RULES OF THE GAME

VOLLEYBALL CASEBOOK

2024 Edition

Compiled and Prepared

by the FIVB Rules of the Game and Refereeing Commission

©2024 Fédération Internationale de Volleyball

 INDEX

Page Topic of Rulings Cases

2 INDEX

3 PREFACE

4 MODIFICATIONS

5 PART I - THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATON

6 PART II - CASES

6 CHAPTER 1 - PARTICIPANTS
6 Wearing Forbidden Objects 1.1 – 1.2
6 Captain 1.3 – 1.5
7-8 Coach, assistant coach 1.6 – 1.11.3
8-9 The uniform 1.12 – 1.15

10 CHAPTER 2 - PLAYING FORMAT

10-11 Positional and Rotational Faults 2.1 – 2.7

12 CHAPTER 3 - PLAYING ACTIONS

12-15 Playing the Ball 3.1 – 3.13.4
15-16 Penetration Under the Net 3.14 – 3.18
16-19 Player at or contacting the Net 3.19 – 3.27.4
19-20 Service 3.28 – 3.31
20 Attack Hit 3.32 – 3.35
20-24 Block 3.36 – 3.54
25 CHAPTER 4 - INTERRUPTIONS AND DELAYS
25-30 Substitutions 4.1 – 4.26.1
30 Time-Outs 4.27
30-31 Improper requests 4.28 – 4.30.1
31-33 Injuries 4.31 – 4.37
33-34 Delays to the Game 4.38 – 4.43
34-36 External Interference 4.44 – 4.49
36-41 CHAPTER 5 - LIBERO 5.1 – 5.26

42-44 CHAPTER 6 - PARTICIPANTS’ CONDUCT 6.1 – 6.11

44-45 CHAPTER 7 - THE REFEREES AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 – 7.10

46-47 CHAPTER 8 - SPECIAL CASES 8.1 – 8.7

47-49 CHAPTER 9 - USING TECHNOLOGY CASES 9.1 - 9.9

50-55 APPENDIX Case numbers and concerning rules

Casebook 2024 Page 1/55

 PREFACE

Volleyball is a great game – just ask the millions of people who play it, watch it, analyze it and referee it. It has been
actively promoted in recent years and has developed tremendously as a top competitive sport. Increased excitement,
speed, explosive action, a clean healthy image and huge TV audience figures have created an impetus to develop the
game even further, to make it simpler and more attractive to an even wider range of viewing public.

However, to make a correct and uniform application of the rules on a world stage is also very important for the further
development of the game. This Casebook is a collection of plays with Official Rulings approved by the Rules of the
Game and Refereeing Commission. These rulings expand on and clarify the spirit and meaning of the Official Rules,
and are the official interpretations to be followed during all competitions.
It is worth noting that the referee is the one who puts the rules into practice. For the correct application of the rules,
the referees not only have to know the rules faultlessly but have to apply them decisively and correctly within the
context of the game. The more important thing is that they should acquire and understand the basic principles behind
the rule. If not, they would have great difficulty in applying them properly. This is especially true when a situation
occurs which has not been clearly stated in the rules; the referees can now correctly make decisions with authority.
Remember that "The referee has the power to decide any matter involving the game, including those not provided
for in the rules". Hence, only on the basis of full acquisition of those fundamental principles can this be done.
Remember also that the rules characterise the game, set the limits, define fairness, legalise techniques, provide a
means of educating and form the basis for socialising. All of these aspects are important.

This Casebook is based upon the 2021-2024 edition of the Rule Text whose mandate was approved by the FIVB
Congress held for the first time, in a virtual format, in February 2021.

Several cases appearing in this Casebook have been illustrated with video clips, to help the understanding of the
situations and make the cases more interesting and attractive. These cases are indicated at the description. Click
where indicated and you can watch the video.

We thank those involved for their understanding and support.

Guillermo Paredes
President, FIVB Rules of the Game and Refereeing Commission

Casebook 2024 Page 2/55

RELEVANT MODIFICATIONS BETWEEN 2020 and 2024 VERSION WITH THE REFERENCE TO THE ACTUAL
NUMBERING
1.5 RE–NUMBERED 3.47 RE – NUMBERED
1.6 RE–NUMBERED 3.48 RE – NUMBERED
1.7 RE–NUMBERED 3.49 RE – NUMBERED
1.8 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 3.50 NEW
1.9 RE–NUMBERED 3.51 RE – NUMBERED
1.10 RE–NUMBERED 3.52 RE – NUMBERED
1.11 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 3.53 RE – NUMBERED
1.11.1 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.1 RE – NUMBERED
1.11.2 NEW 4.2 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
1.11.3 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.3 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
1.12 RE–NUMBERED 4.4 RE – NUMBERED
1.13 RE–NUMBERED 4.5 RE – NUMBERED
1.14 RE–NUMBERED 4.6 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
1.15 RE–NUMBERED 4.7 RE – NUMBERED
2.2 RE–NUMBERED 4.8 RE – NUMBERED
2.3 RE–NUMBERED 4.9 RE – NUMBERED
2.4 RE–NUMBERED 4.10 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
2.5 RE–NUMBERED 4.11 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
2.6 RE–NUMBERED 4.12 RE – NUMBERED
2.7 NEW AND RE–NUMBERED 4.13 RE – NUMBERED
3.5 NEW 4.14 RE – NUMBERED
3.10 NEW 4.15 RE – NUMBERED
3.13.2 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.16 RE – NUMBERED
3.13.3 NEW 4.17 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.13.4 NEW 4.18 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.15 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.19 RE – NUMBERED
3.18 NEW 4.20 RE – NUMBERED
3.20 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.21 RE – NUMBERED
3.21 RE–NUMBERED 4.22 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.22 RE–NUMBERED 4.23 RE – NUMBERED
3.23 RE–NUMBERED 4.24 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.24 RE–NUMBERED 4.25 RE – NUMBERED
3.25 RE–NUMBERED 4.26 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.26 RE–NUMBERED 4.26.1 RE – NUMBERED
3.26.1 RE–NUMBERED 4.27.1 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.26.2 RE–NUMBERED 4.28 RE – NUMBERED
3.26.3 RE–NUMBERED 4.29 RE – NUMBERED
3.27 NEW–MODIFIED-MERGED-RE–NUMBERED 4.30 RE – NUMBERED
3.28 RE–NUMBERED 4.30.1 RE – NUMBERED
3.29 RE–NUMBERED 4.31 RE – NUMBERED
3.30 RE–NUMBERED 4.32 RE – NUMBERED
3.31 REMOVED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.33 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.32 REMOVED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.34 RE – NUMBERED
3.33 RE–NUMBERED 4.35 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.34 RE–NUMBERED 4.37 RE – NUMBERED
3.35 RE–NUMBERED 4.38 REMOVED AND RE – NUMBERED
3.36 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.39 RE – NUMBERED
3.37 RE–NUMBERED 4.40 RE – NUMBERED
3.38 RE–NUMBERED 4.41 RE – NUMBERED
3.39 RE–NUMBERED 4.43 NEW
3.40 RE–NUMBERED 4.44 RE – NUMBERED
3.41 RE–NUMBERED 4.45 RE – NUMBERED
3.42 MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.46 RE – NUMBERED
3.43 REMOVED MODIFIED AND RE–NUMBERED 4.47 RE – NUMBERED
3.44 RE–NUMBERED 4.48 RE – NUMBERED
3.45 RE–NUMBERED 4.49 NEW
3.46 RE–NUMBERED 5.1 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED

Casebook 2024 Page 3/55

 5.2 MODIFIED 9.2 NEW
5.3 RE – NUMBERED 9.3 NEW
5.4 RE – NUMBERED 9.4 NEW
5.5 RE – NUMBERED 9.5 NEW
5.6 RE – NUMBERED 9.6 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
5.7 RE – NUMBERED 9.7 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
5.8 RE – NUMBERED 9.8 NEW
5.9 RE – NUMBERED 9.9 NEW
5.10 RE – NUMBERED
5.11 RE – NUMBERED
5.12 RE – NUMBERED
5.13 RE – NUMBERED
5.14 RE – NUMBERED
5.15 RE – NUMBERED
5.16 RE – NUMBERED
5.17 RE – NUMBERED
5.18 RE – NUMBERED
5.19 RE – NUMBERED
5.20 RE – NUMBERED
5.21 RE – NUMBERED
5.22 RE – NUMBERED
5.23 RE – NUMBERED
5.24 RE – NUMBERED
5.25 RE – NUMBERED
5.26 RE – NUMBERED
6.1 MODIFIED
6.2 RE – NUMBERED
6.3 MODIFIED
6.4 MODIFIED
6.5 MODIFIED
6.6 MODIFIED
6.7 RE – NUMBERED
6.8 NEW
6.9 NEW
6.10 RE – NUMBERED
6.11 MODIFIED AND RE – NUMBERED
7.1 RE – NUMBERED
7.2 RE – NUMBERED
7.3 RE – NUMBERED
7.4 RE – NUMBERED
7.5 RE – NUMBERED
7.6 RE – NUMBERED
7.7 RE – NUMBERED
7.8 RE – NUMBERED
7.9 MODIFIED
7.10 MODIFIED
8.1 RE – NUMBERED
8.2 RE – NUMBERED
8.3 RE – NUMBERED
8.4 RE – NUMBERED
8.5 MODIFIED
8.6 NEW
8.7 NEW
9.1 NEW

Casebook 2024 Page 4/55

 PART I - THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES OF APPLICATION

The referee stays in the background but at the same time acts to promote the game in the best light, and in this
way the game is attractive to a wider audience.

We want the game to be popular – making an attractive show is the way to do that.

THE RULES FOR THE CASEBOOK 2024 EDITION

The 2024 Casebook is a reflection of the rules, which were put into effect by the different FIVB Congresses through
the years. While other rules and philosophical changes are always likely to be considered, as a sport and its society
changes, it is worth remembering that the rulings shown here are those relating to the rules in force today.

In the appendix, the case numbers are listed together with the corresponding rules.

The case numbers are linked with the cases.

Casebook 2024 Page 5/55

 PART II - CASES

CHAPTER 1 – PARTICIPANTS

WEARING FORBIDDEN OBJECTS

1.1 Ruling
A prosthetic leg, a leg support, a plaster cast for a It is important to distinguish between items which
damaged wrist. have the potential to hurt or injure others from
Is such a device allowed? supporting or fabric materials. So the hard plaster
cast would not be allowed but a padded leg brace
would be allowed.
The case of the forearm support it must not provide
additional control of the ball. The rules allow a player
to wear compression devices for injury protection, as
prescribed by Rule 4.5.3.
Rules 4.5.1, 4.5.3

1.2 Ruling
Is a player allowed to play wearing a ring which is Due to the risk of injury, a player must remove the
likely to cause injury? ring, or have it taped.
Rule 4.5.1

CAPTAIN

1.3 Ruling
What is the proper response by the 1st referee if a Beyond the limits of Rule 5.1.2, he or she should
game captain constantly questions 1streferee warn the game captain with no penalty, as stated in
decisions? Rule 21.1. If the behavior continues, the game
captain should be sanctioned for rude conduct with a
red card (point and service to the opponents).
Rules 5.1.2, 20.1, 20.2, 21.2, 21.3.1, Diagram 9

1.4 VIDEO Ruling

The game captain asked the 1streferee for a line-up Yes. However, the right to make this request should
check. not be abused and so evaluated by the referee as an
Is this allowed? intention to delay the game by a team. Only detailed
information about his/her own team may be
provided. For the opponent team the only
information that will be provided will be whether
or not the players are correctly positioned. No
information will be given about which players are
front or back row players.
Rule 5.1.2.2

1.5 Ruling
Is the referee’s decision final? May he/she change Yes. The referee may change his/her own decision if
his/her own decision if the team protests? he/she became aware of his/her mistake before the
next service.
On the other hand, the teams are not allowed to
protest against normal referee decisions.
Rules 5.1.2.1, 23.2.4

Casebook 2024 Page 6/55

COACH, ASSISTANT COACH

1.6 VIDEO Ruling

Are coaches permitted to talk to the 2nd referee Only the game captain is authorized to speak to the
during the match about decisions or protests? referees to request explanations. The coach is not
authorized to do so.
Rules 5.1.2, 5.2.3.4, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3

1.7 Ruling
May the assistant coach or player press the buzzer for Yes – but the coach must still give the official hand signal,
T/O? even if tablets are in use to make such requests.
Rules 5.2.1, 5.2.3.3, 5.3.1

1.8 VIDEO Ruling

Where may the coach move during the match? The coach, and only the coach, has the right to walk in
the free zone during the match between the extension
of the attack line and the warm-up area without
disturbing the game and the work of the line judge/2nd
referee .
Rules 5.2.1,5.2.3.1, 5.2.3.4

1.9 Ruling
If injured or disabled, can the coach be allowed to use To stand or walk with crutches is not forbidden for
crutches in the free zone to perform his/her duties the coach.
during the match?

1.10 VIDEO Ruling

Is it allowed for the coach or assistant coach to assist No. These persons have the right to do it solely during
the players warming up with balls during the interval the official warming up before the match. Only the
between sets in the free zone? players have the right to warm up in the free zone
behind his/her own court between sets. If this
happens, the referees should instruct the coach or
assistant coach in a polite way to return to the team’s
bench.
Rules 4.2.4, 5.3.1

1.11 VIDEO Ruling

Is it allowed that during the warming up any person In case of common official warming-up at the net the
from the team’s officials stay in the opponent free general principle is, that the warm-up can be practised
solely in the team’s OWN playing area. Coaches are
zone or court?
allowed to stand near the net to help prevent injuries,
or in the opponent free zone when supervising their
team. But this should be solely a supervisory or injury
prevention role.
In case of separate official warming up the entire
playing area may be used by the team actually
warming with the balls at the net. The other team can
use the free zone behind its own court, without
disturbing the team at the net.
Guidelines and Instructions, 2024

Casebook 2024 Page 7/55

 1.11.1 Ruling
In the women’s World Cup, an extra assistant Correct action.
coach/ team official was observed serving the ball to The rule stipulates, that only the five officials on the
specific players inside the court during the warm up. bench may take part in the official warm up. Extra
The FIVB Technical Delegate requested the referees persons who are not on the O2bis or other team
to stop this activity, was it correct? officials (e.g. team manager) have no right to take part
neither during the non official warming up, nor during
the official warming up at the net. Only the
physiotherapist if not amongst the 5 officials on the
bench, may assist with the warm up, but only until the
start of the official (net) warm up.
The referees should bring this sort of activity to the
notice of the FIVB TD.
Rule 4.1.1

1.11.2 NEW VIDEO Ruling

During the warm up on the court, it was observed This is not permitted. Only those registered within
that additional coaches were positioned around the the scoresheet may enter the Field Of Play (FOP).
court, outside the advertising panels, and actively And only those coaches may take part in the warm
warming up with the players who were inside the up. Clearly, the extra coaches were actively involved
court (i.e. not simply retrieving balls). Is this in the preparation of the team in this case. The
permitted? Referees should inform the FIVB TD about this
practice and it should be stopped.
Rule 4.2.2

1.11.3 VIDEO Ruling

Coaches were observed on the opponent’s side of the No. This should not be permitted.
court serving or spiking balls towards members of However, it is allowed for the officials appearing on
their own team. Should this be permitted? the team list to be close to the posts in order to avoid
that a ball dropping down from the net can create a
dangerous situation for the players. But to stay on the
opponent’s side and actively participate in the
warming up is forbidden.
Guidelines and Instructions....

THE UNIFORM

1.12 VIDEO Ruling

During the Men’s World Cup, a team had 2 players, For normal matches the rules allow to number the
who wore jerseys with number 21 and 22 players up to 20.
respectively. Is it allowed? However, in FIVB, World and Official Competitions
for Seniors, which includes the World Cup, it is
permitted to wear numbers greater than 20. The
actual competition regulation should determine the
upper limit of players’ numbers.
Rule 4.3.3.

Casebook 2024 Page 8/55

 1.13 NEW Ruling
In a match, the team had two Liberos. Each had on a Yes. There is no need for each Libero to have the
uniform which was different from the other and same color or design of uniform. In fact, this may
different from the rest of the team. Is this permitted? actually help the spectators and the TV
commentators to understand the role of each player.

Rule 19.2

1.14 VIDEO Ruling

A team had several players wearing compression For FIVB, World and Official competitions for Seniors
pads. Some of these pads were black, some white. these devices must be of the same colour as the
Is it allowed to wear different colored compression corresponding part of the uniform, but the black,
pads? white and neutral colours are accepted. However if
teams are using compression pads, they must be
uniform in colour /design for all the players.
During FIVB World and Official Competitions the
referees must control this and inform of any violation
to the FIVB Technical Delegate who is the person
entitled to take the final decision on this matter.
However, for competitions not listed above, the rule
says nothing about the uniformity of the colour of the
compression pads used by multiple players.
Rule 4.5.3. FIVB Event Regulations

1.15 Ruling
Several team members during the general warm up The principle is, that all players should be in uniform
wore garments over their official uniform or instead from the moment they enter the court to warm up. In
of their uniform. It was noticed that because no some top events the current Protocol before the
numbers were visible, this prevented proper match is conducted by a specialist Sport Presentation
confirmation that the players on court matched the team. In these cases, the regulation might be
ID cards presented. Should this be permitted? different. The referees should be well informed about
this item.

