Volleyball

Please read through this information as this is important information coaches and officials need to be aware of this season. These newsletters will be sent weekly throughout the season. If you are aware of an unusual situation or rules/protocols that should be addressed, please email ssmith@kshsaa.org. Thank you for all you do for Kansas athletes!

3-1A Regional assignments and 4-6A Sub-State assignments will be released on Monday, September 30, 2024 or Tuesday, October 1, 2024. To view these assignments, go to kshsaa.org – click on "Athletic" – "Volleyball" – "3-1A Regional Assignments" or "Sub-State Assignments."

**Note to 2A schools: Due to cooperatives moving up a classification, 2A will have two regionals with 17 teams. There will be a play-in match between seeds 16 and 17. This match may take place before the Regional date (Monday, October 21, 2024) and should be determined by mutual agreement of the participating schools. The 16 seed will host the play-in match.

R2 & LINEUP CARDS
R2 officials are expected to use line-up cards while officiating. The line-up card allows the R2 to verify proper alignment, ensure the correct athlete is serving, keep track of substitutions, etc. The line-up card should not be a distraction but should be used. It is the responsibility of the R2 to verify proper alignment of the receiving team. At the middle school and high school level, illegal alignment is common. It is also common that assistant officials are relatively new and may need assistance with substitutions, serving order, etc. The line-up card for the R2 is a simple way to ensure that the rules are followed and to help teach Kansas kids the rules of volleyball.

OFFICIAL UNIFORM
-Required to wear the KSHSAA white or bright blue (cyan) shirt (officials must match at each court).
-The blue (cyan - NO black piping) is required for Varsity and postseason. Along with an official shirt, black pants (joggers or leggings are NOT acceptable), black socks and black shoes are expected.
-Pants are to be black (not gray; no jeans, wind pants, sweats, or shorts). Both rectangular and round KSHSAA patches on these shirts are acceptable/legal.
-Officials should be neat in appearance with shirts tucked in, clean attire, and professional in behaviors and communication with schools and coaches.

COACHES - WHO MAY STAND DURING A MATCH AND WHEN MAY THEY STAND?
-Head coach may stand in the coaching zone, no closer than 6 feet of the court during play.
-One assistant coach may stand in the coaching zone during a dead-ball.
-The privilege to stand during play shall not be designated to an assistant coach.

Looking Ahead:
-Don't forget a team picture for postseason!
-October 2-9, 2024: Postseason Officials Recommendations Window for Schools (must recommend 7; may recommend up to 12)
-October 9, 2024: Official's Postseason Applications due
-October 13, 2024: 3-1A Records must be updated on the KSHSAA website by 8:00 AM
-October 21, 2024: 4-6A Records must be updated on the KSHSAA website by 8:00 AM
-October 21, 2024: 2A & 3A Regional Quads
-October 22, 2024: 1A DI & 1A DII Regional Quads/Tris
-October 26, 2024: Sub-State.

Week 7 - September 23, 2024

COACHES - WHO MAY STAND DURING A MATCH AND WHEN MAY THEY STAND?
NFHS Rule 12-2-5: The head coach may stand in the coaching zone, defined as the libero replacement zone and the area beyond the end line and sideline extended to coach. During play, the head coach shall be no closer to the court than 6 feet from the sideline. If a red card is issued for unsporting conduct to the head coach, assistant coach(es), or team bench, all coaches shall remain seated for the remainder of the match except:

To request a timeout of substitution during a dead ball;
To confer with officials during specifically requested time-outs;
As provided in Rule 12-2-6, items a through e (see below)

NFHS Rule 12-2-6: One assistant coach may stand within the coaching zone during dead-ball situations. All other assistant coaches shall remain seated on the bench during a set except to:

Ask the R2, during a dead ball, to review the accuracy of the score, verify the number of timeouts, and/or the number of substitutions used by their team, request the serving order of their team, or verify the proper server for the opponent;
Stand at the bench to greet a replaced player;
Confer with players during time-outs;
Spontaneously react to an outstanding play by a player(s) of their own team;
Attend to an injured player with permission of a referee.

