A set is considered legal if the ball comes out cleanly with minimal rotation, and the setter demonstrates consistent hand contact and control, regardless of the level of spin or noise generated during contact, as long as no prolonged lift or double contact occurs.
Rule Details:
- Clean Release Over Symmetry:
Spin on the ball alone shall not determine an illegal set. The primary criteria will be:
- No visible prolonged contact (lift).
- No clear double contact (i.e., not touching the ball unevenly with each hand).
- Consistency over Perfection:
Refs are encouraged to prioritize consistency of form and intention across multiple sets from a player, rather than penalizing based on a single set that looks slightly off. If a player's technique is generally sound, borderline sets should be allowed.
- Attack Direction Freedom:
Setters may face any direction and set the ball in any direction, provided the contact meets the clean release criteria. The rule removes unnecessary restrictions on "setting behind" if executed legally.
- Wind and External Factors Clause (Beach Only):
In outdoor play, environmental factors like wind should be considered in the ref’s judgment, especially for marginal calls on spin or trajectory shifts.
- Audio Irrelevance:
Audible hand contact ("deep dish" or "slapping" sounds) shall not be used as grounds for calling a fault unless visual cues also confirm an illegal lift or prolonged contact.
