New Rule Changes

For the IHSAA 2026 volleyball season, major rules changes from the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) ruleshttps://www.ohsaa.org/news-media/articles/libero-rules-adjusted-in-high-school-volleyball (which IHSAA follows) focus on the libero (up to two designated per set, one playing at a time), player conduct (no audio/video devices, stricter bench behavior), and service rules (no hands above head on serve until ball crosses net), plus a new rule allowing textured volleyballs if adopted by states. These align with national trends to enhance participation, improve pace, and modernize gameplay for the upcoming school year.

  • Multiple Libero Designation: Teams can now designate up to two liberos on the lineup sheet before each set, though only one can play at a time, increasing player opportunities without using a substitution.
  • Audio/Video Device Ban: Players are prohibited from wearing any audio (microphone) or video (camera) devices during matches.
  • Serving Rules: Players on the serving team cannot raise their hands above their heads until the ball has passed beyond the net.
  • Pace of Play: The second referee will give a second warning for the break between sets at 2 minutes, 30 seconds (down from 2:45) to speed up the game.
  • Undergarments: Allows black, white, or gray undergarments in addition to matching uniform colors, aligning with other sports.
  • Textured Volleyballs (Optional): State associations can adopt the use of non-smooth or textured volleyballs for more inclusivity.

These changes were recommended by the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee and approved by the NFHS Board, with IHSAA implementing these national standards for Indiana high school volleyball.

IHSAA IMPORTANT DATES

Below is the list of important dates for the Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association and the IHSAA.  Please note the deadlines for each award.  You can nominate at any time up to the deadline date listed.  You MUST be a member of the IHSVCA to nominate players and no late nominations will be accepted.

  • IHSVCA State Coaches Clinic- July 26
  • IHSAA official start of fall practices- Monday, August 3
  • First official IHSAA contest- Saturday, August 15
  • IHSAA Tournament entry deadline- Monday, September 24
  • IHSAA Sectional Tournament Pairings Show- Sunday, September 30, 8 pm ET/7 pm CT, streamed on IHSAAtv.org hosted by Greg Rakestraw.  Please share images of your team gathering with us @IHSVCA and @IHSAAVB.
  • IHSVCA All-District/All-State and All-Star Tryout Invitee, October 12
  • IHSAA Sectional dates- October 13, 15, 17
  • IHSAA Regional date- Saturday, October 25
  • IHSVCA All-District Zoom Meeting, Sunday, October 24
  • IHSAA Semi-State – Saturday, October 31
  • IHSVCA Selection Sunday, Sunday, November 1
  • IHSVCA State Banquet- Friday, November 6
  • IHSAA State Finals- Saturday, November 7
  • IHSVCA All-Star Tryouts- Sunday, November 15
  • IHSVCA All-Star Matches- Sunday, November 22

IHSVCA Important Dates/Deadlines