Fivb volleyball rules_2015-2016_en_v3_20150205

OFFICIAL VOLLEYBALL RULES
2015-2016
Approved by the 34th
FIVB Congress 2014

Official Volleyball Rules 2015-2016
Published by FIVB in 2014 – www.fivb.org
Design and layout: Samuel Chesaux
Illustrations: © FIVB 2014

OFFICIAL VOLLEYBALL RULES
2015-2016
1OFFICIAL VOLLEYBALL RULES 2015-2016
Approved by the 34th
FIVB Congress 2014
To be implemented in all competitions beginning after 1st
January 2015

CONTENTS
GAME CHARACTERISTICS 7
PART 1: PHILOSOPHY OF RULES AND REFEREEING 8
PART 2 - SECTION 1: GAME 11
CHAPTER 1: FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT 12
1 PLAYING AREA.....................................................................................................................12
1.1 DIMENSIONS...............................................................................................................12
1.2 PLAYING SURFACE......................................................................................................12
1.3 LINES ON THE COURT.................................................................................................13
1.4 ZONES AND AREAS.....................................................................................................13
1.5 TEMPERATURE............................................................................................................14
1.6 LIGHTING....................................................................................................................14
2 NET AND POSTS...................................................................................................................14
2.1 HEIGHT OF THE NET....................................................................................................14
2.2 STRUCTURE................................................................................................................15
2.3 SIDE BANDS................................................................................................................15
2.4 ANTENNAE.................................................................................................................15
2.5 POSTS.........................................................................................................................15
2.6 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT...........................................................................................16
3 BALLS...................................................................................................................................16
3.1 STANDARDS...............................................................................................................16
3.2 UNIFORMITY OF BALLS...............................................................................................16
3.3 FIVE-BALL SYSTEM......................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 2: PARTICIPANTS 17
4 TEAMS.................................................................................................................................17
4.1 TEAM COMPOSITION..................................................................................................17
4.2 LOCATION OF THE TEAM............................................................................................17
4.3 EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................18
4.4 CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT............................................................................................18
4.5 FORBIDDEN OBJECTS..................................................................................................19
5 TEAM LEADERS....................................................................................................................19
5.1 CAPTAIN.....................................................................................................................19
5.2 COACH......................................................................................................................20
5.3 ASSISTANT COACH.....................................................................................................20
2

CHAPTER 3: PLAYING FORMAT 21
6 TO SCORE A POINT, TO WIN A SET AND THE MATCH...........................................................21
6.1 TO SCORE A POINT.....................................................................................................21
6.2 TO WIN A SET.............................................................................................................21
6.3 TO WIN THE MATCH...................................................................................................22
6.4 DEFAULT AND INCOMPLETE TEAM..............................................................................22
7 STRUCTURE OF PLAY............................................................................................................22
7.1 THE TOSS....................................................................................................................22
7.2 OFFICIAL WARM-UP SESSION......................................................................................22
7.3 TEAM STARTING LINE-UP............................................................................................23
7.4 POSITIONS..................................................................................................................24
7.5 POSITIONAL FAULT......................................................................................................24
7.6 ROTATION...................................................................................................................25
7.7 ROTATIONAL FAULT....................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 4: PLAYING ACTIONS 26
8 STATES OF PLAY...................................................................................................................26
8.1 BALL IN PLAY..............................................................................................................26
8.2 BALL OUT OF PLAY.....................................................................................................26
8.3 BALL “IN”...................................................................................................................26
8.4 BALL “OUT”...............................................................................................................26
9 PLAYING THE BALL.............................................................................................................. 27
9.1 TEAM HITS..................................................................................................................27
9.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT...................................................................................27
9.3 FAULTS IN PLAYING THE BALL.....................................................................................28
10 BALL AT THE NET..................................................................................................................28
10.1 BALL CROSSING THE NET............................................................................................28
10.2 BALL TOUCHING THE NET...........................................................................................29
10.3 BALL IN THE NET.........................................................................................................29
11 PLAYER AT THE NET..............................................................................................................29
11.1 REACHING BEYOND THE NET.....................................................................................29
11.2 PENETRATION UNDER THE NET...................................................................................29
11.3 CONTACT WITH THE NET............................................................................................30
11.4 PLAYER’S FAULTS AT THE NET.....................................................................................30
12 SERVICE...............................................................................................................................30
12.1 FIRST SERVICE IN A SET...............................................................................................30
12.2 SERVICE ORDER..........................................................................................................31
12.3 AUTHORIZATION OF THE SERVICE...............................................................................31
12.4 EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE......................................................................................31

12.5 SCREENING.................................................................................................................31
12.6 FAULTS MADE DURING THE SERVICE..........................................................................32
12.7 SERVING FAULTS AND POSITIONAL FAULTS.................................................................32
13 ATTACK HIT..........................................................................................................................32
13.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATTACK HIT......................................................................32
13.2 RESTRICTIONS OF THE ATTACK HIT.............................................................................32
13.3 FAULTS OF THE ATTACK HIT........................................................................................33
14 BLOCK.................................................................................................................................33
14.1 BLOCKING..................................................................................................................33
14.2 BLOCK CONTACT.......................................................................................................34
14.3 BLOCKING WITHIN THE OPPONENT’S SPACE..............................................................34
14.4 BLOCK AND TEAM HITS..............................................................................................34
14.5 BLOCKING THE SERVICE.............................................................................................34
14.6 BLOCKING FAULTS......................................................................................................34
CHAPTER 5: INTERRUPTIONS, DELAYS AND INTERVALS 35
15 INTERRUPTIONS....................................................................................................................35
15.1 NUMBER OF REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS...........................................................35
15.2 SEQUENCE OF REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS........................................................35
15.3 REQUEST FOR REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS.........................................................35
15.4 TIME-OUTS AND TECHNICAL TIME-OUTS....................................................................36
15.5 SUBSTITUTION............................................................................................................36
15.6 LIMITATION OF SUBSTITUTIONS..................................................................................36
15.7 EXCEPTIONAL SUBSTITUTION......................................................................................36
15.8 SUBSTITUTION FOR EXPULSION OR DISQUALIFICATION...............................................37
15.9 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION...............................................................................................37
15.10 SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE........................................................................................37
15.11 IMPROPER REQUESTS..................................................................................................38
16 GAME DELAYS.....................................................................................................................38
16.1 TYPES OF DELAYS.......................................................................................................38
16.2 DELAY SANCTIONS.....................................................................................................39
17 EXCEPTIONAL GAME INTERRUPTIONS................................................................................. 39
17.1 INJURY / ILLNESS..........................................................................................................39
17.2 EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE...........................................................................................39
17.3 PROLONGED INTERRUPTIONS.....................................................................................39
18 INTERVALS AND CHANGE OF COURTS.................................................................................40
18.1 INTERVALS..................................................................................................................40
18.2 CHANGE OF COURTS.................................................................................................40
4

CHAPTER 6: THE LIBERO PLAYER 41
19 THE LIBERO PLAYER..............................................................................................................41
19.1 DESIGNATION OF THE LIBERO.....................................................................................41
19.2 EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................41
19.3 ACTIONS INVOLVING THE LIBERO...............................................................................41
19.4 RE-DESIGNATION OF A NEW LIBERO...........................................................................43
19.5 SUMMARY.................................................................................................................44
CHAPTER 7: PARTICIPANTS’ CONDUCT 45
20 REQUIREMENTS OF CONDUCT.............................................................................................45
20.1 SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT.......................................................................................45
20.2 FAIR PLAY...................................................................................................................45
21 MISCONDUCT AND ITS SANCTIONS.....................................................................................45
21.1 MINOR MISCONDUCT................................................................................................45
21.2 MISCONDUCT LEADING TO SANCTIONS.....................................................................46
21.3 SANCTION SCALE.......................................................................................................46
21.4 APPLICATION OF MISCONDUCT SANCTIONS..............................................................47
21.5 MISCONDUCT BEFORE AND BETWEEN SETS...............................................................47
21.6 SUMMARY OF MISCONDUCT AND CARDS USED.......................................................47
PART 2 - SECTION 2: THE REFEREES, THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND OFFICIAL HAND SIGNALS 48
CHAPTER 8: REFEREES 49
22 REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES................................................................................49
22.1 COMPOSITION............................................................................................................49
22.2 PROCEDURES..............................................................................................................49
23 1st
REFEREE...........................................................................................................................50
23.1 LOCATION..................................................................................................................50
23.2 AUTHORITY................................................................................................................50
23.3 RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................................................51
24 2nd
REFEREE..........................................................................................................................52
24.1 LOCATION..................................................................................................................52
24.2 AUTHORITY................................................................................................................52
25 SCORER................................................................................................................................53
25.1 LOCATION..................................................................................................................53

26 ASSISTANT SCORER..............................................................................................................54
26.1 LOCATION..................................................................................................................54
27 LINE JUDGES........................................................................................................................55
27.1 LOCATION..................................................................................................................55
28 OFFICIAL SIGNALS................................................................................................................56
28.1 REFEREES’ HAND SIGNALS..........................................................................................56
28.2 LINE JUDGES’ FLAG SIGNALS......................................................................................56

PART 2 - SECTION 3: DIAGRAMS 57
D1a COMPETITION / CONTROL AREA.........................................................................................58
D1b THE PLAYING AREA...........................................................................................................59
D2 THE PLAYING COURT.........................................................................................................60
D3 DESIGN OF THE NET...........................................................................................................61
D4 POSITION OF PLAYERS.......................................................................................................62
D5a BALL CROSSING THE VERTICAL PLANE OF THE NET TO THE OPPONENT COURT.................63
D5b BALL CROSSING THE VERTICAL PLANE TO THE OPPONENT FREE ZONE..............................64
D6 COLLECTIVE SCREEN.........................................................................................................65
D7 COMPLETED BLOCK..........................................................................................................65
D8 BACK ROW PLAYER’S ATTACK...........................................................................................66
D9 SANCTIONS SCALE AND CONSEQUENCES.........................................................................67
D10 LOCATION OF THE REFEREEING CORPS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS........................................68
D11 REFEREES’ OFFICIAL HAND SIGNALS.............................................................................69-75
D12 LINE JUDGES’ OFFICIAL FLAG SIGNALS.........................................................................76-77
PART 3: DEFINITIONS 78
INDEX 81
6

GAME CHARACTERISTICS
Volleyball is a sport played by two teams on a
playing court divided by a net. There are different
versions available for specific circumstances
in order to offer the versatility of the game to
everyone.
The object of the game is to send the ball over the
net in order to ground it on the opponent’s court,
and to prevent the same effort by the opponent.
The team has three hits for returning the ball (in
addition to the block contact).
The ball is put in play with a service: hit by the
server over the net to the opponents. The rally
continues until the ball is grounded on the playing
court, goes “out” or a team fails to return it
properly.
In Volleyball, the team winning a rally scores a
point (Rally Point System). When the receiving
team wins a rally, it gains a point and the right
to serve, and its players rotate one position
clockwise.