NOTE: The privilege to stand during play shall not be designated to an assistant coach.

OFFICIAL UNIFORM
All KSHSAA registered officials are required to wear the KSHSAA white or bright blue (cyan) shirt (officials must match at each court). The blue (cyan - NO black piping) is required for Varsity and postseason. Check out the official’s apparel link on the KSHSAA website to purchase required shirts. Along with an official shirt, black pants (joggers or leggings are NOT acceptable), black socks and black shoes are expected. Pants are to be black (not gray; no jeans, wind pants, sweats, or shorts). Both rectangular and round KSHSAA patches on these shirts are acceptable/legal. Officials should be neat in appearance with shirts tucked in, clean attire, and professional in behaviors and communication with schools and coaches.

NOTE: KSHSAA officials/referees must match your partners while officiating.

REMINDER(S):
WARM UP CLARIFICATION
During the regular season, teams and/or league may adopt their own warm-up sequence and time frame. During KSHSAA postseason contests, the KSHSAA postseason warmup must be used (20 minute warmup, five 4 minute intervals) – see pg 30 in the KSHSAA Volleyball Manual.

During the regular season, as is the policy during postseason warmup, if a team has exclusive use of the court, the team not on the court should not be handling balls or working on skill work outside of the court. A team not on the court may go to an auxiliary gym if allowed by the host site.

ATTIRE - TOWELS
Clarification on Towels: Towels are not automatically illegal. Towels may be worn tucked into a uniform but should be secure and not fall onto the floor. If a towel falls on the floor and becomes a safety hazard for athletes, the towel is to be removed and the referee may assess an unnecessary delay and prohibit the use of the towel while the ball is live for the remainder of the set or match.

DAITH PIERCINGS
Daith piercings are allowed as the new NFHS volleyball rules allow for small studs and/or posts above the chin line. Daith piercings may not be hoop earrings or anything other than a stud or post – only studs or posts may be worn.

Useful Websites
KSHSAA Volleyball Website: Volleyball.pdf (kshsaa.org)
KSHSAA Volleyball Manual: Volleyball.pdf (kshsaa.org)
NFHS Volleyball Website: Volleyball (nfhs.org)
NFHS Learn: NFHS Learn | Interscholastic Education, Made Easy
KSHSAA Officials Apparel Info: OfficialApparel.pdf (kshsaa.org)

Week 6 - September 16, 2024

CENTER LINE – VIOLATION OR NO VIOLATION?
NFHS Rule 9-5-7: A player may touch the floor across the center line with one or both feet/hands provided a part of the foot/feet or hand(s) remains on or above the center line contacting the floor across the central line with any other part of the body is illegal.
NFHS Rule 9-5-8: A player may cross the extension of the center line outside the court at any time provided the player does not interfere with play by the opposing team. While across the center line extension outside the court, any player may play a ball that has not completely crossed the vertical plane have the net extended.

PENALTY: Loss of rally/point is awarded to the opponent for an illegal hit or center line violation.

Note that if a player lands on the center line and it interferes with the other team playing the ball, a center line violation may be called.

WARM UP CLARIFICATION
During the regular season, teams and/or league may adopt their own warm-up sequence and time frame. During KSHSAA postseason contests, the KSHSAA postseason warmup must be used (20 minute warmup, five 4 minute intervals) – see pg 30 in the KSHSAA Volleyball Manual.

ATTIRE
Clarification on Towels: Towels are not automatically illegal. Towels may be worn tucked into a uniform but should be secure and not fall onto the floor. If a towel falls on the floor and becomes a safety hazard for athletes, the towel is to be removed and the referee may assess an unnecessary delay and prohibit the use of the towel while the ball is live for the remainder of the set or match.

BEADS ON SHOES/SHOELACES
Beads are not allowed to be worn by athletes, except for beads being worn in the hair. If beads are worn in hair, the hair must be secured and not loose. Beads on shoes or threaded through shoelaces are NOT legal and should be removed.

