Sepak takraw From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sepak takraw

Highest governing body

ISTAF

First played

15th century

Characteristics

Team members

Mixed gender

single

Categorization

Indoor, beach

Equipment

rattan ball " or "

Sepak takraw (Malay: sepak takraw also known as sepak raga; Tamil: " "; Thai: , RTGS: takro; Lao: "cu my"),
[1]

"ka-taw"; Filipino: "sipa"; Vietnamese:

[2]

or kick volleyball, is a sport native to the Malay-Thai Peninsula. Sepak takraw differs from

the similar sport of volleyball in its use of a rattan ball and only allowing players to use their feet, knee,

chest and head to touch the ball. It is a popular sport in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Philippines. In Malaysia, the game is called sepak raga or "takraw". It is also thuck thay (Lao: "twine" and "kick")
[1]

while in Thailand it is sometimes called takraw. In Myanmar it is known as chin lone. In

the Philippines it is known as sipa, meaning "kick". Similar games include footbag net, footvolley, football tennis, bossaball, jianzi and sipa. These similar games all involve keepie uppies. History Earliest historical evidence shows that the game was played in the 15th century's Malacca Sultanate, for [4] it is mentioned in the Malay historical text, "Sejarah Melayu" (Malay Annals). The Malay Annals described in details the incident of Raja Muhammad, a son of Sultan Mansur Shah who was accidentally hit with a rattan ball by Tun Besar , a son of Tun Perak, in a Sepak raga game. The ball hit Raja Muhammad's headgear and knocked it down to the ground. In anger, Raja Muhammad immediately stabbed and killed Tun Besar, whereupon some of Tun Besar's kinsmen retaliated and wanted to kill Raja Muhammad. However, Tun Perak managed to restrain them from such an act of treason by saying that he would no longer accept Raja Muhammad as the Sultan's heir. As a result of this incident, Sultan [5] Mansur Shah ordered his son out of Malacca and had him installed as the ruler of Pahang. In Indonesia, sepak takraw was spread from nearby Malacca across the strait to Riau islands and Riau area in Sumatra as early as 16th century, where it is also called as Sepak Raga in local [6] [7] Malay tongue, at that time some of Sumatran areas were part of Malacca sultanate. From there the Malay people spread across archipelago and introduced the game to Buginese people in Sulawesi. Then the game is developed as Buginese traditional game which is called "Raga" (the players are called [8] "Pa'Raga"). The "Raga" can trace its origin from Malacca Sultanate, and was popular in South Sulawesi since 19th century. Some men playing "Raga" encircling within a group, the ball is passed from one to another and the man who kicked the ball highest is the winner. "Raga" is also played for fun by demonstrating some tricks, such as kicking the ball and putting it on top of player's head holds by tengkolok bugis (Bugis cloth headgear similar to Malay tanjak). In Bangkok, murals at Wat Phra Kaeo which was built in 1785, depict the Hindu god Hanuman playing sepak takraw in a ring with a troop of monkeys. Other historical accounts mention the game earlier during the reign of King Naresuan (15901605) of Ayutthaya. The game remained in its circle form for hundreds of years, and the modern version of sepak takraw began taking shape in Thailand sometime during early [citation needed] 1740s. In 1866 the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for takraw competition. Four years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just a few years, takraw was introduced to the curriculum in Siamese schools. The game became such a cherished local custom that another exhibition of volleyball-style takraw was staged to celebrate the kingdoms first constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy. In the Philippines the sport was called "sipa" and along with traditional martial arts survived the three century Spanish colonization. It is a popular sport played by children in Philippines, this is their national sport. Sepak Takraw is included in Philippine's elementary and highschool curriculum.In Myanmar, or Burma, it was dubbed "Chinlone", in Laos "Kator", "cu my" in Vietnam and in Indonesia "Raga" or [1] "Sepak Takraw". It is believed that many variations of the game evolved from an ancient Chinese military exercise, where soldiers would try to keep a feathered shuttlecock airborne by kicking it back and forth between two people. As the sport developed, the animal hide and chicken feathers were eventually replaced by balls [citation needed] made of woven strips of rattan.

The first versions of sepak takraw were not so much of a competition, but rather cooperative displays of skill designed to exercise the body, improve dexterity and loosen the limbs after long periods of sitting, [citation needed] standing or working. The modern version of sepak takraw is fiercely competitive and began taking shape in Thailand almost [citation needed] 200 years ago. In 1829, the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for the game. Four years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just [citation needed] a few years, sepak takraw was introduced to the Physical Training curriculum in schools. By the 1940s, the net version of the game had spread throughout Southeast Asia, and formal rules were introduced. This sport became officially known as 'sepak takraw'.

