
1) First referee:
Location: 2008
The 1st referee carries out his function seated or standing on a referee’s stand located at
one end of net. His view must be 50cm above the net. The 1st Referee decisions are final.
Duties or responsibilities of first referee: 2005, 12, 16, 18, 23
a) Prior to the match, the 1st referee’s duties are:
1) Inspects the conditions of the playing area, the ball and other equipment’s.
2) He performs the toss with the team captain.
3) Controls the teams warming-up. He checks the net and antennae, boundaries.
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b) During the match the 1st referee’s duties are:
1) He decides upon the faults of the server and the positions of the serving team.
2) He decides upon the faults on playing the ball.
3) He decides upon the faults above the net.
4) He decides upon the attack hit faults of the libero.
5) He controls the match with the help of assistant referee.
Referee’s signals:
1) Authorization to serve: Move the hand to indicate the direction of service
2) Team to serve: 2009 Extend the arm to the side of team that will serve
3) Warning: 2009 Verbal or hand signal, no card.
4) Change of court:
The referee raises the forearms front and back and twist team around the body.
5) Time out: The referee place the palm of one hand over the fingers of the other, held
vertically (Forming a ‘T’) and then indicate the requesting team.
6) Substitution: The referee makes circular motion of the forearms around each other.
7) Misconduct penalty: The referee shows yellow card for penalty.
8) Expulsion: 2009
The referee shows the yellow card and red card jointly for expulsion of the player.
9) Disqualification: 2008
The referee show both red and yellow cards separately for disqualification.
10) End of set or match: 2008
The referee cross the forearms in front of the chest and hands open for end set or match.
11) Ball “IN”: The referee points the arm and fingers towards the floor.
12) Ball “out”: The referee raise the forearms vertically, hands open palms towards the ball.
13) Catch: The referee slowly lift the forearms, palm facing upward.
14) Double contact: The referee raise two fingers spread open.
15) Four hit: The referee raise four fingers spread open.
16) Positional fault (Rotational fault): The referee makes a circular motion with 4 fingers.
17) Screening (Blocking fault): The referee raise both arms vertically, palms forward.
18) Delay in service: The referee raise eight fingers spread open.
19) Attack hit fault: The referee makes a downward motion with the forearm.
20) Double fault and replay: 2008 The referee raise both the thumbs vertically.
21) Penetration into the opponent’s court: The referee point to the center line.
2) Second referee (Assistant Referee):
Location: 2008
The second referee performs his functions standing outside the playing court near the
post, on the opposite side facing the first referee.
Duties or responsibilities of second referee: 2012, 16, 23
During the match the second referee decides, whistles and signals:
1) Penetration into the opponent’s court and the space under the net.
2) Positional faults of the receiving team.
3) The faulty contact of the player with the net.
4) When the net violation occurs.
5) The contact of the ball with outside object.
6) Any completed block by a back row player or an attempt to block by the libero.
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7) The faulty contact with the antennae on his side of the court.
8) At the end of the match, he/she signs the score sheet.
3) Scorer:
Location: 2008
He performs his functions seated at the scorer table on the opposite of the court facing the
first referee. He keeps the score sheet according to the rules, co-operating with the second
referee. He uses a buzzer or other sound device to give signals to the referees.
Duties of scorer before match starts: 2009, 22
1) The scorer registers the data of the match and teams, including the name and number
of the libero player, and obtains the signatures of the captains and the coaches.
2) The scorer records the starting line-up of each team from the line-up sheet.
3) If he fails to receive the line-up sheets on time immediately notifies to the 2nd referee.
Duties of scorer during the match: 2003, 17, 22
1) The scorer records the point scored.
2) The scorer controls the serving order of each team.
3) The scorer indicates any error to the referee immediately after the service hit.
4) The scorer records misconduct, warning, sanctions and improper request.
5) They control the intervals between the sets.
6) He notifies the referees of a request for regular game interruption that is out of order.
Duties of scorer at the end of the match: 2022
The scorer signs the score sheet after the match. In the case of protest, permits the team
captain to write on the score sheet a statement on the incident being protested.
4) Assistant scorer:
Location:
He performs his function seated beside the scorer at the scorer’s table.
Duties of assistant scorer:
1) Prepares the libero control sheet.
2) Prepares the reserve score sheet.
3) Records the details of the libero replacements.
4) Operates the manual scoreboard on the scorer’s table.
5) Notifies the referee of any fault of the libero replacement, by using a buzzer.
5) Linesmen (Lines judges):
There are four linesmen for FIVB world and official competitions.
Location: 2008
They stand in the free zone between 1m to 3m from each corner of the court on the
imaginary extension of the line they control.
Duties of linesman: 2003, 04, 05, 06, 07, 11, 13, 17
1) With the help of flag, they signal the ‘ball in’ or ‘ball out’ whenever the ball lands near
their line.
2) They signal when ball touches the antenna, or crosses the net outside the crossing
space.
3) He checks the foot fault by any player during service.
Linesman’s signals:
1) Ball “in”: He point down the flag.
2) Ball “out”: He raises the flag vertically.
3) Ball touched: He raises flag and touch the top with the palm of the free hand.
4) Foot fault by any player during service:
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He waves the flag over head and point to the antenna or the respective line.
