[bellnier]

I'm a new observer of the sport, so please forgive me. I understand that non-libero substitutions must be okayed and can only occur in the substitution area. I see the players stand and face each other, touch hands, get the ok, and then switch. I also understand at least some of the libero-nonlibero replacement stuff.

But I see this at Women's NCAA D1 volleyball at least 2 or 3 times per match: libero is on the court already, dead ball at end of rally, then player on the court runs directly to bench as bench player runs on the court...high fiving each other as they pass. Neither player goes through the substitution area. It SEEMS that libero is somehow involved in this, as I think the occurrence of this switcher-oo only happens when libero is on the court in the back row position 2 or 3 but somehow then moves into position to serve. This is so confusing. Thanks.
-Dave