Casebook 2024 Page 9/55

 CHAPTER 2 – PLAYING FORMAT

POSITIONAL AND ROTATIONAL FAULTS

2.1 Ruling
The team’s setter from position 1 was standing Fault. When players jump from the floor, they retain
clearly in front of player position 2, but jumped at the the position that they had from their last contact with
moment before the service hit. the floor. Therefore, while the back row player was in
Is this a legal position? the air, the point of his last contact with the floor was
“retained”.
Rules 7.4, 7.4.2, 7.4.3, 7.5

2.2 Ruling
If the foot of a player on court is in contact with the No.
opponent court at the service hit, is this a fault? This situation should only be considered when a
player penetrates into the opponent’s court over the
center line during the rally.
Rules 1.3.3, 7.4

2.3 Ruling
A team was given incorrect information about which The teams must revert to as close to their original
player was to serve. Play continued. This incorrect line-up as possible.
information was noticed at a later point in the set.
What happens now? The score is taken back to the point where the wrong
information was given. The correct server is allowed
to serve. Ho wev er, the already issued warnings/
sanctions remain valid.

This event must be recorded on the score sheet.

2.4 VIDEO Ruling

The teams were not ready to play because five (5) or The 1 st referee should whistle for service when
seven (7) players were on court when the 1st referee he/she is sure that the teams are ready to play and
was ready to whistle for service. that the server is in possession of the ball. There must
always be 6 players per team in play.
What should have occurred? Because the 1st referee noticed the mistake before
he/she whistled for service, he/she must award a
delay sanction to the team at fault. The next team to
serve depends on the type of delay sanction.
But if the 1st referee still whistled for service when
only 5 or 7 players were on court, he/she must stop
the rally immediately and replay without any
sanction.
If the situation is discovered after the end of the next
rally, the result of this rally should be cancelled and
replayed without any sanction. If nobody discovered
the situation, or did so after the start of the next rally,
the rally played with 5 (or 7) players of a team cannot
be replayed.
Rules 7.3.1., 7.5, 12.3

Casebook 2024 Page 10/55

 2.5. Ruling
After a service, which was executed by the wrong Only a single point should be awarded, due to the
server, the ball went out. When the rally was rotational fault, regardless of which team “won” the
finished, the scorer signaled the rotational fault. rally.
How many points do the receiving team receive?
Rule 7.7.1.1

2.6 VIDEO Ruling

If the foot of a player on court is in contact with the Yes, fault, because in the moment of the service hit all
free zone at the service hit, is this a fault? players except the server must be within their own
court. Consequently, it is a fault for a player on court
to be in contact with the free zone in the moment of
service.
Rules 7.4

2.7 NEW VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 Ruling

At the service hit, for the receiving team, the player The 2nd referee should do nothing. This is a legal
in position 1 had the heel of his rear foot (relative to position according to the modified rules 2021-24
the centre line) level with the toe of the front foot of The team commit a positional fault, if any player is
the position 2 player. How should the 2nd referee not in his/her correct position at the moment the
respond? ball is hit by the server.
To try to reduce the number of positional calls by
referees and to reflect the current reality of 2nd row
players switching positions, referees in particular
need only whistle if a back row player is completely
in front of the corresponding front row player at the
service hit. Feet on the ground determine the
position
Rule 7 Item 5, Rules 1.3.3, 7.4.3.1, 7.5.2
Refereeing Guidelines & Instructions

Casebook 2024 Page 11/55

 CHAPTER 3 – PLAYING ACTIONS

PLAYING THE BALL

3.1 Ruling
The 1st hit flew outside of the antenna. The setter This ball had become “out” when it had left
pursued the ball into the opponent’s free zone and completely the space above the free zone and
tried to play it back – but the ball went towards the entered the space above the court on the opponent’s
court and net on the opponent’s side. side of the net.
The 1st referee whistled and signaled “ball out”. Rules 10.1.2, 10.1.2.2
At what moment does the ball become “out”?

3.2 Ruling
Can a player legally hit the ball with the palm of one Yes, he can.
hand up? The hit must be judged by the quality of the ball
contact – whether or not the ball was caught and/or
thrown. The 1st referee must not be too hasty in
whistling this play unless he can clearly see that
the ball is caught and/or thrown.
Rules 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.3.3, 9.3.4

3.3 Ruling
During a first hit the ball rebounded from one arm The decision of the 1st referee was correct. “First hit”
to the other and then onto the chest of a player cases, in which successive contacts are allowed, are:
during one action and without being caught or 1. Reception of the service.
thrown. The 1st referee allowed the game to 2. Reception of an attack hit. This can be either a
continue. soft or a hard attack.
Is this correct? 3. Reception of a ball blocked by one’s own team.
4. Reception of a ball blocked by the opponent.
A player has the right to make successive contacts at
the first hit, so long as he/she makes only one action
to play the ball. It is possible, however, to whistle a
“catch” or “throw” on the first hit if two different
phases (first catch, then throw) are recognized
within the action.
Rules 9.2.3.2, 14.2, Refereeing Guidelines and
Instructions

3.4 VIDEO Ruling

A blocker “redirected” the ball to the floor of the This depends on whether the ball is caught or thrown
opponents. (fault) rather than rebounding (no fault). It is legal to
Is this legal? block the ball and direct it back to the opponent’s
court, but the illegal contact of “catch” can be
whistled during blocking.
Rule 9.2.2