PART 1
PHILOSOPHY OF RULES
AND REFEREEING
8

PART 1: PHILOSOPHY OF RULES AND REFEREEING
INTRODUCTION
Volleyball is one of the most successful and popular competitive and recreational sports in the
world. It is fast, it is exciting and the action is explosive. Yet Volleyball comprises several crucial
overlapping elements whose complimentary interactions render it unique amongst rally games.
In recent years the FIVB has made great strides in adapting the game to a modern audience.
This text is aimed at a broad Volleyball public – players, coaches, referees, spectators, commentators –
for the following reasons:
–– understanding the rules better, allows better play – coaches can create better team structure and
tactics, allowing players full rein to display their skills;
–– understanding the relationship between rules allows officials to make better decisions.
This introduction at first focuses on Volleyball as a competitive sport, before setting out to identify
the main qualities required for successful refereering.
VOLLEYBALL IS A COMPETITIVE SPORT
Competition taps latent strengths. It exhibits the best of ability, spirit, creativity and aesthetics.
The rules are structured to allow all of these qualities. With a few exceptions, Volleyball allows
all players to operate both at the net (in attack) and in the back of the court (to defend or serve).
William Morgan, the game’s creator, would still recognize it because Volleyball has retained certain
distinctive and essential elements over the years. Some of these it shares with other net/ball/
racquet games:
–– Service
–– Rotation (taking turns to serve)
–– Attack
–– Defence
Volleyball is, however, unique amongst net games in insisting that the ball is in constant flight
– a flying ball – and by allowing each team a degree of internal passing before the ball must be
returned to the opponents.
VOLLEY
PASSING
Service Rotation
Explosive
Action
Defense
Jumping Power
Attack TEAM GAME
DIVIDED
COURTS

The introduction of a specialist defensive player – the Libero – has moved the game forward in
terms of rally length and multi-phase play. Modifications to the service rule have changed the act
of service from simply a means of putting the ball in play to an offensive weapon.
The concept of rotation is entrenched to allow for all-round athletes. The rules on player positions
must permit teams to have flexibility and to create interesting developments in tactics.
Competitors use this framework to contest techniques, tactics and power. The framework also
allows players a freedom of expression to enthuse spectators and viewers.
And the image of Volleyball is increasingly a good one.
THE REFEREE WITHIN THIS FRAMEWORK
The essence of a good official lies in the concept of fairness and consistency:
–– to be fair to every participant,
–– to be viewed as fair by the spectators.
This demands a huge element of trust – the referee must be trusted to allow the players to entertain:
–– by being accurate in his/her judgement;
–– by understanding why the rule is written;
–– by being an efficient organizer;
–– by allowing the competition to flow and by directing it to a conclusion;
–– by being an educator – using the rules to penalise the unfair or admonish the impolite;
–– by promoting the game – that is, by allowing the spectacular elements in the game to shine
and the best players to do what they do best: entertain the public.
Finally we can say that a good referee will use the rules to make the competition a fulfilling
experience for all concerned.
To those who have read thus far, view the rules which follow as the current state of development of a
great game, but keep in mind why these preceding few paragraphs may be of equal importance to you
in your own position within the sport.
Get involved !
Keep the ball flying !
10

PART 2
SECTION 1: GAME

CHAPTER 1
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
See Rules
1 PLAYING AREA
The playing area includes the playing court and the free zone. It shall be
rectangular and symmetrical.
1.1, D1a, D1b
1.1 DIMENSIONS D2
The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 x 9 m, surrounded by a
free zone which is a minimum of 3 m wide on all sides.
The free playing space is the space above the playing area which is free
from any obstructions. The free playing space shall measure a minimum
of 7 m in height from the playing surface.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the free zone shall
measure a minimum of 5 m from the side lines and 6.5 m from
the end lines. The free playing space shall measure a minimum of
12.5 m in height from the playing surface.
1.2 PLAYING SURFACE
1.2.1 The surface must be flat, horizontal and uniform. It must not present
any danger of injury to the players. It is forbidden to play on rough or
slippery surfaces.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, only a wooden or
synthetic surface is allowed. Any surface must be previously
approved by the FIVB.
1.2.2 On indoor courts the surface of the playing court must be of a light
colour.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, white colours are
required for the lines. Other colours, different from each other,
are required for the playing court and the free zone.
1.1, 1.3
1.2.3 On outdoor courts a slope of 5 mm per metre is allowed for drainage.
Court lines made of solid materials are forbidden.
1.3
12

PART 2 - SECTION 1: GAME
1.3 LINES ON THE COURT D2
1.3.1 All lines are 5 cm wide. They must be of a light colour which is different
from the colour of the floor and from any other lines.
1.2.2
1.3.2 Boundary lines
Two side lines and two end lines mark the playing court. Both side lines
and end lines are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court.
1.1
1.3.3 Centre line
The axis of the centre line divides the playing court into two equal
courts measuring 9 x 9 m each; however the entire width of the line is
considered to belong to both courts equally. This line extends beneath
the net from side line to side line.
D2
1.3.4 Attack line
On each court, an attack line, whose rear edge is drawn 3 m back from
the axis of the centre line, marks the front zone.
1.3.3, 1.4.1
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the attack line is
extended by the addition of broken lines from the side lines,
with five 15 cm short lines 5 cm wide, drawn 20 cm from each
other to a total length of 1.75 m. The “coach’s restriction line” (a
broken line which extends from the attack line to the end line
of the court, parallel to the side line and 1.75 metres from it) is
composed of 15 cm short lines drawn 20 cm apart to mark the
limit of the coach’s area of operation.
D2
1.4 ZONES AND AREAS D1b, D2
1.4.1 Front zone 19.3.1.4,
23.3.2.3e, D2
On each court the front zone is limited by the axis of the centre line and
the rear edge of the attack line.
1.3.3, 1.3.4,
19.3.1.4,
23.3.2.3e
The front zone is considered to extend beyond the side lines to the end
of the free zone.
1.1, 1.3.2
1.4.2 Service zone
The service zone is a 9 m wide area behind each end line.
It is laterally limited by two short lines, each 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm
behind the end line as an extension of the side lines. Both short lines are
included in the width of the service zone.
1.3.2, 12, D1b
In depth, the service zone extends to the end of the free zone. 1.1

1.4.3 Substitution zone
The substitution zone is limited by the extension of both attack lines up
to the scorer's table.
1.3.4, 15.6.1,
D1b
1.4.4 Libero Replacement zone
The Libero Replacement zone is part of the free zone on the side of
the team benches, limited by the extension of the attack line up to the
end line.
19.3.2.7, D1b
1.4.5 Warm-up area
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the warm-up areas,
sized approximately 3 x 3 m, are located in both of the bench-
side corners, outside the free zone.
24.2.5, D1a,
D1b
1.4.6 Penalty area
A penalty area, sized approximately 1 x 1 m and equipped with two
chairs, is located in the control area, outside the prolongation of each
end line. They may be limited by a 5 cm wide red line.
21.3.2.1, D1a,
D1b
1.5 TEMPERATURE
The minimum temperature shall not be below 10° C (50° F).
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the maximum
temperature shall not be higher than 25° C (77° F) and the
minimum not lower than 16° C (61° F).
1.6 LIGHTING
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the lighting on the
playing area should be 1000 to 1500 lux measured at 1 m above
the surface of the playing area.
1
2 NET AND POSTS D3
2.1 HEIGHT OF THE NET
2.1.1 Placed vertically over the centre line there is a net whose top is set at the
height of 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women.
1.3.3
2.1.2 Its height is measured from the centre of the playing court. The net
height (over the two side lines) must be exactly the same and must not
exceed the official height by more than 2 cm.
1.1, 1.3.2,
2.1.1
14

2.2 STRUCTURE
The net is 1 m wide and 9.50 to 10 metres long (with 25 to 50 cm on
each side of the side bands), made of 10 cm square black mesh.
D3
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, in conjunction with
specific competition regulations, the mesh may be modified to
facilitate advertising according to marketing agreements.
At its top a horizontal band, 7 cm wide, made of two-fold white canvas,
is sewn along its full length. Each extreme end of the band has a hole,
through which passes a cord, fastening the band to the posts for
keeping its top taut.
Within the band, a flexible cable fastens the net to the posts and keeps
its top taut.
At the bottom of the net there is another horizontal band, 5cm wide,
similar to the top band, through which is threaded a rope. This rope
fastens the net to the posts and keeps its lower part taut.
2.3 SIDE BANDS
Two white bands are fastened vertically to the net and placed directly
above each side line.
1.3.2, D3
They are 5 cm wide and 1 m long and are considered as part of the net.
2.4 ANTENNAE
An antenna is a flexible rod, 1.80 m long and 10 mm in diameter, made
of fibreglass or similar material.
An antenna is fastened at the outer edge of each side band. The
antennae are placed on opposite sides of the net.
2.3, D3
The top 80 cm of each antenna extends above the net and is marked
with 10 cm stripes of contrasting colour, preferably red and white.
The antennae are considered as part of the net and laterally delimit the
crossing space.
10.1.1, D3,
D5a, D5b
2.5 POSTS
2.5.1 The posts supporting the net are placed at a distance of 0.50-1.00 m
outside the side lines. They are 2.55 m high and preferably adjustable.
D3
For all FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the posts supporting
the net are placed at a distance of 1 m outside the side lines.
2.5.2 The posts are rounded and smooth, fixed to the ground without wires.
There shall be no dangerous or obstructing devices.

