The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) introduced the "Green Card" system this season, modeled after a similar rule used by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Aimed at encouraging fair play and reducing video review delays, this system awards points toward a Fair Play Award, which is calculated by combining a 50% vote with a 50% performance-based score (20% team performance and 30% Green Card points).

While the system promotes sportsmanship, it has sparked mixed reactions. During the women’s KOVO Cup last month, nine Green Cards were issued, revealing potential issues. Some players appreciate the encouragement to admit faults, while others feel the system disrupts the game’s momentum when video reviews are delayed.

On November 3, a match between Samsung Fire & Marine and Woori Card highlighted the dilemma. In the fourth set, Samsung’s coach requested a review to determine if there had been a touch-out by Woori Card’s blocker. Middle blocker Lee Sang-hyun immediately raised his hand, admitting he had touched the ball. Reflecting on his choice, Lee shared, “I’ve received criticism for these ‘honesty confessions’ in the past, but I knew it was a touch, so I owned up.”

Lee’s main priority was maintaining the game’s flow. “I didn’t want to break the momentum with a delayed review,” he explained, recognizing that forfeiting a review could be seen as a strategic disadvantage. “Waiting gives the opposing team time to regroup, recharge, and gain confidence.”

Woori Card’s head coach, Mauricio Paes, expressed a different view, highlighting issues of fairness and reward. “Lee made the right choice in this situation, but I still question the need for this system,” Paes remarked. “In leagues like the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), players receive rewards for fair play, which makes these admissions more understandable. But for balance, there should be acknowledgment for cases where players genuinely contest calls too.”

The Green Card system has sparked discussions, drawing comparisons to decisions and odds managed in a 검증된 메이저놀이터, as fans, coaches, and players weigh the system’s impact on game flow, fairness, and the overall strategy of competitive play.