Clubs and officials should be aware of the rules that govern the game and the rules of the HVA.
Various downloads are available under Documents including the current 2024 HVA Rules (tweaked on 4 Sep 2024).
Changes for the 2024/25 Season
There were minimal changes agreed at the AGM. Here are the highlights:
- The complicated junior clauses added last year were removed.
- Clubs may be fined for incorrect net height.
- Clubs may be fined for not proving a referee was qualified when a qualified referee was required.
- Tweaks to "high level" player restrictions within HVA matches (See "Rule correction C6" below).
- Away teams fined if don't give 72 hours notice for a no-show. Transferred to home team by HVA to cover some costs.
See the "History of Amendments" towards the end of the rules for a full list.
Men's Div 3 Officials
The requirements for the new Men Division 3 match officials will be the same as Men Division 2 officials in section F of the rules; so First ref is required (and does not need to be qualified), Second ref is optional and a Scorer is required. We'll update this at the next AGM.
Rule Correction C6
We changed clause C6 this year and we've had it pointed out that the names of the competitions listed are not accurate. This clause should list NVL Super League and London Premier Division. It will be changed at the next AGM, but this correction will be applied for the current season.
A Reminder on "the Rules"
The HVA rules are to encourage and ensure fair play. Both teams can agree to disregard any rule in advance or on the day as long as it’s recorded on the scoresheet for the HVA’s and wider visibility. We would rather you were playing competitive volleyball. If this is abused or used to knowingly and disproportionally disadvantage a third team, then HVA may overrule a decision or mediate as required. If you continue to play under a known “broken rule” you can’t complain after the match!
Scoresheets
You do not need to use the official (and expensive) multi-sheet FIVB score pads. Matches can instead use a PDF version printed on A3. The HVA website only requires that a photo is uploaded and there is no need for a paper copy. Both teams should take a photo once the sheet is completed so they have their own record of the result.
Note our useful section on Info for scorers, which can help teams avoid unnecessary errors at the table and player eligibility issues during matches.
The Rules of Volleyball
The HVA always follows the current FIVB rules of volleyball. Please Google for the most recent official rules or search the FIVB website.
There is a great summary of the rules from Suffolk Volleyball Association, updated for recent changes. The HVA association rules take precedence at all times if there are any conflicts.