BASIC SKILLS As I said, Sepak Takraw is a skill ball game originated from Asia... And it combines the teamwork of volleyball, the dexterity of soccer and the finesse of badminton. I think you understand that it's rather difficult to play it. So here is some advice and the description of basic skills for you: Inside Kick. Arguably it is the most important skill. This is the kick you will use the most. Watch any top class players in action and you'll see that this is the control kick of choice. This move sets up all the killer spikes. While doing an inside kick, you should stand in a good athletic stance. Feet shoulder width apart. Remember to bend your support leg at the knee. And, it is important, always keep an eye on the ball! The kicking motion is easy and don't swing at the ball too hard. The ball is bouncy and you need to just hit it in the right spot on your foot as well as with the proper motion. Try a few times of simply tossing the ball to yourself. Focus on the ball and pop it back up to your hands. Catch the ball and then try again. Do this until the ball is consistently coming back up with ease and pop it back up to your hands. Once you have gained consistency in this drill you can begin to try to link some kicks together. Try dropping to your strong foot, popping the ball up and then kicking with your weak foot before catching the ball. Try to link three kicks together, on alternating feet. You should be able to see your progression. All rights reserved. Spiker Dek is owned by Sport Action International in the promotion of sepaktakraw in the Takraw Thailand League. All rights reserved.

Knee/Thigh kick. The knee and thigh is used when the ball comes fast towards the area between your knees and your waist. This skill is used to "bump" or deflect the ball up enough to use an inside kick to control the ball. It is also used when kicking consecutive kicks or in a circle and the ball gets to close to your body. The motion is like a high step marching motion. Simply raise the leg with your hip allowing your knee to bend.Try to contact the ball on the thigh where possible instead of the knee as it provides better control. Make sure the ball hits the fleshy part of the thigh to "bump" the ball up and out a bit. Try a few back up to your hands. Once you feel comfortable, try to link with one inside kick, then catch the ball. Do this over and over until it comes naturally. Once you get this combination and doing it naturally without thinking, you will be aware of your improvement in skill.

Header.

The header is probably the second most important skill to have, especially in the net game. The header is used to pop up a ball that comes higher than the waist. The best way to learn the header is like the inside kick. The contact point should be just above the forehead at he hairline, not too much on the forehead and not too much on the top of the head, right in between. Toss the ball to yourself, hit it with your head and then catch it. Do this several times until you feel comfortable with this skill. When doing the header, remember to bend your knees and get low beneath the ball. Like the other kicks, you don't need to focus on power but on accuracy and placement. The next step in this skill drill is to toss the ball higher and again control it with your head before catching the ball. It hurts a bit at first, but you'll get use to it. The graduating step is to a header from a high inside kick or from a header to a controlling inside kick. Try both combinations as you will be using both of them as you begin to play more

Front kick/Toe kick. The toe kick is a defensive kick, great for saving a ball that has gotten out in front of you. It is not, however, a good control kick. Those who play soccer may disagree, but in sepaktakraw the inside is the right way. Learn the toe kick for saves,the inside for control. The toe kick is achieved by placing the foot out for the ball and depending on the height of the, either lifting the foot with your hip or just letting the ball bounce off. You don't need much power because the ball tends to fly off uncontrollably. Do it slow and take it easy. Like the other kicks, do the same toss and catch drill. Then try with different combinations. Do the same progression. Outdoors Articles Body Piercing Shop Belly Button Rings Whip Guide Lyrics archive Love Lyrics phone cards

Law of the Game Sepaktakraw Double Regu

1.

THE COURT

1.1.

The court is a rectangular area measuring 13.4 m x 6.1 m free from all obstacles up to the height of 8 m measured from the court surface.

1.2.

The width of the lines bounding the court should not be more than 0.04m measured and drawn inwards from the edge of the court measurements.

1.3.

All the boundary lines should be drawn at least 3.0m away from all obstacles.

1.4.

The Centreline

The centreline of 0.02 m should be drawn equally dividing the right and left court.

THE POSTS

2.1.

The posts shall be 1.55 m (1.45 m for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently firm to maintain high net tension. It should be made from very strong materials and shall not be more than 0.04 m in radius.

2.2.

The posts shall be erected or placed firmly 0.3 m away from the sideline and in line with the Centreline.

THE NET

3.1.

The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06m to 0.08m mesh.

3.2.

The net is 0.7m in depth and not shorter than 6.1m in length placed vertically over the axis of the centreline.

3.3.

Two side bands 0.05m wide are fastened vertically to the net and placed above each sideline. They are considered as part of the net. The net shall be edged with 0.05m and tape double at the top and bottom supported by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape, strain over and flushes with the top of the post. The height of the net at the centre of the court shall be 1.52m for men and 1.42m for women while at the posts shall be 1.55m for men and 1.45m for women.

3.4.

3.5.

4.

THE SEPAKTAKRAW BALL

4.1.

The Sepaktakraw ball shall be spherical in shape, made of synthetic fibre of one woven layer. Sepaktakraw ball without synthetic rubber covering must consist of the following characteristics; 4.2.1. 4.2.2. 4.2.3. Have 12 holes. Have 20 intersections. Has a circumference measuring not less from 0.41m to 0.43m for men and from 0.42m to 0.44m for women. Has a weight that range from 170 gm to 180 gm for men and from 150 gm to 160 gm for women.

4.2.

4.2.4.

