THE LIBERO VOLLEYBALL PLAYER
(as defined by the FIVB and USAV Rule Books)

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4.1.2  Each team has the option to register, among the final list of 12 players,
       one (1) specialized defensive player "Libero" (Rule 8.5).

8.5 The Libero Player

8.5.1 The Libero (Rule 4.1.2) must be recorded on the scoresheet before 
      the match in the special line reserved for it.  His/her number must
      be also added on the line-up sheet on the first set (Rule 7.3.1.3).

8.5.2 The specific rules for the Libero player are as follows:

8.5.2.1 The equipment
        The Libero must wear a different colour uniform , shirt or jacket
	in contrast to the other members of the team (or with a different 
	design) (Rule 4.3.5)

8.5.2.2 The playing actions
        a) The libero is allowed to replace any player in a backrow position.
	b) He/she is restricted to perform as a back row player and is not
	   allowed to complete an attack hit from anywhere (including playing
	   court and free zone) if at the moment of contact the ball is entirely
	   higher than the top of the net.
	c) He/she may not serve, block, or attempt to block.
	d) A player may not complete an attack hit from higher than the
	   top of the net, if the ball is coming from an overhand finger pass
	   by a Libero in the front zone.  The ball may be freely attacked if
	   the Libero makes the same action from behind the end zone.

8.5.2.3 Replacement of players
        a) Replacements involving the Libero are not counted as regular
	   substitutions.  They are unlimited, but there must be a rally
	   between two Libero replacements.  The Libero can only be replaced
	   by the player whom he/she replaced.
	b) Replacements can only take place:
	     i. at the start of each set after the second referee has checked
	         the starting line up;
            ii. while the ball is out of play;
	   iii. before the whistle for service.
	c) A Libero may only enter or leave the court by the sideline 
	   in front of his/her team bench between the attack line and 
	   the end line.

8.5.2.4 Replacement of injured Libero 
        a) With the previous approval of the first referee, an injured Libero
	   may be replaced during the match by any player who is not on the
	   court at the moment of the injury.  The injured Libero may not
	   re-enter to play for the remainder of the match.
	b) The player designated to replace an injured Libero must remain
	   as a Libero for the reaminder of the match.

These rule changes will be in effect for the 1999-2000 season of USA Volleyball competition, commencing November 1, 1999.

The substitution systems will allow greater participation in the game by more players.

All questions and comments should be forwarded to Tom Blue, USA Volleyball Rule Interpreter, at (540) 345-2411 or tblue@roanoke.infi.net.

Substitution System

Rule 11.3 is amended to reflect the use of the Libero Defensive Player in the United States Rules. These rules will be in effect for the 1999 USA Volleyball Open Championships, Open Division and, beginning November 1999, for any USA Volleyball Open competition. Any team participating in Open Competition has the option to register a Libero player on its roster. Regular substitutions remain limited to six team subs and one individual entry per player.

Only one Libero will be allowed per team. There are special rules if the Libero player is injured and cannot continue. The Libero player's number must be placed on the line-up sheet for the first game of each match, in addition to the numbers for the starting six players. The Libero player must wear a uniform of a different and contrasting color and/or design than that of the rest of the team in order to be readily recognized on the court.

Libero Playing Actions: The Libero may replace any player in a back row position. The Libero may not serve, block or attempt to block. The Libero may not complete an attack-hit from anywhere if at the moment of contact the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net. A teammate may not complete an attack-hit on a ball coming from an overhead pass using the fingers by the Libero if the Libero sets while in the front zone. The ball may be freely attacked if the Libero makes the same set from behind the front zone.

Libero Replacements: When the Libero replaces a player in the back zone, it is not counted as a substitution. These replacements are unlimited. Only the player whom he/she replaced may replace the Libero. After the Libero is replaced, he/she must stay out one rally before replacing another player in the back zone. Replacements may take place: 1) at the start of the game after the 2nd referee has checked the line-up and 2) while the ball is out of play before the 1st referee blows the whistle for service.

United States Rules - Modified governs play in all USA Volleyball competition other than Open Competition. Rule 11.2.2 of United States Rules - Modified is amended to allow teams to use a maximum of fifteen team substitutions in each game, and unlimited individual entries within those fifteen team subs. Rule 11.2.2 changed to restrict each rotation position to one starter and one substitute.