5) Judgement impossible: He raises and cross both arms and hands in front of the chest.
Fundamental skills in volleyball: 2023
The passes, the service, the setup, the attack, the block, the net recovery.
1) Passing:
Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to control the ball to
another player is called as pass. The passes can be performed by one or both hands.
Types of passes:
i) Over hand pass (Upper head pass):
In this pass the feet should be placed parallel to each other at shoulder width. The elbows
are also bent and positioned between the chest and with open fingers facing upwards
palms and fingers make a basket shape. The ball is pushed upward.
ii) Under arm pass (Under hand pass):
When the ball falls two close to the net making the execution of upper hand in that
situation the under hand pass with one or both hand is used. In this both arms work
together. This pass is used to raise the ball upward.
iii) One arm pass: 2009
The ball is played underneath by sweeping the arm forward and upwards. It involves
stretching the body as far as possible towards the ball and running to the side of the ball.
iv) Fore arm pass (Bump pass):
Contacting the ball with the forearms in order to deliver the ball to the setter in an
underhanded manner, join your arms from the elbows to the wrists and strike the ball with
the fleshy part of your forearms in an underhand motion.
2) Service: 2004, 08, 09, 13, 14, 17
Service is the act of putting the ball into play by the player behind the baseline (end line),
by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court with one hand or with the
forearm. A person (server) may serve from anywhere along the end line. A serve may hit
the net provided it goes over. An unsuccessful service gives the opposition a point and the
service. A service may not be blocked.
Ball sent in opponents court (Execution of service or Ball crossing the net): 2011
Service is the act to putting the ball into play. The ball must cross the vertical plane of the
net within the crossing space is the free space in the vertical plane of the net limited by
the upper edge of the net and on the sides by the antennas and their imaginary extension.
Service attempt: 2004, 11
When the ball lands after it has been tossed or released by the server, this is considered a
service attempt.
First service in a set:
The first service of a set, as well as that of the deciding set (5th set) is executed by the
team determined by the toss. The other sets will be started with the service of the team
that did not serve first in the previous set.
Service order:
The players must follow the service order recorded on the line up sheet. After the first
service in a set, the player to serve is determined as follows:-
i) When the serving team wins the rally, the player who served before, serves again.
ii) When the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the right to serve and rotates before
actually serving. The player who moves from the front right position to the back-right
position will serve.
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Term of service: A player may have 5 continuous serves unless a side-out is called. After
the 5 legal serves from one player the team will rotate and a new team member will serve.
Service changed: 2010, 16
When the serving team loses a point this is called service change, which means that the
opposition becomes the serving team and serves the next point.
Authorization of service:
The first referee authorizes the service after having checked that the two teams are ready
to play and that the server is in possession of the ball.
Execution of the service:
1) The ball shall be hit with one hand or any part of the arm after being tossed or released
from the hand.
2) Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed.
3) The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after the 1st referee whistled for the
service.
4) At the moment of the service, the server must not touch the court (end line). After the
hit he may step or land outside the service zone or inside the court.
5) A service executed before the referee’s whistle is cancelled.
Types of service: 2015
i) Under arm service (Underhand service):
The ball is held on the extended hand at waist height in front of the right shoulder. One
foot is kept in front of other foot. The ball is tossed a few inches into the air by the hand.
As the hitting arm swing through, the body weight should be transferred from the back
foot to the front foot. The ball can be contacted with the heel of the hand, or the wrist.
ii) Over hand service (Tennis service or Overhead serve):-
The player stands facing the net with his left foot little forward. The ball is tossed in air
by the server and hit it by swinging the hand with open palm.
iii) Top spin service:
It is an overhand service in which the player tosses the ball high and then hits with a wrist
span, providing it topspin which makes it to drop quickly.
iv) Floating service: 2005, 12, 14
Hold the ball in left hand or right hand, the other hand is kept ready to hit the ball. Toss
the ball to a comfortable height. Hit at the center of the ball with an open hand or with a
fist. The last movement of the wrist is directed towards the flight of the ball. The ball is
hit hard and it makes steep landing in opponent’s court.
v) Jump float serve: 2023
It is an overhand service in which the ball is tossed high enough that the player may jump
before hitting it.
vi) Jump Serve:
A serve that is started by the server tossing the ball into the air and jumping into and
hitting the ball in its downward motion.
Service fault (Service Error): 2006, 10, 14, 16
1) When the ball touches the ground outside playing zone.
2) When the ball passes under the net.
3) When the ball touches the antennae.
4) When ball before it reaches the opponent’s courts touches some player or some object.
5) When a service executed before the referee’s whistle.
6) The server commits a foot fault.
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On service fault the referee will blow his whistle for the change of service.