3.5 NEW VIDEO Ruling

The left side attacker played the ball with two hands There is nothing to prevent a player making a two
in a throwing action. handed attack. However, this not be done using a
catch and throw action. The ball in this clip is
How should the 1st referee judge the action?
contacted almost behind the player’s head and
released more than 50 cm later. This is a CATCH.
Rule 9.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 12/55

 3.6 VIDEO Ruling
A player jumped into the air over the advertising Legal play. Outside his/her own side of the free zone,
panels trying to retrieve the ball near the spectator a player is allowed to play a ball and even take
seats on his own side of the net. support to hit the ball. This would include his/her
After contacting the ball, he landed in the seats. own team bench since this is outside the free zone.
Is this a legal action? The same action is forbidden on the opponent’s side
of the net.
Rules 9, 9.1.3, 10.1.2

3.7 VIDEO Ruling

During a rally, a player chased the ball into the Yes. The player is allowed to retrieve the ball from
spectator stands. Just as she was about to hit the ball, anywhere outside her own side of the playing area,
a spectator reached up to catch the ball. The coach including the team bench/ spectator seats, etc.
requested a replay because of the spectator’s On the other hand, while the player has priority for
interference. The referee refused. Was this a correct the ball within the playing area, she has no such
decision of the 1st referee? priority outside of the playing area.
Rules 9, 9.1.3

3.8 Ruling
Must the 1st referee whistle for a handling fault if the The referee should consider the principle of “keep
player is making a spectacular recovery? the ball flying”. It means, if a player makes a quick
movement and a big effort to recover the ball, and
during the hit a slight double contact has occurred,
he/she must be less severe, than in a normal
situation
Refereeing Guidelines and Instructions
Rule 9.7

3.9 Ruling
A ball went off the blocker A’s head, over the antenna Yes. The ball passed over the antenna into the
into the free zone of ‘B’. A player of ‘A’ pursued the opponent’s free zone partially through the external
ball to play it back to his side of the net. space. Therefore, it was legal for team ‘A’ to return
Is it possible to play it back like this? the ball to its own court through the external space
on the same side of the court. Line judges should not
signal while the ball moves in this way until the
moment it is finally out of play.
Rule 10.1.2

3.10 NEW Ruling

A player chased the ball out of court, then took Yes. This was a very spectacular action. According to
support from the score table to return the ball to his the rule text, the ball may be retrieved from over the
team. The contact with the ball was over the end of complete length of the score table, even the part on
the score table which was on the opponent’s side of the side of the opponent. So this was a legal play and
the net. The 1st referee took no action and allowed the 1st referee was correct to allow the rally to
play to continue. Did the player have the right to play continue.
the ball from this position? Rule 9

3.11 Ruling
Should the line judge signal when after the second No, to judge this ball is not the duty of the line judge.
hit of a team the ball crosses the net plane through
the external space into the opponent’s free zone? Rules 8.4.1, 8.4.2, 9.1,
10.1.2, 10.1.2.1, 10.1.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 13/55

 3.12 Ruling
Team A’s setter hit the ball above the net so that at Each team must play the ball within its own playing
the moment of the hit his/her fingers were in the area and space (except in the case of Rule 10.1.2).
opponent’s space. After the set the ball flew parallel Above the top of the net, the position of the hand
to the net toward an attacker. should be considered.
The blocker of team B touched the ball in team A’s Therefore, since the setter has hit the ball in the
space, so that the team A player could not execute opponent’s space, the setter committed a fault.
the attack hit. The blocker also committed a fault by touching the
How should the 1st referee decide? ball in the opponent’s space before the attack hit,
because above the top of the net, the position of the
hand should be considered.
However, only the first fault is penalized.
To hit the ball in the opponent’s space under the net
is different. Here the position of the ball should be
counted, i.e. the play is illegal only if the ball has
completely crossed the vertical plane of the net
Rule 9

3.13 VIDEO Ruling

May the coach standing in a legal position in his/her No.
free zone catch the ball flying over the antenna, Any team member, including the coach, has no right
when an opponent player is running to replay it? to prevent an opponent player from replaying the
ball crossing the net plane outside the crossing space.
It does not matter if the action of the team member
to hit the ball was intentional or unintentional. It
means, that the coach standing legally in his/her free
zone must “give way” if an opponent player is
running to replay and return the ball.
Rule 10.1.2.2.

3.13.1 VIDEO Ruling

Each player has the right to stand and move freely in
After a bad reception of team B, the ball was flying his own court and playing space. There are some
outside the crossing space towards the opponent's limitations to play in opponent’s court or playing
free zone. A player from this team started to run, in space or in the free zone. Therefore, to decide about
order to replay the ball. He stepped under the net, the eventual interference it is a crucial point, if the
without touching the opponent's court and the net, player of team A was within his own court or in the
but due to an opponent player still within his own free zone.
court also moving towards the ball, he was not able If he moved within his own court, his play was legal.
to replay the ball. Has the player of team B been On the other hand if he was in the free zone and his
interfered by the team A player? movement was on purpose, it can be considered as an
interference, he committed a fault.
Rule 10.1.2.2

3.13.2 VIDEO Ruling

The ball rebounded from the blocker of team A, No, decision is not correct. As shown on the video,
before hitting the antenna and the side band on team the ball touches to the antenna and side band at the
B’s side, then it landed on the court. The 1st referee same time and changes it’s direction on the team B
decided that the action was a successful block and the side . “Referees signal the end of the rally, provided
next serving team was to be team A.Was it a correct that they are sure that a fault has been committed
decision? and they have identified its nature” (Rule 22.2.1.2).
They must refrain from deciding solely upon their
assumptions, as shown on the accompanying video.

