By Rusty Wellman
Every time I am called upon to mentor a fellow official on his/her performance as an R2, my first feedback comment is almost always the same…you need to be careful when doing your lineup check. With the addition of the Libero position our responsibility for checking the lineup before the start of the set changed slightly. Over time, we have taken some things for granted and set ourselves up for problems.
Contributing factors include the fact that the Libero is easily identified…she is the one with the contrasting uniform top (stands out like a sore thumb)! Consequently, we rarely look at the Libero’s number (even though it is on the lineup sheet) coupled with the fact that the Libero is standing at the sideline facing the court and we can not readily see the number until she enters the court. Also we are normally in a hurry to finish the process so after authorizing the Libero’s entry, we immediately turn and proceed to the opponent’s side to check their lineup or return the lineups to the score table and get the party started. The problem is that the coach can designate a different Libero for each set…at least that may be his/her intent. If the coach inadvertently forgets to change the number on the lineup and we do not catch it we have an illegal player on the court. Corrective action is dependent on when we finally recognize the error. Then there is always the enjoyment of explaining to the coach why we did not catch the error when we checked the lineup…and don’t forget to explain to the coach that checking the lineup is a “courtesy” and the ultimate responsibility is with the coach…yeh, he’ll understand. A few more seconds after authorizing the Libero entry allows you to see the number and compare it with the lineup.
These few additional seconds will also allow you to prevent the second error in our procedures. Understand, the Libero knows who she is going in for, but does not always know what position that player is starting in. Case in point…I was the R2 and checking the lineup. I noticed that the middle back was lined up as the left back. I started to do something about it when the player meanders over to the middle back position where she is supposed to be…problem solved. I authorized the Libero to enter, but waited to see where she went (mainly because the player’s “meandering” continued right off the court). The Libero saw the player she was replacing in the back left position (as I did at first) so went directly to that position. I was able to correct the situation and prevent a later rotational issue. I learned an important lesson.
Finally, how many times have we seen the Libero come dancing onto the court and immediately high-five everyone on the court before picking her position of choice? After authorizing the Libero to enter the court, watch for the departing player and identify her position…that way when the “butterfly” finally lights, you will know if she lit on the right flower.
Bottom line, do not be in a hurry to transition when checking the lineups…you’ll come across more professional and save yourself from that long talk with yourself on the way home.
