Hand Set Rule Adjustment – Tournament Application

In general, the FIVB Beach Volleyball Official Rules apply throughout the tournament.

However, when teammates set the ball to each other — or when the first contact after reception (excluding serve receive) is played as a hand set to a teammate — a double contact fault will not be called, even if the set technically includes a double touch.

If the team that performed the hand set believes the contact was excessively poor, they may call the fault on themselves and award the point to the opponents.

However, opposing players or the scorekeeper acting as referee may not call a fault on the opponent’s hand set and may not stop the rally.

Prolonged contact (“catch” or “lift”) may only be called by the referee.

The purpose of this application is to:

• Increase rally continuity

• Keep the ball in play longer

• Minimize disputes arising from the highly subjective interpretation of hand setting faults

This approach, which FIVB has also been moving toward, was tested last year in three major World Tour events. It has already been implemented in indoor volleyball.

For these reasons, we have introduced this rule in our Public Championships.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Situations Where Standard Hand Setting Rules Apply

In the following cases, hand sets must meet normal rule standards:

• During serve reception

• When the ball is intentionally sent over the net to the opponent’s court using a hand set (at any moment during the rally)

In these situations, hand sets must fully comply with official rules.

Faults in these cases may be called:

• By the referee, or

• By the team committing the fault

The opposing team may not stop the rally. However, after the rally has ended, they may politely ask the referee and the opposing team whether the action should be considered a fault.

If the team that performed the action acknowledges the mistake, the point is awarded to the opponents.

If the team does not consider it a fault — even in the case of a double contact — the game continues as played. The opposing team may adjust their strategy accordingly.

Additional Clarifications

In cases of:

• Prolonged contact (catch or carry)

• Ball being visibly trapped or held in the hands

• One-handed open-hand pokey-style attacks where the ball sticks to the fingers

a fault will be called by the referee or the scorekeeper acting as referee.

Players are responsible for calling their own clear faults.

All participants are required to act within the spirit of Fair Play.

If a team believes that the opposing team is excessively abusing this rule, they may call the Tournament Director to request observation or supervision.

Loud arguments between players, opponents, or referees are strictly prohibited.