Casebook 2024 Page 14/55

 In cases:
a. lf the ball touches to the antenna, the ball
becomes out (Rule 8.4.3) Referees must whistle
and give the hand signal ball “out”.
b. If the ball contacts only to the side band, referees
may not stop the game, this is not a fault.
c. lf the ball touches to the side band and antenna
at the same time. Most of the times it changes its
direction. Since the contact of the ball to the
antenna is a fault, referees must whistle and
display ball “out” hand signal.
Rules 22.2.1, 8.4.3

3.13.3 NEW VIDEO Ruling

The ball hit the tape but not the antenna. No, the referees must actually see the ball hit the
Should the rebound from the tape automatically be antenna. Many forces come into play when the ball
judged to have hit the antenna? rebounds so referees should not automatically
assume that a fault has occurred.
Rules 22.2.1, 8.4.3
3.13.4 NEW VIDEO Ruling
After a poor team hit, the setter ran after the ball Good optical position should inform the referees if
and played it in the opponent free zone. the ball passed to the opponent free zone inside the
What should the referees consider in the action? crossing space. If this occurred, then as soon as the
ball is played by the setter, it becomes a fault and
must be whistled.
However, if the ball passed over or outside the
antenna, the contact by the setter is legal, and if the
ball travels back to his own side over or outside the
antenna, it may be legally attacked.
PENETRATION UNDER THE NET
3.14 Ruling
A spiker landed with his heels on the center line, but Yes. This is interference.
with most of his feet on the feet of the opponent’s Interference means a player stops an opponent from
blocker preventing his ability to move. moving, or playing the ball, or disturbing the
Is this interference? opponent while attempting to play the ball.
Rules 11.2.1, 11.2.2.1, 11.2.4

3.15 Ruling
Is physical contact always interference? No. Many circumstantial contacts actually occur in a
match - but the referee should whistle a player if
he/she interfered with or stopped the opponent’s
ability to play.
Rule 11.2.1
3.16 VIDEO Ruling
During a spectacular dig a player penetrates into the No. By the Rule 11.2.2 it is a l s o permitted to touch
opponent’s court so, that his body hits the floor, but the opponent’s court with any part of the body
both legs are completely in the air over the opponent above the foot (feet) provided there is no
court with no part above the center line. There was interference with the opponent’s play.
no interference with the opponent players. Was it a Since the feet did not touch the opponent’s court and
faulty action? there was no interference with the opponent’s play,
the situation cannot be considered as a fault.
Rule 11.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 15/55

 3.17 VIDEO Ruling
Looking carefully at the blue player’s movement, it is The first fault is that the blue player’s foot was on the
clear that he makes a fault by standing on the opponent court and side line.
opponent court and side line, having initially Had this not been the case, the definition of interference
believed that he can retrieve the ball. The opponent is preventing a player from making a play on the ball.
had to take urgent and evasive action to get out of By making the opponent take such evasive action, this
the way. Is this interference? can be judged as interference.

Refereeing Guidelines & Instructions Rule 7 item 5,

Rule: 7.5,

3.18 NEW VIDEO Ruling

The player chased the ball passing partly outside the Yes, this is a fault.
crossing space to the opponent free zone. In so doing The side line is inside the opponent’s court dimensions.
her complete foot was in contact with the opponent Had the whole foot contact with the side line been
side line. simultaneous contact with the center line by that foot
Should the 1st referee have whistled this as a fault? (or if part of the foot had been over the center line), it
would not have been a fault.
Rules 11.2.2.1
PLAYER AT OR CONTACTING THE NET
3.19 VIDEO Ruling
After a simultaneous contact above the plane of the If the contact is truly simultaneous by opponents
net, the ball landed outside the court of team A. exactly above the net, where both players have the
Who gets next service? right to play the ball and it lands outside a court, it is
the fault of the team on the opposite side. Team A
gets service.
Rules 9.1.2.2, 9.1.2.3

3.20 Ruling
An attack hit drove the net into the blocker’s No. If the net hits the player, there is no fault.
forearms. Is this a net fault? Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4

3.21 Ruling
After a blocker landed securely, he turned and hit the No. Because the action of playing the ball was
mesh of the net between the antennae with his complete before he turned, the contact with the net
shoulder. is not a fault.
Should this have been called a fault? Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4

3.22 VIDEO Ruling

While attempting to block, but without touching the Yes – since this is “in the action” of playing or
ball, which was close to him, the blocker touched the attempting to play the ball, even though no contact
net. was made.
Is this a fault? Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4

3.23 Ruling
A middle blocker reached over the net and touched Yes – the touch of the net was indeed a “net fault”:
its top band while attempting to stop a combination the blocker was close to the action, and the contact
play close to him. was between the antennae.
Is this a fault? Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4

Casebook 2024 Pace 16/55

 3.24 VIDEO Ruling
An attacker landed securely on the floor then took No the player did not commit a fault because:
two steps and brushed against the net outside of the First:
antenna while the ball was still in play. - the contact was outside the antenna
Is this a fault? Then:
- he/she did not use the net as support or
stabilizing aid
Rules 11.3.1, 11.3.2, 11.4.4

3.25 Ruling
An attacker landed on the floor off balance, took two Yes, if a the player is using the net as a support
steps and pushed with his chest against the net or stabilizing aid, between the antennae, his action is
between the antennae while the ball was still in play. considered as interference with the play.
If the player had not caught the net, he would have
fallen onto the opponent’s court. Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4
Is this a fault?

3.26 Ruling
A setter made a short set and when the attacker hit Yes, because the setter was in the action of playing
the ball, he/she also hit the setter with his/her knee. the ball.
This hit caused the setter to brush against the net. Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4
Is this a fault?

