CONTACTING THE BALL
QUESTION: In high school volleyball, Team (A) spikes the ball which goes out of bounds on the court side of Team (B). The spiked ball contacted the ponytail of player on Team (B) prior to going out of bounds. Is this considered contact by Team (B)? Is Team (A) awarded a point?
ANSWER: This is not considered a “touch”; loose hair contact is not a violation; hence, Team (A) loses rally and Team (B) is awarded a point and the serve. (Rule 9, Sec. 4, Art. 1)
QUESTION: The center front (CF) and right front (RF) players on Team (R) go up with hands above the net. The ball contacts the wrists of each player and rebounds to their side of net. Is this a double hit violation? Is this a legal block?
ANSWER: Legal block by front row players and Team (R) is allowed their three legal hits. The play is considered a collective block which does not count as a hit. (Rule 9, Sec. 4, Art. 6 b and Rule 9-5-1 c-3).