substitution

Question
Hi Marie,
 i'm just getting involved with some coaching for high school aged girls. even though i can cover the fundimentals, ineed some advise on substitution. how is it done specifically? also, most of these girls are inexperienced,( there are 14). about a hand full are experienced enough to play fairly well. my main objective is to play all the girls as much as i can and still be competitive and hopefully have fun.
  this is not a full blown competitive league but since most of them have not played before i would like to keep their intrest and not discourage their participation.

   thank you,
   phil  

Answer
Phil--

The number of substitutions allowed depends on which rules you play.  Iowa high schools play the NADA rules, which used to be the same as USVBA but I don't know if there's been any recent USVBA changes in the last 7 years because I haven't kept up with them.

The procedure for substituting is that either the player or the coach can call for a substitution during a dead ball. A substitution is not allowed once the whistle has been blown for the serve, unless it's simulataneous and then it's up to the discretion of the official.  The player coming out must report to the sideline between the ten foot line and the net.  The incoming player reports to the same area with her back to the bench (for the score keeper).  The players must wait to leave/enter the court until the officials tell them they can.

THE BIGGIE:  One player can only enter the game 3 times, and it must be in the same position.  If they are a starter, this counts as their first entry.  If player #5 starts and then you sub #6.  In order to put #5 back in, it has to be for #6.  

NOTE:  You can play as many players in one spot (sub #6 for 5, sub #7 for #6, sub #8 for #7) but once you've done that, they can't play anywhere else.  The only exception is if you only have 7 players, the 7th player has been in for #5 but then #4 gets hurt and has to leave the game.


I hope this answers your question and isn't too confusing.  I don't feel like I've explained it clearly enough because I'm being distracted with my sick 2 yr. old.  If you need a better explanation, let me know.  If you have any other questions, ask away.

Good luck

Marie