What is rally scoring and how does it differ from sideout scoring?

Rally scoring awards a point on every rally, regardless of which team served. Sideout scoring (the old system) only awarded points to the serving team. Rally scoring makes every contact important and produces more predictable match lengths.

Full Explanation

Per FIVB Rule 6.3, under rally scoring (the current system used at all levels), a point is awarded to whichever team wins the rally -- whether they were serving or receiving. This means the receiving team can score a point by winning a rally (called a "sideout"), rather than merely earning the right to serve. Under the old sideout scoring system (used before 1999 at the international level), only the serving team could score; winning a rally as the receiving team only gained the serve, not a point. Rally scoring creates faster matches, eliminates long service runs, and ensures every rally has scoring significance for both teams. NFHS, NCAA, and USAV all use rally scoring.

Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 6.3