NOMVEX AI / WHAT CHANGEDVolleyball rules: what changed in 2025-2028
Two things only, each with its source: the official editions of the FIVB Rules, and FIVB Board of Administration decisions published during the cycle. Tests apply only to the FIVB competitions named.
A test is not a rule: for an FFvolley match, apply the FIVB Rules 2025-2028 and the RGES, unless your federation decides otherwise.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2025-04-14FIVB Rules, chapter 9
Double contact when setting: new interpretation tested
Double contact will be allowed during the setting action, provided the ball remains on the same side of the court, with faults only called for two clear consecutive touches. For balls played into the opponent’s court, as well as catches and lifts, the current interpretation will still apply.
Where: Test: VNL 2025, then assessed before wider application.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2025-04-14FIVB Rules, chapter 7
Receiving team out-of-rotation: test
Specifically, it will test the out of rotation error for the receiving team where the referees’ whistle defines the rotation, and the toss of the serve defines the moment that the athlete can change position on the court.
Where: Test: VNL 2025, age group and senior world championships.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28FIVB Rules, chapter 9
Double contact when setting: kept in 2026
Double contact during the setting action (second contact) will continue to be allowed, provided the ball remains on the same side of the court. No rule change is required.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28FIVB Rules, chapter 7
Free positioning of the receiving team
The receiving team must be in correct rotational order at the referee’s whistle but may move once the serving action is initiated.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28FIVB Rules, chapter 15
Eight substitutions per set
The number of substitutions per set will be increased from six to eight.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28
Ball contacting the ceiling
If the first or second ball contacts venue infrastructure above the field of play, and remains playable on the same side of the court, the rally will continue.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28FIVB Rules, chapter 9
Attack: strict application of rule 9.2.2
Rule 9.2.2 will be applied strictly in relation to attack contacts. The ball must not be caught or thrown.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28
Challenge: bookmarking an action during the rally
Teams may mark any action during a rally that could potentially be challenged at its conclusion.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.
◇Test, not a rule of your matches2026-02-28
Coach may speak to the first referee
The head coach may approach and speak to the first referee to clarify or confirm the type of challenge requested or to seek clarification regarding a call or decision. Complaints and protests remain prohibited.
Where: 2026 test: VNL 2026, FIVB U17 World Championships, 2026 Continental Championships. Not a rule of your FFvolley matches.