CENTRE LINE MODIFICATION

Touching the opponents' court with any part of the body above the feet is permitted, providing that it does not interfere with the opponents’ play.

This means that, for example, a hand or knee can cross over the centre line; now only the foot remains prohibited from making contact completely across the centre line. There must, however, be no "interference" with the opponents' play, or a significantly increased health and safety risk.

NET CONTACT

Contact with the net by a player is not a fault unless it interferes with play.

Examples of net contacts which are still considered as faults would include any contact with the top band of the net (or antenna) during any action of playing the ball. Contacts which either create an unfair advantage, or which hinder an opponent's legitimate attempt to play the ball, would also continue to be penalised as net contacts. However, a setter who gently brushes the mesh of the net whilst playing the ball should no longer be penalised. Similarly, a blocker or hitter who brushes the net (on the way up or down) is no longer considered to be making a net fault, unless there is contact with the top band. Any "taking support" from the net – leaning into the net, or holding the mesh, or any action which significantly distorts the position of the top band of the net – is still a fault, as is any contact which prevents the opponent from being able to play the ball.

REFEREE COOPERATION

The second referee may signal and whistle illegal back-court attack hits and blocks.