REMINDER(S):

VOLLEYBALL ARM SLEEVES
Arm sleeves/sliding sleeves are not considered part of the volleyball uniform and are not regulated by NFHS volleyball uniform requirements. Arm sleeves are like knee pads/shoes/socks – they may be different colors from athlete to athlete and a different color than the uniform.

JEWELRY
NO jewelry is allowed below the chin. The only exceptions to this are medical alerts which must be secured to the body or a religious medal/item that must be taped to the body under the uniform. PERMANENT JEWELRY BELOW THE CHIN IS JEWELRY AND IS NOT ALLOWED – PERMANENT HOOP EARRINGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AND MUST BE REMOVED. Coaches – Please let your athletes know this so they are eligible to play.

Week 5 - September 9, 2024

VOLLEYBALL ARM SLEEVES
Arm sleeves/sliding sleeves are not considered part of the volleyball uniform and are not regulated by NFHS volleyball uniform requirements. Arm sleeves are like knee pads/shoes/socks - they may be different colors from athlete to athlete and a different color than the uniform. Regulations regarding arm sleeves may be determined by school coaches and/or administration.

OFFICIALS - See page 15 in the NFHS Case Book and Officials Manual 4.2.1 Situation H: Two players on Team A are wearing compression sleeves that are different in color from the uniform top and are different colors between players. RULING: Legal COMMENT: Compression sleeves, knee pads, and socks are not considered part of the uniform that must be of a like or similar color or the same color between teammates.

LIBERO TRACKING
Libero trackers are assistant officials and should be knowledgeable and aware of their role during a match. It is the responsibility of the host site to ensure that the libero trackers and all assistant officials are knowledgeable in their position.

Please ensure that libero trackers are aware of the new libero tracking procedure (numbers are no longer crossed off unless a substitution takes place.

Libero Tracking Sheet: LiberoTrackingSheet.pdf (kshsaa.org)

PERMISSION FOR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT/ATTIRE
Artificial Limb, Cochlear Implants, Helmets, or Other Special Devices: Players wearing an artificial limb cochlear implants helmet or other special device must have a letter of permission from the KSHSAA.

Insulin Pumps and Hearing Aids: Individual athletes with insulin pumps or GMs and hearing aids are allowed to participate in competition without a specific letter of approval. Each piece of equipment should be securely attached to the person.

Attire: Players uniforms that vary from the traditional attire worn by teammates must have a letter from the KSHSAA head coverings worn for religious reasons do not need a letter from the KSHSAA. Head coverings worn for medical reasons will need a letter from the KSHSAA. Headbands may be no more than 3 inches wide. Religious head coverings do not need a letter from the KSHSAA but must fit securely so as to not come off during play.

Jewelry: NO jewelry is allowed below the chin. The only exceptions to this are medical alerts which must be secured to the body or a religious medal/item that must be taped to the body under the uniform. PERMANENT JEWELRY IS JEWELRY AND IS NOT ALLOWED. Coaches - Please let your athletes know this so they are eligible to play.

REMINDER(S):

NFHS POINT OF EMPHASIS BALL HANDLING
It was stated in a previous NFHS Volleyball Points of Emphasis that volleyball's goal was to increase the continuation of play when judging second ball contacts that are directed to a teammate. A player in a good position must play the ball without discernible double contact. Less severe judgment is applied to a contact by a player who makes a challenging or spectacular play while maintaining a legal play. IF THERE IS DISCERNIBLE DOUBLE CONTACT - A WHISTLE SHOULD FOLLOW. The spin of the volleyball coming off the set or the sound made upon contact does not dictate if a double contact should be called. It should be clear that one part of the body contacted the ball before another part of the body resulting in double contact.

LINE JUDGES
1) If teams stay at their respective benches - LINE JUDGES WILL SWITCH ENDLINES.
2) If teams switch benches - LINE JUDGES WILL STAY AT THEIR ENDLINES.
3) There will always be a switch - either teams will switch benches or line judges will switch endlines.

