Kicking the ball rule reference?

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I read your answer about kicking the ball during play and the part where it is legal by USAV rules, but I see no reference to the rule's location in the USAV rule book. I have searched the USAV rulebook and it does not mention this rule. Could you please provide the location of this rule,(ex. 14.6.1 of <insert rule section here>) so I can show my friends and teammates in black and white by the official handbook?  Thanks, this will help us a lot.

ANSWER: Good morning!  Welcome to www.allexperts.com!

I don't think you'll find "It's OK to kick the ball" in the USAV rule book.  What you will see is Rule 9.2.1. that states, "The ball may touch any part of the body."  That's what you can show your friends.  Debate over.  You win!!  

With juniors, 99% of the time a ball touches their knee or foot, it's either off a ricochet, or it's from an 80 mph hammer from an opponent.  However, I've seen adults (some are lazy, some are show-offs, some have legitimate knee issues) that try foot digs regularly.  I don't remember seeing any in the 2008 Olympics, so I don't think advanced players use their feet intentionally. Or maybe most of the Olympic men & women have had so much training by superior coaches that they've never even attempted it, never practiced it, never become accomplished at it.  

By the way, if a foot dig of a big spike was superior to getting down and arm digging, why don't Kerri & Misty do it?  You know why?  B/c it's NOT superior.  No one who coaches/teaches the game believes it.  

Personally, I've never seen anyone who was accomplished at foot digs.  I've seen men who try it every 15 minutes or so and get lucky occasionally.  I'm sure the person realizes that a foot dig may work 50% of the time, while the same dig would be made 80% of time with his arms.  Then why doesn't he arm dig?   I guess there are a few legitimate reasons:  Maybe it's b/c he's a master soccer dribbler, or maybe he grew up with no arms, or maybe he's got serious arthritis in his knees.  

Why does a guy try something that takes less effort and has poorer results?  Well, I think I know why!  haha  I think I mentioned it in the 2nd paragraph above!  

Thanks again for visiting!
Have a great day.....and please visit me at www.coachhouser.com!
Coach Houser


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

QUESTION: Thank you for your timely answer, but this rule section you quoted states that the ball may touch any part of your body..  but does not make clear if you can touch the ball with any part of your body. That rule says the ball can touch you anywhere, but says nothing about the player doing the touching of the ball.  It is the initiation of the touch that is confusing us.  Is there a rule that states clearly that a player may initiate contact with the ball with any part of their body instead of a vague blanket statement that the ball is allowed to hit you anywhere it happens to hit.  An alternate example of a situation that might parallel this one would be in soccer, you can't touch the ball with your arms or hands, but if someone kicks the ball at you and you are not looking and it hits your arm without your knowledge, it isn't considered a foul.  So, the ball can hit me, but that isn't the same as me hitting the ball.  Is there a rule that makes this distinction?

Answer
Good morning Deacon, and welcome back!

I see your point.  Huh.  However, since I'm not a soccer person, I would have never even considered looking at our initial question in that way.  

However, the soccer rule has no parallel in volleyball.  The 9.2.1. rule I read you is all there is.  "The ball may touch any part of your body."  That touch may be initiated by you, or by someone else.  No difference in volleyball.  

So an 80mph spike can inadvertently hit your foot and bounce up. Legal and that's 1 contact.  Also, a 10mph tip can be intentionally dug by sticking your foot out.  Legal and that's 1 contact.  There's no difference in these two.  

If this isn't clear, please email me again.  And have a great day.  Snow showers here in Virginia and I'm expecting school to be closed again.  

Coach Houser