Officiating FAQs

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"Contrast" means "strikingly different." As such, two dark colors (or two light colors)
often do not provide sufficient contrast from one another.

USAV 2021-22 UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS PDF
These apply for 2022-23 Season and will be updated when USAV publishes changes

2022 USAV Uniform Requirements

PERTINENT UNIFORM RULES

USAV 4.3.3.1:a Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered (both horizontally and vertically) on the player's chest and upper back.
USAV 4.3.3.1:b 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 4.3.3.1:c 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 4.3.3.1:d 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 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.
USAV 19.2:a The Libero must wear a jersey that clearly contrasts with the jersey of their teammates.

OFFICIATING TECHNIQUES, POINTS OF EMPHASIS & MATCH PROCEDURES

6. The Libero:b The Libero's jersey or jacket must clearly contrast in color to the color of the jersey worn by other members of the team. (Please note USAV 19.2a.) The Libero jerseys do not have to match, but they must both be contrasting from the other members of the team.
"Contrast" means "strikingly different." As such, two dark colors (or two light colors)
often do not provide sufficient contrast from one another.

Question: Is this Legal
A team wears identical short sleeve jerseys.
Each player is wearing a different color compression (shooting) sleeve.
Some are wearing a single sleeve and some are wearing one on each arm.
LEGAL

USAV 4.3: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.

USAV Casebook 4.43:
Team A’s players are wearing red jerseys. Some players are wearing black compression sleeves and some are wearing blue compression sleeves.

Ruling: Legal.
Compression sleeves are considered equipment, not undergarments.
Players may legally wear compression sleeves in different colors.

Reference: USAV 4.5.3

LEGAL using the following ruling for all HOA sanctioned competition.

USAV Casebook 4.18
Ruling:
HOA Premier Events will follow:
For nationally sanctioned USA Volleyball junior competition, all uniform bottoms must be the same color.
If some uniform bottoms have piping, all must have piping.

HOA Select and Combined Events will follow:
At the USA Volleyball Open Championships, teams must wear jerseys that meet all the requirements of Rule 4,
but may wear uniform shorts that are similar in color, regardless of style, cut, and trim.
For regional competition, the RVA may choose to permit such uniforms.
Reference: USAV 4.3.1; USAV 4.3.5