| Rule Submission Title | Replay for ball touching exposed center support |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Vote | Disapproved |
| USAP Board Vote Reason | It is not a necessary clarification. It is already well understood that this issue is currently treated as a net malfunction. |
| Existing Rule # | None |
| Proposed Rule Change | 11.L.5.e. A replay will occur any time a ball makes contact with an exposed center support that extends above the top of the net.
|
| Original Rule Text | No change to 11.L.5.d. "Any malfunction of a net system during play shall be considered a hinder." |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | With a portable net system, a center net support that wears through the top net material often makes it possible for a ball to make contact with the internal metal or plastic support.
This revision:
1] does not confuse the center support with "net posts", which are "permanent objects" (3.A.26.). The term "net post" can be found over a dozen times in the rule book, always (and should remain) referring solely to the outer net posts. Vertical center supports are not mentioned in the current rule book
2] allows the 11.L.5.d. net malfunction rule to remain unchanged and continue to apply only to hinders, transient elements (3.A.16.) occurring during play, such as a sudden loss of net tension during a rally.
3] does not rely on players' opinions as to whether play was adversely impacted, as opinions may differ.
|
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | With the serve or during a rally, a ball touches an exposed center support which extends above the top of the net. A replay of the rally shall occur. |
| Rule Book Year | 2026 |
| Rule Change ID | 2203 |
| Date Created | May 8, 2025 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
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