How many substitutions are allowed in high school?

Question
At the high school level, I would like to know how many substitutions are allowed per set or game? Is there a limit to how many substitutions are made per player, if so how many? I hope you can help me with these questions.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Sharon and welcome to www.allexperts.com!  It's great to hear from you!

The answer to your question depends upon which rule book you're using.  I'm going to assume that you're using the National Federation rule book.  Someone told me that New York uses the NCAA rule book. If you do, the answer to this question is a little different, and you will have to scroll down.

The NF rule book allows for 18 subs in a set/game.  If you have some vball experience, there is nothing mysterious/hidden to this rule.  If Janice starts, and Rachel goes in, that's 1 sub used.  If Janice returns, that's sub #2.  If Rachel goes back in, that's 3.  No, there is no limit to the number of times Janice and Rachel can sub back and forth ... except the team is limited to 18 total substitutions.  So, you can sub Janice and Rachel 18 times.  If you attempt a 19th sub, that will be a delay of game warning.  If you attempt a sub again, I believe that could earn you a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.  

Now, if you're more of a vball rookie, there are some things you must remember!
* If Rachel goes in for Janice, then Rachel is "locked" into that position for the remainder of that set.  So, when Rachel comes back out, the Janice "spot" is the only spot that she may re-enter.
* Libero switches are not considered substitutions, but "replacements".  This word was chosen intentionally to eliminate confusion.  No, a libero replacement isn't considered one of team's subs in NF, USAV or NCAA.  
* If a player is injured, has blood on her uniform, etc., and she cannot continue, the coach is allowed to make a sub, even if the coach has already used 18.  There is no penalty.  However, this sub will be made in this order: (a) Does the coach have a legal sub?  If so, then that legal sub must enter.  (b) But if no girl has subbed in for the injured girl, and every girl on the bench has already enter the game, an "exceptional" sub may enter for the injured player.  However, if this is done, the injured player may not re-enter during that set, and the exceptional sub may not be used in any other position for the remainder of that set.  (Have I told you more than you really asked? haha)

Other rule books have different rules regarding substitutions.  If you play under USAV, NCAA and FIBV rules, the coach is allowed fewer than 18 subs.  It's 12 in USAV, I believe it's 12 in NCAA, and I believe it's 6 in FIVB.... AND I believe that FIVB only allows each sub to come off the bench one time!  (If I'm wrong, someone please give me some feedback!) So if Rachel starts, then Janice can only enter the game for her once. And if Janice is taken out, she may not re-enter that set.  Wow!  (

I hope you return to allexperts.com when you have another question.  And if you have a moment, please visit me at www.coachhouser.com!  My staff and I are directing 8 site camps for summer 2010, and we still have 3 weeks available to come to your school!  I can't WAIT for summer to begin!

Have a great week!
Coach Houser