4.3

The Sepaktakraw ball can be in plain single colour, multi-colour, and luminous colours, but not in any colour that will impair the performance of the players. The Sepaktakraw ball can also be constructed of synthetic rubber or soft durable material for covering the ball, for the purpose of softening the impact of the ball on the players body. The type of material and method used for constructing the ball, or for covering the ball with rubber or soft durable covering must be approved by ISTAF before it can be used for any competition. All world, international, regional competitions sanctioned by ISTAF, including but not limited to, the Olympic Games, World Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Game and SEA Games, must be played with ISTAF approved Sepaktakraw balls.

4.4

4.5

5.

THE PLAYERS

5.1.

A match is played by two Regu's, each consisting of two players

5.2.

One of the two players of the serving regu shall be at the back, positioned behind the baseline for the service kick for which he also acts as the thrower from any position along and behind the baseline, and he is called a Tekong.

5.3.

The other non-serving player also known as "Alternate Tekong" of the serving regu as well as the players of the receiving regu shall be positioned within their respective courts.

5.4.

Double Regu Team Event

5.4.1.

Each team shall consist of minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 9 players all of whom must be registered. (3 regus of 6 players and 3 substitutes)

5.4.2.

Prior to the commencement of a game each team must have at least 6 players present on the playing court.

Any team having less than 6 players will not be allowed to play the game and will be considered as having lost.

5.5

Double Regu Event

5.5.1.

Each Regu shall consist of 3 players (1 Regu of 2 players plus 1 substitute) all of whom must be registered.

5.5.2.

Prior to the commencement of a game each regu must have at least 2 players present on the playing court.

5.5.3.

Any Regu having less than 2 players will not be allowed to play the game and will be considered as having lost.

6.

PLAYERS ATTIRE

6.1.

All equipment used by players must be appropriate for Sepaktakraw. Any equipment that is designed to increase or reduce the speed of the ball, increase a players height or movement or in any other way give an unfair advantage and that endangers himself/herself or other players shall not be permitted. To avoid unnecessary conflicts or confusion, two opposing teams must wear different colour jerseys. Teams must have a minimum of two sets of Jerseys/T-shirts, one light and the other dark in colour. If both teams arrive at a match dressed in Jerseys of the same colour, the home team must change. On a neutral site, the team listed first on the match program shall change. A players attire consists of Jersey/T-shirts, shorts, socks and sport shoes with rubber soles without heels. The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his/her body. All Jerseys/T-shirts should be tucked in. In case of cold weather, the players are permitted to use tracksuits. All jerseys/ T-shirts shall be numbered on both sides. A player must be assigned with one permanent number throughout the tournament. Each participating team is allowed to use only number 1 to number 15. The size of the number shall not be less than 19cm in height at the back and should be 10cm in height for the front (centre chest area). The Captain of each Regu shall wear an armband of a different colour from the Jersey/Tshirt on the left arm. Any other apparel not specifically mentioned in these Rules must first receive the approval of ISTAF Technical Commission.

6.2.

6.3.

6.4.

6.5.

6.6.

6.7.

7.

SUBSTITUTION

7.1.

Each "Regu in a Double Regu Event may either not nominate or nominate any one-reserve player and it can make up to two consecutive substitutions in a set.

7.2.

In case of injury, after substitutions had been made, the Regu will not be allowed to continue.

7.3.

Any Regu having less than 2 players will not be allowed to continue the game and will be considered as having lost.

8.

THE COIN TOSS AND WARM UP

8.1

Before commencing the game, the Court Referee will toss a coin or disc and the side winning the toss will choose side or service. The side that loses the toss will abide with the decision.

8.2

The side winning the toss shall "warm-up" first for 2 minutes followed by the other "Regu". Only 3 persons are allowed to move freely in the court with the official ball.

9.

POSITION OF PLAYERS DURING SERVICE

9.1

At the start of play, the players of both "Regu's" must be in their respective courts in a ready position.

9.2

The Tekong shall be positioned at any point behind the baseline of his respective court for the execution of the serve. The Tekong shall also be the thrower for the serve.

9.3

The non-serving player for the serving regu, can position himself at any location within his side of the court, but must remain within one spot while the serve is being made.

9.4

The opponent or receiving Regu is free to be anywhere within its court.

10.

THE START OF PLAY AND SERVICE

10.1 The side that must serve first shall start the first set. The side that wins the first set will start and serve in the second set.

10.2 The throw must be executed as soon as the Referee calls the score. If the Tekong, who is also the thrower, throws the ball before the referee calls the score, it must be re-thrown and a warning given to the regu. A repetition of this act will be considered as Fault

10.3 During the service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players are allowed to move about freely in their respective courts.

10.4 The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not, and inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponents court.

10.5 Players of the serving regu will alternate as Tekong each time it has won a point from the previous serve until the receiving team manages to gain a point.

Double Regu Team Event

10.6 In a knock out system Team do not have to play the 3 rd Regu if a winner has been decided.

10.7 In a league system, the Teams will have to play all 3 Regus. Teams without the 3 rd Regu will be considered as giving a walk over and a maximum point of 21 points each set will be awarded to the opponent.

11.

FAULTS

11.1 The Serving Side During Service

11.1.1

The Tekong who is making the service throws, plays about with the ball (throwing up the ball, bumping, etc.) after the call of score has been made by the referee.

