In all, six rule’s changes were recommended by the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee at its annual meeting January 12-14. All rules changes were reviewed and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 9-4-8c was added to the section on multiple contacts, adding second contact to the list of permitted instances, joining a team’s first contact and after a player touches the ball on a block. In addition to eliminating an official’s judgment call, the change allows for play to continue and does not create an advantage for the offending team.

Rule 3-2-1 NOTE and the use of a textured ball. Beginning in 2026-27, state associations will be permitted to adopt the use of a textured ball – commonly utilized in boys volleyball – for boys or girls matches. This state association adoption would also remove restrictions on color and shape of panels for a textured ball. Rule 3-2-1 panel color, number and shape requirements for a smooth ball remain.

Rule 4-2-4 was amended to note that, beginning in 2029, uniform numbers must simply be centered on the upper half of the uniform. This removes the requirement for the number to be 5 inches from the top and bottom of the garment and the need for officials to measure the distance.

Rule 4-2-1, which now allows players to wear solid black, white or gray undergarments under the uniform top or bottom if the predominant color of the team uniform cannot be matched. However, all team members, other than the libero, must still wear the same color undergarment.

Officials will no longer be required to carry a lineup card as part of their uniform/equipment thanks to edits to Rule 5-3-2b and 5-5-3b(9). The lineup card could still be used by newer officials as a training tool, while veteran officials may use the coaches’ submitted lineup sheets to check the starting lineup.

Rule 10-4, the penalty for an illegal libero replacement will be determined before or after the contact for serve. If identified before contact, an unnecessary delay is administered. If identified after service contact, an illegal alignment results in a loss of rally/point.

The association's Executive Committee set this Saturday, Dec 14 at 10am at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti for an association membership meeting.   Topics will include 2025 high school assigning details, announcements of 2025 clinics, and election of several association leadership positions.   Current members have been invited via Arbiter, so be sure to log on to accept attending this event. 

The CAAVO Executive Committee has met, and determined the association's member dues will remain at the same rate as in previous years.   A link is under construction on this website to once again allow renewing and new members to pay their 2025 dues on line.

Let us know if you wish to attend.  Times are 5pm to 7pm.  These are Varsity Summer Scrimmages with Multiple Teams.  Trainers will be on site to help "Newer" Officials.  Veterans may want to call a few matches to get the rust off.