Volleyball Rules Reference.

Points Needed to Win a Set

A set (except the deciding set) is won by the team that first scores 25 points with a minimum 2-point lead. There is no point cap; play continues until one team leads by 2.

USAV follows FIVB scoring: 25 points to win a set with a minimum 2-point lead, no cap.

A set is won by the team that first scores 25 points with a 2-point lead. There is no cap.

A set is won by the team that first scores 25 points with a minimum 2-point lead. No cap.

Points Needed to Win the Deciding Set

The deciding set (set 5) is played to 15 points with a minimum 2-point lead. No cap.

The deciding set is played to 15 points with a 2-point lead. No cap. The deciding set is the 5th set in best-of-5 matches and the 3rd set in best-of-3 matches.

The deciding fifth set is played to 15 points with a 2-point lead. There is no cap. In best-of-3 matches adopted by a state association, the third set is played to 25.

The deciding set is played to 15 points with a minimum 2-point lead. No cap.

Timeouts Per Set

Each team may request a maximum of 2 time-outs per set, and every requested time-out lasts 30 seconds. Unused time-outs do not carry to the next set. The 2025-2028 FIVB rules contain no technical timeouts.

Each team receives 2 timeouts per set, each 30 seconds. The use and length of media (technical) timeouts is at the discretion of the event organizer.

Each team receives 2 timeouts per set. Each timeout lasts up to 60 seconds and may end early if both teams are ready. State associations may set media timeouts for broadcast matches.

Each team receives 2 timeouts per set. The default length is 75 seconds, and the conference or both coaches may change it to 60 or 90 seconds. Conferences may also use a media timeout or a technical timeout at 15 points in sets 1 to 4.

Substitutions Allowed Per Set

Each team may make a maximum of 6 substitutions per set. Libero replacements are not counted as substitutions.

Each team may make a maximum of 15 substitutions per set under the 2025-27 USAV indoor rules. Libero replacements are not counted.

Each team is allowed 18 substitutions per set. A player and substitute may enter and leave the game multiple times but each exchange counts toward the limit.

Each team is allowed 15 substitutions per set in Division I and 18 substitutions per set in Divisions II and III under the 2026-27 rules. Libero replacements do not count.

Challenge / Video Review System

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. That regulation, not the rulebook, sets how many challenges a team receives and which decisions can be reviewed.

USAV indoor rules do not use instant replay or a video challenge system; decisions rest on the referees' judgment.

NFHS high school rules do not include a video challenge system. Electronic devices shall not be used to review a referee's decision. A head coach may request a timeout to ask the first referee to review a possible misapplication of a rule; judgment decisions are final.

Any NCAA school or conference may use the Challenge Review System, but none is required to. Each team starts the match with 2 challenges (one more in a fifth set, up to 2 in total); a successful challenge is retained. Reviewable decisions include ball in or out, touches, net and antenna faults, service foot faults, back-row attacks, libero front-zone sets and center line faults.

Libero Serving Rights

The libero is not allowed to serve.

The libero may serve in one rotational position per set, after replacing the player in position 1. This is a USAV modification of the FIVB rule.

The libero may serve, but only in one rotational position per set. From 2026-27 a team may designate two liberos; either may serve, but only in that same position.

In one rotation, either libero may replace the player in position 1 and serve. Two liberos may not serve in two different rotations.

Libero Attack Restrictions

The libero may not complete an attack hit from anywhere, including the playing court and free zone, if at the moment of contact the ball is entirely above the height of the net (FIVB Rule 19.3.1.2). Additionally, no player may complete an attack hit on a ball that is entirely above the net and comes from an overhand finger pass by the libero in the libero's front zone (FIVB Rule 19.3.1.4).

Same as FIVB: libero may not attack above net height from any position.

The libero may not attack the ball when the ball is entirely above the height of the net.

Same as FIVB: libero may not attack above net height from any position on the court.

Back-Row Attack Rule

A back-row player (positions 1, 5, 6) commits a fault by completing an attack hit when: the ball is entirely above the net AND the player's takeoff was from at or in front of the 3-meter attack line.

Same as FIVB. Back-row attack fault when ball is above net and takeoff is at or in front of the 3-meter line.

Same restriction as FIVB. Back-row player may not attack from in front of or on the 3-meter line when the ball is entirely above the net at contact.

Same as FIVB. A back-row player faults when attacking above net height with takeoff at or forward of the attack line.

Net Height

The top of the net is set at 2.43 m (7 ft 11-5/8 in) for men's play and 2.24 m (7 ft 4-1/8 in) for women's play, measured at the center of the court.

2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women, with lower heights for specific age groups (for example 2.13 m for 11/12 and under, and 2.24 m for 13/14-and-under boys and co-ed).

