The following is taken from the 2023-2025 USA Volleyball Indoor Rules Book (p. 34-37). Highlighted text reflects an updated rule/text for this rules cycle.
USAV 4.3 EQUIPMENT:
a. A player’s uniform consists of a jersey and shorts or athletic/sports pants. If undergarments, including but not limited to T-shirts, boxer shorts, tights, leotards, body suits, bicycle shorts, sports bras, etc., are worn in such a manner that they are exposed, they will be considered a part of the uniform. In that case, they must be similar and the same color for any team members (except the Libero) who wear such an undergarment. Socks, sport shoes, knee pads, and compression pads are not part of the uniform.
b. The legality of a team’s uniform(s) is not grounds for a protest by their opponent. The determination of a team’s uniform legality is the responsibility of the match referee(s), head referee(s), and/or tournament staff.
USAV 4.3.1: The color and design for the jerseys and shorts or athletic/sports pants must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero). See also 4.1, USAV 19.2
4.3.2 The shoes must be light and pliable with rubber or composite soles without heels.
USAV 4.3.3: The players’ jerseys must be numbered in a permanent manner from 1 to 99 using Arabic numerals. Duplicate numbers are not allowed. See also USAV 4.3.3.2
USAV 4.3.3.1
USAV 4.3.3.1a: Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered side to side on the front and back of the jersey. Numbers are recommended to be placed on the upper half of the jersey. Numbers may not extend below the player’s waist and may not be tucked into the uniform bottom.
USAV 4.3.3.1b: Each jersey must use the same color and number height for all players, except the Libero’s jersey, which may have different color and size numbers, provided it still meets the minimum criteria stated in USAV 4,3.3.2..
USAV 4.3.3.1c: The color and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the color and brightness of the jersey. Color combinations including but not limited to purple/black, dark green/black, navy/black, white/light yellow or navy/maroon are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.
USAV 4.3.3.1d The color of the number must clearly contrast with the color of the jersey irrespective of any border around the number.
USAV 4.3.3.2: The numbers must be a minimum of 10 cm (4”) in height on the chest and a minimum of 15 cm (6”) in height on the back. It is recommended that the numbers be a minimum of 15 cm (6”) in height on the chest and a minimum of 20 cm (8”) on the back. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2cm (3/4”) in width.
USAV 4.3.4: It is recommended that the captain have a stripe on his/her jersey, 8cm X 2cm (3.15” X .78”), underlining the number on the chest. (see also 5.1)
4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a color different from that of the other players (except for the Liberos), and/or without official numbers (see also 19.2).
USAV 4.3.5: For nationally sanctioned competition, uniforms must be identical except for sleeve length and the Libero players. An exception will also be made for a single manufacturer’s logo or trademark on the outside of the jerseys or shorts, provided that the logo or trademark does not exceed 14.6 square cm (2 1/4 square inches). Sponsor logos are permitted provided they are identical on each uniform and do not obstruct the view of the uniform number.
4.4 Change of Equipment:
The first referee may authorize one or more players:
4.4.1 to play barefoot,
4.4.2 to change wet or damaged uniforms between sets or after substitution, provided that the color, design, and number of the new uniform(s) are the same (see also USAV 4.3. 15.5);
4.4.3 to play in training suits in cold weather, provided that they are of the same color and design for the whole team (except for the Libero) and numbered according to Rule 4.3.3. (see also 4.1.1, USAV 19.2)
4.5 Personal Equipment and Prohibited Items:
USAV 4.5.1:It is prohibited to wear a cast, even if padded. Objects or equipment that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. A head covering made from cloth or soft, non-abrasive fabric may be worn; no waiver is required. Hats of any style are not permitted. A guard or brace, or headgear, are permitted; padding or a covering may be necessary. A prosthetic limb(s) is permitted; sharp edges may need to be wrapped or padded to ensure safety.
Jewelry may be worn provided its nature does not present a concern for safety, such as extremely long necklaces and/or necklaces with large medallions, or large hoop earrings.
When a player’s equipment falls to the floor and creates a safety hazard, play is stopped, and a delay sanction may be assessed.
4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.
4.5.3 Compression pads (padded injury protection devices) may be worn for protection or support. The color of the compression pads does not need to be the same for team members wearing this equipment, nor does the color need to match the predominant color(s) of the team uniform.
LIBERO UNIFORM RULE: (p. 71)
USAV 19.2 (see also 4.3):
a. The Libero must wear a jersey that clearly contrasts with, and has a different dominant color from, the jersey of their teammates.
b. A jacket or bib can only be worn by the re-designated Libero. If a jacket or bib is worn by the re-designated Libero, the uniform number must still be visible.
c. Numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specifications in USAV 4.3.3.1. Color combinations including but not limited to purple/black, dark green/black, navy/maroon, and white/light yellow are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules. NOTE: The color of the number must clearly contrast with the color of the jersey irrespective of any border around the number
d. When two Liberos are used, both Liberos can be in uniforms different from each other and from the rest of the team.
NOTE: USA Volleyball has set up a review process for questionable uniform combinations. Clubs with questions about potential sets of uniforms can submit questions/pictures to the Rules Interpreter for review before ordering! Please allow 5 business days to process your submission. Go here to submit your info (please only use if there is a question whether known color combinations are legal).
NOTE – Carolina Region teams may petition the Region for uniform waivers for use in Region events only in some instances. Contact the Region Office with questions
