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.
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