FAQ's
Rule Interpretations/Procedures
- Can you describe the Libero replacement in basic terms (see the double replacement in a slideshow)?
- If a short back row setter jumps in an attempt to block with her taller front row middle blocker, AND the middle blocker touches/blocks the attack, BUT the setters hands never reach the top of the net, is it a fault?
- What is the proper mechanic for the end of game/match signal sequence?
- Is it legal for a team to wear sweat bands on their wrists?
- If, after the beckon for serve, a Libero, who is serving in the wrong position, drops the ball so that you have to issue a re-serve, can she run off the court and have the proper server come back into the game without penalty, so long as the proper server gets the serve off within 5 seconds?
- Are 0 and 00 legal numbers, especially if the team uses both numbers?
- The serving team has called two times outs - the score is 23-23. The R1 then beckons for serve only to discover that the serving team has 7 players on the court - one of which is the Libero in the serving position. The Libero has not yet served in the game so has not established a position from which to serve. What would be the proper call and sanction(s) after the Libero has served?
Q: Can you describe the Libero Replacement in basic terms?
A: The basics follow... for details and specific situations please refer to this libero reference sheet and your NFHS Rule Book to help clear up any other questions that you may have regarding the use of the Libero.
- The libero is allowed to replace any player in a back row position.
- Replacements involving the libero are not counted as substitutions, but are replacements which are unlimited. Note: Replacements don't take effect until play resumes, e.g. beckon, sanction, time out. For the Double Replacement, review this Libero Replacement Process slideshow for a better understanding.
- There must be at least one rally between two libero replacements, unless the libero is already on the court in replacement of another player, and then she replaces the player rotating to the serving position. In this situation, the libero does not have to exit the court before replacing the player in position number 1. This is referred to as a double replacement. The libero steps over the end line to where she will serve and the two players in “like colored” uniforms pass each other in the libero replacement zone.
Q: If a short back row setter jumps in an attempt to block with her taller front row middle blocker, AND the middle blocker touches/blocks the attack, BUT the setters hands never reach the top of the net, is it a fault?
A: No, it is not a fault. To meet the definition of a blocker, illegal or otherwise, a player must be reaching higher than the top of the net (9-5-1c). All of those players reaching above the top of the net are said to be participating in what becomes a "collective block" (9-5-1c3). If one of those completed collective block participants happens to be a back row player or libero - we have a fault.
Q: What is the proper mechanic for the end of game/match signal sequence?
A: The proper mechanics are as follows:
- Whistle to kill the ball
- Signal the fault
- Signal the final point of the game
- Whistle to start the end of game sequence
- Signal end of game (signal 23 - palms open to the chest, arms crossed)
- Complete signal 23 motioning teams to the end line
- After the teams have moved to the end line,
- Whistle followed by the appropriate signal for the situation
- Change courts, or
- Meet at the net to shake hands (end of match), or
- Captains meet the umpire for the deciding game coin toss
- Whistle followed by the appropriate signal for the situation
Q: Is it legal for a team to wear sweat bands on their wrists?
A: Yes, but probably not next year (2007/08). Check the case book on this matter.
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Q: If, after the beckon for serve, a Libero, who is serving in the wrong position, drops the ball so that you have to issue a re-serve, can she run off the court and have the proper server come back into the game without penalty, so long as the proper server gets the serve off within 5 seconds?
A: NO. It is covered under re-serve in the rule book.
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Q: Are 0 and 00 legal numbers, especially if the team uses both numbers?
A: Yes, but they cannot have those two players on the court at the same time.
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Q: The serving team has called two times outs - the score is 23-23. The R1 then beckons for serve only to discover that the serving team has 7 players on the court - one of which is the Libero in the serving position. The Libero has not yet served in the game so has not established a position from which to serve. What would be the proper call and sanction(s) after the Libero has served?
A: The MHSAA believes that it is an improper Libero replacement or illegal alignment. It is just ONE sanction - one loss of rally point.
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