Week 4 - September 3, 2024

NFHS POINT OF EMPHASIS - BALL HANDLING
Volleyball is a rebound sport, and players are able to use any body part to play the ball. The official's judgment on the legality of each contact continues to be a controversial topic. The goal for players is to master ball control; for officials it is a goal to maintain a consistent level of ball handling from set to set and from match to match. Coaches play a role in the consistency equation with their methods of training, the expectations placed on their players, and the desired level of allowance by the officials. The spectators are influenced by their coachesâ€™ reactions, the spin of the ball, and their personal opinions, while the officials need to remain neutral to maintain fairness for both teams.

It was stated in a previous NFHS Volleyball Points of Emphasis that volleyball's goal was to increase the continuation of play when judging second ball contacts that are directed to a teammate. A player in a good position must play the ball without discernible double contact. Less severe judgment is applied to a contact by a player who makes a challenging or spectacular play while maintaining a legal play.

IF THERE IS DISCERNIBLE DOUBLE CONTACT - A WHISTLE SHOULD FOLLOW. The spin of the volleyball coming off the set or the sound made upon contact does not dictate if a double contact should be called. It should be clear that one part of the body contacted the ball before another part of the body resulting in double contact.

Mishandled balls resulting in a blatant fault should still be called, regardless of the challenging or spectacular nature of the play. Multiple contacts on the third ball must be whistled.

With the increase of the players' athleticism, officials are being challenged to judge the legality of the first contact, as well. The rule states that the ball is not allowed to come to rest or involve prolonged contact. The fact that the contact is an underhand action or done with an open hand is not an automatic call. Players can legally take a stab at the ball in an attempt to keep the ball alive as they pursue an errant contact from their teammate. A whistle should accompany prolonged contact. All skills should be judged similarly, according to the rules. Players are utilizing the setter dump effectively, while attackers are tipping the ball deeper into their opponent's court and tipping with more power. Officials must determine where the ball contact was initiated in relation to the body and judge how long the player continued the action while in contact with the ball.

LINE JUDGES
1) If teams stay at their respective benches - LINE JUDGES WILL SWITCH ENDLINES.
2) If teams switch benches - LINE JUDGES WILL STAY AT THEIR ENDLINES.
3) There will always be a switch â€“ either teams will switch benches or line judges will switch endlines.

REMINDER(S):

ROSTERED PLAYERS STANDING AT THE ENDLINE TO START A MATCH
Due to the new rule change, all ROSTERED athletes may stand at the endline prior to the start of the match. THE STARTING SIX (6) ATHLETES are the only athletes allowed to greet the visiting team and step on the court. Non-starters should make their way to their sideline/bench area after the starting six athletes are beckoned on the court.

Week 3 - August 26, 2024

JAMBOREE INFORMATION - IMPORTANT INFO FOR ADS/COACHES!!

Ensure your Jamboree information is entered/up-to-date on the Jamboree listing: KSHSAA Jamborees 2024-2025 (All Activities) - Google Sheets
1. You may also view/edit this document by logging in at kshsaa.org - Hover over "Activities" - click on "Jamboree Listing"
Jamborees are an option for our officials to work/attend for postseason credit. School ADs/administrators must submit a form for the officials who worked/attended a Jamboree at their school.
1. Login to kshsaa.org - Click on "Activities" - scroll to "Volleyball" - click on "Jamboree Form"
Jamboree Format/Information: VolleyballJamboree.pdf (kshsaa.org)
1. Jamborees MUST consist of THREE or FOUR SCHOOLS.
2. Jamborees are EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials, and fans. Please review rule changes/procedural changes/etc with athletes and coaches.

VOLLEYBALL RULES MEETING - LIVE WEBINAR (THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 - 7:00 pm)
1) If you plan to attend the volleyball rules meeting live webinar option scheduled for August 29, 2024, at 7:00 pm, please use the link below or scan the QR code. Do not click on the link or scan the QR code until you are ready to join the meeting Thursday evening. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom, so please ensure you have Zoom capabilities on your device or computer.
2) Meeting attendance will be reported at the end of the meeting using a Google Survey that will be made available during the meeting.