Net height is 7 ft 11-5/8 in (2.43 m) for boys/men and 7 ft 4-1/8 in (2.24 m) for girls/women, consistent with FIVB.

Under NCAA women's rules the net height is 2.24 m (7 ft 4-1/8 in). NCAA men's volleyball plays under the USA Volleyball rules book with NCAA modifications, which sets 2.43 m (7 ft 11-5/8 in) for men.

Court Dimensions

The playing court is 18 meters long and 9 meters wide, divided by the centre line into two equal courts of 9 x 9 meters. The free zone around the court is a minimum of 3 meters wide on all sides, and the free playing space above the playing area is a minimum of 7 meters high. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the free zone measures 5 meters from the side lines and 6.5 meters from the end lines, and the free playing space is a minimum of 12.5 meters high.

The playing court is 18 m x 9 m surrounded by a free zone of at least 2 m, which need not be symmetrical. For USA Volleyball nationally sanctioned competition, 7 m of free playing space (ceiling height) is required and it is recommended for all other competitions.

The court is 60 feet (or 18 meters) long and 30 feet (or 9 meters) wide. A clear height of at least 23 feet (7 m) above the court is recommended, not required. There must be at least 6 feet (preferably 10 feet) of unobstructed space outside all boundary lines, and the serving area must be at least 6 feet deep.

The court is 18 meters long and 9 meters wide. The free zone must be at least 2 meters (3 meters for facilities built after 2016). Overhead clearance of 12.4 meters (41 feet) is recommended, and facilities built after 2006 must be clear to at least 7.62 meters (25 feet).

Ball Specifications

The ball must be spherical, made of a flexible leather or synthetic leather case with a bladder inside. Circumference: 65-67 cm. Mass: 260-280 g. Inside pressure: 0.300-0.325 kg/cm2 (294.3-318.82 mbar). Color: uniform light color or combination of colors per FIVB approval.

Circumference 65-67 cm, weight 260-280 g, inside pressure 0.30-0.325 kg/cm2 (4.26-4.61 psi). For nationally sanctioned USA Volleyball competitions, USA Volleyball must approve the game balls; 12-and-under Junior National Championships use a 198-227 g ball.

The ball must have a molded cover of 12 or more equal rectangular panels of genuine or simulated smooth leather, solid white or up to three colors with at least one-third of the panels white, and must carry the NFHS Authenticating Mark. Circumference 25-27 inches, weight 9-10 oz, pressure 4.3-4.6 psi. From 2026-27, state associations may adopt a textured ball.

Circumference 65-67 cm, weight 260-280 g, pressure 0.3-0.325 kg/cm2 (4.3-4.6 psi). The cover must be smooth leather or leather-like with 12 or more panels, at least one-third white or light; the dimpled international ball is not permitted.

Antenna Dimensions and Rules

Each antenna is a flexible rod, 1.80 m long and 10 mm in diameter, made of fiberglass or similar material, fastened at the outer edge of each side band on opposite sides of the net. 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 part of the net and mark the sides of the crossing space, so the ball must cross the net between them.

Antennas are flexible rods 1.80 m long and 10 mm in diameter. The top 80 cm extends above the net and is marked with 10 cm stripes of contrasting color, preferably red and white. The ball must cross between the antennas.

Antennas are attached in line with the outside edge of each sideline and extend at least 2 1/2 feet but no more than 3 1/2 feet above the net, with alternating 4- to 6-inch white and orange or red bands. The ball is out if it contacts an antenna or passes outside the antennas.

Antennas are flexible rods 1.8 m long and 1 cm in diameter. The upper half of each antenna is marked with alternating white and red or orange bands 10 to 15 cm wide. Antennas are part of the net and laterally define the crossing space.

Rotation Fault Penalty

A rotation fault results in: a point awarded to the opponent, service awarded to the opponent, and cancellation of all points scored by the faulty team since the fault was committed. The opponent retains all points scored during that period. If the moment of the fault cannot be determined, no points are cancelled.

Point and serve to the opponent. If the fault is discovered while the faulty team is serving or before the opponent serves, the faulty team's points scored after the fault are cancelled; if the opponents have already served, or the points cannot be determined, only the point and serve are awarded.

An improper server results in loss of rally and a point to the opponent. Points scored by the improper server are cancelled only if the error is discovered before the opponent's first serve is contacted; after that, there is no cancellation.

Loss of rally, and cancellation of the faulty team's points scored after the fault if it is discovered before the opponents serve. If the opponents have served, no points are cancelled and the order is corrected.

Net Touch Rule

A player faults by touching the net between the antennae, or the antenna itself, during the action of playing the ball, which includes take-off, the hit or attempt, and landing safely. Touching the net, posts, or ropes outside the antennae is not a fault provided it does not interfere with play. A player who is not in the action of playing the ball faults only by interfering, such as using the net as a support or gaining an unfair advantage by touching it. The penalty is a point for the opponent.

