Rules and Uniforms for Team Volleyball

Sanctioned volleyball matches in the United States require participants to follow USA Volleyball's rules regarding uniforms, including the placement of numbers, the way colors may be used and, for indoor matches, specific differences regarding the libero player. Because of the relative ease of identify players in doubles beach matches, and in consideration of outdoor conditions, USA Volleyball offers separate uniform rules for indoor and beach play.

  1. Indoor

    • Teams must submit a roster with the names and uniform numbers of all players at least 10 minutes before the match, and it must be signed by the coach or team captain. Once signed, the only allowable change is to correct a uniform number, which costs the team a penalty point.

      Uniforms are a player's jersey and shorts. Socks and sport shoes are considered part of a player's equipment, not part of the uniform. Players may wear undergarments, such as T-shirts and sports bras, but if any part of these items are exposed, they much be similar in color to the uniform.

      All players on a team except the libero must wear the same colors and design, and uniforms must be clean. Jerseys must be numbered, with the number on both the center of the front and back of the jersey. The color of the numbers must contrast with the jersey color so that they are easily identifiable, and all players except the libero must use the same color of number. The team captain should have a line below the number on her chest to identify her as captain.

    Beach

    • Beach players may wear either shorts or a bathing suit. They also are allowed to wear jerseys or tank tops, hats, visors and sunglasses, or other aids for sun protection. None of the equipment can give players an unfair advantage over their opposition.

      Beach players are not required to wear uniform numbers and typically do not; if they do, the numbers must be on the front of their shorts or chests.

    Libero

    • The libero is a back-row-only player in indoor games who comes in as a substitute and leaves again before he must rotate to the front row. While he also wears a jersey and shorts, the jersey must contrast sharply with other team members so as to identify his role as a defense-only player. The design of the uniform also may be different, but the numbering on it must be the same as his co-players. A libero also is allowed to wear a jacket or bib, as long as the uniform number is easily identifiable. Like the rest of the team, the libero's number must contrast with his uniform color.