Volleyball makes rules modifications
COVID line removed, new sanitization procedures
With the knowledge gained from a Fall I campaign in the books, the Fall II volleyball season that got underway this week will look a little different, much to the relief of the MIAA Volleyball Committee that met Tuesday morning.
The main change in the rules modifications is the removal of the “COVID line,” which restricted players from being within 3 feet of the net, significantly affecting attacking and blocking.
“It really did change the game a bit,” said Carol Burke, rules interpreter for the committee. “The state medical committee agreed that it really wasn’t necessary. It’s a game of transition. They are only there momentarily, and they go. So we were fortunate to eliminate that from the Fall II.”
Volleyballs will also no longer need to be sanitized after every rally, only after every set. One drawback that was raised is that with ball retrievers still not allowed, having a fresh ball ready after every point helped pace of play, which might be slowed if players have to chase down balls, especially in larger venues. One solution proposed would be to have a ball cart near the server with sanitized balls.
While hand sanitizer will still be required for substitutes entering the game, products with aloe, which tends to not dry as quickly and creates issues with making the balls and court slippery, will not be allowed.
The ongoing question of spring tournaments was brought up. MIAA liaison Kathleen McSweeney said that as of now there is no plan for spring tournaments to be held, but that things are fluid and that the subject will be discussed at today’s Tournament Management Committee meeting.
Coaches representatives Jane Bergin (Lexington) and Tom Turco (Barnstable) reported that plans are in the works for boys coaches to join the girls coaches to form one coaches association for the state. They also voiced concerns about the Fall II season possibly bleeding over into spring, which appears to have happened this winter with tournament play in the Cape & Islands League.