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Libero designation, uniform requirements, playing restrictions, and replacement rules
The Libero is a defensive specialist who replaces back-row players. They wear a different colored jersey and have specific restrictions on what they can do.
Teams can designate up to two Liberos from their roster. Only one Libero can be on the court at any time. The one playing is the "Acting Libero."
For FIVB senior competitions with rosters over 12 players, having two Liberos is mandatory.
The Libero must wear a jersey with a different dominant color that clearly contrasts with the rest of the team. Both Liberos can wear different colors from each other.
The jersey must be numbered like the rest of the team. If a new Libero is designated mid-match (re-designation), they should wear the same style and color as the original Libero if possible, but keep their own number.
The Libero is a back-row specialist. They can:
The Libero cannot complete an attack hit when the ball is entirely above the top of the net, from anywhere on the court or free zone.
This means no hitting, tipping, or dumping the ball over when it's above net height. If the ball is below the net, the Libero can send it over.
The Libero cannot block or even attempt to block. Standing at the net with hands raised during an attack counts as an attempt, even if they don't touch the ball.
The Libero cannot serve. This is a straightforward restriction with no exceptions.
This is the most misunderstood Libero rule:
If the Libero sets the ball overhand (finger set) while in the front zone, teammates cannot attack that ball above net height.
Here's the breakdown:
| Libero Location | Set Type | Can Teammate Attack Above Net? |
|---|---|---|
| Behind attack line | Any set | Yes |
| Front zone | Bump set | Yes |
| Front zone | Overhand finger set | No |
Why this rule exists: It prevents teams from using the Libero as a front-row setter, which would give them an extra attacker.
Libero replacements are different from regular substitutions. They're unlimited and don't count toward your six subs per set.
Libero replacements must happen when the ball is out of play, before the service whistle. There must be a completed rally between any two Libero replacements.
The Libero can only replace back-row players. When that player rotates to the front row, the Libero must come out.
The Libero and the player they're replacing can only enter or exit through the Libero Replacement Zone, the area between the attack line and the end line on the bench side.
| Action | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|
| Libero enters for a player | Either Libero can replace any back-row player |
| Libero exits | Only the original player OR the second Libero can replace them |
| Second Libero enters | Can replace the Acting Libero directly |
Example: If Libero A replaces Player #7, then only Player #7 or Libero B can replace Libero A. Player #12 can't come in for Libero A.
You must complete a rally between Libero replacements. You can't swap the Libero out and immediately put them (or the other Libero) back in.
Exceptions:
If a Libero replacement happens after the service whistle but before the serve is hit, it's not rejected, but the game captain gets warned. Do it again and it becomes a delay sanction.
If a Libero can't continue playing (injury, illness, ejection, disqualification), the team can designate a new Libero.
If your only Libero can't play, you can re-designate any player not currently on the court (except the regular replacement player) as the new Libero for the rest of the match.
The original Libero who was re-designated can't play for the rest of the match.
If one of your two Liberos can't continue, you play with just one. You can only re-designate if your remaining Libero also becomes unable to play.
An illegal Libero replacement includes:
If caught before the next rally: correct it and give a delay sanction.
If caught after the service hit: same consequences as an illegal substitution. Point and serve to opponent, correction required, points cancelled.
| Action | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Replace back-row player | Yes |
| Serve | No |
| Block or attempt to block | No |
| Attack above net height | No |
| Bump set from front zone | Yes |
| Finger set from front zone | Yes, but teammates can't attack it above net |
| Finger set from behind attack line | Yes, no restrictions |
| Be team/game captain | Yes |