There are a maximum of 12 players on each team. Teams can have one coach, one assistant coach, a trainer, and a medical doctor. Coaches have to remain off the court during the match and should sit on the bench with the team members who are not actively playing the game. Coaches are allowed to get off the bench and walk around in the space between the team bench and the warm-up space behind the back of the court to advise the players or to consult with the referee or call time-outs. The assistant coach cannot participate directly.
In addition to the regular players who rotate between the front and back rows, each team can designate one special defensive player called the Libero.To identify the libero, the player wears a different color jersey from the other players’. Liberos only play in the back row and are not allowed to spike the ball or attack when the ball is higher than the top of the net. Liberos are also forbidden to serve or block.
Team members wear jerseys and shorts, socks and sport shoes, with the players number on both the back of the jersey and on the right leg of the shorts. Their shoes have to be light and pliable, with flat rubber or composite-material soles. Black shoes with soles that can leave marks on the floor are not allowed on the court. Jewelry, except for medical and religious medallions, are not allowed during play. If students choose to wear a cross or other religious medallions, they must be removed from their chains and taped or sewn under their uniforms.
Points are scored against a team when the ball hits the floor or if a player reaches over the net or hits the ball twice in a row. Games are played to a score of 25 points, except a team has to win by a two-point margin. If the teams reach a 24-24 tie, they play until one team scores two unanswered points. Matches are best-of-five competitions. The first team to win three games wins the match. In the case of a two-two game tie, the fifth game is played to 15 instead of 25.