3) The set up (Set):

The pass that is placed high above and close to the net for a front line player to smash
across the net is called as a set up.
Setter (Booster): 2005, 14, 15, 19
A player specialized to lift the ball for the smash. It is performed over the coming ball
from own team mate.
Back set:
A set delivered behind the setter’s back, which is subsequently hit by an attacker.
Trap set: 2023
The set closer to the net that gives the blocker the advantage.
Bump set (Underhand set):
Bump set is defined as a set in which a player uses his forearms to set the ball for a
teammate to spike the ball over the net.
Overhead set:
It is defined as a set in which setters use their fingertips to push the ball high into the air
so that an attacker can spike it over the net.
Quick set: 2023
An extremely low vertical set used to beat the opponent’s block. It can be set at any
position on the net.
Two set:
A vertical set that travels from 3 to 5 feet above the net. Usually set for the middle hitter.
4) Attack (smash or Spike) 2004
A ball contacted with force by a player of the offensive team who intends to terminate the
ball on the opponent's floor or off the opponent's blocker. The ball set by the setter
(booster) is put into the opponent’s court by the smasher by jumping over the net.
Attacker (Spiker, Smasher or Hitter): 2003, 05, 15
The team member who tries for a team point by hitting or spiking the ball.
Cross court shot:
An attack that is directed diagonally from the point of attack.
Back row Attack (Back court attack):2022
Backcourt attack is an attack performed by a back row player. In this attack a player have
to jump from behind the 3-meter line before touching with the ball, but he may land in
front of the 3-meter line.
Line and cross-court shot (Cut shot):
Line and crosscourt shot refers to whether the ball will fly in a straight trajectory parallel
to the side line, or will cross through the court making an angle.
Quick hit:
It is defined as an attack where the approach and jump begin before the setter touches the
ball. The ball is placed above the net and the ball is smashed by the hitter almost instantly
after leaving the setters hand.
Slide and double quick hit:
It is alteration of quick hit in which two smashers, jump at the same time to deliver a
quick hit. It can be effective in deceiving the opposite blockers.
Off speed hit:

19
In off speed hit a player does not hit the ball hard but reduce the speed of the ball and thus
confusing the defense of opponent.

Faults of attack hit (Attack Error):

1) A player hits the ball ‘out’.
2) The ball goes into the net and terminates the play or goes into the net on the third hit,
3) The ball is blocked by the opposition for a point or side out,
4) The attacker is called for a center line violation, or
5) The attacker is called for illegal contact (lift, double hit).
5) Blocking (Block): 2007,10, 14, 16
A defensive play by one or more players meant to deflect a spiked ball back to the hitter's
court. It may be a combination of one, two or three players jumping in front of the
opposing smasher and contacting the ball with the hands.
Block contact:
Consecutive contacts with the ball may occur by one or more blockers, provided that the
contacts are made during one action.
Block Assist: 2023
A successful attempt by any two or more front row players to intercept the ball near the
net that results in the termination of the rally. Any person involved in the block attempt
that terminates the rally receives a block assist.
Collective block: 2012, 16, 18
A collective block is executed by two or three front line players close to each other and is
completed when one of them touches the ball.
Blocking within the opponent’s space:
In blocking, the player may place his hands and arms beyond the net provided that this
action does not interfere with opponent’s play. Thus, it is not permitted to touch the ball
beyond the net until an opponent has executed an attack hit.
Block and team hits:
A block contact is not counted as a team hit. After the block the team is entitled to three
hits to return the ball. The first hit after the block may be executed by any player,
including the one who has touched the ball during the block.
Blocking the service:
It is illegal to block a service in volleyball.
Blocking fault (Block Error): 2004, 07, 11, 14
The blocking faults are as follows:-
1) The blocker touches the ball in the opponent’s space before the opponent’s attack hit.
2) The back row player or a libero completes a block or participates in a completed block.
3) Blocking the opponent’s service.
4) The ball is sent “out” off the block.
5) Blocking the ball in the opponent’s space from outside the antenna.
6) A libero attempts an individual or collective block.
7) The ball goes into the net and terminates the play
Types of blocking:
i) Single block: 2009 When only one player takes part in block. It is essential to select a
place to make a jump for block.

