2006-07 Volleyball Comments on the Rules

2-1-4 Note: The rule requires a centerline that extends from sideline to sideline. The new addition to the rule, which is listed as a note, provides for flexibility when schools are re-lining the gymnasium floor. This notation allows a shadow line, which designates the required 2-inch width by use of borders or outline lines at least a ¼-inch wide, which shall lie within the 2-inch width.

2-2-2: A cable system exists that is used to retract a ceiling suspended net system. The cables are only on one side of the net and serve only to retract the net system. By clarifying that this retracting cable is a playable overhead obstruction only on the side of the court where the cables are located allows for more equitable play and falls within the intended application of playable overhead obstructions.

4-2-2; 5-1-1; 5-5-2; 6-3-2, 3; 9-9-1: Previously all rules relating to the libero were contained in Rule 6-3, Player Positions. Many of the items in the rule were not related to player position. Rules relating to the libero have now been placed within more appropriate locations in the rules that address specific play, uniforms etc. Other areas brought into the rules which had been in "Transitioning to Libero Player" include proper libero uniform numbering, location of libero at the moment of serve, game administration and penalties involving unnecessary delay.

4-2-4f Legal Number/Centered: A number located in the center of the uniform top may now be placed so the number is centered no more than 5 inches below the bottom edge of any neckline, ribbing, placket or seams on the uniform top. It was confirmed that numbers being anywhere from 3 to 5 inches below the neckline, when centered, were clear and visible. More flexibility in this area will allow visible numbers to be legal, which previously may not have been legal. This change does not make any existing legal uniform illegal and does not change the requirement if the number is on the upper left/right of the uniform top. Some uniforms previously illegal may now become legal.

4, 5, 6, 7, 9 &10 Libero: The libero is a back-row player who is a passing and defensive specialist. In order to be used, the libero must be designated on the lineup sheet. If a libero is not designated on a lineup sheet for a game, that team may not use a libero in that game. The libero is restricted to perform as a back-row player. He/she cannot serve, block, attempt to block, attack from anywhere on or off the court if at the moment of contact, the ball is entirely above the net.
    The libero must wear a specific uniform with a legal number. The libero may replace any player in a back-row position. The replacement is not counted as a substitution. The libero can only be replaced by the player whom he/she replaced.

5-4-1d Umpire Verifies the Lineup on the Scoresheet: The umpire shall verify that the lineup has been entered correctly on the scoresheet. Previously, errors have been made transposing the lineup from the coach's lineup sheet to the official scoresheet. Verification of the transfer of the lineup to the scoresheet by the umpire prior to the game will eliminate these mistakes.

5-6-1, 2, 3 Assistant Scorer/Libero Tracker: The addition of the libero has necessitated use of an assistant scorer. The assistant scorer shall report to the referee 20 minutes prior to the match, be seated at the officials table next to the scorer and assist the officiating team with all libero tracking duties. Although a separate position is preferred, it is acceptable for the official timer to serve as assistant scorer.

7-1-1b: The libero must be designated for match play. This is done by listing an "L" before the uniform number of the libero. To assist schools in the supplying of a libero uniform top without unnecessary costs, the libero may have two uniform numbers that appear on the roster. When listing numbers on the roster, the non-libero number is first followed by the libero number (i.e. 15/L4). The libero number may not be a duplicate of any other player on the roster.

9-5-1c; 9-5-5: The previous definition of a block created play situations in which officials were judging intent.  In some situations the action of a back-row player who was nowhere near the top of the net was considered to be attempting a block and this action play was illegal.  Current coaching strategy does not have back-row players not capable of blocking attempting the block and taking them out of play.  Further, such action would not affect play with no contact with the ball. The definition has been revised to have a block occur when the player is close to the net, who is reaching higher than the net and deflects the ball coming from an opponent.  In addition, "completed and collective" blocks and "block attempt" are now defined. A back-row player may not complete a block. Removed from the rule is "an attempt to block." Judging intent is removed in the new definition. A libero may not attempt or block.

9-5-6: Specifies during play the actions that are not legal for the libero. Rule 9 addresses player actions, and the inclusion of libero player action in this rule has it located in a more suitable rule location. All player action, including libero, will be more easily located by officials and coaches.

10-4; 10-1,2,3,4,5 New: The position of the libero is now a part of the competition rules. Last year, when announcing inclusion of the libero in the 2006 rules book, there were several areas regarding use of the libero not included in the rule, but which appeared mainly in "Transitioning to Libero Player" in the NFHS Volleyball Rules Book as a guide. With a new Rule 10-4 and additions to Sections 1-5, the rules now clarify and define legal libero replacement, procedure for redesignation of libero, substitutions and disqualifications involving the libero.

12-2-6 Head Coach Allowed to Stand During a Dead Ball: Rules 9 and 12 require the coach to remain seated during a game except for a few situations (listed in 12-2-5). 12-2-6 now allows the head coach to stand during any dead ball to instruct his/her players. Once the referee extends the arm in preparation to beckon for serve, the coach must be seated. If the head coach or any other coach/team personnel receives a card, the head coach will lose the privilege to stand.