Can a player touch the net during volleyball play?

Full Explanation

Per FIVB Rule 11.3.1, contact with the net by a player between the antennae during the action of playing the ball is a fault, and that action includes take-off, the hit or attempt, and landing safely ready for a new action. Touching the antenna during that action is also a fault (FIVB Rule 11.4.4). Per FIVB Rule 11.3.2, players may touch the posts, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided it does not interfere with play. A player who is not in the action of playing the ball faults only by interfering, for example by using the net as a support, gaining an unfair advantage by touching it, or hindering an opponent's attempt to play the ball (FIVB Rule 11.4.4). When the ball is driven into the net and the net touches an opponent, no fault is committed (FIVB Rule 11.3.3). The fault results in a point for the opponent. USAV and NCAA follow the same basic principle. NFHS is stricter: while the ball is in play, any player contact with the net, net cables or antennas is a fault, except contact by loose hair or when an opponent's hit drives the net into the player.

Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 11.3; FIVB Rule 11.4.4; NCAA Rule 15.2.1; NFHS Rule 9-6-7