Let's talk about something that has been a HOT TOPIC for YEARS... The double contact. This post comes almost one year to the day of a related post you can read on the double contact rule here. Making changes in the double contact rule has been talked about for years, and was recently applied at the NCAA level. But even before the NCAA implemented the rule change, I knew it was going to eventually make it to the scholastic level.
The NCAA recently adjusted its rules to allow multiple contacts on the second team hit, and it seemed only a matter of time before the Federation followed suit. Having seen the impact of the rule change firsthand, I believe this is a positive shift for the high school level. It encourages longer rallies, reduces unnecessary stoppages, and allows for more inclusive play.
One of the biggest advantages is the reduction of animosity toward officials. All but the most egregious double contacts whistled by referees are met with objections by coaches making double contact faults a long standing point of contention between referees and coaches. Removing this judgment call means fewer heated debates and a smoother match flow. But let's be clear on something: this doesn't mean the double contact rule has been eleminated altogether. The next contact after a "double contact" MUST be by a member of the SAME TEAM. So this means that the judgement is not TOTALLY alleviated; there is just a reframing of the focus for the referee. In short, if a double contact is noted, the referee now must be cognizant of the subsequent contact.
Players will also benefit—setters will undoubtedly feel less pressure when scrambling for a shanked ball. I have seen the fallout from whistling a double contact (albeit justified) from a setter that shifts to bump setting. Other players will be more confident sending the ball to an attacker rather than hesitating for fear of an error. Plus, officials can now focus on more crucial aspects of the game, such as monitoring attacking and blocking faults rather than constantly evaluating split-second hand contacts.
That said, no rule change comes without potential drawbacks. Some purists may argue that this shift devalues the skill of clean setting, allowing technically weaker setters to get away with sloppy hands. There’s also the possibility of inconsistency in enforcement during the transition period—some officials, players, and coaches may struggle to adapt, leading to confusion and frustration. Additionally, while this change relieves pressure on referees, it may place more emphasis on ball handling judgment in other areas, such as attacks by back-row players, extra focus on an overhead finger pass by a libero in the front zone, requiring sharper officiating in those scenarios.
Ultimately, I believe this change is a net positive for the game. Volleyball has always evolved to favor more dynamic and competitive play and longer rallies. This adjustment is no different. It will take time for everyone to fully embrace the new standard, but in the long run, we’ll see a more fluid, exciting, and fair game.
The feedback from the NCAA world has been overwhelmingly positive with respect to the rule itself. Most of the blow back I have encountered has been from players expressing their disenchantment with the so-called "loss" of glory in setter as a highly specialized and technical position or "now everyone is a setter, so what's the point of having a setter?" In my opinion, this rule change breaks the game wide open by affording every player the opportunity to be a tactical weapon.
My biggest fear is that reframing the minds in the referee corps will shift towards showing the signal for ball handling fault after an instinctive whistle on a double. In other words, incorrectly whistling a double contact but showing the ball handling fault signal. Either that or transitioning to over-focusing on the other aspects of the ball handling fault, especially during more athletic plays.
Stay consistent in your judgement by compartmentalizing the rule change so it minimizes the impact on other aspects of your officiating. Reframe your brain to apply the rule change effectively. Understand that there will be an adjustment period and allow grace for mistakes (on yourself and outbursts from coaches when mistakes are made).
We are our own worst critics. So here are some tips on adapting to this substantial rule change:
Comprehensively Understand the Rule Change
Read and internalize the change
Understand the change with respect to its predecessor
Bonus: espouse the change through the lens that it benefits the game
Cognitive Reframing
Move from "double contacts must be judged" to focusing on "whether play should continue" in the spirit of volleyball (the ball shall remain in constant flight)
Accept that there will be a natural and visible shift in gameplay and strategy by teams that will alter the landscape of play
Practical Application
Watch game footage and mentally call the game yourself
Work and train with fellow referees to reinforce your new mindset
Constantly and consistently apply the change until it is automatic, you will get better and
Self-Awareness and Self-Inventory
Use internal cues: focus on "was the ball over-controlled?" (catch and throw) instead of "was that a double contact?"
Understand that "old habits die hard" and be aware of the possibility of reverting to "old ways" or "trained behavior" during stressful or high-focus situations.
Redirect and Reallocate Mental Resources
Allow yourself the benefit of freeing up mental bandwidth for other situations
Adjust your mindset to focus on the more technical aspects of game flow and not narrowing focus on mechanical ball handling errors
Recognize the instinctual desire to whistle and understand you may have to deliberately overcome this by swallowing your whistle for a breath while your brain processes what you saw
Feedback, Realignment, and Grace
Allow yourself some grace, cut yourself some slack, don't be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes... take your pick
Be open to feedback: hearing positive and constructive feedback can reinforce your abilities as well as guide and encourage change
Be patient: no one will affect this change overnight
I ask myself two questions when I am judging contact:
Did you (the player) under control the ball?
If the answer is "yes," was there a distinct double contact? And yes... it is now time to reframe my brain...
Did you (the player) over control the ball?
If the answer is "yes," was the ball caught and thrown, was there prolonged contact, or did the ball visibly come to rest?
Initially it took time and effort to apply this principle to my judgement of contact, but eventually it became easier and faster allowing me to be more comfortable and confident in my ability to whistle a fault. With this rule change, I find solace in being able to reduce my mental load to just the second question and becoming that much more proficient and improving my skills and shifting my focus to more technical aspects of the game.
But don’t take my word for it. You can read about the double contact change, and all the other rule changes, here.
What are your thoughts on the new rule? Is it a step in the right direction, or do you see potential downsides I haven’t considered? Let’s talk about it.
See you on the court,
Disclaimer: My opinions are my own and my individual idiosyncrasies and nuances should be taken as such. It is up to the individual referee to be exhaustively familiar with the rules and apply them in the spirit of the sport. Comments are always welcome, but if you have a question about a rule interpretation or are confused about a rules application, please seek the guidance of your association rules rep, mentor, rank representative, NFHS section rules committee chair, or other knowledgeable source.
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