Center line rules

[oldvbguy]

Just wondering - what is the current rules interpretation NCAA uses for centerline violations. Saw a match last week where outside hitter took three steps along the center line after a hit - clearly across - not on- the line. She did not interfere with a player on the other side but that used to be a violation anyway. Is the rule different now?

[ugopher]

It has been that way for a while now. As long as they do not interfere with a player on the side of the net there isn't a violation.

[jgrout]

Isn't only part of a player's foot allowed across the center line under the net between the antennae? I thought that putting one's whole foot across the center line was still a fault.

[ugopher]

No, as long as there is not hinderance or safety issues the entire foot can be across the line.

I noticed this a few years back when a setter continually would cross the line when chasing down a pass. She didn't hit the net nor did she interfere with an opposing player. I asked the coach about this and was told no violation if there wasn't a safety issue.

In the US we have different net/centerline rules for high school, college and juniors. Can be hard to keep everything straight.

[BearClause]

Here's the rule:

15.1.3.2 It is not a fault to penetrate into the opponents’ space under the net,
provided that this does not interfere with the opponents’ play. If the ball
inadvertently contacts an opponent while part of the ball is in the plane
below the net, the ball is out of play and it is not considered to be a fault
by the opponents.

15.2.4 Crossing the Center Line

15.2.4.1 Encroachment into the opponent’s court with the foot, feet or
hand(s) is permitted, provided some part of the encroaching extremity
remains in contact with or directly above the center line, and there is
no interference with opponents. It is not a fault to contact the opponent’s
team court with the hair.

15.2.4.2 Encroachment into the opponent’s court with any part(s) of the
body is permitted, provided some part of the body remains either in
contact with or directly above the center line, and there is no interference
with opponents. In addition, completely crossing the center line with
the foot, feet or hands, or encroachment with other body parts must not
present a safety hazard to opponents.

It seems a bit contradictory.