The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has introduced new structured guidelines in their rule book that will take effect during the World Under-23 Women's Championship slated August in for Slovenia.
In the previous setup, teams contested up to a maximum of five sets with the decider being settled in 15 points.
In the new directive, teams will now be playing to best-of-seven sets (up to 15 points each).
This is scheduled to take effect during the championship, a move that FIVB hopes will revolutionise the sport.
A further directive eliminates the rule of restricting areas for coaches during the game play situation.
FIVB’s vision is to see futuristic transition of these rules in order to be replicated at the senior competitions.
Additionally, the volleyball governing body has passed the incorporation of new rules in game situation.
One dictates the delivery of jump service balls. The rule states, “a player that makes this kind of serve must land before the service line after hitting the ball.”
The second rule concerns the offensive strategy of back-row attack.
The new rule states, “a player performing this kind of attack must land before the three-meter line after hitting the ball.”
Kenya is one of only two African countries that will represent the continent in the global showpiece. This is after finishing second behind Egypt in the qualifiers held in October 2016 with both teams sealing berths.
Meanwhile, 23 players have been called up by Kenya Volleyball Federation to Kenya’s provisional squad for the world championship.
The team will once again be coached by Catherine Mabwi and is set to start non residential training on Tuesday at Nyayo Stadium.
Mabwi will be assisted by Kenya Prisons women’s team assistant coach Josp Barasa.
“We have quality players selected. Our aim is to start preparations early and am confident that the team will be ready for the competition,” Baraza said.
Kenya Prisons’ duo of Anne Lowem and Yvonne Wavinya, who were star performers during the qualifiers headline the squad that has nine new call ups.
Provisional Squad: Veronica Tanui, Yvonne Sinaida, Edina Mwombe, Beldine Akinyi, Celestine Nyongesa (Kenya Pipeline); Anne Lowem, Shyrene Chepkemoi, Yvonne Wavinya, Sarah Were (Kenya Prisons); Doreen Marani, Pauline Wafula (Kenya Commercial Bank), Maureen Agwala, Damaris Chepkorom (Nairobi Water); Faith Immodia (St Paul’s University) New call ups: Joan Ngeiywo, Lillian Lelei, Pamela Chepkorom and Meldine Sande, Carol Sirengo, Teresia Keya (Kenya Prisons); Metrine Wafula (Western Bombers);Lucy Sakong, Shyreline Sembei (Kenya Commercial Bank).
Officials
Coach: Catherine Mabwi Assistant coach: Josp Baraza
Additional reporting by KVF media
