Why does one member of a volleyball team wear a different uniform to the others?

Question

Why does one member of a volleyball team wear a different uniform to the others?

Answer 1

The other person is a Libero

1. THE "LIBERO" PLAYER

Each team has the option to register one specialised defensive player, "Libero" among the final list of 12 players for the whole tournament.

The specific rules for a Libero player are as follows:

A) He/she is restricted to performing as a back row player and has no right at all to complete an attack hit when the ball is above the height of the top of the net.

B) The Libero may not serve, block or attempt to block.

C) The Libero must wear a different colour shirt from the other members of the team.

D) Substitutions involving a Libero are not counted as regular and their number is unlimited. A Libero cannot take part in normal substitutions and may only enter or leave the game while the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service.

E) It is necessary to have a rally between replacement of two different players involving a Libero. With the previous approval of the first referee, an injured Libero may be substituted during the match by any registered player within the normal line-up list of the score sheet.

G) The designated replacement of a Libero will be limited to performing as a Libero for the rest of the match and the subsequent matches. Nevertheless, this player will be allowed to be registered again in the normal line-up of later matches once the initially registered Libero is officially re-instituted.

H) No other player will be authorised to perform as a Libero and in the case of further injury of the originally registerd Libero, he/she will be replaced by the same player under the same conditions as stated in previous points.

LIBERO PLAYER DEFINED IN THE FIVB RULEBOOK (1999-2000 edition)

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.

Answer 2

libero. they are a person that can only play back row. they dont have to rotate in the traditional way with the ref. the coach can just throw the min any time in the game to replace a back row player

Answer 3

because that member is the setter, and most of the time also the captain

Answer 4

The extensive answer was very complete, but there was one error.  The College mens game as well as all high school games now allow the Libero to serve for one player on the team.  Personally on my team I use this option with one of my middle blockers whose serve is sub-par.  It also allows me to develop a player who can excel on defense and also have a killer serve.  My Libero now implements up to four different serves in a game.    Other than that it's a sound answer.

Answer 5

they are a libero--a specialized backrow player.  There are different rules for this player, its kinda confusing, but they can go in and out whenever they wany to, but they can't hit(spike) the ball.

Answer 6

there called a labero, so they can go on anytime without having to stop and let the referees right there numbers down.

Answer 7

That person is the Libero....They are required to have a contrasting color uniform so the officials can tell that they are allowed to enter and exit the court without taking a substitution.

Answer 8

that person is wearing a different colored uniform because she or he is the Libero or defense specialists. fyi there the same thing and can go by either term. they are allowed to come in for anybody in the back row almost anytime. they are not allowed to hit in front of the back row attach line (when they hit it legally its called a pipe) or serve.

Answer 9

that would be the libero, my friend.  they are always back row players, and are usually the best diggers on the team. they usually don't serve.

Answer 10

The above answer is correct.  The player with a different uniform is called the Libero.  (It is correctly pronounced as LEE' be ro.  I know almost no one pronounces it that way.  It is from the Italian word for free.  Liber pronounced LEE' bre)

The reason they have to wear a different uniform is that the Libero has different rules from the rest of the team.  

As stated above, the Libero can replace anyone in the back row without using a substitution.  They do not need referee recognition to do the replacements.  

The Libero can not use their hands to set a ball while they are on or inside the 10 foot line AND the ball is sent over the net by a team mate while the ball is completely above the height of the net.  

The Libero may not sent the ball over the net while the ball is completely above the height of the net.  

This year, the Libero may serve in junior high school, high school and women's college rules.  (not in USAV club)

Answer 11

the only reason one person wears a diff. uniform is because that is the setter...and if the setter did not have the diff. uniform the whole team would get mixed up

Answer 12

because they are the team captin