20
ii) Double block: When two players take part in a block the hands of the blockers should
be raised at one level. The hands position is in such way that the ball after hitting hands
returns to the opponent’s court.
iii) Triple block: 2009, 19 When three players take part in a block. The hands of the
blockers should be raised at one time and level. It raises a wide screen over the net.
6) The net recovery:
A ball driven in the net may be recovered within the limits of the three touch hit. If the
ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down, the rally is cancelled and replayed.
Ball in the net (Other than the service ball) 2011.
A ball drive into the net may be recovered provided it does not touch the floor nor is
contacted the fourth time.
Game related terminology:
Ace: 2012, 14, 15, 19
A serve that results directly in a point, usually when the ball hits the floor untouched on
the receiving team's side of the court.
Side out: 2014, 18
Change of service when a serving team has failed to score a point. When the active ball
touches or contacts the floor outside the boundary line is called side out.
Free Ball: 2023
A ball that will be returned by a pass rather than a spike.
Block abuse:
In this the player does not try to make a hard spike, but hits the ball so that it touches the
opponent’s block and then bounces off-court.
Screening: 2004, 06, 12, 16, 18
The players of the serving team must not prevent their opponent, through individual or
collective screening from seeing the server or the flight path of the ball.
Joust: 2023
When two opposing players contact the ball simultaneously above the net causing the ball
to momentarily come to rest; the point is replayed if this is called by the official.
Carry:
An illegal maneuver in which a player makes an underhand contact with the ball where
the duration of the contact lasts for more than the maximum amount of time.
Dip:
In dip a player does not try to perform a hit, but touches the ball lightly, so that it lands on
the area of the opponent’s court.
Dig:
A hard smash near the attack line in opponent court.
Extension roll: 2023
A move to the floor which enables a player to dig the ball.
Ball down: 2023
It occurs when an attacker hits the ball overhand while standing on the ground, usually off
the net. It is similar to a spike, although there are some differences.
Reading an opponent:
Reading is the use of a defender’s visual acuity to predict the opponent’s attack and to
come to a position on the court which provide him best chance to block or dig the ball.
Overlapping (Out of Alignment):

21
Overlapping refers to the positions of the players in the rotation prior to the contact of the
ball when serving.
Closing the block: 2023
The responsibility of the assist blocker is to join the primary blocker to create an
impenetrable block. This is called closing the block because the ball can’t fit between the
two individual blockers.
Floater: 2023
A serve with no spin that follows an erratic path. The ball is hit with only a momentary
point of contact and very little follow through.
Net violation (Tuna or flounder): 2023
Touching the net by any part of the body while the ball is in play is known as net
violation. It is a fault. There is an exception to the rule of net violation, that is if the ball is
driven into the net with so much force that it causes the net to contact a player of
opposing team then no foul will be called, and the ball will be continue in play.
Campfire:
A ball that falls to the floor in an area that's surrounded by two, three or more players.

National and International governing bodies:

1) FIVB: 2015
The federation International de volley-ball was formed in 1947 in Paris. The FIVB is the
governing body responsible for all forms of Volleyball on a global level. It is working
closely with national federations and private enterprises.
2) VFI:
The volleyball federation in India was established in 1951.The Volleyball Federation of
India is the governing body responsible for all forms of Volleyball on a national level. It
is working closely with State Associations.
I) National tournaments of Volleyball: 2023
1) Indian Volleyball league (IVL):
The Indian Volley League is a professional volleyball league in India. It was launched by
the Volleyball Federation of India in 2011. The inaugural edition featured six teams and
the top players in the country.
2) The federation cup:
The Federation Cup was an annual knockout Volleyball tournament in India that started
in 1987. The first inter-club Federation Cup was held at Tirupur, it was active for the first
two years. From 2003 the tournament is played annually.
3) Poornima trophy:
Poornima Trophy is associated with women’s national volleyball championship. It has
been named after M. S. Poornima, the greatest volleyball woman player of India.
II) International tournaments of Volleyball: 2023
1) Volleyball World Championship:
It is an international volleyball competition contested by the senior men's national teams
of the members of FIVB. Since 1962 they have been awarded every four years. 24 teams,
including the automatically qualifying host nation(s), compete in the tournament.
2) Volleyball World cup:
The FIVB Volleyball World Cup is an international Volleyball competition contested by
the senior men's and women’s teams of the members of FIVB. Initially the tournament

