Libero rule gives Rainbow Wahine free hand on defense

Hawai'i libero Melissa Villaroman has defined the position, helping the Rainbow Wahine rank among the top 10 nationally in digs. Martha Hernandez illustration, Advertiser library photo

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

Four years after the libero was launched into international volleyball, the NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules Committee caught the wave. This is the first season the libero has been part of the women's game. Its impact is being assessed while fans try to understand its nuances.

True to its roots, the position is a "free substitution." It does not count against a team's limit of 12. It doesn't have to be acknowledged by the referee. It is never even called a "substitution."

The libero is a "replacement," designed to enhance passing and defense, create more and better rallies and salvage a spot for the smaller player in a game that has grown in every conceivable way.

"We believe the adoption of the libero will add a new element of excitement to the game," said NCAA Rules Committee chair Terry Pettit when he announced the change in February. "It will raise the level of play and has the potential to create opportunities for smaller athletes."

What has it done for the second-ranked Rainbow Wahine lately?

They are unbeaten (12-0) and surfing a 21-game winning streak going into tonight's WAC match with Tulsa. The team's passing, anchored by libero Melissa Villaroman and hitters Lily Kahumoku and Kim Willoughby, has been near-perfect. UH is among the top 10 nationally in digs.

Its impact on Hawai'i volleyball in general will take time to gauge. Traditionally, players here have had the reputation of being highly skilled and small in stature. How small is too small now?

"Someone that is a really good athlete and 5-8 or 5-9 will have to make a choice between playing every rotation in a lower-level Division I or Division II program, or being a libero," UH coach Dave Shoji believes. "That's going to be the ideal libero, not 5-5 or 5-4. You're going to see taller athletes at that position who can cover more area. Even Melissa is on the small side. We'll want someone taller in the future."

Here are a few of the most frequently asked libero questions:

How does the libero replace a back-row player?

The libero and player on court exchange places between the attack (10-foot) line and end line in front of their team bench. No referee action is required. Replacement can only take place at the end of a rally and before the whistle for the next service. If a libero is replaced, she must remain on the bench for at least one rally before re-entering.

Can the libero start?

The libero cannot be designated as one of the six starters. Immediately after the second referee has checked the starting lineups, the libero can replace any back-row player except for the first server of the team that is serving first.

How do you recognize a libero?

The color of the libero's shirt must contrast from the color of her teammates' shirts. The shorts must be identical.

Can there be more than one libero on the court at the same time?

No, but a libero designate for one game can play as a non-libero in another, opening the libero position to someone else. Players must retain the same number throughout the match and change to a non-contrasting uniform if not a libero.

Is it mandatory to have one libero on-court the entire game?

No, and if a libero is not designated on the lineup sheet for a game, that team cannot use a libero the entire game.

Can a libero attack the ball?

Not if, at the moment of contact, the ball is entirely above the top of the net.

Can a libero block?

No back-row player can block or attempt to block.

Can a libero set?

A teammate cannot attack the ball when, at the moment of contact, the ball is entirely above the top of the net and it is coming from an overhand finger pass by a libero in the front zone (between the 10-foot line and net).

The ball can be attacked if the libero makes the same action from behind the front zone, or contacts the ball without overhand finger action (a forearm pass, for example) from any area.

Can a libero serve?

Never.

Whom can the libero replace?

Any back-row player. The libero can be replaced only by the player whom she replaced. That can happen any time the libero is in the back row and must happen when the libero rotates to the front. If the coach does not want to replace the libero with the same player, she must request a substitution.

Can a substitute go in for a libero?

If a libero cannot continue play, she must first be replaced by the player whom she replaced. Then a new libero, chosen from any substitute, can be redesignated. The redesignation does not need to occur immediately after the injury and replacement. The new libero must wear a libero uniform and remain the libero the rest of the game.

Must a libero finish the game as a libero?

If a player is injured and no other possible substitution is available, the libero can be used as an "exceptional substitution." When no longer playing as a libero, the player must wear the same uniform as her teammates. The team continues with no libero.

The libero cannot be used as a substitute for an expelled or disqualified teammate. If no legal substitution is available, the team will be declared incomplete and default the game.

If a libero is expelled or disqualified while playing, she must be replaced by the player she replaced. The team continues with no libero.