The Italian Volleyball Federation introduced a new interpretation of the service rules after a practice recently emerged that created chaos in reception and decided matches in an unsportsmanlike manner.
What was the problem
Following the latest change in volleyball rules, the players of the receiving team are allowed to shift positions evenwhen the ball is tossed for service, and not just after hitting it.
This allowed some servers to start tosimulate a serve– they toss the ball without hitting it. At this moment, the reception has already shifted positions, and an overlap error often occurs, which, according to the rules, awards a point to the serving team.
In other words – a point without an actual serve.
Italy's Solution
In Italian championships, such actions will now be considered contrary to fair play and will be penalized. The Federation adopted the following measures:
First simulated serve– the referee issues a verbal warning to the server. A reception error by the receiving teamis not called.
Repeated infringement– the server receives a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Thus, Italy practically prohibits the fake serve, even though it is not formally described in the international rules.
How the scandal came about
According to the Telegram channelVolleyball LIVE, precisely such a fake serve by Ebrar Karakurt played a key role in her team's victory in a match from the Turkish championship. After the match, the situation caused a serious stir.
One of the sharpest reactions came from Brazilian volleyball player Thaisa, who stated:
"Yes, some use it as a tactical trick. It's a dirty tactic, but it remains a tactic. Honestly, I don't even like talking about that girl."
What's next
With its decision, Italy sent a clear signal that it would not allow matches to be decided by tricks, but by play. It is not excluded that other federations may follow this example if similar situations start to repeat in their championships.
photo:haberler.com