2.6 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
All additional equipment is determined by FIVB regulations.
3 BALLS
3.1 STANDARDS
The ball shall be spherical, made of a flexible leather or synthetic leather
case with a bladder inside, made of rubber or a similar material.
Its colour may be a uniform light colour or a combination of colours.
Synthetic leather material and colour combinations of balls used in
international official competitions should comply with FIVB standards.
Its circumference is 65-67 cm and its weight is 260-280 g.
Its inside pressure shall be 0.30 to 0.325 kg/cm2
(4.26 to 4.61 psi) (294.3
to 318.82 mbar or hPa).
3.2 UNIFORMITY OF BALLS
All balls used in a match must have the same standards regarding
circumference, weight, pressure, type, colour, etc.
3.1
FIVB, World and Official Competitions, as well as National or
League Championships, must be played with FIVB approved
balls, unless by agreement of FIVB.
3.3 FIVE-BALL SYSTEM
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, five balls shall be
used. In this case, six ball retrievers are stationed, one at each
corner of the free zone and one behind each referee.
D10
16

CHAPTER 2
PARTICIPANTS
See Rules
4 TEAMS
4.1 TEAM COMPOSITION
4.1.1 For the match, a team may consist of up to 12 players, plus
–– Coaching Staff: one coach, a maximum of two assistant coaches,
–– Medical Staff: one team therapist and one medical doctor.
Only those listed on the score sheet may normally enter the Competition/
Control Area and take part in the official warm up and in the match.
5.2, 5.3
For FIVB, World and Official competitions for Seniors, up to 14
players may be recorded on the score sheet and play in a match.
The maximum five staff members on the bench (including the
coach) are chosen by the coach him/herself but must be listed on
the score sheet, and be registered on the O-2(bis).
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, a medical doctor and
team therapist should be part of the Delegation and accredited
beforehand by the FIVB. However, for FIVB, World and Official
Competitions for Seniors, if they are not included as members
on the team bench, they must sit against the delimitation fence,
inside the Competition-Control Area and may only intervene if
invited by the referees to deal with an emergency to the players.
The team therapist (even if not on the bench) may assist with
the warm up until the start of the official net warm up session.
D1a
7.2.1
4.1.2 One of the players, other than the Libero, is the team captain, who shall
be indicated on the score sheet.
5.1, 19.1.3
4.1.3 Only the players recorded on the score sheet may enter the court and
play in the match. Once the coach and the team captain have signed the
score sheet, (team list for electronic score sheet) the recorded players
cannot be changed.
1, 4.1.1, 5.1.1,
5.2.2
4.2 LOCATION OF THE TEAM
4.2.1 The players not in play should either sit on their team bench or be in
their warm-up area. The coach and other team members sit on the
bench, but may temporarily leave it.
1.4.5, 5.2.3,
7.3.3

The benches for the teams are located beside the scorer's table, outside
the free zone.
D1a, D1b
4.2.2 Only the team composition members are permitted to sit on the bench
during the match and to participate in the official warm-up session.
4.1.1, 7.2
4.2.3 Players not in play may warm-up without balls as follows:
4.2.3.1 during play: in the warm-up areas; 1.4.5, 8.1, D1a,
D1b
4.2.3.2 during time-outs and technical time-outs: in the free zone behind their
court.
1.3.3, 15.4
4.2.4 During set intervals, players may warm-up using balls within their own
free zone. During the extended interval between sets 2 and 3 (if
used), players may use their own court as well.
18.1
4.3 EQUIPMENT
A player's equipment consists of a jersey, shorts, socks (the uniform)
and sport shoes.
4.3.1 The colour and the design for the jerseys, shorts and socks must be
uniform for the team (except for the Libero). The uniforms must be
clean.
4.1, 19.2
4.3.2 The shoes must be light and pliable with rubber or composite soles
without heels.
4.3.3 Players' jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 20. 4.3.3.2
4.3.3.1 The number must be placed on the jersey at the centre of the front and
of the back. The colour and brightness of the numbers must contrast
with the colour and brightness of the jerseys.
4.3.3.2 The number must be a minimum of 15 cm in height on the chest, and
a minimum of 20 cm in height on the back. The stripe forming the
numbers shall be a minimum of 2 cm in width.
4.3.4 The team captain must have on his/her jersey a stripe of 8 x 2 cm
underlining the number on the chest.
5.1
4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a colour different from that of the
other players (except for the Liberos), and/or without official numbers.
19.2
4.4 CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT
The 1st
referee may authorize one or more players: 23
4.4.1 to play barefoot;
4.4.2 to change wet or damaged uniforms between sets or after substitution,
provided that the colour, design and number of the new uniform(s) are
the same;
4.3, 15.5
18

4.4.3 to play in training suits in cold weather, provided that they are of the
same colour and design for the whole team (except for the Liberos) and
numbered according to Rule 4.3.3.
4.1.1, 19.2
4.5 FORBIDDEN OBJECTS
4.5.1 It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury or give an artificial
advantage to the player.
4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.
4.5.3 Compression pads (padded injury protection devices) may be worn for
protection or support.
For FIVB, World and Official competitions for seniors, these
devices must be of the same colour as the corresponding part of
the uniform.
5 TEAM LEADERS
Both the team captain and the coach are responsible for the conduct
and discipline of their team members.
20
The Liberos cannot be either team or game captain.
5.1 CAPTAIN
5.1.1 PRIOR TO THE MATCH, the team captain signs the score sheet and
represents his/her team in the toss.
7.1, 25.2.1.1
5.1.2 DURING THE MATCH and while on the court, the team captain is the
game captain. When the team captain is not on the court, the coach
or the team captain must assign another player on the court, but not
the Libero, to assume the role of game captain. This game captain
maintains his/her responsibilities until he/she is substituted, or the team
captain returns to play, or the set ends.
15.2.1
When the ball is out of play, only the game captain is authorized to
speak to the referees:
8.2
5.1.2.1 to ask for an explanation on the application or interpretation of the
Rules, and also to submit the requests or questions of his/her team-
mates. If the game captain does not agree with the explanation of the
1st
referee, he/she may choose to protest against such decision and
immediately indicates to the 1st
referee that he/she reserves the right
to record an official protest on the score sheet at the end of the match;
23.2.4
5.1.2.2 to ask authorization:
a) to change all or part of the equipment, 4.3, 4.4.2
b) to verify the positions of the teams, 7.4, 7.6
c) to check the floor, the net, the ball, etc.; 1.2, 2, 3

5.1.2.3 in the absence of the coach to request time-outs and substitutions. 15.3.1, 15.4.1,
15.5.2
5.1.3 AT THE END OF THE MATCH, the team captain: 6.3
5.1.3.1 thanks the referees and signs the score sheet to ratify the result; 25.2.3.3
5.1.3.2 may, when it has been notified in due time to the 1st
referee, confirm
and record on the score sheet an official protest regarding the referee’s
application or interpretation of the rules.
5.1.2.1,
25.2.3.2
5.2 COACH
5.2.1 Throughout the match, the coach conducts the play of his/her team
from outside the playing court. He/she selects the starting line-ups, the
substitutes, and takes time-outs. In these functions his/her contacting
official is the 2nd
referee.
1.1, 7.3.2,
15.4.1, 15.5.2
5.2.2 PRIOR TO THE MATCH, the coach records or checks the names and
numbers of his/her players on the score sheet, and then signs it.
4.1, 19.1.3,
25.2.1.1
5.2.3 DURING THE MATCH, the coach:
5.2.3.1 prior to each set, gives the 2nd
referee or the scorer the line-up sheet(s)
duly filled in and signed;
7.3.2, 7.4, 7.6
5.2.3.2 sits on the team bench nearest to the scorer, but may leave it; 4.2
5.2.3.3 requests time-outs and substitutions; 15.4, 15.5
5.2.3.4 may, as well as other team members, give instructions to the players
on the court. The coach may give these instructions while standing or
walking within the free zone in front of his/her team’s bench from the
extension of the attack line up to the warm-up area, without disturbing
or delaying the match.
1.3.4, 1.4.5,
D1a, D1b, D2
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the coach is restricted
to performing his/her function behind the coach’s restriction line.
D1a, D1b, D2
5.3 ASSISTANT COACH
5.3.1 The assistant coach sits on the team bench, but has no right to intervene
in the match.
5.3.2 Should the coach have to leave his/her team for any reason including
sanction, but excluding entering the court as a player, an assistant coach
may assume the coach's functions for the duration of the absence, once
confirmed to the referee by the game captain.
5.1.2, 5.2
20

CHAPTER 3
PLAYING FORMAT
See Rules
6 TO SCORE A POINT, TO WIN A SET AND THE MATCH
6.1 TO SCORE A POINT
6.1.1 Point
A team scores a point:
6.1.1.1 by successfully grounding the ball on the opponent’s court; 8.3, 10.1.1
6.1.1.2 when the opponent team commits a fault; 6.1.2
6.1.1.3 when the opponent team receives a penalty. 16.2.3, 21.3.1
6.1.2 Fault
A team commits a fault by making a playing action contrary to the rules
(or by violating them in some other way). The referees judge the faults
and determine the consequences according to the rules:
6.1.2.1 if two or more faults are committed successively, only the first one is
counted;
6.1.2.2 if two or more faults are committed by opponents simultaneously, a
DOUBLE FAULT is called and the rally is replayed.
6.1.2, D11 (23)
6.1.3 Rally and completed rally
A rally is the sequence of playing actions from the moment of the
service hit by the server until the ball is out of play. A completed rally
is the sequence of playing actions which results in the award of a
point. This includes the award of a penalty and loss of service for
serving faults out-with the time limit.
8.1, 8.2,
12.2.2.1, 12.4.4,
15.2.3,
15.11.1.3,
19.3.2.1,
19.3.2.9,
21.3.1
6.1.3.1 If the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and continues to serve.
6.1.3.2 If the receiving team wins a rally, it scores a point and it must serve next.
6.2 TO WIN A SET D11 (9)
A set (except the deciding 5th
set) is won by the team which first scores
25 points with a minimum lead of two points. In the case of a 24-24 tie,
play is continued until a two-point lead is achieved (26-24; 27-25; …).
6.3.2

