The following is taken from the 2019-2021 USA Volleyball Indoor Rules Book (p. 28-30) [In the 2019/2021 Rules Book if something is boxed and the rule begins with “USAV” then that is the rule modification we will use in the Carolina Region of USA Volleyball – the main rule is the official FIVB (International) rule. If there is no USAV modification, then we will use the FIVB rule. BOTH rules may appear below – use the USAV rule if listed!]:
4.3 EQUIPMENT:
A player’s equipment consists of a jersey, shorts, socks (the uniform) and sport shoes.
USAV 4.3: 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 and sport shoes are not part of the uniform.
4.3.1 The color and the design for the jerseys, shorts and socks must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero). The uniforms must be clean.
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).
4.3.2 The shoes must be light and pliable with rubber or composite soles without heels.
4.3.3 Players jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 20.
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.
4.3.3.1 The number must be placed on the jersey at the center of the front and of the back. The color and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the color and brightness of the jerseys.
USAV 4.3.3.1a: Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered (both horizontally and vertically) on the player’s chest and upper back.
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: 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.
4.3.3.2 The number must be a minimum of 15 cm (6″) in height on the chest and a minimum of 20 cm (8″) in height on the back. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2 cm, (3/4″) in width.
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..
4.3.4 The team captain must have on his/her jersey a stripe of 8×2 cm (3.15″ x 4/5″) underlining the number on the chest.
USAV 4.3.4: It is recommended that the captain have a stripe on his/her jersey underlining the number on the chest.
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.
USAV 4.3.5: For nationally sanctioned competition (US Open and US Junior Championships & Qualifiers, etc), uniforms must be identical with the exception of 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 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,
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.
4.5 Forbidden Objects:
4.5.1 It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury, or give an artificial advantage to the player.
USAV 4.5.1: It is forbidden to wear hats or casts (even if padded). Braces, prosthetic limbs or other headgear that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary. 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.
4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.
USAV 4.5.2: When a player’s equipment falls to the floor and creates a safety hazard, play is stopped and a delay sanction may be assessed.
4.5.3 Compression pads (padded injury protection devices) may be worn for protection or support.
LIBERO UNIFORM RULE: (p. 65-66)
19.2 The Libero player(s) must wear a uniform (or jacket/bib for redesignated Libero) which has a different dominant color from any color of the rest of the team. The uniform must clearly contrast with the rest of the team. The Libero uniforms must be numbered like the rest of the team.
USAV 19.2a The Libero(s) must wear a jersey that clearly contrasts with the jersey of their teammates.
USAV 19.2b A jacket or bib can only be worn by the redesignated Libero. If a jacket or bib is worn by the redesignated Libero, the uniform number must still be visible.
USAV 19.2c Numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specification in USAV 4.3.3.1. Color combinations such as 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.
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 (lower right of page) for more information and to submit your info.
NOTE – Carolina Region teams may petition the Region for uniform waivers in some instances. Contact the Region Office with questions
