New volleyball rule sets up faster game
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Anderson County senior defensive specialist Emersyn Blackburn passes the ball during a preseason playdate match against Lakeway Christian School. - Tony Cox
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Clinton junior Parker McGhee spikes the ball during pregame warmups on Saturday. The Lady Dragons honed their skills against Ooltewah during the noon match. - Tony Cox
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Clinton sophomore defensive specialist Maggie Turbyville digs a serve during Saturday’s playdate match against Ooltewah. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County’s Julia Owens digs a serve as teammates Emerie Bullock (1) and Delaney Long (15) look on during Saturday’s play day at Anderson County High School. - Tony Cox
Over the past three decades, volleyball at all levels has continued to evolve, with rules constantly changing to keep pace with the game.
As local high school teams prepare for the 2025 season, the rulebook has shifted again — double contact is no longer a violation when a player is passing to a teammate.
The adjustment, already in place at the college, club, and international levels, didn’t catch local coaches off guard.
“I think everybody knew it was coming,” said Oak Ridge first-year Head Coach Meghan Ellis. “It was already in club volleyball.”
The new rule has sparked differing opinions among Ellis, Clinton Coach Lorri Johnson, and Anderson County Coach Jayme Smith.
While their views on its impact vary, they share common ground in believing it will reduce referee involvement in close-call situations.
“It’s a judgment call, and from what I’ve seen so far, I like it,” Smith said. “It speeds up the game, keeps rallies going, and takes calls away from the referees. It’s always been kind of a picky call anyway.”
Under the change, players are not penalized for double contact when making a pass or set to a teammate, but will still be called for a double hit if the ball is intended to go over the net.
“I don’t think a player should always be penalized for a double hit,” Ellis said. “This rule speeds up the game, and it’s already in club volleyball.”
Johnson, however, isn’t a fan.
“Volleyball is always a sport that’s evolving,” she said. “Other sports have been about the same for decades, but volleyball keeps changing. I’m old-school — I didn’t like the libero when it came in, and I don’t like this because it favors teams with weaker setting.
“But I knew it was coming. High school is always the last to change. It’s already in the international game, club, and college.”
Clinton and Anderson County co-hosted a play day Saturday, and while all three coaches were pleased with their teams’ effort, each agreed there’s work to do before the season opens the week of Aug. 18.
