Volleyball Equipment Rules

The rules of volleyball specify how to play the game and they also include specific guidelines for the necessary equipment. The balls and nets have to conform to a certain construction, size, height and length. The location of the posts or standards and referee stands are also governed by the rules of volleyball.

  1. Net

    • The net height for men's and co-ed volleyball matches is 7 feet 11 and 5/8 inches and for women's matches the net height for is 7 feet 4 and 1/8 inches. The height measurement is taken at the middle of the net and the ends of the net cannot be more than 3/4 inches higher than the middle. The width of the net is 3 feet and the length is 32 feet.

    Posts or Standards

    • The nets will be supported and attached to posts or standards that will be located 18 to 36 inches outside the sidelines of the court. They can be padded to a maximum of 5 and 1/2 feet.

    Ball

    • The ball used in volleyball is made of 12 or more pieces of smooth synthetic or real leather with no exposed laces, according to the International Federation of Volleyball. It is round, 25 to 27 inches in circumference, and must weigh 9 to 10 oz. The ball is inflated to 4.26 to 4.61 psi.

    Net Antenna

    • The antenna is attached towards the outer side edges of the net and in line with the volleyball court sidelines. It is attached to the bottom and top of the net and will extend 2 and 1/2 feet to 3 feet above the top of the net. The antenna is made of fiberglass or similar unbreakable material and striped with contrasting colors, usually red and white.

    Referee Stand

    • The referee's stand will be positioned at one end of the net and outside the standard or pole. The stand will be high enough so that the head of the referee is approximately 2 or 3 feet above the top of the net. Padding on the front or sides of the referee's stand may be used.