Substituting multiple girls into one spot. Legal? Illegal?

Question
You replied about substituting multiple players into the same spot in the lineup.  I agree, but was told by a NFHS ref in my last match that I couldnt.  Here's the story:  #1 is playing back row.  I want #12 to play front.  I start number 1 in the 6 spot in serving order.  I sub in #12 when she rotates to front.  Later I wanted another hitter, #10, who hasn't been in the set, to play front row in 12's spot.  I was told that only 1 and 12 could play that spot.  I hadn't used any of my 18 (NFHS) subs yet.  I asked the ref why, he said only two could play each spot in the lineup.  I never heard of that before.  

Answer
Good morning, and welcome to www.allexperts.com.

The referee is 100% wrong. You are 100% right.  And this is not a new rule.  This rule hasn't changed since I started coaching in 1985.

Not only could you have put in #12, you could then have put in #3 to serve, #8 to play back row, and maybe #19 to play front row.  Yep, six girls in the same spot.  Now, all 6 would then be "stuck" to that spot, and cannot sub into any other spot; but, that's completely, 100% legal.  Always has been.  

This situation is also legal in USAV and in NCAA.   Substituting is much more restricted in FIBV (the international game).  

What else can I do for you?  If there's anything else, please ask.  And would you also please visit me at www.coachhouser.com?  December 1st is the day I begin awarding summer site volleyball camps! The past 2 years we've directed 18 in Alaska, Penn, Va and Delaware.  We can't wait for summer 2011.

Coach Houser

Author of the "I Can't Wait To Coach" ebooks and drill collection.
Director, STAR Volleyball Site Camps