3.27. VIDEO Ruling

A player hit the net with her hair while playing the Yes. This must only be considered a fault if it is clear,
ball. Was her action legal? that the net touch affected the opponent’s ability to
play the ball or it interrupted the rally (e.g. a pony- tail
gets tangled in the net). If there was no
interference either on the opponent’s play, or on the
rally, the referees must not stop the game.
Rules 11.3.1, 11.4.4

Casebook 2024 Page 17/55

 3.27.1 VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 Ruling
In the first case, an attacker after spiking the ball
In first case, the blocker’s net touch cannot be
hit the blocker’s hand which had reached over the
considered as a faulty one, because his action was
net plane and drove it to touch the top band of the
modified by the attacker. However if the 1st referee
net.
realizes that the attacker drove the opponent’s hand
into the net with a deliberate movement, the
In case, both the attacker and blocker make contact
attacker made a fault by interfering with the
with the ball. However, the attacker follows through
opponent’s play, which is not according to the spirit
and contacts the arm of the blocker, forcing it on to
of FAIR PLAY. Therefore the attacker’s action should
the net band.
be penalized, considered as rude conduct, with the
application of the appropriate misconduct sanction.
Could it be judged as a net fault or interference during
these two game actions?
In second case, it is not interference.
Interference involves preventing an opponent making a
play on the ball. Here the ball has already been played
by the blocker – so no interference.
Many incidental or accidental contacts are made
between opponents anyway, and these are not
automatically faults. This is clearly one of those
instances, and the referees must be prepared to assess
this as a “no fault” situation by either player. Play should
continue.

Of course, if the action by the spiker was clearly a

deliberate attempt to make the opponent contact the
net or misguide the referees, this would be subject to
misconduct sanctions.
Refereeing Guidelines 2024

3.27.2. VIDEO Ruling

A player participating in a collective block already Yes. The players of a collective block are counted as a
finished the blocking action and landed. However, “unit”. If one of them is still in the action of playing
the “blocking-mate” player during the landing fell the ball, it means the entire unit is in the action.
down on the previous player and drove her into the Therefore the other player’s net touch should be
net between the antennae. Can this net touch be considered as a fault.
considered as a faulty one?
Rules 11.3.1

3.27.3 VIDEO Ruling

It is allowed provided, that the opponent player is not
Is it allowed for a player to penetrate into the interfered with, preventing him playing the ball.
opponent’s space under the net when although there Interference may occur even if there is no physical
is no physical contact with the opponent player, the contact between the players. The 1st referee has the
opponent is shocked by it? right to stop the game due to the fault of the
penetrating player and if necessary, to warn/sanction
him.
Rules 11.2.1

Casebook 2024 Page 18/55

 3.27.4 VIDEO
Ruling
After a weak service reception of team B the ball Yes, it was a correct decision.
went into net close to the sideband. A player of the It wouldn’t be a fault, if the ball hits the player
team A in position 2 did a clear sideway movement through the net in a situation, where the player
towards the ball, hit it with high elevated forearms standing close to the net is in a passive/neutral
through the net. The opponent player was not able position without any movement towards the ball OR
to play the ball due to the different rebounding from protect his/her face/body against a strongly spiked
the net. The 1st referee whistled net fault by the ball.
player of team A. Was it a correct decision?
But if the player moves towards the ball, „chasing” it
and deliberately hits it and changing the direction
and/or the speed of the rebounding ball, it is not
allowed.
Rule 11.4.4

SERVICE

3.28 Ruling
As soon as a player had hit the ball for service, the Correct action by the scorer. When a wrong server is
scorer signaled “wrong server” or rotational fault to ready to serve the ball, the scorer must wait until the
the 2nd referee, who stopped the game. Is this the service action has been completed before notifying
correct action by the scorer? the referees of the fault.
Rules 7.7.1, 12.2.1, 12.7.1, 27.2.2.2

3.29 Ruling
After the whistle for service, the serving team Yes – provided the service is made by the correct
recognized it was the wrong server. The correct player within 8 seconds from the whistle for service.
server then entered the service zone ready to serve. The 1st referee does not whistle a second time.
Can this player now serve? Rule 12.4.4

3.30 Ruling
Team ‘A’ served. The ball hit the net and dropped Yes – the 1st referee must whistle immediately it is
towards the floor on ‘A’’s side of the net. A player of clear the ball will not cross the net through the
‘B’ reached under the net and caught the ball before crossing space. At this moment the ball is out of play.
it hit the floor. The 1st referee must not wait until the ball hits the
Is this allowed? floor or a player of the serving team.
Rule 12.6.2.1

3.31 VIDEO Ruling

Is this allowed to execute the jump service hitting the No, the rule determines, that during the service, no
ball with 2 hands? matter jump or on floor, the ball should be hit with
one hand/arm, therefore to hit the ball with 2 hands
is forbidden and faulty.

Rule 12.4.1, 12.6.1.2

Casebook 2024 Page 19/55

 ATTACK HIT

3.32 Ruling
A back row setter jumped from within the front zone Yes. The set became an illegal attack hit by a back row
and set the ball while it was completely above the player when the attack hit was completed (in this
height of the net, directing it towards an attacker. case by contacting the opponent’s block). The rally is
Before the attacker could contact the ball, it won by the blocking team.
penetrated the vertical plane of the net where it was
blocked by the opponent’s setter. Was there a fault? Rule 13.1.3

3.33 VIDEO Ruling

On a second hit, a player passed the ball near the net Yes, it was. Even though it was only the second team
towards the opponent’s court. In the 1streferee’s hit, if the ball is moving in the direction of the
evaluation, no player of ‘A’ could possibly reach the opponent’s court, it is an attack hit. Because, in
ball. The blocker of ‘B’ reached across the plane of the the referee’s evaluation, no player of ‘A’ could
net and blocked the ball. What is the correct decision possibly have reached and was willing to play the ball,
of the 1st referee? the block of ‘B’ was legal.
Rules 13.1.1, 14.3, Guidelines 14.1

