The following is adapted from Brian Hemelgarn's August 11, 2009 message to juniors' club directors. Please direct any questions to Brian at hemelgarn@ovr.org.

To assist in your endeavors with organizing your teams and clubs, please keep the following rules in mind:

1. Uniforms: Please ensure that there is a clear contrast between the color of the Libero's jersey and the color of the rest of the team members' jerseys. If the primary jersey is light colored, the Libero jersey must be dark, and vice versa. Remember, the Libero's jersey may not be any of the predominant colors of the team's regular jerseys.

2. Uniform numbers: Numbers must be centered on the front and back of the jerseys. The numbers on the front must be a minimum of 4" in height, and numbers on the back must be a minimum of 6" in height. The line forming the number must be at least 3/4" in width. The color of the number must clearly contrast to the surrounding color of the jersey. Jerseys must be numbered 1 to 99, inclusive. 0 and 00 are illegal. Likewise, numbers with a leading zero (01, 02, 03, etc) are illegal.

3. The Libero's shorts may be a different color than the rest of the team.

4. Team shorts must be identical. That means extraneous designs or pin-striping are not considered identical to plane shorts, even if the shorts are otherwise the same color.

And with regard to rule changes for this season, here's a brief summary. I would obviously still encourage each of you to read the rulebook (USAV Domestic Competition Regulations):

• The rulebook will be published on a two-year cycle beginning with the coming season. Hence the new rulebook will be good for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. This should provide more continuity and consistency with the rules over a longer period of time.

• Net contact rule: In essence, contact with the net is not a fault unless it interferes with play. "Interferes with play" is specifically defined as contacting the top band of the net; taking support from the net while playing the ball; creating an advantage over the opponent; or making actions which hinder the opponent's opportunity to play the ball. That means there will be fewer net calls this year. I encourage you to view the following video on YouTube to familiarize yourself with how this rule will be applied: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ1FHRVPIqc

• Center line rule: The rule is the same regarding a player's foot/feet – the foot/feet must be on/above the centerline. However, any body part above the feet may cross the centerline and touch the opponent's court provided this does not interfere with play.

• The first referee and each team's coach must sign the score sheet(s) at the end of the match to verify the results.

• Substitution procedure: Substitution requests will only be recognized when a player enters the substitution zone. Verbal or hand signal requests will not be recognized unless the request involves the replacement of an injured player or exceptional substitution procedure.

• A completed rally results in the awarding of a point and the service to the opponent. Therefore, a Libero replacement is not permitted when a rally is replayed unless a penalty-sanction forces a rotation that would place the Libero in the front zone. Further information & interpretations on this rule are forthcoming.

• USAV will not be using the "two Libero" rule that the FIVB has adopted.

Please place special emphasis on the substitution procedure. The only way to request a substitution is for a substitute to enter the substitution zone.

Also, please note that USAV continues to emphasize that conduct and behavior must be appropriate and respectful at all times. Except for necessary communication, there should be minimal interaction between the referees and coaches. Coaches or other team members who question referee decisions are subject to sanction. Officiating is often a difficult job, and there should be respect and consideration for the 430 referees in our region who commit themselves to this sport in an effort to make it fair and safe for everyone involved.

I hope these rule changes and points of emphasis are helpful as you prepare for the 2009-10 USAV season. If I can answer any questions relating to rules or officiating, please don't hesitate to ask.