11.1.2

The non-serving players of the serving regu move away from his adopted position for the serve when the serve is being made.

11.1.3

The Tekong jumps off the ground or when his feet goes across the baseline on his side of the court, including the act of touching the baseline with any part of his body when executing the serve.

11.1.4

The Tekong does not kick the ball on the service throw.

11.1.5

The ball touches his own player before crossing over the opponent court.

11.1.6

The ball goes over the net but falls outside the court.

11.1.7

The ball does not cross to the opponent side.

11.1.8

A player uses his hand or hands, or any other parts of his arm or arms to facilitate the execution of a kick even if the hand or arm does not directly touches the ball, but it touches other objects or surfaces instead when doing so.

11.1.9

The Tekong of the serving regu throws the ball before the referee calls the score, for the second or subsequent time during the match.

11.2

Serving And Receiving Side During Service

11.2.1

Creating distracting manner or noise or shouting at his opponent.

11.3 For Both Sides During The Game

11.3.1

Stepping on the centre line (except during a follow through after an execution of a spike or a block)

11.3.2

Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side.

11.3.3

Any part of player's body crosses over into opponent's court whether above or under the net, including stepping on the centre line, except during the followthrough.

11.3.4

Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession.

11.3.5

The ball touches the arm.

11.3.6

Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body.

11.3.7

Any part of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., touches the net or the post or the referee's chairs or falls into the opponent's side.

11.3.8

The ball touches the ceiling, roof or the wall (any objects).

11.3.9

Any player who uses the aid of any external object as a form of support to facilitate the execution of a kick.

12

SCORING SYSTEM

12.1

When either serving side or receiving side commits a fault, a point is awarded to the opponent side including making next service. If player one was the previous Tekong, then player two is to make the service.

12.2

The winning point for a set is 21 points, unless the point is tied at 20-20, the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 25 points. When the score is tied at 20-20, the Referee announces Setting up to 25 points.

12.3

The game is played in 2 sets with 2-minute rest in between.

12.4

If each "Regu" wins one set, the game shall be decided in the third set called "Tiebreak" with 15 points unless the point is tied at 14-14, then the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 17 points. When the score is tied at 14-14, the Referee announces Setting up to 17 points.

12.5

Before the tiebreak set takes place, the referee shall toss a disc or coin, and The side winning of the toss shall serve. The change of sides takes place when one Regu reaches 8 points.

13

TIME-OUT

13.1

A One minute time-out will be automatically given each set once a Regu reaches 11 points. During the Tie Break set the time out will be given when one Regu reaches 8 points Only 4 persons are allowed at the base line.

13.2

The 4 persons should consist of the 2 players and two other attired different from the players.

person of properly

14

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PLAY

14.1

The Referee can suspend play temporarily should a player gets injured and needs immediate treatment, for not more than 5 minutes for each regu.

14.2

An injured player is allowed up to 5 minutes injury time-out. If after 5 minutes, the player is unable to continue, a substitution must be made. If the injured player's team has already made a substitution, the match will be declared a forfeit in favor of the opposing team.

14.3

In the event of obstructions, disturbances or any other matters, only the Official Referee can suspend play upon concurrence with the Tournament Committee.

14.4

In the course of such suspension, all players are not allowed to leave the court to receive drinks or any form of assistance.

15.

DISCIPLINE

15.1

Every player must abide by the rules of the game.

15.2

Only the Captain of the "Regu" is allowed to approach the referee during the game. either for matters relating to the position as well as condition of the players in the Regu, or to ask for a reasonable explanation for the decision made by the referee concerning the match, for which the referee must accede to the request made by the Captain of the Regu.

15.3

The team managers, coaches, players and team officials are however not allowed to dispute the referee's decision during the match or to act in any way that will jeopardize the continuity of the match, for which such act shall be regarded as a serious Disciplinary offence.

16.

PENALTY

Fouls and misconduct are penalized as follows: Disciplinary Sanctions

16.2.

Cautionable Offences A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following six offences: 16.1.1 Is guilty of unsporting behaviour by the display of such action that can be reasonably regarded as either a mitigated or unmitigated violation of the norms of sporting ethics, which can be considered as having or will have a detrimental effect on the proper conduct of the match as a whole. Shows dissent by word or action.

16.1.2

16.1.3

Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game.

16.1.4

Delays the restart of play.

16.1.5

Enters or re-enters the court without the referee's permission.

16.1.6

Deliberately leaves the court without the referees permission.

16.2

Sending-off Offences

A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following five offences: 16.2.1 16.2.2 Is guilty of serious foul play Is guilty of violent conduct, including an act executed with deliberate intent to cause injury to his opponent Spits at an opponent or any other person Using offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures. Receives a second caution (Yellow Card) in the same match.

