Bucknell University Athletics
NCAA Volleyball Adds New Playing Position
9/12/2002 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 12, 2002
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The NCAA adopted several new rules for women's volleyball for the 2002 season, the most notable being the libero position. The libero is a designated back-row player intended to be used as a ball-control specialist.
The libero, wearing a contrasting uniform from her teammates, is allowed to replace any player in the back row without counting as one of the 12 team substitutions. The libero may not serve, attempt a block or attack a ball that is completely above the net. The libero also has restrictions on setting the ball to a teammate for an attack.
There is no limit to the number of libero replacements a team is allowed. The libero and the player on the court exchange places between the attack line and the end line with no referee action required.
However, this replacement can only take place at the end of a rally before the whistle for the next serve. When the libero is replaced, she must remain on the bench for one rally before re-entering for a back-row player. A different libero can be designated for each game of the match.
The libero will create more opportunities for smaller, quicker players. Carolyn Dougherty, Chelsea Anderson and Jessica Le are all candidates for the libero spot on the Bison roster.
Bucknell will host the Bull Run Inn-vitational this weekend, Sept. 13-14. The Bison will face Albany on Friday at 6:00 p.m. The Orange and Blue will then play Quinnipiac at noon and LaSalle at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.
