Olathe Volleyball Club: Libero rules defined
The Libero Rule for 2001 USA CHAMPIONSHIP & QUALIFIER Events
The nine National Qualifiers, USA Volleyball Championships (club and age classifications only), and both USA Boys/Girls Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships will be using the Net Serve (rules 15.2.1 and 17.9.3.1) and the Libero & 12 substitutions (rules11.2.2 and 11.3 with a waiver from the Rules of the Game Commission for twelve subs rather than eight). This is an exception to the United States Rules of Play, Modified, as printed in the 2000-2001 Official United States Volleyball Rules (USAV Rulebook). This waiver has been approved by the NCD for use in these USA Championship Events consistent with the ruling of the ROGC.
NOTE: The Men’s and Women’s Open Tournaments of the USA Open Volleyball Championships is governed by the FIVB Official rules modified only by safety and administrative concerns.
What to know about the Libero:
1) The Rule will be the Libero and 12 substitutions - (15 substitutions will not be an option.)
2) Designation of the Libero player is required per match (if used) – not per game or tournament.
3) UNIFORM: (remember “Each player must use the same shirt number if two or more sets of uniforms are used.”)
The ideal scenario – 11.3.2.1 – The Libero must wear a different color uniform, shirt or jacket in contrast to the other members of the team (or with a different design).
What does this mean? The key word is contrast. A shirt of the same color with a slightly different design will not meet the criteria. There needs to be a very distinct/noticeable difference for the officiating crew to identify the Libero apart from the rest of the players. Options (jacket) could be a pinnie/vest with the players number. Keep in mind it will still be necessary to meet the required uniform rules for contrast, size and placement of the numbers.
4) LIBEROS’ CAN: (11.3.2.3)
Replace any player in a back-row position.
Replacements involving the Libero are NOT counted as a regular substitution (unlimited).
At the beginning of the game the Libero can replace a player after the second referee has checked the line-up.
Before the Libero can re-enter for a different player one rally has to be completed.
Time for the re-entry is while the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service.
The Libero can only be replaced by the player whom they replaced.
The exchange of Libero and player can only take place by the sideline in front of their team bench between the attack line and the end line.
5) LIBEROS’ CANNOT: (11.3.2.2)
The Libero is restricted to perform as a back-row player.
The Libero cannot complete an attack hit from anywhere, if at the moment of contact the ball is entirely above the top of the net.
The Libero cannot serve, block or attempt to block.
The Libero cannot hand set a ball on or in front of the attack line to a teammate that is attempting to attack the ball above the plane of the net. The Libero may hand set behind the attack line.
6) REDESIGNATION OF INJURED LIBERO: (11.3.2.4)
With previous approval from the first referee, any player who is not on the court at the moment of the redesignation may replace an injured Libero during the match.
The injured Libero may not re-enter to play for the remainder of the match.
The redesignated Libero must remain the Libero for the remainder of the match.