16.2.3 16.2.4 16.2.5

16.3

A player who commits a cautionable offence either on or off the court, whether directed towards opponent, team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, for which a yellow card is awarded for each the offence committed is disciplined as follows:

16.3.1 Offence: First Yellow Card

Penalty: Normal Caution

16.3.2 Offence : Second Yellow Card received by the same player in different matches, but in the same tournament. Penalty: One Match Suspension

16.3.3

Offence: Third Yellow Card received after suspension for the first two Yellow Cards in the tournament by the same player. Penalty: Two (2) Matches Suspension A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars is to be paid by the club or any other body the player represent in the match.

16.3.4 Offence:

Fourth Yellow Card Yellow card received after two matches' suspension for the earlier Third Yellow Card in the same tournament by the same player. Penalty: Immediate suspension from playing in the next or subsequent matches in any tournament sanctioned by relevant Sepaktakraw controlling authority until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a have been reached on the matter.

16.3.5

Offence : Two Yellow Cards received by the same player within the same match. Penalty: Two (2) Matches Suspension A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars is to be paid by the club or any other body the player represent in the match. A Red Card will be given for a third disciplinary offence committed in any other matches in the tournament.

16.4

A player who commits a sending-off offence either on or off the court, whether directed towards opponent, team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, for which a red card is awarded for each of the offence committed is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed is disciplined as follows:

16.4.1

Offence: Red Card Penalty: Send-Off from the game and immediate suspension from playing in any tournament sanctioned by the relevant controlling authority for Sepaktakraw until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has been reached on the matter.

17

MISCONDUCT OF TEAM OFFICIALS

17.1

Disciplinary action will be taken against Team Officials or his team for any misconduct or disturbances committed by the official or team during a tournament whether in or outside the court.

The officials are referring to: a. Member of Referees' Committee b. Referee c. Assist. Referee d. Reserve Referee e. Standby Referee f. Team's Manager g. Team's Coach h. Players i. Spectators Referees shall avoid getting themselves involved in dispute members of the public, the press, Sepak Takraw officials or players on matters pertaining to refereeing. An unpleasant incident encountered must promptly be reported to Chairman Referee. Referees must at all times uphold the Laws of the Game, The Rules and Regulations. Referees must at times observe the 3Fs - Firm, Fair and Fit. The level of physical fitness must always be maintained to ensure consistency with the requirements of good refereeing. Referees must behave as professionals and conduct themselves in a manner that will bring honour to themselves and the country. Referees detailed to officiate in a sepak takraw tournament must report at the venue at least 30 minutes earlier for local games and 1 hour earlier for International Games. Official Referees must ensure that all referees stay behind until all games have ended before giving a short briefing and officially release the referees to go home. Official Referee is responsible to record down the names of referees who leave the tournament venue before the tournament ended and submit the report to chairman Referees and Secretary Referees.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_are_the_officials_of_sepak_takraw#ixzz 1f3Vok49Y

17.2

Any team official who commits a misconduct or disturbances will be immediately escorted out from the arena by the tournament officials and the official referee and will also be immediately suspended from being a team official, until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has been reached on the matter.

18

GENERAL

18.1

In the event of any question or any matter arising out of any point, which is not expressly provided for in any of the rules of the game, the decision of the Official Referee shall be final.

**************

The amendments have been approved during the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) Congress on 2 July 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The officials are referring to: a. Member of Referees' Committee b. Referee c. Assist. Referee d. Reserve Referee e. Standby Referee f. Team's Manager g. Team's Coach h. Players

i. Spectators Referees shall avoid getting themselves involved in dispute members of the public, the press, Sepak Takraw officials or players on matters pertaining to refereeing. An unpleasant incident encountered must promptly be reported to Chairman Referee. Referees must at all times uphold the Laws of the Game, The Rules and Regulations. Referees must at times observe the 3Fs - Firm, Fair and Fit. The level of physical fitness must always be maintained to ensure consistency with the requirements of good refereeing. Referees must behave as professionals and conduct themselves in a manner that will bring honour to themselves and the country. Referees detailed to officiate in a sepak takraw tournament must report at the venue at least 30 minutes earlier for local ga mes and 1 hour earlier for International Games. Official Referees must ensure that all referees stay behind until all games have ended before giving a short briefing and officially release the referees to go home. Official Referee is responsible to record down the names of referees who leave the tournament venue before the tournament end ed and submit the report to chairman Referees and Secretary Referees.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_are_the_officials_of_sepak_takraw#ixzz1f3Vok49Y

William Morgan invented volleyball in 1895 at the Holyoke, Massachusetts, YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) where he served as Director of Physical Education. Morgan originally called his new game of Volleyball, Mintonette. The name Volleyball came about after a demonstration game of the sport, when a spectator commented that the game involved much "volleying" and game was renamed Volleyball. William Morgan was born in the state of New York and studied at Springfield College, Massachusetts. Ironically at Springfield, Morgan met James Naismith who invented basketball in 1891. Morgan was motivated by Naismith's game of basketball designed for younger students to invent a game suitable for the older members of the YMCA. William Morgan's basis for the new game of Volleyball was the then popular and similar German game of Faustball and a few other sports including: tennis (the net), basketball, baseball and handball. The Morgan Trophy Award is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female collegiate volleyball player in the United States. Established by the William G. Morgan Foundation in 1995 during the centennial year of volleyball, the trophy is named in honor of William Morgan. To learn more about the history of Volleyball as a sport read Scott Hammon's article entitledFor The Love of Volleyball. Scott Hammon is our About expert and guide to Volleyball.