6.3 TO WIN THE MATCH D11 (9)
6.3.1 The match is won by the team that wins three sets. 6.2
6.3.2 In the case of a 2-2 tie, the deciding 5th
set is played to 15 points with a
minimum lead of 2 points.
7.1
6.4 DEFAULT AND INCOMPLETE TEAM
6.4.1 If a team refuses to play after being summoned to do so, it is declared
in default and forfeits the match with the result 0-3 for the match and
0-25 for each set.
6.2, 6.3
6.4.2 A team that, without justifiable reason, does not appear on the playing
court on time is declared in default with the same result as in Rule 6.4.1.
6.4.3 A team that is declared INCOMPLETE for the set or for the match, loses
the set or the match. The opponent team is given the points, or the
points and the sets, needed to win the set or the match. The incomplete
team keeps its points and sets.
6.2, 6.3, 7.3.1
7 STRUCTURE OF PLAY
7.1 THE TOSS
Before the match, the 1st
referee carries out a toss to decide upon the
first service and the sides of the court in the first set.
12.1.1
If a deciding set is to be played, a new toss will be carried out. 6.3.2
7.1.1 The toss is taken in the presence of the two team captains. 5.1
7.1.2 The winner of the toss chooses:
EITHER
7.1.2.1 the right to serve or to receive the service, 12.1.1
OR
7.1.2.2 the side of the court.
The loser takes the remaining choice.
7.2 OFFICIAL WARM-UP SESSION
7.2.1 Prior to the match, if the teams have previously had a playing court
exclusively at their disposal, they are entitled to a 6-minute official
warm-up period together at the net; if not, they may have 10 minutes.
For FIVB, World and Official competitions, teams will be entitled
to a 10 minute warm up period together at the net.
22

7.2.2 If either captain requests separate (consecutive) official warm-ups at the
net, the teams are allowed 3 minutes each or 5 minutes each.
7.2.1
7.2.3 In the case of consecutive official warm-ups, the team that has the first
service takes the first turn at the net.
7.1.2.1, 7.2.2
7.3 TEAM STARTING LINE-UP
7.3.1 There must always be six players per team in play. 6.4.3
The team's starting line-up indicates the rotational order of the players
on the court. This order must be maintained throughout the set.
7.6
7.3.2 Before the start of each set, the coach has to present the starting line-up
of his/her team on a line-up sheet. The sheet is submitted, duly filled in
and signed, to the 2nd
referee or the scorer.
5.2.3.1, 24.3.1,
25.2.1.2
7.3.3 The players who are not in the starting line-up of a set are the substitutes
for that set (except the Liberos).
7.3.2, 15.5
7.3.4 Once the line-up sheet has been delivered to the 2nd
referee or scorer, no
change in the line-up may be authorized without a regular substitution.
15.2.2, 15.5,
D11 (5)
7.3.5 Discrepancies between players’ position on court and on the line-up
sheet are dealt with as follows:
24.3.1
7.3.5.1 when such a discrepancy is discovered before the start of the set,
players' positions must be rectified according to those on the line-up
sheet – there will be no sanction;
7.3.2
7.3.5.2 when, before the start of the set, any player on court is found not to be
registered on the line-up sheet of that set, this player must be changed
to conform to the line-up sheet – there will be no sanction;
7.3.2
7.3.5.3 however, if the coach wishes to keep such non-recorded player(s) on
the court, he/she has to request regular substitution(s), by use of the
corresponding hand signal, which will then be recorded on the score
sheet.
If a discrepancy between players’ positions and the line-up sheet is
discovered later, the team at fault must revert to the correct positions.
The opponent’s points remain valid and in addition they receive a point
and the next service. All points scored by the team at fault from the
exact moment of the fault up to the discovery of the fault are cancelled.
15.2.2, D11 (5)
7.3.5.4 Where a player is found to be on court but he/she is not registered on
the score sheet list of players, the opponent’s points remain valid, and
in addition they gain a point and service. The team at fault will lose all
points and/or sets (0:25, if necessary) gained from the moment the non-
registered player entered the court, and will have to submit a revised
line-up sheet and send a new registered player into the court, in the
position of the non-registered player.
6.1.2, 7.3.2

7.4 POSITIONS D4
At the moment the ball is hit by the server, each team must be positioned
within its own court in the rotational order (except the server).
7.6.1, 8.1, 12.4
7.4.1 The positions of the players are numbered as follows:
7.4.1.1 the three players along the net are front-row players and occupy
positions 4 (front-left), 3 (front-centre) and 2 (front-right);
7.4.1.2 the other three are back-row players occupying positions 5 (back-left), 6
(back-centre) and 1 (back-right).
7.4.2 Relative positions between players:
7.4.2.1 each back-row player must be positioned further back from the centre
line than the corresponding front-row player;
7.4.2.2 the front-row players and the back-row players, respectively, must be
positioned laterally in the order indicated in Rule 7.4.1.
7.4.3 The positions of players are determined and controlled according to the
positions of their feet contacting the ground as follows:
D4
7.4.3.1 each front-row player must have at least a part of his/her foot closer
to the centre line than the feet of the corresponding back-row player;
1.3.3
7.4.3.2 each right (left) side player must have at least a part of his/her foot
closer to the right (left) sideline than the feet of the centre player in
that row.
1.3.2
7.4.4 After the service hit, the players may move around and occupy any
position on their court and the free zone.
7.5 POSITIONAL FAULT D4, D11 (13)
7.5.1 The team commits a positional fault, if any player is not in his/her correct
position at the moment the ball is hit by the server. This includes when
a player is on court through illegal substitution.
7.3, 7.4, 15.9
7.5.2 If the server commits a serving fault at the moment of the service hit,
the server's fault is counted before a positional fault.
12.4, 12.7.1
7.5.3 If the service becomes faulty after the service hit, it is the positional fault
that will be counted.
12.7.2
7.5.4 A positional fault leads to the following consequences:
7.5.4.1 the team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent; 6.1.3
7.5.4.2 players' positions must be rectified. 7.3, 7.4
24

7.6 ROTATION
7.6.1 The rotational order is determined by the team's starting line-up and
controlled with the service order and players' positions throughout the
set.
7.3.1, 7.4.1,
12.2
7.6.2 When the receiving team has gained the right to serve, its players rotate
one position clock-wise: the player in position 2 rotates to position 1 to
serve, the player in position 1 rotates to position 6, etc.
12.2.2.2
7.7 ROTATIONAL FAULT D11 (13)
7.7.1 A rotational fault is committed when the SERVICE is not made according
to the rotational order. It leads to the following consequences in order:
7.6.1, 12
7.7.1.1 the team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent; 6.1.3
7.7.1.2 the players' rotational order must be rectified. 7.6.1
7.7.2 Additionally, the scorer should determine the exact moment when the
fault was committed, and all points scored subsequently by the team at
fault must be cancelled. The opponent's points remain valid.
25.2.2.2
If that moment cannot be determined, no point(s) cancellation takes
place, and a point and service to the opponent is the only sanction.
6.1.3

CHAPTER 4
PLAYING ACTIONS
See Rules
8 STATES OF PLAY
8.1 BALL IN PLAY
The ball is in play from the moment of the hit of the service authorized
by the 1st
referee.
12, 12.3
8.2 BALL OUT OF PLAY
The ball is out of play at the moment of the fault which is whistled by
one of the referees; in the absence of a fault, at the moment of the
whistle.
8.3 BALL ”IN” D11 (14),
D12 (1)
The ball is “in” if at any moment of its contact with the floor, some part
of the ball touches the court, including the boundary lines.
1.1, 1.3.2
8.4 BALL “OUT”
The ball is “out” when:
8.4.1 the part of the ball which contacts the floor is completely outside the
boundary lines;
1.3.2, D11 (15),
D12 (2)
8.4.2 it touches an object outside the court, the ceiling or a person out of
play;
D11 (15),
D12 (4)
8.4.3 it touches the antennae, ropes, posts or the net itself outside the side
bands;
2.3, D3, D5a,
D11 (15),
D12 (4)
8.4.4 it crosses the vertical plane of the net either partially or totally outside
the crossing space, except in the case of Rule 10.1.2;
2.3, D5a, D5b,
D11 (15),
D12 (4)
8.4.5 it crosses completely the lower space under the net. 23.3.2.3f, D5a,
D11 (22)
26

9 PLAYING THE BALL
Each team must play within its own playing area and space
(except Rule 10.1.2). The ball may, however, be retrieved from beyond
the free zone.
9.1 TEAM HITS
A hit is any contact with the ball by a player in play. 14.4.1
The team is entitled to a maximum of three hits (in addition to blocking),
for returning the ball. If more are used, the team commits the fault of
“FOUR HITS”.
9.1.1 CONSECUTIVE CONTACTS
A player may not hit the ball two times consecutively 9.2.3, 14.2,
14.4.2
(except Rules 9.2.3, 14.2 and 14.4.2).
9.1.2 SIMULTANEOUS CONTACTS
Two or three players may touch the ball at the same moment.
9.1.2.1 When two (or three) team-mates touch the ball simultaneously, it is
counted as two (or three) hits (with the exception of blocking). If they
reach for the ball, but only one of them touches it, one hit is counted. A
collision of players does not constitute a fault.
9.1.2.2 When two opponents touch the ball simultaneously over the net and
the ball remains in play, the team receiving the ball is entitled to another
three hits. If such a ball goes “out”, it is the fault of the team on the
opposite side.
9.1.2.3 If simultaneous hits by two opponents over the net lead to an extended
contact with the ball, play continues.
9.1.2.2
9.1.3 ASSISTED HIT
Within the playing area, a player is not permitted to take support from a
team-mate or any structure/object in order to hit the ball.
1
However, a player who is about to commit a fault (touch the net or
cross the centre line, etc.) may be stopped or held back by a team-mate.
1.3.3, 11.4.4
9.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT
9.2.1 The ball may touch any part of the body.
9.2.2 The ball must not be caught and/or thrown. It can rebound in any
direction.
9.3.3

9.2.3 The ball may touch various parts of the body, provided that the contacts
take place simultaneously.
Exceptions:
9.2.3.1 at blocking, consecutive contacts may be made by one or more player(s),
provided that the contacts occur during one action;
14.1.1, 14.2
9.2.3.2 at the first hit of the team, the ball may contact various parts of the
body consecutively, provided that the contacts occur during one
action.
9.1, 14.4.1
9.3 FAULTS IN PLAYING THE BALL
9.3.1 FOUR HITS: a team hits the ball four times before returning it. 9.1, D11 (18)
9.3.2 ASSISTED HIT: a player takes support from a team-mate or any structure/
object in order to hit the ball within the playing area.
9.1.3
9.3.3 CATCH: the ball is caught and/or thrown; it does not rebound from
the hit.
9.2.2, D11 (16)
9.3.4 DOUBLE CONTACT: a player hits the ball twice in succession or the ball
contacts various parts of his/her body in succession.
9.2.3, D11 (17)
10 BALL AT THE NET
10.1 BALL CROSSING THE NET
10.1.1 The ball sent to the opponent's court must go over the net within the
crossing space. The crossing space is the part of the vertical plane of the
net limited as follows:
2.4, 10.2, D5a
10.1.1.1 below, by the top of the net; 2.2
10.1.1.2 at the sides, by the antennae, and their imaginary extension; 2.4
10.1.1.3 above, by the ceiling.
10.1.2 The ball that has crossed the net plane to the opponent's free zone
totally or partly through the external space, may be played back within
the team hits, provided that:
9.1, D5b
10.1.2.1 the opponent's court is not touched by the player; 11.2.2
10.1.2.2 the ball, when played back, crosses the net plane again totally or partly
through the external space on the same side of the court.
The opponent team may not prevent such action.
11.4.4, D5b
28