VB Rules Meeting Live Webinar Link

QR Code: Scan using your device (phone/iPad/tablet):

LIBERO TRACKING
1) Libero tracking has changed. No longer are libero trackers to cross out a player's number unless there is a substitution.

REMINDER(S):
Rules Meetings
All head and assistant middle and high school coaches must complete the online rules meeting and volleyball exam prior to August 29, 2024. Officials' exams and rules meeting attendance are due September 25, 2024. Coaches and officials may attend the in-person meetings offered (in-person VB meeting schedule) OR the online meeting.

Coaches: The online meeting is located on the KSHSAA site (go to "Exams & Online Meetings")
Officials: The online meeting is located on the Central Hub in Arbiter Sports (labelled as Online Clinic)

Week 2 - August 19, 2024

*OFFICIALS: Future VB Newsletters will be sent using the ArbiterSports communication systems. Starting next week (August 26, 2024) you will receive the newsletter from messaging@arbitersports.com. Please ensure this email is in your safe senders list so it doesn't get blocked or sent to spam.

FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE!
The first official day of practice is always an exciting one! All athletes MUST have a PPE (Physical) and Concussion Form on file before they participate in practice. Please ensure these documents are signed and submitted. It is good practice to have a meeting with athletes and parents to ensure they understand team rules and policies - this can avoid conflict and confusion during the season.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLANNING (EAP) - August 28, 2024
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Rehearsal Day for volleyball is set for August 28, 2024. This is the opportunity for your school's administration, coaching staff, athletes, local EMT, etc., to practice the school's established EAP procedures at all facilities used for practices and games. It is imperative that all parties know where an AED is located and that one is close.

If your school needs an EAP, don't delay! A template is available on the KSHSAA website: KSHSAA Student Health and Safety

SUBSTITUTION QUESTIONS/RULES/INTERPRETATIONS
Due to the new rule change regarding torn/bloody uniforms, many questions have been raised regarding legal substitutions. Below are rules/rule interpretations that you may find helpful.

NFHS Rule 10-4-3: Libero re-designation and disqualifications:

Injury substitution - If the libero is injured and cannot continue play, the libero shall first be replaced by the player whom the libero replaced. A new libero may then be redesignated using the following criteria:
1. Redesignation does not need to occur immediately after the injury and replacement, but may occur at the discretion of the coach(es);
2. Any substitute may be designated as the libero for the injured libero. The injured libero may not play in the remainder of that set;
3. The player redesignated as the libero shall wear a libero uniform and shall remain the libero for the remainer of the set. The redesignated libero's uniform shall have a unique number (not worn by any teammate).
  - *COMMENT: In the NFHS Case Book 10-4-3 Situation C references this type of situation. *If there is a re-designation of a libero and the only jersey available is the one worn by the injured libero, there is no penalty. COACHES - BRING EXTRA TEAM UNIFORMS AND LIBERO UNIFORMS TO COMPETITIONS!
Exceptional substitution - The libero may be used as an exceptional substitution for another injured player if not other possible substitute exists. When no longer playing as a libero, that player shall wear the same uniform as the teammates and the team continues play with no libero.

Rule Interpretation 4-2-3 Situation:

Player No 4 of Team A dives for a ball which causes a huge tear in the uniform. Team A's Coach: (A) calls a time-out and directs #4 to quickly go to the locker room and change into a replacement uniform (#8) not currently assigned to a player on the roster, (B) substitutes player #6 for player #4 and directs #4 to go to locker room and replace the damaged uniform by exchanging with substitute #10. The substitute (formerly wearing #10) returns to the bench in a t-shirt.

