Statement from Global VX about a new rule change:

Rule Changes 2015

Normally rule changes are minor and are just included in the updated rule book with a covering note pointing people to the changes. However a major change was made this year the rule committee felt a statement was in order to publicise the rule change as widely as possible.

Re-Definition of the Catch This change addresses two points which were sent through to the rule committee for consideration: (a) a number of members asked for the catch to be redefined as it was felt that the current definition was causing a number of difficulties, not least for referees. (b) clarification was also requested about the metre exclusion zone as the close game was making this a contentious issue and causing further difficulties for officials.

Previous definition of a catch: A catch was worth 2 points and had to have an attacking throw and an opponent in the mix. Therefore if Player A hits Player B and catches the rebound (s)he gets 1 point for the hit and 2 for a catch. However this raises several issues (a) when a player tries to scoop the ball it might fly out of the end and be taken by an opponent who claims a catch. There is an opponent in the mix but whether this could be classed as an attacking throw is debatable. (b) in playing the close game the metre rule is causing a lot of conflict in the game. The rule is simple - there is a one metre exclusion zone surrounding a player above the waist, however this causes conflict as the attacker often feels the attack was from below waist height whereas the defender feels the attacker is encroaching. This is causing a difficult judgement call for officials. (c) the self-generated catch does not need a high level of skill

New Definition of a catch: A catch is now worth 3 (three) points as a catch demands more skill (which is as it should be) The definition of a catch is simplified to being: 'A catch is a ball caught from an opponent's VstiX' ie hitting a body neutralises the ball. This has several advantages (a) some players have developed the strategy of firing a ball into an opponent's top scoop and catching the rebound. Skill involved and exciting for spectators. (b) some players have developed the strategy of hitting a bottom scoop and thus forcing the defender to drop the ball in the top scoop. Skill involved and impressive for spectators. (c) it removes the doubt about taking a catch if a player scoops a ball and it comes out of the end (d) some players are becoming very skilful at catching a thrown ball. This new definition rewards that skill which is more than is demanded for the close catch. (e) it removes the reason for players to get in so close so should drastically diminish the 'personal zone' judgement calls required of officials. There is now no reason for a player to get so close from behind. A defender will normally be in a blocking position, with outstretched arm will be more likely to self-define the personal zone. (f) as the catch can now only be made off the VstiX it will be less common and will therefore be more highly-rewarded. (g) the game should be more open and widespread than in a close huddle which makes it difficult for both spectators and officials (h) this simple change should make the game more thrilling for spectators, especially V2.

This simple rule change elegantly addresses the issues which had been raised by a number of players, spectators and officials.

Positioning of Umpires At the start of a game each umpire will start at the end of the court, in line with a team waiting to start. They can then monitor more accurately for players leaving the wall early. The umpires will then move back to their normal position in the centre of the court.

Implementation of the Rules The catch rule will come into play immediately after the 2015 World Cup. It was felt that as this was a major change it was unfair to expect players to have to change their preparation before such an important tournament. Therefore the first major competition which will be affected by this rule will be the UK Club Championships in October and the V2 Leagues which start in September. The position of umpires, however, will be implemented immediately