NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Handbook
Amended 2020
4.27 Volleyball
4.27.1 Volleyball state-wide competitions
Boys - Steve Birt Memorial Shield and Girls - Steve Birt Memorial Shield
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook “state-wide competitions" – .
(a) Draw – for final series
(i) A round robin format for 20 teams (top 2 from each association) in 4 pools of 5 teams each, playing best of 3 sets. With the first 2 set scores to be first to 21 points with a lead of 2 points, and the third (if needed) scored first to 15 points with a lead of 2 points.
(ii) Top team each group progress to a knock out series including, Semi-finals and a Grand Final. Each match shall consist of the best three out of five games. As the competition is to be played in accordance with international rules, there is no time limit for each game.
(iii) The remaining 4 teams from each group play out for a “Challenge” Cup and play off for minor placings (5 to 20).
(b) Conditions of play
(i) The home team shall supply:
A regulation indoor court. (If the home team is unable to supply a regulation indoor court, then the away team becomes the home team if they are able to supply the regulation indoor court).
A net, the height of which will be 2.43 metres for boys and 2.15 metres for girls when measured at the centre of the court. The two ends of the net must be at equal heights from the ground and should not exceed the regulation height by more than 2 centimetres.
One competent referee, who should not be the coach of either team unless by mutual consent. Where possible, qualified referees should be used. A competent umpire, a scorer and two linespersons.
A match ball, such as Mikasa, Tachikara or another approved leather ball.
Score sheets.
(ii) Each round match shall consist of the best two out of three sets. Semi final and final shall consist of best three out of five games. As the competition is to be played in accordance with international rules, there is no time limit for each game.
(iii) Matches are to be played according to the rules of the Volleyball NSW.
(iv) Teams should be uniformly dressed in school tops numbered between 1 and 99 inclusive. The libero uniform top is to be distinctive. Teams to consist of a maximum of twelve players.
(v) Substitutions
The 12 substitution rule is to apply in state-wide games with the "School Sport Australia" interpretation of the use of libero rule i.e. a new libero can be used for each set.
4.27.2 Volleyball State Championships – boys and girls
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook “State Championships" –
The championship playing rules are in accordance with the rules of the FIVB except as stated below:
(a) Teams
Teams will consist of a maximum of ten players.
(b) Seeded pools
Where possible, the championship should be run on a full round robin basis. Otherwise, the following rules apply:- The competing teams have been divided into two seeded pools. Each pool will conduct its own round robin competition to rank the teams within that pool. The overall placings for the championships will be determined by matches played between the ranked teams from both pools.
(c) Points
In each pool (A and B) of the round robin section of the competition, three points will be allocated for a win, one point for a loss, and no points for a forfeit. The opponent of a forfeiting team will score three points, if the match is forfeited. (If time limit required: Draw 2 points – must be up by 2 points over by 8 in the third set or up by 2 points over by 15 in the second set.)
(d) Forfeits
Teams may claim a forfeit for the first game in a match if their opponents are not ready to play within five minutes of the starting time. The set score will be recorded as 21-0. After fifteen minutes from the starting time, the team may claim a forfeit for the second game and thus the match. In this case, the match score is to be recorded as 21-0, 21-0. A judiciary panel of three officials, elected before the championship, will decide when this rule should be applied.
The right to claim a match forfeit will lapse if the game is played.
(e) Drawn placings
In the event of two or more teams or more finishing with equal points in either pool after completion of the round robin section of the competition, the placings will be decided on a sets for-and-against ratio (sets for divided by sets against).
(f) Points for and against
If after the "sets" ratio, two or more teams are still tied, then a points for-and-against ratio will be used.
(g) Uniform
Players must wear association uniforms, with shirts numbered (front and back) with no duplication on numbers. Libero shirts must be easily identifiable and preferably in another colour.
(h) Score sheet
Team managers must have completed, at least ten minutes prior to the start of the match, a correctly completed score sheet showing the names of the nominated players and their corresponding numbers. This score sheet will be found at the officials table, and will remain there at all times, for this purpose.
(i) Signing score sheets
The coach and captain must sign the official score sheet at the conclusion of the match.
(j) Byes
In the event of a bye in one of the pools, each team in that pool would score three points against that bye.
(k) Number of games
Each match will consist of the best two out of three sets (sets 1 and 2 to 21 points, set 3 and decider to 15 points).
(l) Early start
Teams must be ready to go on ahead of time if necessary.
(m) Net height
Facilities permitting, the net height will be 2.43 metres for boys and 2.15 metres for girls..
(n) Rostered duty
All teams will be rostered for duty.
(o) Selections
The championships will also act as the selection trials to choose the NSWCHSSA team. The NSWCHSSA selection panel will consist of three officials consisting of the NSWCHSSA coach, manager and state convener if available.
(p) Presentations
There will be a final presentation after the last match. Medallions for a player from each association and a player of the tournament trophy will be presented.
(q) Substitutions
The 12 substitution rule to apply at the state championships with the "School Sport Australia" interpretation of the use of libero rule i.e. a new libero can be used for each set.