1. Rule 9 will seldom be in effect, but there's no compelling reason for us to not list it as an optional rule when conditions will accommodate it. Our goal is to be as consistent with

FIVB as our Risk Management folks will allow. The wording in the rule is our compromise with Risk Management because they don't want to be paying for unnecessary medical bills when the rules are too lenient and present the opportunity for injury.

As for the Libero's uniform, sometimes (most cases) it's what the rules DON'T say, not what they do say.  You referenced Rule 4.3.1, which basically says the uniforms need to be identical for the team EXCEPT FOR THE LIBERO and USAV 4.3.1 states this further. Since the Libero is exempt from this rule, it applies to the entire uniform.  It's required to have a contrasting jersey, and the shorts may or may not be different from the rest of the team.

Rule 19.2 says the Libero's jersey (at least) must contrast to the rest of the team. That means the jersey is required to contrast, and the rest of the uniform may or may not.

2.Substitution Clarification:
Any number of players can be substituted into the same position as long as they have not played in any other position for that set. The rule can be found on page 44, USAV 15.6.a-f:
a. The sanction for a wrong position entry request is an improper request.
b. Twelve substitutions are the maximum permitted per team per set. Substitution of one or more players is permitted at the same time.
c A player in the starting line-up may leave the set and re-enter, but only in his/her previous position in the line-up that he/she first entered
(Exception 15.7 Exceptional Substitutions).
d. A substitute may enter a set in the position of a teammate of the starting line-up.
e. Unlimited individual entries by a substitute within the team?s allowable 12 substitutions are permitted. Each entry must be to the same position in the line-up.
f. More than one substitute may enter the set in each position.

3. UNIFORM CHANGE Effective November 1, 2007
This requirement is necessary for teams traveling to National Events or events outside of North Country Region.

Rule 4.3.3.2 page XV states:
Due to visibility issues, minimum number sizes have been revised. The numbers must be a minimum of 4? in height on the chest and a minimum of 6? in height on the back. It is recommended that the numbers be a minimum of 6? in height on the chest and a minimum of 8? on the back. Note: Centering of numbers on both the front and back of the uniform is recommended now and required Nov. 1, 2007

Uniform numbers centered on the chest and on the back.
Uniform numbers 6 inches on the chest and 8 inches on the back.

4. 2007 New Rule Changes  Here ~

5. USA Volleyball Rules Interpretation Bulletin #1 ~

If you have a rule interpretation question, please call Candy 952-831-9150 ext.11 or email candyk@ncrusav.org

Posted 11/30/2006 ~ Rule Interpretations:

Xvii- 9.2.3.2 deleted, then on page 35 9.3 faults in playing the ball,  then 9.3.4 states double contact basically illegal. Is this different than multiple contacts?

 9.2.3.2 USAV - The only part that was deleted was the USAV portion.  That rule was just USAV's longer explanation of what a "First hit" was.  That was considered redundant since it is defined elsewhere in the rules.  It also clarified that you could use "finger action" on the first hit as long as it wasn't caught and/or thrown.  That too was redundant since the FIVB rule 9.2.3.2 says the same thing.  The deletion did not change the rule or its interpretation.

Those exceptions listed in 9.2.3.1&2 over ride the next rule, 9.3 faults.

For our purposes there is no distinction between a double contact (often occuring with a "finger set") and the ball contacting various parts of the body in succession or "multiple contacts."  A double contact is illegal, except as indicated in 9.2.3.1 & 9.2.3.2 (blocks and first contact).

Xvii 12.4.3 the entire service action must take place within the playing area. If you are allowing playing area beyond lets say sport court on end line then by this rule they can start serving within the playing area?

If it is playing area, then yes.  If you are in a big gym, and it's all the same height, then it's possible for the player to start 20 or 30 feet back.  Remember that the playing surface must be "flat, horizontal, and uniform."   Don't confuse that with the rule that allows a player to retrieve a ball beyond the free zone.  That rule is in effect when there is a change in height downward no more than 1/2" from the playing area (USAV 9).   This is not the playing area, so can't be used to serve.  It may, however, be "playable" for the purposes of retrieving a ball.

Xvi 5.2.3.4 deleted, so head coach can not give instructions? 5.2.1 throughout the match, the coach conducts the play of her team from outside the playing court. (this mean if standing between attack lines and end of bench they can give instructions?

 5.2.3.4 - Only the USAV portion was deleted.  This defined "disruptive acts" by the coach.  This is covered under the Misconduct section (Rule 20), so didn't really fit here.  No change in how the coach can give instruction.  5.2.3.4 - "Coach may give these instructions while standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her team bench from the extention of the attack line to the warm up area. . ."  No change. 

4.1.1 Team composition do we go by 12 & 4 or gray box 15 & 5

 Follow the USAV rule (grey box) - 15 & 5.  The change here was to match the FIVB wording of coaches/staff personel.  Last year it said "coaches and medical personel."  Again, no change (unless you kicked the team rep off the bench last year since they were not coach or medical personel. <grin>)

Xviii 19.1.2 delete second sentence. Pg 56 19.1.2 the libero must be recorded on the score sheet before the match in the special line reserved for this. Does this mean for the entire match? Grey box, the libero may be designated for the set. It would have been so much easier to say must instead of may, for each set.

 This is referencing the international or FIVB scoresheet.  There is only one space for the libro, at the bottom of the sheet in the roster section.  The sheet is only one page, so there is no way to change the libero for one set of the match.  The addition is for USAV which uses a different score sheet, and would need the libero listed for each set.  I agree with the "must" comment since if you don't put them on the line up and you are using the USAV sheets, then you wouldn't be allowed to play with the libero for that set.  I'll send that one up.  For our purposes - No change from last year.