Rules of Engagement: The first installation

Presenting our first official mockery of the history of rule changes in volleyball. There have been zillions of changes, and we'd like to make fun of each one, as well as tie them in to American society at the time. Let's begin.

1916 - Balls could not be touched two consecutive times by one player: [snicker] OK, one rule change in and we're already transported back to a 5th grade level of humor.

1937 - Multiple contacts were allowed in receiving a hard-driven spike: With Hitler's Germany on the rise, a cry went out across this great land to give Americans every possible chance to defend themselves against an attack, whether it be from a runaway fascist state or a formidable leftside attacker. After a successful dig, it was not uncommon to hear a player exclaim "Jawohl!", a patriotic move that symbolized standing up to the Nazis.

1942 - Balls could be played with any part of the body from the knees up: This rule was an obvious progression from the 1937 stipulation. America was at war, and every able-bodied man was needed to help with the war effort. In order to prevent disabling lower leg injuries from happening to valued future soldiers, foot digs were outlawed.

1952 - Blockers must indicate whether or not they touched the ball: With the War to End All Wars at an end, and Baby Boomers on the rise, America was reinvigorated with a spirit of kinsmanship heretofore unseen. Looking to take advantage of this newfound goodwill, players were asked to maintain honesty above all. This lasted until that Jimi Hendrix asked "Are You Experienced?" and destroyed the fabric of our society.