Closed poll – Reaching under the net
THE POLL
R2 blocks S4’s attack. R2 reaches under the net & contacts the ball on Team S’s side but before Team S has an opportunity to play it. What fault should the R1 signal in awarding the ball to Team S?
- Ball Out (Signal #15) – 5%
- Reaching beyond the net (Signal #20) – 28%
- Penetration (Signal #22) – 56%
- Individual misconduct (Signal #6) – 5%
- None of the above. R1 should have allowed play to continue. – 7%
Total Voters: 122
DONNIE GOODWIN RESPONDS:
Those who have worked men’s matches see this situation more often than you would like.
Most likely the ball will be out of play but in this case, team S may have a play on the ball when R2 reaches under the net to contact the ball. At this point Team R has penetrated the plane underneath of the net to interfere with play. Signal 22 should be used to indicate a penetration fault; good for the 56% of voters who got that right. For those who voted for signals 15 or 20, remember that your signal must fit the lay that occurred, which is not the case here.
Upon further explanation to the captain, interference with play is a key factor. Rule 11.2 clearly states that penetration under the net can be legal provided that this does not interfere with the opponents play. This is not the case here and the fault is a violation of this rule.
For the 5% of poll voters who would have awarded an individual misconduct sanction, take a close look at the situations where an individual sanction is in order (starting on p.61 of the 09-11 DCR). Recognize that there is a difference between a playing fault and behavior misconduct (which could play in very significant at the time or later in the match).
Lastly, keep in mind that if R2 inadvertently contacts the ball under the net and has no bearing on the outcome of the play, the R1 should at that point award the ball to the receiving team.