10.1.3 The ball that is heading towards the opponent’s court through the lower
space is in play until the moment it has completely crossed the vertical
plane of the net.
23.3.2.3f, D5a,
D11 (22)
10.2 BALL TOUCHING THE NET
While crossing the net, the ball may touch it. 10.1.1
10.3 BALL IN THE NET
10.3.1 A ball driven into the net may be recovered within the limits of the three
team hits.
9.1
10.3.2 If the ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down, the rally is cancelled
and replayed.
11 PLAYER AT THE NET
11.1 REACHING BEYOND THE NET
11.1.1 In blocking, a player may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that
he/she does not interfere with the opponent’s play before or during the
latter's attack hit.
14.1, 14.3
11.1.2 After an attack hit, a player is permitted to pass his/her hand beyond
the net, provided that the contact has been made within his/her own
playing space.
11.2 PENETRATION UNDER THE NET
11.2.1 It is permitted to penetrate into the opponent’s space under the net,
provided that this does not interfere with the opponent’s play.
11.2.2 Penetration into the opponent's court, beyond the centre line: 1.3.3, 11.2.2.1,
D11 (22)
11.2.2.1 to touch the opponent's court with a foot (feet) is permitted, provided
that some part of the penetrating foot (feet) remains either in contact
with or directly above the centre line;
1.3.3, D11 (22)
11.2.2.2 to touch the opponent’s court with any part of the body above the feet
is permitted provided that it does not interfere with the opponent’s play.
1.3.3, 11.2.2.1,
D11 (22)
11.2.3 A player may enter the opponent's court after the ball goes out of play. 8.2
11.2.4 Players may penetrate into the opponent's free zone provided that they
do not interfere with the opponent’s play.

11.3 CONTACT WITH THE NET
11.3.1 Contact with the net by a player between the antennae, during
the action of playing the ball, is a fault.
The action of playing the ball includes (among others) take-off,
hit (or attempt) and landing.
11.4.4,
23.3.2.3c,
24.3.2.3, D3
11.3.2 Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the
antennae, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere
with the play.
D3
11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent,
no fault is committed.
11.4 PLAYER’S FAULTS AT THE NET
11.4.1 A player touches the ball or an opponent in the opponent's space
before or during the opponent’s attack hit.
11.1.1,
D11 (20)
11.4.2 A player interferes with the opponent's play while penetrating into the
opponent’s space under the net.
11.2.1
11.4.3 A player’s foot (feet) penetrates completely into the opponent's court. 11.2.2.2,
D11 (22)
11.4.4 A player interferes with play by (amongst others):
–– touching the net between the antennae or the antenna itself during
his/her action of playing the ball,
11.3.1
–– using the net between the antennae as a support or stabilizing aid D11 (19)
–– creating an unfair advantage over the opponent by touching the net
–– making actions which hinder an opponent’s legitimate attempt to
play the ball,
–– catching/ holding on to the net
Players close to the ball as it is played, or who are trying to play it, are
considered in the action of playing the ball, even if no contact is made
with the ball.
However, touching the net outside the antenna is not to be considered
a fault (except for Rule 9.1.3.)
12 SERVICE
The service is the act of putting the ball into play, by the back-right
player, placed in the service zone.
1.4.2, 8.1,
12.4.1
12.1 FIRST SERVICE IN A SET
12.1.1 The first service of the first set, as well as that of the deciding 5th
set is
executed by the team determined by the toss.
6.3.2, 7.1
30

12.1.2 The other sets will be started with the service of the team that did not
serve first in the previous set.
12.2 SERVICE ORDER
12.2.1 The players must follow the service order recorded on the line-up sheet. 7.3.1, 7.3.2
12.2.2 After the first service in a set, the player to serve is determined as
follows:
12.1
12.2.2.1 when the serving team wins the rally, the player (or his/her substitute)
who served before, serves again;
6.1.3, 15.5
12.2.2.2 when the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the right to serve and
rotates before actually serving. The player who moves from the front-
right position to the back-right position will serve.
6.1.3, 7.6.2
12.3 AUTHORIZATION OF THE SERVICE
The 1st
referee authorizes the service, after having checked that the two
teams are ready to play and that the server is in possession of the ball.
12, D11 (1)
12.4 EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE D11 (10)
12.4.1 The ball shall be hit with one hand or any part of the arm after being
tossed or released from the hand(s).
12.4.2 Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. Dribbling or moving the
ball in the hands is permitted.
12.4.3 At the moment of the service hit or take-off for a jump service, the
server must not touch the court (the end line included) or the floor
outside the service zone.
1.4.2, 27.2.1.4,
D11 (22),
D12 (4)
After the hit, he/she may step or land outside the service zone, or inside
the court.
12.4.4 The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after the 1st
referee whistles
for service.
12.3, D11 (11)
12.4.5 A service executed before the referee's whistle is cancelled and repeated. 12.3
12.5 SCREENING D6, D11 (12)
12.5.1 The players of the serving team must not prevent their opponent,
through individual or collective screening, from seeing the server and
the flight path of the ball.
12.5.2
12.5.2 A player or a group of players of the serving team make(s) a screen by
waving arms, jumping or moving sideways during the execution of the
service, or by standing grouped to hide the server and the flight path
of the ball.
12.4, D6

12.6 FAULTS MADE DURING THE SERVICE
12.6.1 Serving faults.
The following faults lead to a change of service even if the opponent is
out of position. The server:
12.2.2.2,
12.7.1
12.6.1.1 violates the service order, 12.2
12.6.1.2 does not execute the service properly. 12.4
12.6.2 Faults after the service hit.
After the ball has been correctly hit, the service becomes a fault (unless
a player is out of position) if the ball:
12.4, 12.7.2
12.6.2.1 touches a player of the serving team or fails to cross the vertical plane of
the net completely through the crossing space;
8.4.4, 8.4.5,
10.1.1,
D11 (19)
12.6.2.2 goes “out”; 8.4, D11 (15)
12.6.2.3 passes over a screen. 12.5, D11 (12)
12.7 SERVING FAULTS AND POSITIONAL FAULTS
12.7.1 If the server makes a fault at the moment of the service hit (improper
execution, wrong rotational order, etc.) and the opponent is out of
position, it is the serving fault which is sanctioned.
7.5.1, 7.5.2,
12.6.1
12.7.2 Instead, if the execution of the service has been correct, but the service
subsequently becomes faulty (goes out, goes over a screen, etc.), the
positional fault has taken place first and is sanctioned.
7.5.3, 12.6.2
13 ATTACK HIT
13.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATTACK HIT 12, 14.1.1
13.1.1 All actions which direct the ball towards the opponent, with the
exception of service and block, are considered as attack hits.
13.1.2 During an attack hit, tipping is permitted only if the ball is cleanly hit,
and not caught or thrown.
9.2.2
13.1.3 An attack hit is completed at the moment the ball completely crosses
the vertical plane of the net or is touched by an opponent.
13.2 RESTRICTIONS OF THE ATTACK HIT
13.2.1 A front-row player may complete an attack hit at any height, provided
that the contact with the ball has been made within the player's own
playing space (except Rules 13.2.4 and 13.3.6).
7.4.1.1
32

13.2.2 A back-row player may complete an attack hit at any height from
behind the front zone:
1.4.1, 7.4.1.2,
19.3.1.2, D8
13.2.2.1 at his/her take-off, the player's foot (feet) must neither have touched
nor crossed over the attack line;
1.3.4
13.2.2.2 after his/her hit, the player may land within the front zone. 1.4.1
13.2.3 A back-row player may also complete an attack hit from the front zone,
if at the moment of the contact a part of the ball is lower than the top
of the net.
1.4.1, 7.4.1.2,
D8
13.2.4 No player is permitted to complete an attack hit on the OPPONENT’S
service, when the ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the
top of the net.
1.4.1
13.3 FAULTS OF THE ATTACK HIT
13.3.1 A player hits the ball within the playing space of the opposing team. 13.2.1,
D11 (20)
13.3.2 A player hits the ball “out”. 8.4, D11 (15)
13.3.3 A back-row player completes an attack hit from the front zone, if at the
moment of the hit the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.
1.4.1, 7.4.1.2,
13.2.3,
D11 (21)
13.3.4 A player completes an attack hit on the opponent's service, when the
ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the top of the net.
1.4.1, 13.2.4,
D11 (21)
13.3.5 A Libero completes an attack hit if at the moment of the hit the ball is
entirely higher than the top of the net.
19.3.1.2,
23.3.2.3d,
D11 (21)
13.3.6 A player completes an attack hit from higher than the top of the net
when the ball is coming from an overhand finger pass by a Libero in his/
her front zone.
1.4.1, 19.3.1.4,
23.3.2.3e,
D11 (21)
14 BLOCK
14.1 BLOCKING
14.1.1 Blocking is the action of players close to the net to intercept the ball
coming from the opponent by reaching higher than the top of the net,
regardless of the height of the ball contact. Only front-row players are
permitted to complete a block, but at the moment of the contact with
the ball, a part of the body must be higher than the top of the net.
7.4.1.1
14.1.2 Block attempt
A block attempt is the action of blocking without touching the ball.

14.1.3 Completed block
A block is completed whenever the ball is touched by a blocker. D7
14.1.4 Collective block
A collective block is executed by two or three players close to each other
and is completed when one of them touches the ball.
14.2 BLOCK CONTACT
Consecutive (quick and continuous) contacts with the ball may occur
by one or more blockers, provided that the contacts are made during
one action.
9.1.1, 9.2.3
14.3 BLOCKING WITHIN THE OPPONENT’S SPACE
In blocking, the player may place his/her hands and arms beyond the
net, provided that this action does not interfere with the opponent’s
play. Thus, it is not permitted to touch the ball beyond the net until an
opponent has executed an attack hit.
13.1.1
14.4 BLOCK AND TEAM HITS
14.4.1 A block contact is not counted as a team hit. Consequently, after a
block contact, a team is entitled to three hits to return the ball.
9.1, 14.4.2
14.4.2 The first hit after the block may be executed by any player, including the
one who has touched the ball during the block.
14.4.1
14.5 BLOCKING THE SERVICE 12, D11 (12)
To block an opponent's service is forbidden.
14.6 BLOCKING FAULTS D11 (20)
14.6.1 The blocker touches the ball in the OPPONENT’S space either before or
simultaneously with the opponent’s attack hit.
14.3
14.6.2 A back-row player or a Libero completes a block or participates in a
completed block.
14.1, 14.5,
19.3.1.3
14.6.3 Blocking the opponent’s service. 14.5, D11 (12)
14.6.4 The ball is sent “out” off the block. 8.4
14.6.5 Blocking the ball in the opponent’s space from outside the antenna.
14.6.6 A Libero attempts an individual or collective block. 14.1.1,
19.3.1.3
34

CHAPTER 5
INTERRUPTIONS, DELAYS AND INTERVALS
See Rules
15 INTERRUPTIONS
An interruption is the time between one completed rally and the 1st
referee’s whistle for the next service.
The only regular game interruptions are TIME-OUTS and
SUBSTITUTIONS.
6.1.3, 8.1, 8.2,
15.4, 15.5,
24.2.6
15.1 NUMBER OF REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
Each team may request a maximum of two time-outs and six
substitutions per set.
6.2, 15.4, 15.5
For FIVB, World and Official competitions for Seniors, the FIVB
may reduce, by one, the number of team and/ or Technical Time
Outs in accordance with sponsorship, marketing and broadcast
agreements.
15.2 SEQUENCE OF REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
15.2.1 Request for one or two time-outs, and one request for substitution
by either team may follow one another, within the same interruption.
15.4, 15.5
15.2.2 However, a team is not authorized to make consecutive requests for
substitution during the same interruption. Two or more players may be
substituted at the same time within the same request.
15.5, 15.6.1
15.2.3 There must be a completed rally between two separate substitution
requests by the same team.
6.1.3, 15.5
15.3 REQUEST FOR REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS
15.3.1 Regular game interruptions may be requested by the coach, or in the
absence of the coach, by the game captain, and only by them.
5.1.2, 5.2,
5.3.2, 15
15.3.2 Substitution before the start of a set is permitted, and should be
recorded as a regular substitution in that set.
7.3.4

15.4 TIME-OUTS AND TECHNICAL TIME-OUTS
15.4.1 Time-out requests must be made by showing the corresponding hand
signal, when the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service.
All requested time-outs last for 30 seconds.
6.1.3, 8.2,
12.3, D11 (4)
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions it is obligatory to use
the buzzer and then the hand signal to request time-out.
D11 (4)
15.4.2 For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, in sets 1-4, two
additional 60-second “Technical Time-Outs” are applied
automatically when the leading team reaches the 8th
and 16th
point.
26.2.2.3
15.4.3 In the deciding (5th
) set, there are no “Technical Time- Outs”; only
two time-outs of 30 seconds duration may be requested by each
team.
15.1
15.4.4 During all time-outs, the players in play must go to the free zone
near their bench.
D1a
15.5 SUBSTITUTION
15.5.1 A substitution is the act by which a player, other than the Libero or his/
her replacement player, after being recorded by the scorer, enters the
game to occupy the position of another player, who must leave the
court at that moment.
19.3.2.1,
D11 (5)
15.5.2 When the substitution is enforced through injury to a player in play
this may be accompanied by the coach (or game captain) showing the
corresponding hand signal.
5.1.2.3,
5.2.3.3, 8.2,
12.3, D11 (5)
15.6 LIMITATION OF SUBSTITUTIONS
15.6.1 A player of the starting line-up may leave the game, but only once in
a set, and re-enter, but only once in a set, and only to his/her previous
position in the line-up.
7.3.1
15.6.2 A substitute player may enter the game in place of a player of the
starting line-up, but only once per set, and he/she can only be
substituted by the same starting player.
7.3.1
15.7 EXCEPTIONAL SUBSTITUTION
A player (except the Libero) who cannot continue playing due to injury
or illness, should be substituted legally. If this is not possible, the team
is entitled to make an EXCEPTIONAL substitution, beyond the limits of
Rule 15.6
15.6, 19.4.3
36

An exceptional substitution means that any player who is not on the
court at the time of the injury/illness, except the Libero, second Libero
or their regular replacement player, may be substituted into the game
for the injured/ill player. The substituted injured/ill player is not allowed
to re-enter the match.
An exceptional substitution cannot be counted in any case as a regular
substitution, but should be recorded on the score sheet as part of the
total of substitutions in the set and the match.
15.8 SUBSTITUTION FOR EXPULSION OR DISQUALIFICATION
An EXPELLED or DISQUALIFIED player must be substituted immediately
through a legal substitution. If this is not possible, the team is declared
INCOMPLETE.
6.4.3, 7.3.1,
15.6, 21.3.2,
21.3.3, D11 (5)
15.9 ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION
15.9.1 A substitution is illegal, if it exceeds the limitations indicated in Rule
15.6 (except the case of Rule 15.7), or an unregistered player is
involved.
15.9.2 When a team has made an illegal substitution and the play has been
resumed the following procedure shall apply, in sequence:
8.1, 15.6
15.9.2.1 the team is penalized with a point and service to the opponent, 6.1.3
15.9.2.2 the substitution must be rectified,
15.9.2.3 the points scored by the team at fault since the fault was committed
are cancelled; the opponent’s points remain valid.
15.10 SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE
15.10.1 Substitution must be carried out within the substitution zone. 1.4.3, D1b
15.10.2 A substitution shall only last the time needed for recording the
substitution on the score sheet, and allowing entry and exit of the
players.
15.10, 24.2.6,
25.2.2.3
15.10.3a The actual request for substitution starts at the moment of the
entrance of the substitute player(s) into the substitution zone, ready
to play, during an interruption. The coach does not need to make a
substitution hand signal except if the substitution is for injury or before
the start of the set.
15.10.3b If the player is not ready, the substitution is not granted and the team
is sanctioned for a delay.
16.2, D9

15.10.3c The request for substitution is acknowledged and announced by the
scorer or 2nd
referee, by use of the buzzer or whistle respectively. The
2nd
referee authorises the substitution.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, numbered paddles
are used to facilitate the substitution.
24.2.6
15.10.4 If a team intends to make simultaneously more than one substitution,
all substitute players must enter the substitution zone at the same time
to be considered in the same request. In this case, substitutions must
be made in succession, one pair of players after another. If one is illegal,
the legal one(s) is/are granted and the illegal is rejected and subject to
a delay sanction.
1.4.3, 15.2.2
15.11 IMPROPER REQUESTS
15.11.1 It is improper to request any regular game interruption: 15
15.11.1.1 during a rally or at the moment of or after the whistle to serve, 12.3
15.11.1.2 by a non-authorized team member, 5.1.2.3, 5.2.3.3
15.11.1.3 for a second substitution by the same team during the same
interruption, except in the case of injury/illness of a player in play.
15.2.2, 15.2.3,
16.1, 25.2.2.6
15.11.1.4 after having exhausted the authorized number of time-outs and
substitutions.
15.1
15.11.2 The first improper request by a team in the match that does not affect
or delay the game shall be rejected, but it must be recorded on the
score sheet without any other consequences.
16.1, 25.2.2.6
15.11.3 Any further improper request in the match by the same team constitutes
a delay.
16.1.4
16 GAME DELAYS
16.1 TYPES OF DELAYS
An improper action of a team that defers resumption of the game is a
delay and includes, among others:
16.1.1 delaying regular game interruptions; 15.10.2
16.1.2 prolonging interruptions, after having been instructed to resume the
game;
15
16.1.3 requesting an illegal substitution; 15.9
16.1.4 repeating an improper request; 15.11.3
16.1.5 delaying the game by a team member.
38

16.2 DELAY SANCTIONS D9
16.2.1 “Delay warning” and “delay penalty” are team sanctions.
16.2.1.1 Delay sanctions remain in force for the entire match. 6.3
16.2.1.2 All delay sanctions are recorded on the score sheet. 25.2.2.6
16.2.2 The first delay in the match by a team member is sanctioned with a
“DELAY WARNING”.
4.1.1, D11 (25)
16.2.3 The second and subsequent delays of any type by any member of the
same team in the same match constitute a fault and are sanctioned
with a “DELAY PENALTY”: a point and service to the opponent.
6.1.3, D11 (25)
16.2.4 Delay sanctions imposed before or between sets are applied in the
following set.
18.1
17 EXCEPTIONAL GAME INTERRUPTIONS
17.1 INJURY / ILLNESS 8.1
17.1.1 Should a serious accident occur while the ball is in play, the referee
must stop the game immediately and permit medical assistance to
enter the court.
The rally is then replayed. 6.1.3
17.1.2 If an injured/ill player cannot be substituted legally or exceptionally, the
player is given a 3-minute recovery time, but not more than once for the
same player in the match.
15.6, 15.7,
24.2.8
If the player does not recover, his/her team is declared incomplete. 6.4.3, 7.3.1
17.2 EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE
If there is any external interference during the game, the play has to be
stopped and the rally is replayed.
6.1.3, D11 (23)
17.3 PROLONGED INTERRUPTIONS
17.3.1 If unforeseen circumstances interrupt the match, the 1st
referee, the
organizer and the Control Committee, if there is one, shall decide the
measures to be taken to re-establish normal conditions.
23.2.3
17.3.2 Should one or several interruptions occur, not exceeding 4 hours in
total:
17.3.1
17.3.2.1 if the match is resumed on the same playing court, the interrupted set
shall continue normally with the same score, players (except expelled
or disqualified ones) and positions. The sets already played will keep
their scores;
1, 7.3

