USAV Rules: Pregnant player, net violations, kicking the ball

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 questions all using USA rules;
1) When someone is spiking the ball, is it OK to touch the top white tape on the net if it's just a brush of the tape?
2) Can some one make a swinging kick at the ball?

ANSWER: Good morning Craig!

Thank you for visiting www.allexpert.com!

First, the net:  In USAV rules, it is NOT ok to touch the top of the net during a hit or block. In fact, that's about the only net violation that will be called.  

Second, kicking the ball.  I get this question often.  For some reason, people want to know if they can play soccer during a vball match.   :)  

For most high school players in the USA, they use the National Federation rule book.  And it's only been in the past 2 years that the rule book allows the ball to touch a player below the waist.  Yep, as recently as 2008, if the ball touched a person below the waist, it was an illegal contact.

In NCAA, USAV, and international ball, any contact is legal unless it's (a) a double on the 2nd or 3rd hit, or (b) a prolonged contact on any hit.   

There is a disadvantage to allowing this:  I've seen many lazy USAV players and outdoor doubles players who will stick a foot out, and 95% of the time they do it b/c of laziness.  Don't even tell me that a short serve can't be passed better with two arms than with a foot.  But when sticks a foot out, people laughs....I guess that's why the player does it, to get some attention.  And when a ball miraculously comes up, everyone cheers, "Oh my gosh, what a great play."  I'm muttering, "What a lucky play.  What a lazy butt!"  

Before I stop, yes, I did see a play on TV in the Olympics on the beach where a ball was going down a blocker's body, so he popped it up with his foot.  Never seen it before, probably will never see it again.  But that's why I said above "95%".  Some foot digs are indeed the only way to get to the ball.  

I hope I've answered your question.  If not, please ask again!  Have a great day, and please visit www.coachhouser.com!  I think you'll like the smiling faces!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can a pregnant female participate as a player under the usav rule book?

Answer
Good morning Craig:

* I have known women who played when pregnant.  One of my friends was showing, and when she got on the floor, we all gasped!  

* I have looked through the USA rule book, and find no mention of it.

* I have texted two of my friends who referee USA ball. If they know of any restriction, I will re-answer your question.

I hope that you have a great day!
See ya soon at www.coachhouser.com!

Tom