Rules of the game

Volleyball court

The court
The game is played on a volleyball court 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29.5 feet) wide, divided into two 9 m 9 m halves by a one-meter (40inch) wide net placed so that the top of the net is 2.43 meters (7 feet 11 5/8 inches) above the center of the court for men's competition, and 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 1/8 inches) for women's competition (these heights are varied for veterans and junior competitions). There is a line 3 meters from and parallel to the net in each team court which is considered the "attack line". This "3 meter" (or 10 foot) line divides the court into "back row" and "front row" areas (also back court and front court). These are in turn divided into 3 areas each: these are numbered as follows, starting from area "1", which is the position of the serving player:

After a team gains the serve (also known as siding out), its members must rotate in a clockwise direction, with the player previously in area "2" moving to area "1" and so on, with the player from area "1" moving to area "6". The team courts are surrounded by an area called the free zone which is a minimum of 3 meters wide and which the players may enter and play within after the service of the ball.[9] All lines denoting the boundaries of the team court and the attack zone are drawn or painted within the dimensions of the area and are therefore a part of the court or zone. If a ball comes in contact with the line, the ball is considered to be "in". An antenna is placed on each side of the net perpendicular to the sideline and is a vertical extension of the side boundary of the court. A ball passing over the net must pass completely between the antennae (or their theoretical extensions to the ceiling) without contacting them.

The ball
Main article: Volleyball (ball) FIVB regulations state that the ball must be spherical, made of leather or synthetic leather, have a circumference of 6567 cm, a weight of 260280 g and an inside pressure of 0.300.325 kg/cm2.[10] Other governing bodies have similar regulations.

Game play

Buddhist monks play volleyball in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, India. Each team consists of six players. To get play started, a team is chosen to serve by coin toss. A player from the serving team throws the ball into the air and attempts to hit the ball so it passes over the net on a course such that it will land in the opposing team's court (the serve). The opposing team must use a combination of no more than three contacts with the volleyball to return the ball to the opponent's side of the net. These contacts usually consist first of the bump or pass so that the ball's trajectory is aimed towards the player designated as the setter; second of the set (usually an overhand pass using wrists to push finger-tips at the ball) by the setter so that the ball's trajectory is aimed towards a spot where one of the players designated as an attacker can hit it, and third by the attacker whospikes (jumping, raising one arm above the head and hitting the ball so it will move quickly down to the ground on the opponent's court) to return the ball over the net. The team with possession of the ball that is trying to attack the ball as described is said to be onoffense.

The team on defense attempts to prevent the attacker from directing the ball into their court: players at the net jump and reach above the top (and if possible, across the plane) of the net in order to block the attacked ball. If the ball is hit around, above, or through the block, the defensive players arranged in the rest of the court attempt to control the ball with a dig (usually a fore-arm pass of a hard-driven ball). After a successful dig, the team transitions to offense. The game continues in this manner, rallying back and forth, until the ball touches the court within the boundaries or until an error is made. The most frequent errors that are made are either to fail to return the ball over the net within the allowed three touches, or to cause the ball to land outside the court. A ball is "in" if any part of it touches a sideline or end-line, and a strong spike may compress the ball enough when it lands that a ball which at first appears to be going out may actually be in. Players may travel well outside the court to play a ball that has gone over a sideline or end-line in the air. Other common errors include a player touching the ball twice in succession, a player "catching" the ball, a player touching the net while attempting to play the ball, or a player penetrating under the net into the opponent's court. There are a large number of other errors specified in the rules, although most of them are infrequent occurrences. These errors include back-row or libero players spiking the ball or blocking (back-row players may spike the ball if they jump from behind the attack line), players not being in the correct position when the ball is served, attacking the serve in the front court and above the height of the net, using another player as a source of support to reach the ball, stepping over the back boundary line when serving, taking more than 8 seconds to serve,
[11]

or playing the ball when it is above the opponent's court.

Scoring
When the ball contacts the floor within the court boundaries or an error is made, the team that did not make the error is awarded a point, whether they served the ball or not. If the ball hits the line, the ball is counted as in. The team that won the point serves for the next point. If the team that won the point served in the previous point, the same player serves again. If the team that won the point did not serve the previous point, the players of the team rotate their position on the court in a clockwise manner. The game continues, with the first team to score 25 points (and be two points ahead) awarded the set. Matches are best-of-five sets and the fifth set (if necessary) is usually played to 15 points. (Scoring differs between leagues, tournaments, and levels; high schools sometimes play best-of-three to 25; in the NCAA games are played best-of-five to 25 as of the 2008 season.)[12] Before 1999, points could be scored only when a team had the serve (side-out scoring) and all sets went up to only 15 points. The FIVB changed the rules in 1999 (with the changes being compulsory in 2000) to use the current scoring system (formerly known as rally point system), primarily to make the length of the match more predictable and to make the game more spectator- and television-friendly.

