Libero Serving
 

Here's the situation: FED rules

When Libero serves they do not have to "sit out" when going back to serve. When she finally gets across the back row and makes the next exchange how long does she legally have to sit out?

A. One serve, no matter who wins the point - she can come in after one serve.
B. One 1/2 rotation - she can only return after the server from her team loses the serve.
C. One full rotation - she can only return after her team rotates again.

I know this is a basic question, but we had a big disagreement with a coach tonight.:mad: I would love to have the rule number too if possible.

See Rule 10-4-1b
 

The libero replacement may occur only one time per dead ball. That means that after the libero has rotated from LB (or CB) to the RB position to serve and subsequently rotates across the back row, when the libero would rotate from LB into LF, the player whom she (or he) replaced must return to the court. The libero must remain out for one rally. At the conclusion of one rally or replay (NOT reserve, however), the libero may replace any of the three players in the back row. So, with the three options that you have given, the most correct answer is A.

Remember that the libero serving is experimental for this school year, so you should verify that what I said above is accurate in your particular state - give a call to Gina at MHSAA and she will give you the proper interpretation. Next year, the libero serving will be part of the rules and we will have the specifics within the body of the rules book.

Scenario:

Q: Team A's libero is replaced by number 2 (whom she replaced). A's coach then gets a red card. There has been no serve. Can A's libero now replace #10 (LB)?

A: Yes. The red card carries a penalty of a loss of rally; therefore, there has now been one rally between the libero's exit and subsequent re-entry. This replacement is legal.

Rule 10-4 covers your libero procedures.

As Jan indicated, A is most correct.

B is only correct if the libero is to rotate into RB when she has already served in a different position. She would have to wait until the server has finished her term of serve, as the libero cannot rotate into RB when her team is serving unless she can be a legal server.

C is never a requirement.

As an observation, I notice that the L usually waits until the server completes the term of service, then replaces. Theory behind is that now, you have the L in for defense all the time, and for six positions. Then, when L reaches LB and rotates, they move right into RB and serves.
It's that 1/2 rotation that leaves the back row "vunerable" to an aggressive attack, but with a good defensive server, that's not a big issue.