14
Marcia Alterman, NCAA Rules interpreter, explains whether jersey numbers may be changed during play.
FACT OR FICTION? Players are not allowed to change numbers after a match has begun. For example, a player whose jersey number is peeling off must safety pin that number back on to the jersey rather than change numbers.
FICTION! New language in Rule 7.1.2.8 allows a player to change jerseys and number (if necessary) in case of a damaged jersey.
13
Marcia Alterman, NCAA Rules interpreter, explains allowable action for balls that approach a divider curtain.
FACT OR FICTION? If Team A passes the ball near a divider curtain between two courts, one member of Team A can move the curtain while another Team A player retrieves the ball.
FICTION!! NCAA Rule 4.2.2 states: "Only the player(s) actually making an attempt to play the ball may go into a partition or move it. The ball is out of play and ruled a fault if a teammate, substitute, coach or other person moves the partition to assist play."
12
Marcia Alterman, NCAA Rules interpreter, explains the role of the substitution zone for requesting time outs, substitutions or lineup checks.
FACT or FICTION?Since the coach is required to be near the substitution zone to make a request, the referees should not acknowledge a timeout request from a coach who is in the warm-up area, even if they see or hear the request clearly.
FICTION!! The NCAA rules were changed for the 2009 season to no longer require the coach to be near the substitution zone to make a request for substitution, timeout or lineup check. The NFHS rules do not require the coach to be in a certain location to make a request.
11
Marcia Alterman, NCAA Rules interpreter, explains what happens if a player inadvertently enters the substitution zone when no substitution is desired.
FACT or FICTION?A substitute enters the substitution zone, and the second referee whistles to acknowledge that substitution request. But, the coach doesn"t really want a substitution at this point. The rules require the substitution to be completed, since a request was made.
FICTION!! NCAA Rule 11.2.3.2.5 states: "After a substitution request has been granted, including a substitute entering the substitution zone, a delay sanction is assessed if there is a delay in completing the substitution." In this situation, the coach can opt to take the delay sanction and not make the substitution. If there has not been an earlier delay sanction assessed in the current set, the result is only a warning. However, subsequent delay sanctions in the same set will result in a delay penalty and a point for the opponent. NFHS rules do not have delay sanctions, so the result would be "delay of game", and a timeout.
10
Marcia Alterman, NCAA Rules interpreter, explains libero substitutions for injured players.
FACT or FICTION?? If a back row player becomes injured during play, and the libero is on the bench at that time, the libero cannot replace the injured player, as a "real" substitution must be made for the injured player first.
FICTION!The libero can replace any back row player at any time, as long as she has been out of the game for one rally. In this situation, the libero can replace the injured player, and the injured player may return at any time since nothing "exceptional" was required by the injury.
