What is the rule on blocker violation against a setter?

Question

A bad pass is made and the ball is almost flying over the net to the other side, however the setter jumps up and attempts to set the ball [to his/her teammate] before it passes over the net. Just when the setter sets it, the blocker on the other side blocks the ball straight down as the ball leaves the *setter's hands.

*the setter has clearly shown no intention of dumping the ball over the net.

Is this a violation on the blocker because blockers are not allowed to intercept a set? Or is it fair game because the ball has already left the setter's hands and if it was still in the setter's hands when the blocker blocked it THEN it would be a foul?

Answer 1

The term is "roofing" and it applies to a blocker extending his hands over the plane of the net and blocking a set.  Usually it is only called if the ball has not traveled above the height of the net however, it is also at the discretion of the referee.  Blocking a ball at the moment, or immediately after the ball comes into contact with the setter's hands is almost always considered roofing -- even if the setter's hands were above the plane of the net (ie. jump sets).

That also only applies to overhand sets -- bump sets can be blocked before reaching the height of the net as long as the blocker does not contact the net or any opposing player.

Answer 2

Its a violation when some one reaches over the net with a ball travelling to the other side. this is called a over reach. so the ball must be travelling to that side for the blocker the block or attack the ball. and it is not generally the setter it can be any ball on the attacking side that gets blocked.

Cheers district ref

Hydie :)

Answer 3

the rule is that the blocker can not interfere if there is a chance of the hitter getting the ball... it is also the view and how the ref thinks it should be called... u can ask the ref before the game when u R doing the coin toss !!!

Answer 4

On a 2nd ball if the ball crosses the plane of the net it is a blockable ball.  But if the ball is clear on the Setters side it becomes a violation (over the net).

So just depends on where the ball is.  If it crosses it is able to be blocked.  If it doesnt its a violation.  

(just a note)  If the setter is from the back row jumps up and the ball breaks the plane and the ball is blocked at the same time.  This becomes a back row attack/block and is a violation on the setters team.

Answer 5

The ball must come in contact with three of the other team's players before the blocker can legally block the ball.

Answer 6

Most of the people above are on the correct path.  Just a side note. The whole ball doesn't have to break the plane of the net.  If ANY part of the ball is in the plane of the net it is fair game.  Again this is mostly up to the discretion of the ref.  the Ball can be 99% on the setters side and 1% on the blockers side and the blocker can touch the ball without penalty, as long as the ref sees it that way.  It is one of the bigger judgment calls a ref will have to make during a game.