Quantitative and qualitative analysis of effects of rule changes in 2008 that are related to net contact on game and players in Volleyball

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the rule changes by FIVB allowing for net contact except for the upper band in 2008 on the game and players. Mixed methods research that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods was used in the current study. Causal comparative method was used in the study and 425 sets were analyzed from various levels. The researcher interviewed with 16 athletes, 12 coaches and 5 referees in the qualitative section of the study. Social media contents were collected from 7 different web sources and 134 persons from 29 countries attended the study. "Independent Samples t Test" and Mann Whitney U Test" were used by SPSS in the quantitative section of the study. Coding and node creating process were applied by NVIVO10.0 in the qualitative section of the study. It was found that, "the mean of a set", "the mean of a match" and "the number of discussion about referee decisions" increased significantly (p<0.05). Conversely, "Decisions of the net contact numbers" decrease significantly in this study (p<0.05). The most frequently encoded positive nodes were found "relaxing of players", "increase the pleasure of views" and "longer and more exciting games" in the qualitative section of the study. The most frequently encoded negative nodes were found "increasing sports injuries", "increasing in unethical behaviors", "discussion of referee decisions". The most common alternative approach was "Evaluation of the line rules and regulations of the net at the same time". In conclusion, "relaxing of players", "increase the pleasure of views" and "longer and more exciting games" are very important for the game. Contrary, all rule modifications should be more carefully in order to keep the physical and psychological health of players and reputability of the game. Key Words: Volleyball; Rule Changes; Player Performance; Sports Injuries