Section 8: Safety Considerations
Surface Safety
- Court surface must be at least 40 cm deep sand, free of stones, sharp objects, and debris
- Sand is raked and inspected between rounds; broken glass or other hazards cause immediate stop of play and re-rake
- Posts and antennas must be padded to a minimum height
Sun and Heat Exposure
NCAA beach volleyball is an outdoor sport played primarily in the spring; sun exposure and heat are significant safety considerations. Standard practices:
- WBGT-based heat thresholds for play modifications and postponement
- Mandatory water and shade access on the sideline
- Sunscreen and lip balm encouraged; visors and hats permitted
- Cooling protocols including ice towels and shaded recovery areas in the team box
Weather Suspensions
Lightning detection halts outdoor activity within the standard radius of detected strikes; play resumes only after the all-clear interval has elapsed. High wind may suspend play if it materially affects ball trajectory and competition fairness; the decision is at the discretion of the tournament referee in consultation with the head referees.
Player Welfare
- Each NCAA-sanctioned match requires at least one certified athletic trainer on the venue site
- Team physicians and emergency-medical responders are required at championship-level competition
- An emergency action plan covering on-field cardiac, head/neck, orthopedic, and heat-related emergencies must be in effect at every venue
- Concussion protocol: a player with an actual or suspected concussion is removed from play immediately and is subject to a graduated return-to-play assessment before being cleared for subsequent competition