RULING: Both A and B are legal.
COMMENT: In A and B, the roster will be changed with no penalty assessed for the damaged uniform. In (B), the player wearing the t shirt is not eligible to play unless they change into a legal uniform top and is assessed a penalty (loss of rally/point awarded to the opponent) for a correction to the roster. It is suggested that teams carry an extra uniform so players do not have to share in circumstances there is a damaged uniform (7-1-1 PENALTIES, 7-1-1 NOTE).

REMINDER(S):
Rules Meetings
All head and assistant middle and high school coaches must complete the online rules meeting and volleyball exam prior to August 29, 2024. Officials' exams and rules meeting attendance are due September 25, 2024. Coaches and officials may attend the in-person meetings offered (in-person VB meeting schedule) OR the online meeting.

Coaches: The online meeting is located on the KSHSAA site (go to "Exams & Online Meetings")
Officials: The online meeting is located on the Central Hub in Arbiter Sports (labelled as Online Clinic)

Looking Ahead:
-Take a team pic ASAP!
-Jamborees may take place prior to the first scheduled competition date. Jamborees must consist of 3 or 4 teams for a varsity jamboree and for a sub varsity jamboree. Jamborees may NOT take place with only two (2) teams.
-August 28: Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Rehearsal Day - IMPORTANT! Communicate with school admin/AD to practice.
-August 30: First day of volleyball competition

Week 1 - August 12, 2024

Welcome back to school and to the 2024-2025 season of Kansas volleyball! Please read through this information (as well as the included Preseason Newsletter) as this is important information coaches and officials need to be aware of this season. These newsletters will be sent weekly throughout the season. If you are aware of an unusual situation or rules/protocols that should be addressed, please email ssmith@kshsaa.org. Thank you for all you do for Kansas athletes!

*If you are no longer a coach, please remind your school AD to update the KSHSAA Directory.

Rules Exam Due August 29 (Coaches) or September 25 (Officials)
The deadline for submitting answers to this year's rules exam for coaches is August 29, 2024, and for officials is September 25, 2024. Coaches and officials now have two (2) attempts to pass the exam with a 90%. You will be able to see your score and your answers immediately. Correct answers with rule references will be available when the testing window closes. All head middle school and high school coaches and registered officials are required to complete this exam by the deadline.

Rules Meetings
All head and assistant middle and high school coaches will need to complete the online rules meeting prior to August 29, 2024. Officials must complete the rules meeting by September 25, 2024. Coaches and officials may attend the in-person meetings offered (in-person VB meeting schedule) OR the online meeting.

Coaches: The online meeting is located on the KSHSAA site (go to "Exams & Online Meetings")
Officials: The online meeting is located on the Central Hub in Arbiter Sports (go to "Eligibility")

Letters of Permission
All players wearing the following items will need a letter of approval from the KSHSAA: artificial limb, cochlear implant, helmet/concussion band, change in uniform for religious beliefs. Please send a request along with the student's name, grade, and a picture to ssmith@kshsaa.org. Coaches are to present this letter (dated 2024-2025) to the officials at the pre-match conference.

KSHSAA Volleyball Manual
The KSHSAA Volleyball Manual has been mailed to schools and is available in a digital format on the KSHSAA volleyball website (use the links available at the end of this newsletter). Please read through the KSHSAA Volleyball Manual as most questions may be answered by reading this manual.

3-1A Postseason Format Change
The new postseason format for classes 3A, 2A, 1A DI, and 1A DII will take effect this fall. Information is available in the KSHSAA Volleyball Manual and is addressed specifically on the KSHSAA volleyball website. Below are links to two documents that administrators and coaches will find useful.

3-1A VB Postseason Format
3-1A VB Postseason Format FAQs

Team Pictures (needed for postseason)
Teams who qualify for the state tournament will need to submit a team picture while submitting their team roster and pass gate. ADs: You will not be able to submit this form until a picture is attached to the digital form (this info is due by noon the Sunday after sub-state). Plan to get a team photo taken now!

Looking Ahead:
August 19: First day of practice
August 28: Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Rehearsal Day - IMPORTANT! Communicate with school admin/AD to practice.
August 30: First day of volleyball competition

Preseason Volleyball Information 2024-2025