NCAA Double-Touch Rule
How has the new NCAA double-touch rule affected women’s volleyball?
A key part of volleyball play is different this season, something players and coaches are adjusting to, but coming to appreciate.
Setting is a pivotal part of volleyball, and mastering the skill is difficult and important. A team only has three touches from receiving the ball to sending it back over the net to its opponent. The “set,” typically the second touch, is used to align the ball in a way that an attacker can best hit the ball to the other side of the court.
Since 1922, volleyball has had a rule where the setter is not allowed to make contact with the ball more than once in a single attempt: This is a “double contact,” often caused by a ball’s uneven movement through the air, or the setter’s hands being positioned incorrectly. It means the setter’s job requires that precision be used to be able to make smooth sets.In February 2024, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) released a statement, along with several changed rules to be enforced the upcoming (current) fall season. These included a change in jewelry allowed; how many liberos were allowed per roster; what type of play could be challenged via video recording; and most notably, the alleviation of the double infraction.
The NCAA officials determined that getting rid of the double-touch call would allow for more consistent referee calls. Per the NCAA website, “The committee also felt that it would promote the continuation of play, which would make the game more entertaining for the players and fans.”
Current MHCC sophomores Mackenzie Chappell and Molly McCoy, the setters for the Saints volleyball team, both had things to say.
McCoy said she was surprised at the reversal, calling it a “big game-changer,” but once it was actually in effect, she found it helpful to continue rallies, and has found it keeps calls more consistent.
“Before the rule change, different refs would follow different kinds of rules on the call, so it was very inconsistent whether they would call or not,” McCoy said. “But now being at this collegiate level, it totally makes sense because there’s not a lot of setters who are doing doubles here,” as opposed to younger-level competition, she said.
Chappell also shared initial concerns about the effects this rule could pose to the future of volleyball: “With (its) elimination I was scared that we might lose the true craft of setting,” she said. As the 2024 season progressed her feelings didn’t change much, but she found it useful in some ways, including allowing for continuation of play and not losing focus due to frequent violation calls.
Both players commented on how they are glad the rule is not implemented at a lower (younger) level, due to the setting skill itself being extremely important in the sport.
Saints Head Coach Kirt Day, just like her players, did not initially like the rule change. Seeing how the rule has played out, her feelings have become less negative.
“It definitely creates longer rallies, which I know the fans enjoy, and keeps the game going,” Day said. Worried it would take away the skill of setting, she continues to teach the keys of setting to her players, she added.
From the perspective of fans to coaches to players, the significant rule change has proven to not be as big of a problem as expected – albeit, it has only been in effect for a season. It will be interesting to see the effect it has on upcoming generations. of competitors who may not be required to master these skills.
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