Parents/Players, in Arizona we ask players to “work” or “Ref” games (responsibilities below); however, the players on the court are responsible for officiating their own game.

First, let’s start with the “working” or “Ref” team/player. If we ask a team to split work, that means that a team splits up and are the Refs for two different courts (one player on each.) Normally, the working team will Ref one court. Here are their…

Responsibilities:
-help water the court before the game and during timeouts
-make sure there are at least 3 volleyballs on the court (both serves lines and game ball) at the beginning and during the game
-we usually provide a Sportbrella for players to stay out of the sun, they are not required to stand
-we also provide a flip scoreboard but we recommend players or parent to “keep score” online (go to 2:20 for keeping score), which even helps with side switches, keeping time for timeouts and even a dark screen for morning glare
-immediately report injury timeouts to the tournament director
-report the final score to the tournament director, do NOT clear the score until the score is reported
-watch for net, line and ball handling violations but players on the court call their own, which means avoid calling anything unless the players call it
-only call “ball on” if a ball is interfering with the play, which includes player distracted by the ball on the court (but the ball needs to be on the court). That is, a player can not stop play because they thought a ball was coming onto the court
-working team or Ref may call indisputable net violations; however, see net violation rules below
-working team or Ref may call indisputable foot faults on the serve; however, see foot fault rules below
-feel free to consult with the tournament director when there is a dispute

Reffing Your Own Game: The Sand Club uses the rule book of the FIVB, which is also used by the AVP, USA professional beach volleyball tour.

2022-2023 FIVB RULEBOOK

Serving Rules: Players do not lose a point for being out of the serves order, simply correct the order and serve. Servers only have one toss, they may NOT drop the serve and reserve; unless, the opposing team raises their hand in order to reposition themselves or ask the blocker to reposition because of a screen. Foot faults should be called if the server touches over or under the serves line before the ball has left the server’s hand. However, a server is not committing a foot fault when the foot pushes sand into the line so the working teams should be confident if the servers foot or sand moved the line before calling a foot fault; otherwise, play on. Let serves are good, meaning the volleyball can hit the net and tickle over for a point. If the volleyball touches the antenna during the serve, it’s an antenna violation. If the volleyball lands on the ring or corner of the line, balls in; however, if the volleyball lands on the bungee connecting to the corner of the line, balls out. Players on the court are responsible for adjusting the boundary lines before the serve. If the wind displaces the boundary line during the serve or the line was not adjusted, the ball is in or out as is. The only time the line is adjusted to judge a ball mark is if a player displaces the boundary line during the play, not if the wind displaces the line or not adjusted after the play. Serves are NOT considered “hard driven” therefore players are NOT allowed to “beach dig” the serve.

Setting Rules: Players are allowed to overhead hand set the first ball (serve or during a rally) but can NOT double or lift the ball. Players may overhead hand set a ball over the net if the ball lands in line or between the setter’s shoulders or “square” with the ball as long as the setter does not double contact or lift the ball. The setter does not need to be square if the setter is intending to set their attacker and the ball goes over, again as long as the setter does not double contact or lift the ball. A lift violation is when a setter makes contact and brings the ball down and out or if there is prolonged contact to the ball. A setter may receive the ball at any point (below the chin or even the chest) AS LONG AS the ball is releasing QUICKLY from the setter’s hands. When the ball “sticks” or temporarily held, then a lift violation should be called. (see video)

9.2.2.1 Simultaneous Contacts:
The ball may touch various parts of the body, provided that the contacts
take place simultaneously.

9.2.2.2 Consecutive contacts:
At the first hit of the team, provided it is not made overhand with fingers) consecutive contacts are permitted provided that the contacts occur during one action (that is, a players hands do not need to be together when receiving a ball overhead)

9.2.2.3 at blocking, consecutive contacts may be made by one or more players, provided that they occur during one action;

9.2.2.4 Extended contacts:
In defensive action of a hard driven ball, the ball contact can be extended
momentarily even if an overhand finger action is used (called a “beach dig” but serve is not considered hard driven)

Attacking Rules: Players are not allowed to tip the ball or redirect with their fingertips. A net violation occurs when a player’s attacking arm or body touches the net in continuation before landing in the sand. A player is NOT committing a net violation if the sequence of the play is the player attacks, lands in the sand, ball is dead and then the attacker hits the net.

A player is also NOT committing a net violation when touch the net or any equipment outside the antenna as long as they are not interfering with the play.

Blocking Rules: Like a beach dig, a blocker’s contact can be extended momentarily and redirect a ball left or right on pass or set over the net as long as the ball is not stopped, a catch and throw is not allowed. The block is committing a net violation if any part of their body touches the net during the continuation of the black before touching the sand. A player is NOT committing a net violation if the sequence of the play is jumping up for the block, lands in the sand, ball is dead and then the blocker hits the net.

11.2.1 A player may enter into the opponent’s space, court and/or free zone,
provided that this does not interfere with the opponent’s play.

11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent,
no fault is committed.

14.4.2 The first hit after the block may be executed by any player, including the
one who has touched the ball during the block. However, the block counts as a touch so it’s block plus 2 contacts, not 3.

Free Space: Players may pursue a ball outside the boundary line BUT are highly recommended to stop BEFORE approaching outside the free space (see pdf)