How many challenges (video review requests) does a team get in volleyball?
Under NCAA women's rules, each team starts a match with 2 challenges where the Challenge Review System is used. At FIVB events, the number of challenges is set by the FIVB challenge regulation in force, not by the rulebook. NFHS and USAV do not use video review.
Full Explanation
A challenge is a request for video replay review of a referee decision. At FIVB, World and Official Competitions that use the Video Challenge System, a Challenge referee supervises the challenge process according to the challenge regulation in force (FIVB Rule 25.2.1). That regulation, not the rulebook, sets how many challenges a team receives and which decisions can be reviewed. The availability of the challenge system depends on whether the venue has the necessary technology. Under NCAA Rule 18, any member institution or conference may use the Challenge Review System (CRS), but none is required to. Each team begins the match with 2 challenges; if a fifth set is played, each team is awarded one more, up to a maximum of 2. A challenge that reverses the call is retained, and one that is confirmed is lost. Only the head coach may challenge. Reviewable decisions include ball in or out, touches, net faults including antenna contact, service foot faults, back-row attacks, libero overhand sets in the front zone and center line faults. NFHS rules prohibit electronic review of a referee's decision, and USAV rules do not use instant replay.
Rulesets covered: FIVB/NCAA | Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 25.2.1 (challenge regulation in force); NCAA Rule 18.1
Primary sources:
- Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028 (FIVB)
- NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules Book (NCAA Publications)
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