17.3.2.2 if the match is resumed on another playing court, the interrupted set
is cancelled and replayed with the same team members and the same
starting line-ups (except expelled or disqualified ones) and the record
of all sanctions will be maintained. The sets already played will keep
their scores.
7.3, 21.4.1, D9
17.3.3 Should one or several interruptions occur, exceeding 4 hours in total,
the whole match shall be replayed.
18 INTERVALS AND CHANGE OF COURTS
18.1 INTERVALS
An interval is the time between sets. All intervals last three minutes. 4.2.4
During this period of time, the change of courts and line-up registrations
of the teams on the score sheet are made.
7.3.2, 18.2,
25.2.1.2
The interval between the second and the third set can be extended up
to 10 minutes by the competent body at the request of the organizer.
18.2 CHANGE OF COURTS D11 (3)
18.2.1 After each set, the teams change courts, with the exception of the
deciding set.
7.1
18.2.2 In the deciding set, once the leading team reaches 8 points, the teams
change courts without delay and the player positions remain the same.
6.3.2, 7.4.1,
25.2.2.5
If the change is not made once the leading team reaches 8 points, it
will take place as soon as the error is noticed. The score at the time that
the change is made remains the same.
40

CHAPTER 6
THE LIBERO PLAYER
See Rules
19 THE LIBERO PLAYER
19.1 DESIGNATION OF THE LIBERO 5
19.1.1 Each team has the right to designate from the list of players on the
score sheet up to two specialist defensive players: Liberos.
In FIVB, World and Official competitions for Seniors, if a team
has more than 12 players recorded in the score sheet, TWO
Liberos are mandatory in the team list.
4.1.1
19.1.2 All Liberos must be recorded on the score sheet in the special lines
reserved for this.
5.2.2, 25.2.1.1,
26.2.1.1
19.1.3 The Libero on court is the Acting Libero. If there is another Libero, he/
she is the second Libero for the team.
Only one Libero may be on court at any time.
19.2 EQUIPMENT 4.3
The Libero player(s) must wear a uniform (OR JACKET/BIB FOR THE RE-
DESIGNATED Libero) which has a different dominant colour from any
colour of the rest of the team. The uniform must clearly contrast with
the rest of the team.
The Libero uniforms must be numbered like the rest of the team.
For FIVB, World and Official competitions, the re-designated
Libero should, if possible, wear the same style and colour of jersey
as the original Libero, but should keep his/her own number.
19.3 ACTIONS INVOLVING THE LIBERO
19.3.1 The playing actions:
19.3.1.1 The Libero is allowed to replace any player in a back row position. 7.4.1.2
19.3.1.2 He/she is restricted to perform as a back row player and is not allowed
to complete an attack hit from anywhere (including playing court and
free zone) if at the moment of the contact the ball is entirely higher
than the top of the net.
13.2.2, 13.2.3,
13.3.5
19.3.1.3 He/she may not serve, block or attempt to block. 12.4.1, 14.6.2,
14.6.6,D11 (12)

19.3.1.4 A player may not complete an attack hit when the ball is entirely higher
than the top of the net, if the ball is coming from an overhand finger
pass by a Libero in his/her front zone. The ball may be freely attacked
if the Libero makes the same action from outside his/her front zone.
1.4.1, 13.3.6,
23.3.2.3d, e,
D1b
19.3.2 Libero Replacements
19.3.2.1 Libero Replacements are not counted as substitutions.
They are unlimited but there must be a completed rally between two
Libero replacements (unless a penalty causes the team to rotate and
the Libero to move to position four, or the Acting Libero becomes
unable to play, making the rally incomplete.)
6.1.3, 15.5
19.3.2.2 The regular replacement player may replace and be replaced by
either Libero. The Acting Libero can only be replaced by the regular
replacement player for that position or by the second Libero.
19.3.2.3 At the start of each set, the Libero cannot enter the court until the 2nd
referee has checked the line-up and authorised a Libero replacement
with a starting player.
7.3.2, 12.1
19.3.2.4 Other Libero replacements must only take place while the ball is out of
play and before the whistle for service.
8.2, 12.3
19.3.2.5 A Libero replacement made after the whistle for service but before the
service hit should not be rejected; however, at the end of the rally, the
game captain must be informed that this is not a permitted procedure,
and that repetition will be subject to delay sanctions.
12.3, 12.4, D9
19.3.2.6 Subsequent late Libero replacements shall result in the play being
interrupted immediately, and the imposition of a delay sanction. The
team to serve next will be determined by the level of the delay sanction.
16.2, D9
19.3.2.7 The Libero and the replacing player may only enter or leave the court
through the Libero Replacement Zone.
1.4.4, D1b
19.3.2.8 Libero replacements must be recorded in the Libero Control Sheet (if
one is used) or on the electronic score sheet.
26.2.2.1,
26.2.2.2
19.3.2.9 An illegal Libero replacement can involve (amongst others)
–– no completed rally between Libero replacements, 6.1.3
–– the Libero being replaced by a player other than the second Libero or
the regular replacement player.
15.9
An illegal Libero replacement should be considered in the same way as
an illegal substitution:
15.9
should the illegal Libero replacement be noticed before the start of
the next rally, then this is corrected by the referees, and the team is
sanctioned for delay;
D9
42

should the illegal Libero replacement be noticed after the service hit,
the consequences are the same as for an illegal substitution.
15.9
19.4 RE-DESIGNATION OF A NEW LIBERO
19.4.1 The Libero becomes unable to play if injured, ill, expelled or disqualified.
The Libero can be declared unable to play for any reason by the coach
or, in the absence of a coach, by the game captain.
21.3.2, 21.3.3,
D9
5.1.2.1, 5.2.1
19.4.2 Team with one Libero
19.4.2.1 When only one Libero is available for a team according to Rule 19.4.1,
or the team has only one registered, and this Libero becomes or is
declared unable to play, the coach (or game captain if no coach is
present) may re-designate as Libero for the remainder of the match
any other player (replacement player excepted) not on the court at the
moment of the re-designation.
19.4, 19.4.1
19.4.2.2 If the Acting Libero becomes unable to play, he/she may be replaced by
the regular replacement player or immediately and directly to court
by a re-designated Libero. However, a Libero who is the subject of a
re-designation may not play for the remainder of the match.
If the Libero is not on court when declared unable to play, he/she may
also be the subject of a re-designation. The Libero declared unable to
play may not play for the remainder of the match.
19.4.2.3 The coach, or game captain if no coach is present, contacts the second
referee informing him/her about the re-designation.
5.1.2.1, 5.2.1
19.4.2.4 Should a re-designated Libero become or be declared unable to play,
further re-designations are permitted.
19.4.1
19.4.2.5 If the coach requests the team captain to be re-designated as the new
Libero, this will be permitted – but the team captain must in this case
relinquish all leadership privileges.
5.1.2, 19.4.1
19.4.2.6 In the case of a re-designated Libero, the number of the player re-
designated as Libero must be recorded on the score sheet remarks
section and on the Libero control sheet (or electronic score sheet if
one is used.)
25.2.2.7,
26.2.2.1
19.4.3 Team with two Liberos
19.4.3.1 Where a team has registered on the score sheet two Liberos, but one
becomes unable to play the team has the right to play with only one
Libero.
4.1.1, 19.1.1
No re-designation will be allowed, however, unless the remaining
Libero is unable to continue playing for the match.
19.4

19.5 SUMMARY
If the Libero is expelled or disqualified, he/she may be replaced
immediately by the team’s second Libero. Should the team have only
one Libero, then it has the right to make a re-designation.
19.4, 21.3.2,
21.3.3
44

CHAPTER 7
PARTICIPANTS’ CONDUCT
See Rules
20 REQUIREMENTS OF CONDUCT
20.1 SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
20.1.1 Participants must know the “Official Volleyball Rules” and abide by
them.
20.1.2 Participants must accept referees' decisions with sportsmanlike conduct,
without disputing them.
In case of doubt, clarification may be requested only through the game
captain.
5.1.2.1
20.1.3 Participants must refrain from actions or attitudes aimed at influencing
the decisions of the referees or covering up faults committed by their
team.
20.2 FAIR PLAY
20.2.1 Participants must behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit
of FAIR PLAY, not only towards the referees, but also towards other
officials, the opponent, team-mates and spectators.
20.2.2 Communication between team members during the match is permitted. 5.2.3.4
21 MISCONDUCT AND ITS SANCTIONS
21.1 MINOR MISCONDUCT
Minor misconduct offences are not subject to sanctions. It is the
1st
referee’s duty to prevent the teams from approaching the sanctioning
level.
5.1.2, 21.3
This is done in two stages:
Stage 1: by issuing a verbal warning through the game captain;
Stage 2: by use of a YELLOW CARD to the team member(s) concerned.
This formal warning is not in itself a sanction but a symbol that the team
member (and by extension the team) has reached the sanctioning level
for the match. It is recorded in the score sheet but has no immediate
consequences.
D9, D11 (6a)

21.2 MISCONDUCT LEADING TO SANCTIONS
Incorrect conduct by a team member towards officials, opponents,
team-mates or spectators is classified in three categories according to
the seriousness of the offence.
4.1.1
21.2.1 Rude conduct: action contrary to good manners or moral principles.
21.2.2 Offensive conduct: defamatory or insulting words or gestures or any
action expressing contempt.
21.2.3 Aggression: actual physical attack or aggressive or threatening
behaviour.
21.3 SANCTION SCALE D9
According to the judgment of the 1st
referee and depending on the
seriousness of the offence, the sanctions to be applied and recorded on
the score sheet are: Penalty, Expulsion or Disqualification.
21.2, 25.2.2.6
21.3.1 Penalty D11 (6b)
The first rude conduct in the match by any team member is penalized
with a point and service to the opponent.
4.1.1, 21.2.1
21.3.2 Expulsion D11 (7)
21.3.2.1 A team member who is sanctioned by expulsion shall not play for the
rest of the set, must be substituted legally and immediately if on court
and must remain seated in the penalty area with no other consequences.
1.4.6, 4.1.1,
5.2.1, 5.3.2,
D1a, D1b
An expelled coach loses his/her right to intervene in the set and must
remain seated in the penalty area.
5.2.3.3
21.3.2.2 The first offensive conduct by a team member is sanctioned by expulsion
with no other consequences.
4.1.1, 21.2.2
21.3.2.3 The second rude conduct in the same match by the same team member
is sanctioned by expulsion with no other consequences.
4.1.1, 21.2.1
21.3.3 Disqualification D11 (8)
21.3.3.1 A team member who is sanctioned by disqualification must be
substituted legally and immediately if on court and must leave the
Competition-Control Area for the rest of the match with no other
consequences.
4.1.1, D1a
21.3.3.2 The first physical attack or implied or threatened aggression is sanctioned
by disqualification with no other consequences.
21.2.3
21.3.3.3 The second offensive conduct in the same match by the same team
member is sanctioned by disqualification with no other consequences.
4.1.1, 21.2.2
46

