Libero serving? Really?

Question
Hi Tom,

It's me again! How are you?? We had a volleyball match today and we won! I served 11 times in a row :) 8 aces!

I have a question about liberos... Can they serve? I was watching a video of Texas vs Minnesota NCAA volleyball and both liberos served!

Thanks,

Valentina

Answer
Good evening Valentina!!

They serve sometimes.  They don't serve sometimes.  It depends on the rule book that you're playing under.

For example:
* In many USA high schools, we use the National Federation rule book.  Liberos can serve for 1 girl per set.  And only that 1 girl.  
* In colleges, they use the NCAA rule book.  And liberos can also serve just like in high school.   
* In USAV ball, which is what I coach (some call it "Juniors," some call it "club"), the libero cannot serve.  Not at all.
* I'm not sure in FIVB.  I can't remember if the liberos served at the 2008 Olympics or not.  

So, like other rules (being in the net, for example), the violation depends on the rule book that the game is being played by.   

Just let me know when I can help you again!
Coach Houser