Distracting the opposing hitter by yelling/screaming

Question
sir, just we are not professional players, but had a little argument with friends over shouting at the net to distract the opp. team players from smashing / blocking .. is it allowed .. like if ur at the net either hitting the ball or blocking the ball and u YELL out loud like JUMP or BLOCK or HIT or just a SOUND .. so that it distracts the player on the opposite of the net .. just wnat to know if its allowed or not ..

Thanks.

Answer
Good afternoon and welcome to www.allexperts.com!  It's great to hear from you.

What you're describing is known as unsportsmanlike conduct in volleyball circles.  I referee a lot of middle school games, where a very competitive girl will exhibit this behavior occasionally b/c she neither is aware of volleyball etiquette, nor does she know the rules of the game.  When I witness the defenders try to distract the hitter, I will call the speaking captain over to the stand and say, "There will be no screaming/yelling the opponents' hitters.  Another incident will earn the person a yellow."  

Some people will say, "Well, some hitters grunt.  Why is that different?"  Reason:  that sound is not done to distract the opponent.  It's not done to force the opponent into a mistake.  Intimidate or irritate:  yes.  Distract:  no.  There's a difference.

Many rec or backyard leagues have no rule book, or there is a players' agreement about rules.  One such agreement that must be made is about net violations.  Do you agree that all nets are illegal (National Federation rule book, or just the ones that are close to the play (USAV rule book)?  Can you use a setting motion on first contacts (accepted everywhere) or do you not(old school)?  Are you allowed to go completely under the net with one foot (NCAA and outdoor doubles) or just a portion of one foot (NF & USAV)?  So, if the referees allow blockers/diggers to scream at opposing hitters, that's up to you guys.  I think it's poor sportsmanship, and I wouldn't want my children/players to watch that match, learn such tactics, and believe that they're accepted.

Thanks again for visiting!  And I hope you have a moment to visit www.coachhouser.com.  The smiling faces will make you want to just come by and jump into one of my 9 site camps this summer!

Have a great day!
Tom Houser