The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- February 15, 1999

Emergence of defensive specialists in men's volleyball an example of why

The libero rules

BY HEATHER YOST
STAFF WRITER

Eric Sato was a little man in a game played over the net.

"Eric was only five feet, 11 inches tall, but pound for pound he was a great volleyball athlete," said Marv Dunphy, men's volleyball coach at Pepperdine University. "When I was coaching the international team and I wanted to win a game, I would put Eric in and tell him to work his magic."

Sato was a backrow specialist who played in the 1988 Olympics and helped the U.S. National Team earn the gold medal. He was known for his ability to perpetuate rallies with defense and serve America to victory.

"He put the specialist position in the limelight and really gave it some credibility," said Gavin Markovits, public relations and communication coordinator for USA Volleyball.

"Everybody would love it when Eric would come into a game," said Brian Quinn, who chairs the NCAA Men's Volleyball Committee. "He was all over the court, and he was very exciting to watch."

But a rule change reduced the number of times a player could enter a game from three to one, which made specialists like Sato extinct.

However, players like Sato may have provided the inspiration for another, more recent international rule change that recreates a role for the backrow specialist in the game. The new rule, which is enjoying success at the international level, now is under consideration for the men's college game.

The "libero rule," established in both men's and women's international volleyball last year, allows the designated backrow specialist the opportunity to substitute for a backrow player at any time.

For instance, the libero player could substitute in for middle blocker "A" who has just served. Middle blocker "A" would return to the court to play the front row, and the libero player would remain on the bench only until middle blocker "B" has served. The backrow specialist, who is easily identified by a different colored jersey, would replace middle blocker "B."

"The (old) change in the substitution rule virtually took the small man out of the game because they could only sub in once," Dunphy said. "It almost wasn't worth it because they didn't have a chance to really be involved and get into the match at that rate."

No change of pace

The multiple substitutions of the libero player, however, doesn't slow down the pace of the game because this player is not required to be registered and recognized by the officials each time, such as other substitutions. The backrow specialist substitutes between serves without fanfare.

Although Sato also was revered for his efforts as a server, the libero exception does not allow for the backrow specialist to serve.

"As we developed the concept for the libero rule, we knew we had some boundaries," said Jim Coleman, United States representative to the FIVB Rules of the Game Commission. "We did not want a serving specialist; there was not going to be a full-time setter; and we didn't want a permanent backrow spiker. We were left with a defensive player that could make the game more exciting. I have been on the committee for 22 years, and we are always looking for ways to make the game more exciting."

The international rule was established to increase the rallies in volleyball that would increase interest in the game. Since the rule went into effect last year, though, it has become evident that serve reception may be the biggest impact libero has on the game.

"I know the rule was established for defensive purposes, but it really is a double-edged sword," Dunphy said. "The libero player specializes in serve reception, so the transition is that much better, and we see better offensive attacks. So, rallies are not necessarily extended."

The international committee could have allowed the resurgence of the defensive player by allowing each player to substitute any number of times within the team limit of 12, as is specified by the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports, which governs NCAA women's volleyball playing rules.

"I don't really know why we didn't go that direction, and I am on the committee," Coleman said. "The emphasis on defense is there."

Libero in collegiate game

The libero rule is currently in effect only at the international level and has not been attempted in the college game.

"I watched our match against UCLA last week, and it went five games and was a tremendous match," Quinn said. "I think there were only three substitutions during all five games. The players we are seeing dominate the game just keep getting taller and taller. You almost have to be six (feet) four (inches) with a good vertical jump to be a competitive blocker."

"Right now, the men's college game is really a six-person game," Coleman said. "The libero rule essentially adds a seventh player. The women's college game is an eight-person game because they can substitute more often."

United States Volleyball Rules, which govern the men's college game, are voted on by the USA Volleyball Rules of the Game Commission Indoor Committee. Meeting at the end of February, the committee figures to consider adopting the libero rule, which could become effective as early as September 1999.

"I would guess that (libero) and the change in international scoring will be under serious debate," Coleman said. "We want what is best for the game and for the players.

"The libero rule gets more players involved with the game. Technically, we are required by our charter to follow the international rules, but we have gone our own way before. We also have been highly criticized for it."

If the committee passes the proposal, it will be up to the men's volleyball committee to decide whether to adopt the rule for the 2000 National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship.