Two liberos and reducing net fouls could be a reality in volleyball

Kolkata, Aug 1 (UNI) Volleyball fans can now watch out for more field moves with two liberos operating simultaneously on the court with the coach having the sole authority in deciding time-outs if the rule changes now being contemplated by the game's world governing body FIVB get approved next year.

In order to make the game more spectator-friendly, the rules committee of the FIVB is considering a slew of changes. But it would pass through different stages of scrutiny before they become a part of the game next year.

'' We want longer rallies. We want vollyeball to become visually more appealing, '' said Mohammad Habib Ali Abdullah, secretary of FIVB's rule change body.

In volleyball, the rule changes are considered every four years.

'' The Congress is held in every Olympic year. So, whichever rules are introduced, they will remain in force from 2009 to 2012, '' he added.

'' The final seal of approval would be put by the world volleyball congress when it is held next year in Dubai most likely. IF Dubai cannot host it, it will be shifted to Beijing, '' he said.

Allowing two liberos instead of the current regulation permitting only one and relaxing the net foul rules were among the changes being discussed to ensure longer rallies and make the game more competitive, he said.

'' It also brings the chance factor into play making the game far more competitive, '' he added.

Under the present system, both captain and coach have the right to take timeouts. '' But this leads to confusion in situations where there are disagreements between the two. So, we are now toying with the idea of making the coach the sole decider of time-outs, '' he said.

The recommendations from the rule change body would be put through to FIVB's executive body and then to the board for ratification.

'' There will be wide-ranging discussions and we will also take the opinion of the referee, '' said Abdullah, who was here in connection with the ongoing second Commonwealth Volleyball championship.

UNI