22
was played in the year following the Olympic Games. Since 1991 World Cup has been
awarded in the year preceding the Olympic Games.
3) Super challenge cup:
The CEV challenge cup is an annual European-wide third-tier level competition for
men's volleyball clubs. It started in the 1980–81 season under the name CEV Cup. In
2007 it was renamed CEV challenge cup. The CEV women's challenge cup, is the third
official competition for women's volleyball clubs of Europe and takes place every year.
QUESTIONS:
1) When and by whom was the game volleyball invented?
2) Draw a neat diagram of a Volleyball court and mark the following:
i) Side line. ii) Service line. iii) Attack line. iv) Front court. v) Back court.
3) What is the Length and breadth of the Volleyball court?
4) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Boundary lines, ii) Centre line, iii) Attack line, iv) Back line.
5) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Front zone, ii) Back zone, Service zone, iv) Substitution zone.
6) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Free zone, ii) Libero replacement zone, iii) Penalty area, iv) Warm up area.
7) State the height of the net for men and women in Volleyball
8) Answer the following:
i) Length of the net, ii) Breadth of the net, iii) Height of the net post, iv) Size of the net
mesh.
9) Write a short note on net.
10) Draw a neat diagram of net with all the dimensions.
11) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Sidebands, ii) Antenna, iii) Posts.
12) Define the ball under the following headings:
i) Shape, ii) Weight, iii) Circumference, iv) Air pressure.
13) What is the material used to make the ball and bladder?
14) What is the colour of the ball?
15) State the composition of a team in the game of Volleyball
16) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Incomplete team, ii) Default team, iii) Forbidden objects.
17) State the basic compulsory equipment of a player.
18) State any two duties of captain prior to the match.
19) Enumerate any three duties of a Captain on the court.
20) State any three duties of a coach prior to the match.
21) State any three duties of a coach during the match.
22) List any four responsibilities of the coach of the team.
23) State any three duties of assistant coach.
24) State any four ways to score a point in Volleyball match.
25) What is a rally point?
26) Explain how a set and a match is won by a team?
27) What is the procedure adopted to start a game?
(When is the toss conducted and by whom?)
28) What is the duration of a warm-up session?
29) Explain the term ‘team’s starting line-up’ in Volleyball.
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30) State any four faults in the game of Volleyball.
31) Define the following terms:
i) Positions, ii) Rotation, iii) A foot fault, iv) A penetration fault.
32) When does a player commit a penetration foul?
33) What is meant by: i) Positional fault ii) Rotational fault?
34) List any three faults that a player is likely to commit while playing the ball.
35) When is the ball considered in and out of play?
36) When is the ball considered “in”?
37) When is the ball considered “out”?
38) What is meant by the term hit? State any two characteristics of hit.
39) What is understood by the term ‘attack hit’?
40) State any three restrictions on attack hit.
41) State any three faults of attack hit.
42) How many contacts are permitted in returning the ball over the net? Explain the
procedure
43) What is meant by simultaneous contact in Volleyball?
44) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Four hits, ii) Assisted hit, A catch, iv) Carrying the ball.
45) Explain the following terms as used in Volleyball:
i) Double hit, ii) Consecutive contact, iii) Double fault.
46) Explain the following rules in Volleyball:
i) The ball crossing the net, ii) The ball touching the net, iii) The ball in the net.
47) Explain the following rules in Volleyball:
i) Reaching beyond the net, ii) Penetration under the net, iii) Contact with a net.
48) State any three players fault at the net.
49) What is mean by interruption?
50) Differentiate between regular game interruptions and prolonged interruptions.
51) How many legal interruption are allowed in a game? Who grants the legal
interruptions?
52) Explain the rule of Sequence of regular game interruptions in Volleyball.
53) Explain the following rules of exceptional game interruptions:
i) Injury, ii) External interference.
54) How will the game be re-stated after a prolonged interruption?
55) What is the difference between Time-out and Technical time-out?
56) Explain the term Substitution.
57) Explain legal and illegal substitution in volleyball.
58) Explain the Exceptional substitution and Disqualification substitution in Volleyball.
59) Give any two conditions when a team is compelled to substitute a player.
60) Explain the procedure of substitution during play.
61) What are the limitations of substitution in Volleyball?
62) Explain the rule of improper substitution in Volleyball.
63) What is a delay? What are the various ways in which a game may be delayed?
64) Explain the rule of delay sanctions in Volleyball.
65) What is interval?
66) When do the teams change courts?
67) What is meant by the term “Libero”?
68) State the maximum number of Libero players a team can include in the team list.
