Be the Referee: Volleyball Differences
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
May 27, 2026
Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.
Below is this week's segment – Volleyball Differences - Listen
The very first MHSAA Boys Volleyball Finals are less than two weeks away. How does boys volleyball compare to girls volleyball in terms of rules and gameplay?
Very similarly. There’s really just one difference – the height of the net.
- The girls play with the top of the net set to 7-feet-4 and 1/8 inches.
- The boys play with the top of the net set to 7-feet-11 and 5/8 inches.
A difference of 7½ inches.
But other than that, the games are the same. Same size ball. Same size court. Same number of players. Same scoring system.
And all rules pertaining to the libero, multiple contacts, player position at moment of serve and unplayable areas are the same for both.
Now you’re ready for Battle Creek and the Boys Volleyball Finals.
Previous 2025-26 editions
May 19: Soccer Goal? - Listen
May 6: Fair or Foul? - Listen
April 28: Wrong Green - Listen
April 21: Injured Runner - Listen
April 14: Officiate Michigan Day - Listen
March 11: Basketball Replay - Listen
March 3: Over the Back - Listen
Feb. 24: Wrestling Out-of-Bounds - Listen
Feb. 17: Backwards Skiing - Listen
Feb. 10: Faking Being Fouled - Listen
Feb. 3: Bowling Pins - Listen
Jan. 27: Ski Gates - Listen
Jan. 20: Cheer Judges - Listen
Jan. 13: Basketball Over the Back - Listen
Jan. 6: Bowling Ball Bounces Out of Gutter - Listen
Dec. 9: Puck on Goal Netting - Listen
Dec. 2: Goaltending vs. Basket Interference - Listen
Nov. 25: Football Finals Instant Replay - Listen
Nov. 18: Volleyball Libero Uniforms - Listen
Nov. 11: Illegal Substitution/Participation - Listen
Nov. 4: Losing a Shoe - Listen
Oct. 28: Unusual Soccer Goals - Listen
Oct. 21: Field Hockey Penalty Stroke - Listen
Oct. 14: Tennis Double Hit - Listen
Oct. 7: Safety in Football - Listen
Sept. 30: Field Hockey Substitution - Listen
Sept 23: Multiple Contacts in Volleyball - Listen
Sept. 16: Soccer Penalty Kick - Listen
Sept. 9: Forward Fumble - Listen
Sept. 2: Field Hockey Basics - Listen
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen
(Photo by Adam Sheehan.)
Be the Referee: Volleyball Libero Uniforms
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
November 18, 2025
Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.
Below is this week's segment – Volleyball Libero Uniforms - Listen
Before the match begins, a volleyball team takes the court wearing super-stylish, brand-new jerseys. The libero is in a bright neon top, but two other teammates also have the same neon sleeves.
At first glance, it looks like multiple liberos are on the floor. As the referee, you must check carefully: Under current NFHS uniform rules, the libero’s jersey must clearly contrast from all other teammates in color, design, and trim.
Accessories like sleeves or leggings are permitted, but they cannot confuse the identification of the libero. In this case, because the libero’s jersey color is the same as teammates’ sleeve color, the contrast is not sufficient, and the coach must correct it before play begins.
This ensures quick identification for substitutions, scoring, and libero actions.
Previous 2025-26 editions
Nov. 11: Illegal Substitution/Participation - Listen
Nov. 4: Losing a Shoe - Listen
Oct. 28: Unusual Soccer Goals - Listen
Oct. 21: Field Hockey Penalty Stroke - Listen
Oct. 14: Tennis Double Hit - Listen
Oct. 7: Safety in Football - Listen
Sept. 30: Field Hockey Substitution - Listen
Sept 23: Multiple Contacts in Volleyball - Listen
Sept. 16: Soccer Penalty Kick - Listen
Sept. 9: Forward Fumble - Listen
Sept. 2: Field Hockey Basics - Listen
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen