Volleyball Video Challenge Rules Explained.
The FIVB Video Challenge System lets teams request video review of referee decisions. Two challenges per set, a 7-second window, and specific rules about what can and cannot be challenged.
How It Works.
From the end of the rally to the final decision, here is exactly what happens during a volleyball video challenge.
Rally Ends
The rally finishes. A team suspects the referee missed or got a call wrong.
Press Challenge (7 Seconds)
The team has 7 seconds after the rally to press the CHALLENGE button on the Electronic Team Tablet (ETT). A challenge horn sounds.
Select the Fault (7 More Seconds)
A menu appears with challenge options. The team selects which fault they are challenging. They have 7 seconds to choose.
Video Review
The Challenge Referee reviews the footage. Precision of judgement prevails over speed. All available camera angles are used.
Decision Announced
The 1st Referee announces the final decision. The result is shown on the arena screen. The decision is final and non-appealable.
What Can Be Challenged.
Only specific types of faults can be challenged under the FIVB Video Challenge System. Here are all eight.
Ball In/Out
Was the ball in or out on side lines and end lines?
Block Touch
Did the blocker contact the ball? Relevant when the ball goes out after a block.
Net Fault
Did a player contact the net between the antennae while playing the ball?
Antenna Touch
Did a player or the ball contact the antenna?
Foot Fault
Server stepping on the end line, player crossing the attack line, or crossing the center line.
Floor Touch (Pancake)
Did the ball touch the court surface during a play?
Last Touch
During a simultaneous contact above the net, which player made the final touch before the ball went out?
Reaching Beyond the Net
Did a player contact the ball beyond the plane of the net in the opponents space? (Only where required technology is available.)
Note: When an automated ball In/Out system is in use, challenges for ball in/out are not available since the system handles those calls automatically.
What Cannot Be Challenged.
Non-Challengeable Calls.
Challenges for faults not on the list above will not be accepted. The first attempt is treated as an incorrect challenge. Repeated attempts to challenge non-challengeable calls may be sanctioned as delays.
Challenges Take Priority.
Challenges take priority over timeouts and substitutions. If a team calls a challenge, it happens before any timeout or sub request.
Challenge Results.
What happens after the Challenge Referee reviews the footage depends on what the video shows.
Successful Challenge
The call is overturned. The score is adjusted. The team keeps the challenge. Even if the specific fault claimed is not the one found, if evidence shows a fault did occur, the team keeps the challenge.
Unsuccessful Challenge
The original call stands. The team loses one challenge. After a second unsuccessful challenge in the same set, the team cannot challenge again for the rest of that set.
Inconclusive
If the video evidence is not clear enough to confirm or deny the fault, the original call stands. The team retains the challenge (does not lose it).
The 1st Referee Can Self-Review.
The video challenge system is not only for teams. The 1st Referee has an independent right to request video review.
Independent Review
The 1st Referee can independently request a video review at the end of any rally if they feel unclear about their decision. They whistle, make the Challenge signal, and indicate they are requesting the review personally.
No Cost to Teams
This is separate from team challenges and does not cost either team a challenge. If the 1st Referee review results in a team losing the point, that team then has the right to raise their own challenge within the same interruption.
Special Situations.
Both Teams Challenge
Both teams can challenge within the same interruption. A team can only challenge once per interruption, but both teams may challenge.
Challenge While Winning
If a team challenges a rally they already won, the challenge is automatically declined as unnecessary. The challenge is retained.
Players Stay on Court
During a challenge review, all players must remain on the court. No substitutions or libero replacements are allowed until the challenge is resolved.
System Failure
If the challenge system fails, the 2nd Referee informs the teams. The match continues without challenges. If the system comes back, challenges resume.
ETT Failure
If the tablet fails, the head coach or assistant coach can make a manual signal and direct oral request to the referees.
Quick Answers.
Two per set. If both are unsuccessful, the team cannot challenge again that set. Successful and inconclusive challenges are retained.
You have 7 seconds to press CHALLENGE after the rally, then 7 more seconds to select the specific fault. If you fail to choose, you lose the challenge.
Yes. The 1st Referee can request a video review on their own at the end of any rally.
Yes. The result announced by the 1st Referee is final and non-appealable.
The FIVB Video Challenge System is used at FIVB international competitions. Club, high school, and college volleyball typically do not use video challenges. Check your specific league or tournament rules.
Rules sourced from the FIVB Video Challenge System Regulations 2025.
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