The founding of the Cyprus Volleyball Federation (C.V.F.) took place in 1978, with its founding assembly held in Nicosia. Here is the first article of the Federation’s Charter: “The Federation was established on March 16, 1978, with the name CYPRUS VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION (C.V.F.), headquartered in Nicosia, by the following clubs, listed in alphabetical order.”

• AEL Limassol, Anagennisi Deryneia, Anorthosis Famagusta, APOEL Nicosia, Apollon Limassol, APO Paphos, Aris Polemidhia, Achaios Akhtis Yalousas, Achilles Kaimakli, Enosis Neon Paralimni, Marathonas Kato Varosia, Nea Salamina Famagusta, Olympiakos Nicosia, Olympias Neapolis, Olympias Frenaros, Omonia Nicosia, Omonia Xylotymbou, Pezoporikos Larnaca, Phoenix Pyla, EPA Larnaca.

The objectives of the Cyprus Volleyball Federation are outlined in the second article of the Charter. The goals of the C.V.F. are:

1. The succession of the local committee of the Cyprus Volleyball Federation and the assumption of its responsibilities as the highest authority for the sport of volleyball in Cyprus, the continuation of its work, and the adoption of the Volleyball Players Registry.
2. The organization, administration, dissemination, development, and promotion of the sport of volleyball, both indoor and beach volleyball, throughout the country, in accordance with the principles of sportsmanship.

History of Volleyball

What is Volleyball?

Volleyball is a team sport where two teams, typically consisting of six players each, are separated by a net. The main objective of the game is to send the ball over the net and into the opposing team’s court in such a way that they cannot return it. Players use their hands, arms, or other parts of their bodies to pass, set, spike, or block the ball.

Invention of Volleyball:

Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a physical education instructor at the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. Morgan originally created the game as an indoor activity to combine elements of basketball, tennis, and handball. The sport was initially called “Mintonette.”

Morgan developed the game to be less physically demanding than basketball, which was popular at the time, as it required minimal equipment and could be played in small indoor spaces. The game quickly gained popularity, and the name was changed to “volleyball” after a demonstration game in 1896, when a spectator observed that the ball seemed to “volley” back and forth over the net.

Rules of Volleyball:

The basic rules of volleyball are as follows:

1. Teams: A standard volleyball game is played with two teams, each having six players. Teams are divided into front-row and back-row players.
2. Objective: The aim is to score points by sending the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that they cannot return it.
3. Rotation: Players must rotate positions every time their team wins the serve, ensuring all players get an opportunity to play in the front and back rows.
4. Scoring System: Volleyball uses rally scoring, where every rally results in a point for one of the teams. Games are typically played to 25 points (with the winning team needing a two-point lead). Matches are usually played as best-of-three or best-of-five sets.
5. Serving: The game begins with one team serving the ball from behind the end line. The ball must pass over the net and land in the opposing team’s court. If the ball lands outside or is touched incorrectly, the serving team loses the serve.
6. Touches: Each team is allowed a maximum of three touches (passes, sets, and spikes) before sending the ball over the net. No player may hit the ball twice in a row (except for a block).
7. Net Play: Players are allowed to block the ball at the net, but they cannot touch the net. They are also not allowed to reach over the net (except during the attack hit).
8. Timeouts and Substitutions: Teams can call timeouts and make substitutions as needed.

Volleyball and the Olympics:

Volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1964 at the Tokyo Summer Games. Since then, it has grown into one of the most popular team sports globally. The sport’s Olympic inclusion initially featured the indoor volleyball format for men and women. In 1996, beach volleyball was also introduced as an Olympic event, further expanding the sport’s global reach.

1. Indoor Volleyball in the Olympics: Indoor volleyball first appeared at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The game was immediately well-received and has been a part of every Summer Olympics since. The rules followed are similar to those of professional volleyball leagues, with matches played in a best-of-five set format.
2. Beach Volleyball in the Olympics: Beach volleyball was officially introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. The sport, played on sand courts with teams of two players, quickly became one of the most exciting and watched events. The Olympics helped to boost the popularity of beach volleyball worldwide.

Today, both indoor and beach volleyball have become essential parts of the Olympic Games, with nations around the world competing for gold medals in these highly anticipated events. The sport’s success in the Olympics has further propelled its global popularity, and volleyball is now widely played both professionally and recreationally across continents.

Volleyball’s journey from a recreational pastime to an Olympic staple demonstrates its universal appeal and capacity to bring people together in friendly, competitive spirit.