Same as FIVB: touching the net between the antennas during a playing action is a fault. Contact outside the antennas or incidental non-interfering contact is not penalized.

While the ball is in play, any player contact with the net, net cables or antennas is a net fault, on either side and whether or not the player is playing the ball. It is not a fault when a player's loose hair touches the net or when the force of a ball hit by an opponent pushes the net into the player. Dangerous contact with, or gaining an advantage from, the standards, cables or referee platform is also a net fault.

Net or antenna contact is not a fault unless it is made during an action of playing the ball or interferes with play, including holding the net or using it for support. Hair contact is not a fault.

Centerline Rule (Crossing Line Fault)

A player faults when a foot (feet) crosses completely into the opponent's court. A foot may touch the opponent's court provided some part of it remains in contact with or directly above the centre line and the action does not interfere with the opponent's play. Any part of the body above the feet, including the hands, may touch the opponent's court provided it does not interfere with the opponent's play.

A player may touch the opponent's court with any part of the body, including a whole foot or hand, provided some part of the body remains on or directly above the center line, there is no interference with the opponents, and the encroachment is not a safety hazard.

A player may not completely cross the centerline to the opponent's side. NFHS applies the same partial-crossing allowance: a player may cross with a foot or hand provided some part of it is on or above the center line. Contacting the floor across the center line with any other part of the body is illegal.

It is a fault to completely cross the center line and contact the opponent's court with one or both feet. Other body parts may contact the opponent's court provided some part of the body remains on or directly above the center line and there is no interference. Center line faults are reviewable under the Challenge Review System.

Let Serve Rule (Ball Touching Net on Serve)

While crossing the net, the ball may touch it, so a served ball that touches the net and crosses to the opponent's court through the crossing space is legal and play continues.

Same as FIVB: a let serve (net touch) that crosses over is legal.

A served ball that contacts the net and passes over into the receiving team's court is legal (let serve). Same rule as FIVB.

A let serve (net touch on service) that crosses the net is legal. Same as FIVB.

Service Fault Rules

A service fault gives a point and service to the opponent. At the service hit, the server faults by violating the service order or not executing the service properly (FIVB Rule 12.6.1). Improper execution includes not hitting the ball with one hand or arm after a single toss or release (FIVB Rules 12.4.1 and 12.4.2), and touching the court (end line included) or the floor outside the service zone at the service hit or take-off (FIVB Rule 12.4.3). After a correct hit, the service is a fault if the ball touches a player of the serving team, fails to cross the net completely through the crossing space, goes out, or passes over a screen (FIVB Rule 12.6.2). The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after the 1st referee's whistle (FIVB Rule 12.4.4).

Same as FIVB. Service fault occurs for foot fault, ball out of bounds, ball failing to cross the net, or illegal serving action. The 8-second service rule applies. For 14-and-under age groups, one service tossing error (re-serve) is permitted per service.

NFHS service faults include touching the end line or the floor outside the serving area at the instant of contact, the ball failing to cross the net legally, crossing outside the antennas or landing out, and touching the ceiling or an obstruction. The server must contact the ball within 5 seconds of the first referee's signal (FIVB allows 8). The ball need not be tossed, and each player gets one re-serve per term of service if the released ball is caught or dropped.

Service faults are the same as FIVB: ball out of bounds, net fault, foot fault. The server has 8 seconds from the referee's whistle to contact the ball.

Screening Rule

The players of the serving team must not prevent their opponents, through individual or collective screening, from seeing the service hit and the flight path of the ball. A player or group makes a screen by waving arms, jumping, or moving sideways during the service, or by standing grouped, so that both the service hit and the flight path of the ball are hidden until the ball reaches the vertical plane of the net. If either is visible to the receiving team, it is not a screen. Serving-team players may not raise their hands above their heads during the service until the ball has passed beyond the net. A service that passes over a screen is a service fault: point and service to the opponent.

Individual or collective screening is a fault. Players of the serving team may not raise their hands above their heads during the serve until the ball has passed beyond the net. A screen also occurs when players wave arms, jump, move sideways or stand grouped and hide both the service hit and the flight of the ball.

Screening is illegal under NFHS rules. Players on the serving team may not take positions or make movements that prevent the receiving team from seeing the server or the ball. From 2026-27, players on the serving team may not raise their hands above their heads during the serve until the ball has passed beyond the net. The penalty is a point and serve for the receiving team.

Players on the serving team must not prevent receiving players from seeing the contact of the serve and the path of the ball, and may not raise their hands above their heads during the serve until the ball has passed beyond the net. A serve that passes over a screen is a serving fault.