21.3.3.4 The third rude conduct in the same match by the same team member is
sanctioned by disqualification with no other consequences.
4.1.1, 21.2.1
21.4 APPLICATION OF MISCONDUCT SANCTIONS
21.4.1 All misconduct sanctions are individual sanctions, remain in force for the
entire match and are recorded on the score sheet.
21.3, 25.2.2.6
21.4.2 The repetition of misconduct by the same team member in the same
match is sanctioned progressively (the team member receives a heavier
sanction for each successive offence).
4.1.1, 21.2,
21.3, D9
21.4.3 Expulsion or disqualification due to offensive conduct or aggression
does not require a previous sanction.
21.2, 21.3
21.5 MISCONDUCT BEFORE AND BETWEEN SETS
Any misconduct occurring before or between sets is sanctioned
according to Rule 21.3 and sanctions apply in the following set.
18.1, 21.2,
21.3
21.6 SUMMARY OF MISCONDUCT AND CARDS USED D11 (6a, 6b, 7, 8)
Warning: no sanction – Stage 1: verbal warning
Stage 2: symbol Yellow card
21.1
Penalty: sanction – symbol Red card 21.3.1
Expulsion: sanction – symbol Red + Yellow cards jointly 21.3.2
Disqualification: sanction – symbol Red + Yellow card separately 21.3.3

PART 2
SECTION 2:
THE REFEREES,
THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
AND OFFICIAL
HAND SIGNALS
48

PART 2 - SECTION 2: THE REFEREES, THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND OFFICIAL HAND SIGNALS
CHAPTER 8
REFEREES
See Rules
22 REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES
22.1 COMPOSITION
The refereeing corps for a match is composed of the following officials:
–– the 1st
referee, 23
–– the 2nd
referee, 24
–– the scorer, 25
–– four (two) line judges. 27
Their location is shown in Diagram 10.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions an assistant scorer is
compulsory.
26
22.2 PROCEDURES
22.2.1 Only the 1st
and 2nd
referees may blow a whistle during the match:
22.2.1.1 the 1st
referee gives the signal for the service that begins the rally; 6.1.3, 12.3
22.2.1.2 the 1st
or 2nd
referee signals the end of the rally, provided that they
are sure that a fault has been committed and they have identified its
nature.
22.2.2 They may blow the whistle when the ball is out of play to indicate that
they authorize or reject a team request.
5.1.2, 8.2
22.2.3 Immediately after the referee’s whistle to signal the completion of the
rally, they have to indicate with the official hand signals:
22.2.1.2, 28.1
22.2.3.1 if the fault is whistled by the 1st
referee, he/she will indicate in order:
a) the team to serve, 12.2.2, D11 (2)
b) the nature of the fault,
c) the player(s) at fault (if necessary).

22.2.3.2 If the fault is whistled by the 2nd
referee, he/she will indicate:
a) the nature of the fault,
b) the player at fault (if necessary),
c) the team to serve following the hand signal of the 1st
referee. 12.2.2
In this case, the 1st
referee does not show either the nature of the fault
or the player at fault, but only the team to serve.
D11 (2)
22.2.3.3 In the case of an attack hit fault or blocking fault by back row or Libero
players, both referees indicate according to 22.2.3.1 and 22.2.3.2
above.
12.2.2, 13.3.3,
13.3.5,
19.3.1.2,
23.3.2.3d, e,
D11 (21)
22.2.3.4 In the case of a double fault both referees indicate in order:
a) the nature of the fault, 17.3, D11 (23)
b) the players at fault (if necessary),
The team to serve next is then indicated by the 1st
referee. 12.2.2, D11 (2)
23 1st
REFEREE
23.1 LOCATION
The 1st
referee carries out his/her functions standing on a referee's
stand located at one end of the net on the opposite side to the scorer.
His/her view must be approximately 50 cm above the net.
D1a, D1b, D10
23.2 AUTHORITY
23.2.1 The 1st
referee directs the match from the start until the end. He/
she has authority over all members of the refereeing corps and the
members of the teams.
4.1.1, 6.3
During the match his/her decisions are final. He/she is authorized to
overrule the decisions of other members of the refereeing corps, if it is
noticed that they are mistaken.
He/she may even replace a member of the refereeing corps who is not
performing his/her functions properly.
23.2.2 He/she also controls the work of the ball retrievers, floor wipers and
moppers.
3.3
23.2.3 He/she has the power to decide any matters involving the game,
including those not provided for in the rules.
23.2.4 He/she shall not permit any discussion about his/her decisions. 20.1.2
50

However, at the request of the game captain, the 1st
referee will give
an explanation on the application or interpretation of the rules upon
which he/she has based the decision.
5.1.2.1
If the game captain does not agree with this explanation and chooses
to protest against such decision, he/she must immediately reserve the
right to file and record this protest at the conclusion of the match. The
1st
referee must authorize this right of the game captain.
5.1.2.1,
5.1.3.2,
25.2.3.2
23.2.5 The 1st
referee is responsible for determining before and during the
match whether the playing area equipment and the conditions meet
playing requirements.
Chapter 1,
23.3.1.1
23.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
23.3.1 Prior to the match, the 1st
referee:
23.3.1.1 inspects the conditions of the playing area, the balls and other
equipment;
Chapter 1,
23.2.5
23.3.1.2 performs the toss with the team captains; 7.1
23.3.1.3 controls the teams' warming-up. 7.2
23.3.2 During the match, he/she is authorized:
23.3.2.1 to issue warnings to the teams; 21.1
23.3.2.2 to sanction misconduct and delays; 16.2, 21.2, D9,
D11 (6a, 6b, 7,
8, 25)
23.3.2.3 to decide upon:
a) the faults of the server and of the positions of the serving team,
including the screen;
7.5, 12.4, 12.5,
12.7.1, D4, D6,
D11 (12,13)
b) the faults in playing the ball; 9.3,
D11 (16, 17)
c) the faults above the net, and the faulty contact of the player with the
net, primarily on the attacker’s side;
11.3.1,11.4.1,
11.4.4,
D11 (20)
d) the attack hit faults of the Libero and back-row players; 13.3.3, 13.3.5,
24.3.2.4, D8,
D11 (21)
e) the completed attack hits made by a player on a ball above net
height coming from an overhand pass with fingers by the Libero in his/
her front zone;
1.4.1, 13.3.6,
24.3.2.4,
D11 (21)
f) the ball crossing completely the lower space under the net; 8.4.5, 24.3.2.7,
D5a, D11 (22)

g) the completed block by back row players or the attempted block by
the Libero.
14.6.2, 14.6.6,
D11 (12)
23.3.3 At the end of the match, he/she checks the score sheet and signs it. 24.3.3,
25.2.3.3
24 2nd
REFEREE
24.1 LOCATION
The 2nd
referee performs his/her functions standing outside the playing
court near the post, on the opposite side of and facing the 1st
referee.
D1a, D1b, D10
24.2 AUTHORITY
24.2.1 The 2nd
referee is the assistant of the 1st
referee, but has also his/her
own range of jurisdiction.
24.3
Should the 1st
referee become unable to continue his/her work, the 2nd
referee may replace him/her.
24.2.2 He/she may, without whistling, also signal faults outside his/her range
of jurisdiction, but may not insist on them to the 1st
referee.
24.3
24.2.3 He/she controls the work of the scorer(s). 25.2, 26.2
24.2.4 He/she supervises the team members on the team bench and reports
their misconduct to the 1st
referee.
4.2.1
24.2.5 He/she controls the players in the warm-up areas. 4.2.3
24.2.6 He/she authorizes the regular game interruptions, controls their
duration and rejects improper requests.
15, 15.11,
25.2.2.3
24.2.7 He/she controls the number of time-outs and substitutions used by
each team and reports the 2nd
time-out and 5th
and 6th
substitutions to
the 1st
referee and the coach concerned.
15.1, 25.2.2.3
24.2.8 In the case of an injury of a player, he/she authorizes an exceptional
substitution or grants a 3-minute recovery time.
15.7, 17.1.2
24.2.9 He/she checks the floor condition, mainly in the front zone. He/she
also checks, during the match, that the balls still fulfil the regulations.
1.2.1, 3
24.2.10 He/she supervises the team members in the penalty areas and reports
their misconduct to the 1st
referee.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the duties recorded
under 24.2.5 and 24.2.10 are carried out by the Reserve Referee.
1.4.6, 21.3.2
52

24.3.1 At the start of each set, at the change of courts in the deciding set and
whenever necessary, the 2nd
referee checks that the actual positions
of the players on the court correspond to those on the line-up sheets.
5.2.3.1, 7.3.2,
7.3.5, 18.2.2
24.3.2 During the match, he/she decides, whistles and signals:
24.3.2.1 penetration into the opponent's court, and the space under the net; 1.3.3, 11.2,
D5a, D11 (22)
24.3.2.2 positional faults of the receiving team; 7.5, D4,
D11 (13)
24.3.2.3 the faulty contact of the player with the net primarily on the blocker’s
side and with the antenna on his/her side of the court;
11.3.1
24.3.2.4 the completed block by back row players or the attempted block by
the Libero; or the attack hit fault by back row players or by the Libero;
13.3.3, 14.6.2,
14.6.6,
23.3.2.3d, e, g,
D11 (12, 21)
24.3.2.5 the contact of the ball with an outside object; 8.4.2, 8.4.3,
D11 (15)
24.3.2.6 the contact of the ball with the floor when the 1st
referee is not in
position to see the contact;
8.3
24.3.2.7 the ball that crosses the net totally or partly outside of the crossing
space to the opponent’s court or contacts the antenna on his/her side
of the court.
8.4.3, 8.4.4,
D5a, D11 (15)
24.3.3 At the end of the match, he/she checks and signs the score sheet. 23.3.3,
25.2.3.3
25 SCORER
25.1 LOCATION
The scorer performs his/her functions seated at the scorer's table on
the opposite side of the court from and facing the 1st
referee.
D1a, D1b, D10
He/she keeps the score sheet according to the rules, co-operating with
the 2nd
referee.
He/she uses a buzzer or other sound device to notify irregularities or
give signals to the referees on the basis of his/her responsibilities.
25.2.1 Prior to the match and set, the scorer:
25.2.1.1 registers the data of the match and teams, including the names and
numbers of the Liberos, according to the procedures in force, and
obtains the signatures of the captains and the coaches;
4.1, 5.1.1,
5.2.2, 7.3.2,
19.1.2,
19.4.2.6

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