The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Rules Committee on Thursday modified a recommendation for an experimental instant replay challenge rule that can be implemented in the 2015 season.
The committee, which met via conference call, changed the proposal to allow coaches three instant replay challenges per match. The challenge must be made before the referee extends his or her arm to start the next point. The previous recommendation would have allowed coaches two instant replay challenges per set.
Before a rules proposal becomes official, it must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to discuss women’s volleyball recommendations via conference call on Feb. 18.
How coaches would formally make the request to challenge a call will be decided at a later date, although some committee members believe some sort of visual aid should be used.
The players would have to remain on the court while the instant replay review takes place.
Coaches could request instant replay challenges only to review:
• If a ball landed in or out.
• If the ball made contact with a player.
• If a net violation, as defined in the rule book, occurred.
• Foot faults on a serve.
The referee will decide whether the replay evidence confirms or overturns the original call. If the replay is inconclusive, the original call will stand.
If approved, the instant replay rule can be used only in conference games at schools that are able to provide the necessary equipment and personnel. The Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences have requested to use the rule next season.
