Transitioning to Rally Scoring

Transitioning from side-out scoring to rally scoring can be very smooth.  Rally scoring looks very similar to a side-out game, with the main difference being a point scored every time the ball is blown dead.  The following has been written to help anticipate questions for schools new to rally scoring.

What constitutes a match with rally scoring?  Dual matches (two varsity teams) will play the best 3 out of 5 games with no cap.  “Game-point” for the first 4 games will be 25 points (the team must win by 2 points.)  The 5^th and deciding game is played to 15 (the team must win by 2 points.)  The format for sub-varsity and invitational tournaments may be modified.

How much time should be allotted for matches that are rally scored?   Data from state associations shows that most 3 of 5 rally matches end in 3 games.  The approximate length of time for a game (not including warm-up) is less than 20 minutes.  3-game matches take approximately 60 minutes, while 5-game matches take approximately 90 minutes.  Rally scoring no longer accommodates long non scoring periods during a game or match.

What is the “let serve”?  The “let serve” is a ball that when served, hits the net without touching the net antenna and continues across the net into the opponent’s court.  The let serve is a playable live ball. The let serve is a strategy used to keep the game moving with fewer interruptions in play.

With the “let serve”, there is no longer a need to touch the net when giving the signal to serve.

Time-outs  Each team is allowed a maximum of two time-outs per game.  A time-out is a maximum of 60 seconds, although play may resume sooner if both teams are ready prior to 60 seconds.  Extra time-outs are not granted during rally scoring, nor do time-outs accumulative during a match.

How will officials learn signals for rally scoring?  Signals for rally scoring under NFHS rules will remain the same as those used for side-out scoring. In rally scoring, the term side-out has been replaced with the term “loss of rally.” Any loss of rally results in a point for the opponent.

Sequence of signals  NFHS mechanics will continue to follow a three step procedure.  The sequence is to stop the ball, signal the infraction, and show the result.  The “side-out” signal will be replaced by the “point” signal on the side of the team that scored.  Officials will have little trouble making the adjustment, although the “point” signal should be held a fraction longer by both officials.