The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) governs the rules for seated volleyball, a Paralympic sport where two teams of six players compete on a volleyball court. The objective of the game is to score points by grounding the ball on the opposing team’s court. Players are required to maintain contact with the floor with at least one buttock throughout the game. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) oversees the sport and sets the regulations for seated volleyball, ensuring that the rules are fair and equitable. The World Organisation Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD) is responsible for promoting and developing seated volleyball globally. The sport has gained widespread recognition and is now contested at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
The Ultimate Guide to Seated Volleyball Rules
For those who love the thrill of volleyball without the physical demands of standing play, seated volleyball is the perfect game. With its unique set of rules and equipment, seated volleyball provides an exciting and competitive athletic opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Understanding the fundamental rules is essential to ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay.
Court Layout
- The court is rectangular, measuring 10 meters wide and 6 meters long, with a central line dividing it into two halves.
- Each court side has a 5-meter attack zone, an area from which players can attack the ball.
- The net height is 1.15 meters for women and 1.25 meters for men.
Equipment
- The ball is smaller than a standard volleyball, with a circumference of 65-68 centimeters.
- Players sit on specialized chairs with four wheels that allow them to move quickly and efficiently.
Team Composition
- Each team consists of six players on the court at a time, with a maximum of six substitutes.
- Teams alternate possession of the ball, with the goal of sending it over the net and into the opponent’s court.
Gameplay
1. Starting the Game
– The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team serves first.
– The serving team stands behind the end line and tosses the ball into the air, striking it with an overhead motion.
2. Attacking
– Players can attack the ball from either the front or back zone, using a rolling or floating attack technique.
– An attack is considered successful if the ball crosses the net and lands in the opponent’s court.
3. Blocking
– The opposing team can block the attack by using their arms and hands to prevent the ball from passing over the net.
– Blocks are not counted as a touch, allowing the attacking team to touch the ball multiple times before it must be returned.
4. Touches
– A team has a maximum of three touches to return the ball over the net.
– The ball must be played cleanly, with no holding or double-hitting.
5. Scoring
– A point is awarded to the team that successfully lands the ball in the opponent’s court.
– The game is typically played to 25 points, with a best-of-five set format.
Table of Common Fouls
| Foul | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking fault | Touching the ball before it crosses the net | Loss of possession |
| Holding | Holding the ball for more than one second | Loss of possession |
| Double hit | Touching the ball twice consecutively | Loss of possession |
| Back row attack | Attacking the ball from behind the 5-meter attack line | Loss of point |
| Lifting | Assisting a teammate in jumping or changing position | Loss of point |
Question 1:
What are the key rules for seated volleyball?
Answer:
Seated volleyball follows a set of specific rules to ensure fair play and safety:
- The court is smaller than traditional volleyball, measuring 10 x 6 meters.
- The net is lower, set at 1.15 meters for men and 1.05 meters for women.
- Players must remain seated at all times during play, including when receiving and attacking the ball.
- Teams have three touches to return the ball, but can block multiple times.
- The ball must be passed underhanded, with a flicking motion.
- Players cannot cross the center line or reach over the net to touch the opponent’s side.
Question 2:
What is the scoring system for seated volleyball?
Answer:
The scoring system in seated volleyball is similar to traditional volleyball:
- Each rally is worth one point.
- The first team to reach 25 points with a two-point lead wins the set.
- Matches are best-of-five sets.
- If the match goes to a fifth set, it is played to 15 points instead of 25.
Question 3:
What are the eligibility requirements for seated volleyball?
Answer:
To be eligible to play seated volleyball, players must have a permanent or temporary physical disability that affects their ability to stand and play volleyball conventionally:
- Players with lower limb impairments, such as amputations or paralysis, are eligible.
- Upper limb impairments do not disqualify players, as long as they can effectively hold and strike the ball.
- Players can use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or braces, to support their mobility.
- The classification system determines the level of disability and ensures fair competition between athletes with different impairments.
Well, there you have it, folks! The ultimate guide to understanding the rules of seated volleyball. I hope you enjoyed this quick dive into the thrilling sport. Remember, the key is practice and determination. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, I encourage you to keep hitting the court and honing your skills. And don’t forget to visit again soon for more fun and informative content. Until next time, keep on spiking!