Non-Contrasting Libero Uniform

[timasdf]

Why do officials (and coaches) seem to have no concept of the definition of contrasting? In this case, it was among the biggest of big shots (both R1 and R2).

I tried to attach a good image, but apparently attachments aren't allowed by those that operate these forums. Instead, here's a link (with a low-quality image) from another site:

http://114.imagebam.com/download/TSS...6/Untitled.jpg

Thoughts?

["Lurker"77]

It's the regular gray uniforms of UCLA that are at issue, right?

(e.g. http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-wom...regional-final


or

http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-wom...s-southern-cal

)


I thought I read from another discussion that the questionable libero top was of similar color to the spandex (and presumably other team jersey tops), which would be more debatable than some television shots would indicate. I honestly couldn't say if that was contrasting (but don't get paid to purchase uniforms or officiate under most rule sets). If the potentially offending jersey matches the blue spandex, play on or not?

But, I also wonder why a pink jersey is present in both of the shots I pulled up online with these uniforms in use in other matches.

[timasdf]

Not sure about the coaching staff at UCLA, but I know for certain that many coaches will try to get away with stuff like this in an effort to create a (typically very small) advantage for their team.

The instant they get called for it, they have the contrasting uniform in a bag.

I suspect that UCLA has several other uniforms that the libero could have worn. Unfortunately, the officials on the match decided to ignore the rule, which stipulates that the uniforms must be contrasting. Not visually different. Not noticeably different. Contrasting.

[pavbref]

The NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor for Volleyball is aware of the questionable uniform for UCLA. She has numerous messages in her email mailbox asking the same question as the OP.

[MD Longhorn]

There is ZERO advantage gained by having a jersey not as contrasting as someone else. And contrasting is in the eye of the beholder. Given that this is a college, the NCAA itself (not the referee of the day) is going to be the final arbiter... but if referees can tell the difference from 25 feet away, it's not going to be an issue, even if it's hard to see on a side view on television.

[timasdf]

I completely disagree that there is no advantage gained by having a non-contrasting libero uniform.

If the libero sets the ball in front of the attack line with a very similar color, it may not be immediately noticed by the referees.

The purpose of the contrasting uniform is so that it can be immediately recognized with peripheral vision.

The referee *IS* the arbiter of this at the match site. The referee may not always be correct. "The NCAA is the final arbiter." Huh? "The NCAA" doesn't make any decisions. People acting on behalf of the NCAA make the decisions. Again, those people are not always correct (as in this case).

The definition of contrasting is NOT in the eye of the beholder. The definition is clear...Definition of contrast: Strikingly different.

Very simply, royal blue and baby blue are not contrasting.

Contrasting Colors:
What Are Contrasting Colors?

[PaREF]

Originally Posted by Lurker"77;994791]It's the regular gray uniforms of UCLA that are at issue, right?

(e.g. [URL="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-womens-volleyball/2016/12/10/13907412/ucla-womens-volleyball-faces-minnesota-in-ncaa-regional-final

http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-womens-volleyball/2016/12/10/13907412/ucla-womens-volleyball-faces-minnesota-in-ncaa-regional-final[/URL]


or

http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-wom...s-southern-cal

)


I thought I read from another discussion that the questionable libero top was of similar color to the spandex (and presumably other team jersey tops), which would be more debatable than some television shots would indicate. I honestly couldn't say if that was contrasting (but don't get paid to purchase uniforms or officiate under most rule sets). If the potentially offending jersey matches the blue spandex, play on or not?

But, I also wonder why a pink jersey is present in both of the shots I pulled up online with these uniforms in use in other matches.

I saw other pictures from this season where the UCLA libero was wearing a white shirt. Not sure why she was not made to wear it for the Minnesota match. When I first turned on the match I wondered why they weren't using a libero. It wasn't until really looking hard that I saw the difference between the grey and blue uniform tops. I heard that the contrast was more visible in person than on TV.