24
69) Explain the rule of designation of libero in Volleyball.
70) Explain the rule of re-designation of libero in Volleyball.
71) State the basic equipment of a libero.
72) State any three specific rules related to a Libero player.
73) Explain the procedure of libero replacement in a Volleyball match.
74) Explain the rule of Sportsmanlike conduct in Volleyball.
75) Explain the rule of fairplay in Volleyball.
76) Explain the following terms:
i) A misconduct, ii) A sanction scale.
77) List the various sanction cards by the referee in the game along with the offence
for which they are used.
78) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) A warning, ii) A penalty, iii) Expulsion, iv) Disqualification.
79) Mention any four acts of breach which are punishable.
80) What do you mean by the referee’s corps for a match?
List the officials appointed to conduct the match.
81) What is the location of the first referee on the court?
82) Enumerate any four duties of the first referee.
83) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) Authorization to serve, ii) Team to serve, iii) Warning, iv) Change of court.
84) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) Time out, ii) Substitution, iii) Misconduct penalty, iv) Expulsion.
85) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) Disqualiication, ii) End of set or match, iii) Ball “IN”, iv) Ball “out”.
86) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) Catch, ii) Double contact, iii) Four hit, iv) Rotational fault.
87) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) Screening, ii) Delay in service, iii) Attack hit fault, iv) Double fault and replay.
88) What signals shall the referee give for the following?
i) Positional fault, ii) Blocking fault, iii) Penetration into the opponent’s court, iv) Delay warning.
89) What is the location of the second referee on the court?
90) Enumerate any three duties of an Assistant referee.
91) What is the location of the scorer on the court?
92) Write any three duties of the scorer before the match.
93) Enumerate any three duties of scorer during the match.
94) What is the location of the assistant scorer on the court?
95) Enumerate any three duties of assistant scorer.
96) What is the location of the linesmen on the court?
97) Enumerate any three duties of linesmen.
98) Mention any three fundamental skills of Volleyball.
99) Explain the terms passing in Volleyball.
100) Explain the following terms:
i) Over hand pass, ii) Under arm pass, iii) Bump pass.
101) Explain the technique of one arm pass in Volleyball.
102) Explain the term service.
103) Explain the following rules:
i) The ball sent into the opponent’s court, ii) First service in a set.
25
104) Explain the term Service attempt.
105) Explain the following rules in Volleyball:
i) Service order, ii) Authorization of service.
106) When is the service changed during a match?
107) State any three conditions of execution of service.
108) List three types of service techniques used by volleyball players.
109) Differentiate between Under arm service and Over arm service.
110) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Top spin service, ii) Floating service, iii) Jump float serve, iv) Jump serve.
111) State any four service faults in Volleyball.
112) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) The set up, ii) Setter, iii) Back set, iv) Bump set.
113) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Overhead set, ii) Trap set, iii) Quick set, iv) Two set.
114) Explain the term attack in Volleyball.
115) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Attacker, ii) Cross court shot, iii) Back row attack, iv) Line and cross court shot.
116) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Dip, ii) Quick hit, iii) Slide and double quick hit, iv) Off speed hit.
117) State any four attack hit faults in Volleyball.
118) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Blocking, ii) Block contact, iii) Block assist, iv) A collective block.
119) Explain the following rules in Volleyball:
i) Blocking in the opponent’s space, ii) Block and team hits, iii) Blocking the service.
120) List any four Blocking Faults in Volleyball.
121) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Single block, ii) Double block, iii) Tripple block.
122) Explain the following rules in Volleyball:
i) The net recovery, ii) Ball in the net (Other than the service ball),
123) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Ace, ii) Side out, iii) Side out, iv) Block abuse
124) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Screening, ii) Joust, iii) Carry, iv) Dig.
125) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Extension roll, ii) Ball down, iii) Reading an opponent, iv) Overlapping.
126) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) Closing the block, ii) Floater, iii) Net violation, iv) Campfire.
127) Explain the following terms in Volleyball:
i) FIVB, ii) VFI.
128) Name any two national tournaments in Volleyball.
129) Name any two national tournaments in Volleyball.
130) Explain the following tournaments in Volleyball:
i) Indian Volley league, ii) The federation cup, iii) Poornima trophy.
131) Explain the following tournaments in Volleyball:
i) Volleyball World Championship, ii) Volleyball World cup, Super challenge cup.

