Sideouts are out.
After more than five years of discussion, the National Federation of State High School Associations volleyball rules committee has approved rally scoring for high school volleyball in all states by 2004-05.
As opposed to the traditional sideout system, in rally scoring points are awarded on each play, regardless of which team serves.
“We knew the change would eventually come about,” said longtime Edmonds-Woodway volleyball coach Mike Pittis. “It’s a different game. The tempo’s different, the mental part’s different.
“It really affects things strategically. There’s less emphasis on serving and it impacts your substitutions.”
The new format comes with the following requirements: all matches are best three-of-five game; games are played to 25 points (no cap), and the fifth and deciding game shall be played to 15 points (no cap); let serves are allowed; and each team is allowed two timeouts per game.
“It is felt that one of the positives in the introduction of rally scoring is it will generate more spectator interest,” rules committee chairwoman Sheryl Solberg said.
“It’s a lot simpler system for fans to understand,” added Pittis, who will start his 31st year of coaching volleyball in the fall.
Responsibility to decide when to implement the rally scoring rules rests with individual state associations. States may elect to use rally scoring in 2003-04.
McDONALD’S PICK: Shorewood senior guard Nanda McCormick was one of 29 females from Washington nominated for the 2003 McDonald’s All-American Game.
The final boys and girls rosters will be announced Feb. 27 on ESPN and games will be March 26 in Cleveland, Ohio. No Washington players were selected for last year’s inaugural girls game.
Almost 2,500 high school seniors were nominated for this year’s game from around the country. A complete list of nominees is available at mcdonaldsallamerican.com.
SW GRADS REUNITE: A pair of Shorewood grads joined the Whitworth College women’s cross country team on its first appearance at the NCAA Division III championships in the fall.
Rebecca Jamieson rounded out Whitworth’s scoring in 186th place and Heather Thomsen finished 200th. The Pirates placed 21st in the team standings.
Whitworth advanced to the national championships by virtue of its first NCAA West Regional title. Jamieson took 33rd at regionals to earn all-West Region honors.
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