When the NHIAA added boys volleyball to its list of recognized sports in 2004 it was predicted to grow quickly. It hasn’t, so on Friday the NHIAA volleyball committee is trying a different approach.

Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, boys volleyball will become a spring sport, bringing it more in line with mens volleyball at the collegiate level and boys volleyball seasons in many other states.

One of the drawbacks to spring volleyball in the past was gym time for the frist couple of weeks, when spring outdoor teams like baseball and softball often have to practice indoors. To make it work, the start date of boys volleyball practices will probably be one or two weeks later than other spring sports.

A survey of NHIAA member schools led to the decision to change boys volleyball to a spring sport.