Rule Packages To Be Tested

How did we choose rules?

First, thank you to our rules committee! They reviewed all of the suggestions from the community. From there, they then organized, evaluated, refined, and grouped the top-rated rules into packages. The detailed document linked below is a product of countless hours of work from community members all over the world.

How will rules be tested?

We have four phases each with it’s own rule package. Package A & B are already defined. Packages C & D will be determined based on our learnings. The testing will happen consecutively (i.e. we will start with just testing package A then move on to testing package B). In package C we will combine the best of what’s working and possibly add alternate rules if needed. So just because rules aren’t currently grouped together (or included in a package) doesn’t mean they can’t end up together. Package D focuses on further refining what’s worked. At this point, we hope to be fine tuning the rules that will be voted on by NGBs in September.

What’s in packages A & B?

Package A (Bolster Defense)
Limit the area to cover, provide more time to get in position, and enhance ability to know what shot will be hit.

• Out of bounds (circle 7.5m radius)

• No same hand toss

• No hits on 2 on the first possession

• Server’s teammate free to move

• Receiver’s teammate free to move  

• Simultaneous contacts count as 1 hit

Package B (Nerf Hitting)
Iterate on the out of bounds distance + limit drops and make hitting extreme angles harder to achieve.

• Out of bounds (distance TBD based on Package A results)

• No drop zone (ball cannot land within the no hit zone)

• Expand no hit zone (110cm for men, 100 cm for women)

• Simultaneous contacts count as 1 hit

Package C (Synergy)
Pair high-performing rules from Packages A&B and adding alternative options if necessary

Package D (Preliminary Final Version)
Developing the final test version based on insights from all testing

When will each package be tested?

This is a rough timeline. We will make adjustments as needed based on our learnings and keep everyone in the loop as details get finalized.

• March - April: Start testing Package A

• May: Shift to Package B

• June: Shift to Package C (potentially with some additional testing of previous packages)

• July - August: Shift to Package D

What about equipment testing?

The focus is rule changes because we have direct control and easy to test globally. That said,The IRF is actively in discussions with equipment manufacturers on production of bigger balls. When bigger balls become more accessible, we will incorporate testing them into some of the events this year.

What else should the community keep in mind?

This is an iterative process. It’s helpful if a rule goes a little too far as that makes it more clear which direction to go from there. We expect some things to “fail” and that’s part of the process. We really hope everyone approaches these changes with an open-mind and good spirit. We know some modification might be difficult or frustrating at first (like any change), but the ultimate goal is to set roundnet up for the future. If there was something you wanted to see testing that isn’t currently in a package, it doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be part of later tests. If you think a distance adjustment is too much or too little - that’s exactly what the testing is meant to determine.