To improve the proficiency of junior support crews during the season, OVR officials should be giving similar instructions during the pre-match discussion. If the teams are hearing the same information from the officials no matter what part of the region they play in, we'll find that they will quickly learn and adapt!
Good things an OVR official should say to a junior assistant scorer:
"Do you know why you have this job, and what you're looking for?" (ANSWER: In a nutshell, the number before and after the "L" must be the same. If they aren't, notify the referee.)
"Remember to track all substitutions as well."
"On the Libero tracking sheet, remember to use an "L" for the Libero; don't use her number."
"If there has been an illegal replacement, do you know when to notify me?" (ANSWER: After the contact of the next serve. Treat it like a wrong server. REFEREES: This is a position fault, and results in a loss of rally.)
When a Libero comes off the court and is replaced by the original player, she must sit out for one point (as recorded on the scoresheet). (REFEREES: Sitting out for a "rally" isn't the only phrase we should use here. A replay constitutes a rally, and therefore, the Libero may also go back onto the court after the play-over. Also, a yellow card (individual or team) results in a point being recorded on the scoresheet, and consequently the Libero may return to the court under this circumstance as well.)
If a timeout is called immediately after a Libero has left the court, we must watch to make sure that the Libero doesn't return to the court after the timeout.
Points of Emphasis:
In addition to monitoring Libero replacements, the assistant scorer should also help the scorer by verbalizing substitutions, and repeating the score at the time of substitutions.
During a timeout, double count your substitutions on the Libero tracking sheet for each team. This should correspond to the scorer's information.
Say the two numbers involved in the Libero replacement so that the scorer can help verify this.