Libero
In 1998 the libero player was introduced internationally.[13] The libero is a player specialized in defensive skills: the libero must wear a contrasting jersey color from his or her teammates and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net height. When the ball is not in play, the libero can replace any back-row player, without prior notice to the officials. This replacement does not count against the substitution limit each team is allowed per set, although the libero may be replaced only by the player whom they replaced. The libero may function as a setter only under certain restrictions. If she/he makes an overhand set, she/he must be standing behind (and not stepping on) the 3-meter line; otherwise, the ball cannot be attacked above the net in front of the 3-meter line. An underhand pass is allowed from any part of the court. The libero is, generally, the most skilled defensive player on the team. There is also a libero tracking sheet, where the referees or officiating team must keep track of who the libero subs in and out for. There may only be one libero per set (game), although there may be a different libero in the beginning of any new set (game). Furthermore, a libero is not allowed to serve, according to international rules, with the exception of the NCAA women's volleyball games, where a 2004 rule change allows the libero to serve, but only in a specific rotation. That is, the libero can only serve for one person, not for all of the people for whom he or she goes in. That rule change was also applied to high school and junior high play soon after.

Recent rule changes

Other rule changes enacted in 2000 include allowing serves in which the ball touches the net, as long as it goes over the net into the opponents' court. Also, the service area was expanded to allow players to serve from anywhere behind the end line but still within the theoretical extension of the sidelines. Other changes were made to lighten up calls on faults for carries and double-touches, such as allowing multiple contacts by a single player ("double-hits") on a team's first contact provided that they are a part of a single play on the ball. In 2008, the NCAA changed the minimum number of points needed to win any of the first four sets from 30 to 25 for women's volleyball (men's volleyball remained at 30.) If a fifth (deciding) set is reached, the minimum required score remains at 15. In addition, the word "game" is now referred to as "set".[12] Changes in rules have been studied and announced by FIVB in recent years, and they have released the updated rules in 2009.[14]

Skills
Competitive teams master six basic skills: serve, pass, set, attack, block and dig. Each of these skills comprises a number of specific techniques that have been introduced over the years and are now considered standard practice in high-level volleyball.

Serve

Setting up for an overhand serve.

A player making a jump serve. A player stands behind the inline and serves the ball, in an attempt to drive it into the opponent's court. His or her main objective is to make it land inside the court; it is also desirable to set the ball's direction, speed and acceleration so that it becomes difficult for the receiver to handle it properly. A serve is called an "ace" when the ball lands directly onto the court or travels outside the court after being touched by an opponent. In contemporary volleyball, many types of serves are employed:

Underhand: a serve in which the player strikes the ball below the waist instead of tossing it up and striking it with an overhand throwing motion. Underhand serves are considered very easy to receive and are rarely employed in high-level competitions. Sky ball serve: a specific type of underhand serve occasionally used in beach volleyball, where the ball is hit so high it comes down almost in a straight line. This serve was invented and employed almost exclusively by the Brazilian team in the early 1980s and is now considered outdated. In Brazil, this serve is called Jornada nas Estrelas (Star Trek).

Topspin: an overhand serve where the player tosses the ball high and hits it with a wrist span, giving it topspin which causes it to drop faster than it would otherwise and helps maintain a straight flight path. Topspin serves are generally hit hard and aimed at a specific returner or part of the court. Standing topspin serves are rarely used above the high school level of play. Float: an overhand serve where the ball is hit with no spin so that its path becomes unpredictable, akin to a knuckleball in baseball. Jump serve: an overhand serve where the ball is first tossed high in the air, then the player makes a timed approach and jumps to make contact with the ball, hitting it with much pace and topspin. This is the most popular serve amongst college and professional teams. Jump float: an overhand serve where the ball is tossed high enough that the player may jump before hitting it similarly to a standing float serve. The ball is tossed lower than a topspin jump serve, but contact is still made while in the air. This serve is becoming more popular amongst college and professional players because it has a certain unpredictability in its flight pattern.

Set

Jump set The set is usually the second contact that a team makes with the ball. The main goal of setting is to put the ball in the air in such a way that it can be driven by an attack into the opponent's court. The setter coordinates the offensive movements of a team, and is the player who ultimately decides which player will actually attack the ball. As with passing, one may distinguish between an overhand and a bump set. Since the former allows for more control over the speed and direction of the ball, the bump is used only when the ball is so low it cannot be properly handled with fingertips, or in beach volleyball where rules regulating overhand setting are more stringent. In the case of a set, one also speaks of a front or back set, meaning whether the ball is passed in the direction the setter is facing or behind the setter. There is also a jump set that is used when the ball is too close to the net. In this case the setter usually jumps off his or her right foot straight up to avoid going into the net. The setter usually stands about of the way from the left to the right of the net and faces the left (the larger portion of net that he or she can see). Sometimes a setter refrains from raising the ball for a teammate to perform an attack and tries to play it directly onto the opponent's court. This movement is called a "dump".[15] The most common dumps are to 'throw' the ball behind the setter or in front of the setter to zones 2 and 4. More experienced setters toss the ball into the deep corners or spike the ball on the second hit.

Pass

A woman making a forearm pass or bump. Also called reception, the pass is the attempt by a team to properly handle the opponent's serve, or any form of attack. Proper handling includes not only preventing the ball from touching the court, but also making it reach the position where the setter is standing quickly and precisely. The skill of passing involves fundamentally two specific techniques: underarm pass, or bump, where the ball touches the inside part of the joined forearms or platform, at waist line; and overhand pass, where it is handled with the fingertips, like a set, above the head. Either are acceptable in professional and beach volleyball, however there are much tighter regulations on the overhand pass in beach volleyball.

Attack
The attack, also known as the spike, is usually the third contact a team makes with the ball. The object of attacking is to handle the ball so that it lands on the opponent's court and cannot be defended. A player makes a series of steps (the "approach"), jumps, and swings at the ball. Ideally the contact with the ball is made at the apex of the hitter's jump. At the moment of contact, the hitter's arm is fully extended above his or her head and slightly forward, making the highest possible contact while maintaining the ability to deliver a powerful hit. The hitter uses arm swing, wrist snap, and a rapid forward contraction of the entire body to drive the ball. A 'bounce' is a slang term for a very hard/loud spike that follows an almost straight trajectory steeply downward into the opponent's court and bounces very high into the air. A "kill" is the slang term for an attack that is not returned by the other team thus resulting in a point. Contemporary volleyball comprises a number of attacking techniques:

Backcourt (or backrow)/pipe attack: an attack performed by a back row player. The player must jump from behind the 3-meter line before making contact with the ball, but may land in front of the 3-meter line. Line and Cross-court Shot: refers to whether the ball flies in a straight trajectory parallel to the side lines, or crosses through the court in an angle. A cross-court shot with a very pronounced angle, resulting in the ball landing near the 3-meter line, is called a cut shot. Dip/Dink/Tip/Cheat/Dump: the player does not try to make a hit, but touches the ball lightly, so that it lands on an area of the opponent's court that is not being covered by the defense. Tool/Wipe/Block-abuse: the player does not try to make a hard spike, but hits the ball so that it touches the opponent's block and then bounces off-court. Off-speed hit: the player does not hit the ball hard, reducing its speed and thus confusing the opponent's defense. Quick hit/"One": an attack (usually by the middle blocker) where the approach and jump begin before the setter contacts the ball. The set (called a "quick set") is placed only slightly above the net and the ball is struck by the hitter almost immediately after leaving the setter's hands. Quick attacks are often effective because they isolate the middle blocker to be the only blocker on the hit. Slide: a variation of the quick hit that uses a low back set. The middle hitter steps around the setter and hits from behind him or her. Double quick hit/"Stack"/"Tandem": a variation of quick hit where two hitters, one in front and one behind the setter or both in front of the setter, jump to perform a quick hit at the same time. It can be used to deceive opposite blockers and free a fourth hitter attacking from backcourt, maybe without block at all.

Block

3 players performing a block Blocking refers to the actions taken by players standing at the net to stop or alter an opponent's attack. A block that is aimed at completely stopping an attack, thus making the ball remain in the opponent's court, is called offensive. A well-executed offensive block is performed by jumping and reaching to penetrate with one's arms and hands over the net and into the opponent's area. It requires anticipating the direction the ball will go once the attack takes place. It may also require calculating the best foot work to executing the "perfect" block. The jump should be timed so as to intercept the ball's trajectory prior to it crossing over the net. Palms are held deflected downward about 4560 degrees toward the interior of the opponents court. A "roof" is a spectacular offensive block that redirects the power and speed of the attack straight down to the attacker's floor, as if the attacker hit the ball into the underside of a peaked house roof. By contrast, it is called a defensive, or "soft" block if the goal is to control and deflect the hard-driven ball up so that it slows down and becomes more easy to be defended. A well-executed soft-block is performed by jumping and placing one's hands above the net with no penetration into the opponent's court and with the palms up and fingers pointing backward. Blocking is also classified according to the number of players involved. Thus, one may speak of single (or solo), double, or triple block. Successful blocking does not always result in a "roof" and many times does not even touch the ball. While its obvious that a block was a success when the attacker is roofed, a block that consistently forces the attacker away from his or her 'power' or preferred attack into a more easily controlled shot by the defense is also a highly successful block. At the same time, the block position influences the positions where other defenders place themselves while opponent hitters are spiking.

Dig

Woman going for a dig. Digging is the ability to prevent the ball from touching one's court after a spike or attack, particularly a ball that is nearly touching the ground. In many aspects, this skill is similar to passing, or bumping: overhand dig and bump are also used to distinguish between defensive actions taken with fingertips or with joined arms.

Some specific techniques are more common in digging than in passing. A player may sometimes perform a "dive", i.e., throw his or her body in the air with a forward movement in an attempt to save the ball, and land on his or her chest. When the player also slides his or her hand under a ball that is almost touching the court, this is called a "pancake". The pancake is frequently used in indoor volleyball. Sometimes a player may also be forced to drop his or her body quickly to the floor in order to save the ball. In this situation, the player makes use of a specific rolling technique to minimize the chances of injuries.