26
 QUESTION PAPERS
2011
16 a) i) List any four Blocking Faults.
ii) Give any two conditions when a team is compelled to substitute a player. [8]
b) i) Write any three duties of the linesman
ii) Define the following terms: 1) Time out 2) Front zone 3) Service attempt. [9]
c) What is meant by service area, side bands, rotation and substitution-zone? [8]
17a) i) What is meant by: 1) Positional fault 2) Rotational fault?
ii) How many legal interruption are allowed in a game? Who grants the legal
interruptions? [8]
b) i) What is meant by ball in play?
ii) Explain is rule related to the number of contacts per team. [9]
c) Explain the following rules:
i) The ball sent into the opponent’s court ii) The ball in the net. [8]
2012
16a)i)Write the dimensions and characteristics of the ball used in a game of Volleyball.
ii) How is a point scored in the game of Volleyball? [8]
b) Enumerate the duties of:
i) A First referee .ii) An Assistant referee.iii) A Captain on the court. [9]
c) Briefly explain the following
i) Rotation ii) A Collective block iii) Screening iv) Technical time-out [8]
17a) Explain the following terms:
i) Carrying the ball ii) Consecutive-Contact iii) Setter iv) Free-Zone-Area
b) i) What is a rally point? ii) What is spiking and how is it performed?
iii) What are the three different skills of the game of Volleyball? [9]
c) What is mean by: i) A floating-service ii) Antennae iii) Libero iv) Ace. [8]
2013
16 a) Define the following terms:
i) A double touch ii) A ball out of play iii) A disqualification iv) A service [8]
b) i) Define the ball under the following headings :
1) Weight 2) Circumference. 3) Air pressure
ii) Draw a neat diagram of a Volley ball court and mark the following:
1.side line 2.service line 3.attack line 4.front zone 5.rotation position 6.back zone (9)
c) i) List the responsibilities of the Linesman during the match.
ii) List any four responsibilities of the coach of the team. [8]
17 a) Briefly explain the following terms :
i) A service zone. ii) A substitution zone.iii) An attack line. iv) A substitution. [8]
b) i) When is the ball considered in and out of play ? ii) What do you mean by expulsion?
iii) Explain how a set and a match is won by a team? [9]
c) i) What is the procedure adopted to start a game ?
ii) How many contacts are permitted in returning the ball over the net? Explain the
procedure. [8]
2014
16 a) What is meant by the following terms in volleyball: [8]
i) Physical contact. ii) A Service. iii) A Setter. iv) Blocking fault.
(b) i) Draw a diagram showing the Rotation Position of players on the court. [9]
ii) Difference between an Attack Line and a Back-Line.
27
iii) Explain the difference between an Ace and a Floating-Service.
c) Explain the following terms: [8]
i) A Rotation. ii) A Side-out. iii) A Penalty. iv) Carrying the Ball.
17 a) State the following: [8]
i) The Length and breadth of the Playfield.
ii) The Height of the net for men and for women.
iii) The Weight and circumference of the ball.
iv) The Dimension of the ‘Free Zone Area’ and the ‘Service Line’.
(b) (i) State any three duties of a coach.
ii) List any six service faults. [9]
(c) Explain the following terms: [8]
(i) Change of court. (ii) A Penetration-Fault.(iii) A Misconduct.(iv) A Blocking.
2015
Question 16 a) Explain the following terms in :
i) Change of Courts, ii) The penalty area, iii) Side bands, iv) Libero replacement zone [8]
b) i) What is understood by the term ‘attack hit’?
ii) What is meant by the term “Libero”?
iii) Define the terms ‘Setter’ and ‘Ace’ in a game of volleyball. [9]
c) i) List any two faults that players commit while playing the ball.
ii) State the maximum number of Libero players a team can include in the team list.
iii) State the full form of FIVB. iv) What is the duration of a time out ? [8]
Question 17 a) Explain the following terms: [8]
i) A spiker ii) Warm up area iii) A ball “in” iv) An assisted hit
b) i) State any three specific rules related to a Libero player.
ii) List the various sanction cards used by the referee along with the offence for which
they are used.
iii) List three types of service techniques used by volleyball players. [9]
c) i) When is the ball considered “out” ?
ii) What is the maximum number of time outs and substitutions per set for a team ?
iii) Explain the term ‘four hits’.
iv) List two conditions when a team is compelled to substitute a player. [8]
2016
Question 16 a) Explain the following: [8]
i) A blocking ii) A misconduct iii) An assisted hit iv) A consecutive contact
b) Enumerate any three duties of each of the following: [9]
i|) A First Referee ii) An Assistant referee iii) A Captain on the court
c) Briefly explain the following : [8]
i|) A rotation ii) A collective block iii) A screening iv) A technical time-out.
Question 17 a) i) List the officials appointed to conduct the match.
ii) What is a rally point? iii) Who request the referee for a substitution?
iv) When is the service changed during a match? [8]
b) i) List three service faults which leads to change in service. [3]
ii) Mention three types of Delays which [prolongs the game. [3]
iii) Explain the procedure of substitution during play. [3]
c) Draw a neat diagram of a volleyball court and mark the following: [8]
i) Side line ii) Service line iii) Attack line iv) Front zone v) Back zone
vi) Rotation position vii) Height of the net (men) from the ground. viii) Size of the net.
28
2017
Question 16. a) Define the following terms: [8]
i) A double contact ii) Ball out of play iii) A disqualification iv) Service.
b) Enumerate any three duties of each of the following:
i) A line judge ii) A scorer iii) A coach. [9]
c) i) Mention any four acts of breach which are punishable.
ii) Explain legal and illegal substitution in volleyball. [8]
Question 17 a) i) When and by whom was the game volleyball invented?
ii) List down the equipment used by a volleyball player.
iii) Define the following terms: 1) Positional fault 2) Rotational fault. [8]
b) i) Explain how a set and a match is won by a team. [9]
ii) What is delay? What are the various ways in which a game may be delayed?
iii) How many legal interruptions are allowed in a game? Who grants the legal
interruptions?
c) Briefly explain the following terms: [8]
i) Service zone ii) Substitution zone iii) An attack line iv) A substitution.
2018
Q 16 a) Explain the following terms: [8]
i) Free zone, ii) Back line, iii) Antenna, iv) A catch.
b) i) How many contacts are permitted in returning the ball over the net?
Explain the procedure. ii) What is meant by the term libero?
iii) What do you mean by expulsion? [9]
c) i) Explain the procedure of substitution during the game.
ii) Enumerate any four duties of the first referee. [8]
Q 17 a) Explain the following terms: [8]
i) A collective block, ii) Assisted hit, iii) Dead ball, iv) Time out.
b) i) What is meant by ball in play? ii) What is screening?
iii) List any three faults that a player is likely to commit while playing the ball. [9]
c) Explain the following terms: [8]
i) A side- out, ii) A penalty, iii) Carrying the ball, iv) A penetration- fault.
2019
Q 16 a) Explain the following terms in Volleyball: [8]
i) Attack line. Ii) A setter iii) Back zone. Iv) A rotation.
b) i) When is a team compelled to substitute a player?
ii) When do the teams change the court?
iii) What is the procedure adopted to start a game? [9]
c) Draw a neat diagram of a Volleyball court and mark the following: [8]
i) Side line. ii) Service line. iii) Attack line. iv) Front court. v) Back court.
vi) Rotation position. vii) Height of the net (men) from the ground. viii) Size of the
ground.
Q 17 a) Explain the following terms in Volleyball: [8]
i) An attack line. ii) A foot fault. iii) An ace. iv) A technical time-out.
b) i) State any three rules related to a ‘libero player’.
ii) Explain the term ‘triple block’ in Volleyball.
iii) What is rally point?
c) Answer the following: [8]
i) Weight of the ball. ii) Circumference of the ball. iii) Number of players in a team.
29
iv) Length of the service line. v) Height of net for men and women. vi) How many time
outs are awarded to a team in a match? vii) Duration of a time out. viii) Measurements of
the free zone area.
2020
2021
(No Board Exam due to Covid 19)
2022

