Can this new rule change be a game changer?

By Jessy Satti
Pakmen Volleyball Club
u18 Men’s Head Coach

The U23 World Championships are being hosted in Cairo, Egypt this year, and they are using it as the platform to test out their new scoring rule.  The new rule being implemented in these championships is that all matches will be a best-of-seven with each set being played to 15 points.  Here are some important things to know about the new scoring system:

• 3 ranking points to teams who win 4-0, 4-1 or 4-2
• 2 ranking point to teams who win 4-3
• 1 ranking point for losing team
• Interval time between sets is 2 minutes instead of 3
• Switch sides after set 2 and then after set 4, 5, 6 if needed
• No technical time-outs, only 2 30 second time-outs

According to FIVB.com, the reason they are testing this score change because they feel it will make each set more meaningful and entertaining to the audience.   They also feel this may open a window of opportunity for weaker teams to cause dramatic upsets against stronger teams, which in turn can help popularize the sport.

In addition to the scoring rule, they will also be testing a new serving rule in Cairo as well.  Jump servers will not be allowed to land inside the court after a jump serve.

To learn more about the new rules, please go here: http://u23.men.2017.volleyball.fivb.com/en/news/u23-worlds-testbed-for-new-scoring-rules?id=72080&sf107265538=1