How many timeouts does each team get per set in volleyball?

Full Explanation

A timeout is a stoppage of play requested by a team. Per FIVB Rule 15.1, each team may request a maximum of 2 time-outs per set, and per FIVB Rule 15.4.1 each lasts 30 seconds. A time-out may be requested only by the coach, or in the coach's absence by the assistant coach or the game captain (FIVB Rule 15.3.1), and only when the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service (FIVB Rule 15.4.1). Unused timeouts do not carry over to the next set. The 2025-2028 FIVB rules contain no technical timeouts; time-outs and substitutions are the only regular game interruptions. Under USAV rules, each team receives 2 timeouts per set of 30 seconds each (USAV Rule 15.4.1). Under NFHS Rule 11-2-3, each team receives 2 timeouts per set, each lasting up to 60 seconds. NCAA Rule 11.2 allows 2 timeouts per team per set with a default length of 75 seconds, which the conference or both coaches may change to 60 or 90 seconds. Domestic rulesets also allow optional broadcast stoppages: USAV event organizers may use media timeouts, NFHS lets state associations set media timeouts for broadcast matches, and NCAA conferences may use either a media timeout or a technical timeout at 15 points in sets 1 to 4.

Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 15.1; FIVB Rule 15.3.1; FIVB Rule 15.4.1; USAV Rule 15.4; NFHS Rule 11-2-3; NCAA Rule 11.2