Welcome to the 2010 "Ask the Interpreter" page. If you have a question or a situation that needs to be interpreted send it and we'll post the answer.
Take the time to review the questions that were submitted in 2009 as these may be very helpful to you this season.
Question 13 October 4, 2010
Signals:
A. There is a line call on the R2 sideline that R1 does not see. R1 looks to R2 for assistance and R2 did not see the ball land. What signal should R2 give to R1?
R2 should give the "view of play blocked" signal which is crossed forearms in front of chest, palms facing body (signal 6 page 59 of rule book). R1 should repeat the signal and then award a replay (signal 18).
B. What is the proper placement of the hand for the "Begin Serve" signal (#15)?
The palm of the hand should be vertical (perpindicular to the floor).
Question 12 September 30, 2010
During a match what are the specific responsibilities of R1 and R2 when a ball is spiked (attacked) at the net?
The responsibilities of the officials are quite specific in this case. First, in the absence of line judges, R1 must watch the contact of the ball to make sure that it was contacted legally and by a legal player. R1 is also watching the height of the ball, relative to the net, in case there is a question involving a back row player. After the Ball is contacted R1 follows the flight of the ball as it is their responsibility to make a call on the next contact, of either a player or the floor. Remember the R1 is calling lines. As for R2 it is a MUST that they stay on the net to observe the following: net touches, center line violations and touches of the ball by blockers. They should not leave the net until the play has cleared. They must not follow the ball but instead focus on the net and the center line. If R2 sees a net touch they should immediately blow the whistle to stop play. If they see a ball touched and it is ruled out by R1 they should immediately notify R1 that a touch occurred.
Question 11 September 28, 2010
Team A wins the rally and rotates for serve. The libero, who was just in position 5, is not replaced before the whistle and signal for serve and assumes a position near the back row so not to be obvious. Neither official sees the libero as being an illegal player (she now is a front row player-should have rotated to position 4) until after the point which is won by Team A. Prior to the next serve the libero is replaced by the proper front row player. The official now notices that the libero has played out of position for the previous point. How should this be handled?
The official should correct the situation(replacement) and signal illegal alignment, remove the point from Team A and award a point and serve to Team B. Note: this is a correctable situation as it is detected prior to the loss of rally and subsequent serve of Team B.
Question 10 September 28, 2010
Player A attempts to warm up with an earring in place. The official notifies the coach who says she will put tape over it. What is the proper procedure for dealing with this?
The coach should be told that Player A must remove the earring if she is to participate. Placing tape over the earring is not acceptable. The rule clearly states that no jewelry is to be worn, regardless if it is covered. Tape covered jewelry is not legal.
Question 9 September 14, 2010
Relative to the submitted lineup, how should the receiving team be lined up to start the match?
The coach submits the lineup in serving order on a form similar to this:
Game 1 Receive__X__
Serve ____
Serve order Player number
| I |
6 |
| II |
7 |
| III |
8c |
| IV |
9 |
| V |
2 |
| VI |
3 |
Libero- 11
To start the set the R2 would then make sure that the players are on the court in their proper order as listed on the lineup as submitted by the coach. Since this is the receiving team the first server would be placed in position 2 on the court (Right Front) and the lineup would be backed up one position. This is because the team would be rotating on the loss of rally for their first serve.
The important aspects to note are that the lineup is submitted by the coach in serving order, not order on the court (receiving team) and that the players are backed up one position to start the set.
Question 8 September 10, 2010
An assistant coach is on the bench keeping stats using an electronic recording device. Is this legal?
It is legal to use an electronic device to record stats, as it is not being used for coaching purposes during the set. The rule reference is 12-2-8g. The intent of the rule is to restrict the use of video equipment, headsets, etc. that can be used to review the play of a team during a match.
Question 7 September 10, 2010 (repeat of September 4, 2009)
Could you restate the NHIAA policy and procedure guidelines for the JV 3rd and Varsity 5th games?
During the JV match if one team has won the first 2 sets then the teams will be released directly to the bench following the set point. The teams will switch benches by passing directly in front of the scorer's table. The team that has lost the first 2 sets will be awarded the serve.
If the sets are even at 1-1 for the JV match or 2-2 for the varsity match the teams will report to the end line and the captains will be called for the coin toss. The teams will then be released to their benches as the coin toss takes place. Following the coin toss the R1 will direct the teams to either remain on their respective sides or to change sides as determined by the coin toss.
**Note a third set is to be played during the JV match regardless of the outcome of the first two sets. If teams refuse to play or agree not to play a third game you should notify the supervisor of officials following the match.
Question 6 September 8, 2010 (repeat of Sept. 9, 2009)
At the start of each set what is the proper procedure for the R2 to check lineups?
R2 should be on the serving team's side of the net with ball in hand and should check the receiving team's lineup first. They then will release the libero on to the court, if necessary. Next they will repeat the process with the serving team. Once the lineup is checked they will roll the ball to the server and assume their proper position on the receiving team's side of the net signaling R1 their readiness to begin the set.
Question 5 September 7, 2010
This question relates to a metal piercing a player has in her ear. It's one of those barbells that connects 2 parts of the ear. The player claims the holes in her ear will close if she takes the piercing out, but the holes can be kept open with either a soft foam piece that takes the place of the metal barbell or they can be kept open with a harder plastic piece that takes the place of the metal as well. What are your thoughts on either of these two things?
Sorry the piercing inserts, regardless of material, are considered jewelry and they must be removed.
Question 4 September 7, 2010
The libero is listed on the roster with #4 and is also listed with a regular uniform #4. The libero plays the first set as a libero and then returns with a regular jersey for the second set with the same number, 4. Is this legal?
This is legal as the libero may not have the same number as a teammate. Since she is the one wearing the uniform of both the regular player and the libero they may be the same number. Rule 7-1b
Question 3 August 27, 2010
During pregame members of Team A are on the court with (A) warmups with metal snaps and zippers (B) sneakers with decorative charms hanging from the laces (C) commemorative pins attached to their warmup jerseys. Are these legal?
(A) legal as warmups are not considered part of the uniform
(B) and (C) illegal as these are considered jewelry, coach would be notified and the player(s) would not be allowed to participate until they removed the jewelry.
Question 2 August 24, 2010
S1 serves the ball into the net. What is the proper signal for the violation?
R1 would signal the net serve by holding the arm outstretched on the side of the violating team, with palm towards the net. R1 no longer touches the net. R2 does not repeat the violation signal for a net serve.
Question 1 August 10, 2010
When beckoned, two (2) coaches from the home team come to the pre-match conference. As R1, I request for a designation of who is to be the head coach for the match.
Can the other coach remain in attendance at the pre-match conference?
Proper procedure in identifying the head coach and YES the other coach may remain in attendance at the pre-match conference.