Question 17

MCQs [5]

Question 18

(i) What do you mean by legal interruption in volleyball? [2]

(ii) Explain the term Double Contact in volleyball. [2]
(iii) Explain the structure of the antennae used in the game of volleyball. [3]
(iv) State any three penetration faults during the match. [3]

Question 19

(i) What do you mean by the term side bands in volleyball [2]
(ii) Explain the term Back row attack in volleyball. [2]
(iii) Mention any three duties of the scorer. [3]
(iv) State any three rules related to a libero player in volleyball. [3]

Question 20

(i) Explain the term Back Sone in Volleyball. [2]

(ii) What do you mean by Foot fault in volleyball. [2]
(iii) Explain Expulsion in Volleyball. [3]
(iv) Mention any three Acts of Breach that will be punished by the referee. [3]

2023
Question 13

(i) Explain the following terms in volleyball: [8]

(a) Block assist
(b) Floater
(c) Attack zone
(d) Quick set
(ii) Enumerate any three duties of: [9]
(a) First referee.
(b) Assistant referee
(c) Captain
(iii) Explain the following terms: [8]
(a) Ball down.
(b) Net violation
30
 (c) Joust
(d) jump set
Question 14

(i) Explain the following terms in volleyball: [8]

(a) Extension roll
(b) free ball
(c) Closing the block
(d) Trap set
(ii) (a) mention any three fundamental skills of volleyball. [9]
(b) Name any three important tournaments of volleyball.
(c) List any three faults in the game of volleyball.
(iii) (a) What is the difference between time out and technical time out? [8]
(b) State any tow types of delays in the game of volleyball.
(c) State the number of Libero players a team can include in the team list.
(d) Explain the term ‘four hits’.

31