Rotation fault caused by libero replacement

[Scrapper1]

Ok, this is a multi-layered question, so please bear with me.

I worked lines opposite the scorer's table tonight for a high school playoff match that uses NCAAW rules.

In the first set, the Libero was in the back-left (in the 5 position) and the Libero's team won the point. She would normally have to be replaced, as she was about to rotate into the front row. Instead, she moved to serve the next point. Everything is ok so far.

As she is preparing to serve, a player comes off the bench and moves into the libero replacement area and a front row player moves toward the sideline. They are going to do the normal "double switch". But before they can do it, the R1 blows the whistle and beckons for serve. The two "switching" players hesitate and then do NOT complete the replacement. This looked wrong to me at the time.

Libero serves and wins the rally. At this point, the R2 stops play and has a discussion with the table. After a few moments, he turns and gives the court back to the R1, assessing no penalty or anything. The Libero then wins the next 2 or 3 points (I can't remember exactly how many).

Question 1: Would someone please walk me through exactly how this is handled? I'm pretty sure this is a rotation fault and that we can "erase" all the points that the Libero serves, but I'm really not confident that I could get it right in a real match.

Question 2: As a linesperson, can I bring this to the attention of the R1 or R2? Or do I have to just bite my tongue (which is what I did, by the way)?

Any help on this will be appreciated.

[FMadera]

1. Depends on if there was an actual fault. There probably was, as the libero rotating to serve is, in essence, two replacements, and without the replacements taking place (i.e., the two proper players completing their replacements correctly), you have a delay sanction if caught before the whistle, illegal alignment after the whistle.

2. No, no, NO!

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by FMadera

1. you have a delay sanction if caught before the whistle, illegal alignment after the whistle.

So if the R2 sees that they want to make the replacement, should s/he blow the whistle and stop the serve so they can complete the replacement?

I'm just trying to fully understand what you mean by "if caught" before the whistle.

2. No, no, NO!

For the record, I did say that I bit my tongue until after the set.

[FMadera]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

So if the R2 sees that they want to make the replacement, should s/he blow the whistle and stop the serve so they can complete the replacement?

Using NCAA rules:

If the libero has rotated to right back, and the team has had ample opportunity to replace legally (and has not done so), R2 should blow the whistle and assess a delay sanction, which is preferable to having the server serve illegally and cost the team a loss of rally.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by FMadera

Using NCAA rules:

If the libero has rotated to right back, and the team has had ample opportunity to replace legally (and has not done so), R2 should blow the whistle and assess a delay sanction, which is preferable to having the server serve illegally and cost the team a loss of rally.

Wow. Ok, I would never have done that. The delay warning is administered by showing the yellow card against the wrist?

[Scrapper1]

FWIW, the R1 on my match last night (I was working lines again) said he would want me to bring the non-replacement to his attention if no one else noticed it. But in the actual case, where the R2 went to the table and decided that nothing was wrong, I would have to bite my tongue, even if that decision was incorrect.

[FMadera]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

Wow. Ok, I would never have done that. The delay warning is administered by showing the yellow card against the wrist?

Correct.

As far as what your R1 said, that is outside your area of responsibility, and invites a world of trouble when you ask your line judge to perform referee responsibility.