Just returned from the coaches meeting and thought I’d mention a few interesting tidbits I heard.

First, some great news for libreros: In previous years libreros have not been considered for all-league or all-section honors, but since baseball designated hitters are able to be nominated for such honors, it has been decided that libreros should also have the ability to earn all-league and all-section honors for all their hard work and commanding skill in the back row.

One topic that was up for conversation was the new rule change for Division 1 college volleyball that allows for leniency during “athletic plays” for the setter. The American Volleyball Coaches Association website states the ball handling directive as “The basic tenet is that the excitement of the sport of volleyball can be increased with fewer whistles for minor ball handling infractions and increased leniency on particularly athletic plays that may not result in a perfectly executed set by traditional standards, but provides a continuation of play with no disadvantage to the opponent.”

It isn’t certain yet whether Section 1 referees will adopt this rule but the topic did spark a bit of conversation tonight, so we will have to wait and see how this season plays out.

In other news, there will be a boys varsity volleyball league in Rockland with teams from Clarkstown North, Clarkstown South, Ramapo and Suffern.

I sat with the Rockland coaches at the meeting and met some returning favorites and a few new coaches.

Returning this season will be:

Ann Metz – Clarkstown North

John Pardy – Clarkstown South

Valerie McFadden – Albertus Magnus

Jennifer Adams – Nanuet

Arlene Kramer – Pearl River

Karen Sachs – Spring Valley

Sean Barnes – Suffern

New this season are:

Colette Jurman – the former JV coach for North Rockland is taking over the Red Raiders.

Kelly Hassliger – taking over the Nyack team

Ethrat Kondsi – Taking over for the Ramapo girls team this season as Coach Paul Hur goes on to coach the new boys team.

Kathleen McGrogan – the former JV coach steps up to Varsity for Tappan Zee this season.

All the coaches seemed eager for the season to start as they set up scrimmages and tournaments for the upcoming weeks. Section 1 is rebuilding after last year, but if anything is certain it’s that we will definitely have fierce competition this season and some great new talents on the court.

~Casey