Contact with Feet

Question
Until recently, I had been a high school and collegiate referee for women`s VB (20 years).  I now teach a co-ed Power Volleyball class, and I am often confronted by male students who have questions regarding contact with the feet.  I know for women, inadvertent contact is allowed (at least the last I knew).  What are the male rules regarding the feet (ie. can contact be intended) and what are the generally accepted rules for coed play.  I have spent over 20 years saying "DO NOT KICK the volleyball !!!!" and I find I may have to change my ways.  Is it acceptable in beach volleyball, but not in hardcourt ball?  I have already checked some links (Todd`s Website) but I would like some individual interpretation from someone experienced in both genders. Any good links would be appreciated too.


Answer
Dear Chris:
The correct answer to your question, as is too often the case, depends upon the level and organization for which you are coaching/playing.  At the NCAA, AAU, SCVA (Junior Club) and Olympic levels contact below the waist (i.e. the feet) is now legal, regardless of intent; it simply counts as a single contact.  I specifically remember two years ago in the NCAA finals when Mark Presho of Hawaii fulfilled a lifetime goal of actually setting a ball with his feet (he had been a lifetime soccer player before coming to the sport of volleyball relatively late)  He was covering a quick attack and was able to kick the ball straight up with his foot whereupon the middle attacker alertly put the ball away giving Mark the first recorded "foot assist".
  In High School (at least in CIF, Southern California Section) contact below the waist is allowed only if inadvertent (i. e. there is no conscious or obvious attempt to play the ball with the lower body), otherwise it is a violation and will result in a whistle and side out or point.
  As always, however, the rules are constantly evolving (can you say "libero") and I wouldn't be surprised to see the high school rule changed in the very near future.
  Hope this has been helpful.  Please feel free to contact me again if I can be of any further assistance.
       -Crutch