What are the libero rules?

How many liberos (Volleyball England 2026/27)

• If a team roster has 12 to 14 players, it must include at least one libero and may choose two.
• With fewer than 12 players, a team can have none, one or two.

What a libero can't do (FIVB Rule 19)

• Play anywhere but the back row.
• Serve, block or attempt to block.
• Complete an attack hit from anywhere if the ball is entirely above the top of the net at contact.
• If the libero sets with an overhand finger pass from inside the front zone (in front of the 3 m line), a team-mate can't complete an attack on that ball while it is entirely above the net. From behind the 3 m line, the ball can be attacked freely.

Replacements

• Libero replacements aren't counted as substitutions and are unlimited, but there must be a completed rally between two replacements.
• The libero can replace any back-row player, and can only be replaced by that same player or by the second libero.
• Replacements happen when the ball is out of play, before the whistle for service, through the libero replacement zone. At the start of each set, the libero can't come on until the second referee has checked the line-up.
• Only one libero may be on court at a time, wearing a contrasting shirt.

If the only libero is injured, ill, expelled or disqualified, the coach can re-designate another player not on court as libero for the rest of the match.