Volleyball Canada Rule Change Summary 2023-2024

For those of you who may not yet be aware, the OVA's What's New 2023-2024, did not include all the rule changes adopted by Volleyball Canada for the 2023-2024 season. A link to the Volleyball Canada Rule Change Summary for 2023-2034 has now been posted the OVA/Volleyball Canada section of the member's area of the website. This link requires access to the OVA's Referee Engagement Centre, so I have also attached a copy to this post for reference.

49299_202324RuleChangeSummary_202324RuleChangeSummaryFinal.pdf

Download PDF • 80KB

The full pdf document outlines the following:

• Prior year rule terminology

• Updated rule terminology (changes are notated in red)

• Type of Modification and or Rationale

NEW RULES FOR 2023-2024

Rule 4.3 Equipment (2023)

A player’s equipment consists of a jersey and shorts / leggings

Rule 4.3.1 (2023)

The colour and the design for the jerseys and shorts / leggings must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero). The length or fit of the shorts / leggings are irrelevant and of no consequence. The uniforms must be clean.

Rule 4.5.1 (2023)

It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury or give an artificial advantage to the player.

For Volleyball Canada competitions:

The referee shall not permit the following:

1. Finger, hand, wrist, elbow, or forearm guards, casts, or braces, made of hard plastic, metal, wood, or any other hard substance even if they are padded. Items made from soft material, that are padded, not intrusive and not a danger to others, may be permitted.

2. Equipment that could cut or cause abrasions

3. Headwear (E.g.: hats, bandannas, etc.) is not permitted except those worn for medical, religious and/or cultural beliefs. Headbands can be worn, at a maximum 5cm in width, made of non-abrasive, cloth, pliable plastic, or rubber

NOTICE THE REMOVAL OF POINT 4 FROM 2022 Jewelry must be removed or taped.

The referee shall permit the following:

1. Shoulder, upper arm, thigh, or lower leg protective equipment if the material is padded so as not to create a danger for other players

2. Knee braces if made by a reputable manufacturer and not dangerous to other players

3. Protector for a broken nose even if made from a hard material

4. Thermoplastic finger splints are permitted so long as they are free of sharp edges, do not protrude beyond the fingertips, and are secured to the digit or hand with the tape or other wrapping

5. Prosthetics so long as the prosthetic is covered/padded and does not pose any danger to himself / herself or other players

Rule 7.2.3 (2023)

Volleyball Canada: All players must wear playing uniforms for the complete protocol and warmup

Rule 9.1.2.3 (2023)

If simultaneous hits by two opponents over the net lead to an extended contact with the ball, even if the contact is completed above the opponent court, play continues.

Rule 11.1.2 (2023)

After an attack hit, a player is permitted to pass his/her hand beyond the net, provided that the contact has been made within his/her own playing space, and the ball is not caught or thrown.

PLEASE POST ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THESE CHANGES BY ADDING A COMMENT TO THIS ARTICLE.

This way, all members will be able to see what questions have been asked and the responses. I will do my best to answer within 48 hours.

Reminder: This area is not to be used to discuss your personal opinion about any of the changes but to seek clarification of the rules to be enforced. Inappropriate comments may be removed without warning.

While we understand that some members may believe this is a safety issue, it is not our decision to make - our job is to enforce the application of the rules.