3.34 Ruling
A back row player took off in the front zone and as a No. Since the ball neither crossed the plane of the net
second hit spiked the ball which was completely nor was contacted by the blocker, the attack hit was
higher than the top of the net. The ball rebounded not completed.
from the net band and did not cross to the The rally continues.
opponent. Is this a fault? Rules 9.1, 13.1.3, 13.2.2, 13.3.3

3.35 Ruling
‘A’s’ receiver jumped from behind the attack line and Yes, because it was a legal action. Although it is illegal
contacted the served ball from completely higher to block or to complete an attack hit on the service
than the top of the net. The contact was behind the from completely above the height of the net over the
attack line and the ball returned to the serving front zone, the attack was legal since the contact
team's side of the net. point of the hit was completely behind the attack line.
Should play continue?

Rules 13.3.4, 19.3.1.3

BLOCK

3.36 Ruling
‘A’ passed badly and the ball crossed the plane of the The setter’s "block" was illegal because he/she was a
net. The middle blocker of ‘B’ hit the ball across the back row player. Intercepting a ball from opponent
net against the raised arm of the back row setter close to the net is a block if a part of the body is above
from ‘A’, who was still close to the net and above the net height.
height of the net. The ball then rebounded across the
net into ‘B’s’ court.
Who committed the fault? Rules 14.1.1, 14.1.3, 14.6.2

3.37 NEW Ruling

When the ball was completely above the court of This is not a fault of either player. It would be a fault
team A, it was attacked by the team A player in if the blocker had contacted the ball first, but
position 2. Simultaneous with this, the opponent blocking simultaneously is NOT a fault.
blocker also contacted the ball. Is this a blocking
fault?
Rule 14.3

Casebook 2024 Page 20/55

 3.38 Ruling
Is it legal for a blocker to reach over the net to block No, it is not legal. It is a fault to block a set. However,
an opponent’s “setting” action? it is absolutely necessary for the 1streferee to
determine the action of the setter. He/she must know
whether the set was
 made parallel to the net (block fault) or
 was going towards the net, thus making it an
attack hit (no fault, if there is no setter’s
teammate close to the ball and willing to play it).
Rules 14.1.1, 14.3

3.39 Ruling
A player of ‘A’ blocked the attack of ‘B’. Then the Yes, to block is to intercept a ball coming from the
middle blocker of ‘B’ blocked the block of ‘A’. opponent, thus it is legal to block an opponent’s
Is it legal to block a blocked ball? block.
Rule 14.1.1

3.40 Ruling
A ball blocked by the legally penetrating blocker of Team A. The second player’s action cannot be
team B flew some meters parallel to the net before a considered as block, because the ball was coming
second player of B hit the ball with a blocking action from the block of his/her teammate.
down to the floor on the side of team ‘A’. The ball had Thus, he/she was attacking in the opponent’s space -
never penetrated into the air space of ’B’. Who gets which is a fault according to the rules.
next service? Rules 11.1.2, 14.1.1, 14.2, 14.3

3.41 Ruling
Can an attacker hit the ball coming from the Yes, he can. It is a legal play, provided it is not a
reception of his/her teammate with both hands using double contact or a catch or throw.
a blocking action, directing the ball to the other side The contact must be on the player’s own side of the
of the net? net, however – not on the opponent’s.

3.42 Ruling
The ball made multiple contacts with the head and Provided it is a blocking action and not separate
hands of several blockers. actions, this i s c o n s i d e r e d as block t o u c h . After
Should this be permitted? the block, a team is allowed three more ball contacts.
Rules 9.1, 9.2.3.2, 14.2, 14.4.1

3.43 Ruling
Back row player’s illegal attack versus illegal block Double fault and therefore replay.
(i.e simultaneous contact by back row player) in the The attack hit by the back row player was illegal. The
attacker’s team space. simultaneous block by the back row player was also
What is the fault? illegal.
Rules 13.3.3, 14.1.1, 14.6.2

3.44 Ruling
A back row player is separate in distance from a No. The player was not part of the collective block
collective block and lower than the top of the net – and was not higher than the top of the net when the
but is hit by the ball. Is this an illegal block? ball contacted him/her.
This contact is considered as a first team hit.
Rules 9.3.1, 14.1.1

Casebook 2024 Page 21/55

 3.45 Ruling
The contact with the ball by a blocker was lower than Yes – having part of the body above the net is
the top of the net, although part of his/her hand was critical; the team would, therefore, have three more
above the net. Is this a block? hits.
Rules 9.1, 14.1.1, 14.4.1

3.46 Ruling
A blocker hit the ball when he had already come The decision was correct. At the moment of the ball
down from his jump and his whole body was lower contact, no part of the body of the blocker was higher
than the top of the net. When he hit the ball again, than the top of the net. So the action could not be
the referee called a “double hit”. considered as a block, but the first contact of the
Was this correct? team and his later contact made this a double hit.
Rules 9.1, 14.1.1, 14.4.1

3.47 Ruling
Illegal attack hit by back row player versus attempted The attack hit becomes a mistake at the moment
Libero block- which occurs first? when the ball has crossed the net totally or the block
touched it. The attempt of the Libero to block was an
action before the completion of the opponent’s
attack hit and is therefore the first mistake.
Rule 19.3.1.3

3.48 VIDEO Ruling:

A player of the team A attacked the ball, which was It should be considered as a perfect block, the rally
blocked by the blocker of team B. After the block hit, has been won by the team B.
the ball crossed the lower space (i.e. under the net)
and landed on the court of the team B. Which team
won the rally?

3.49 VIDEO Ruling:

An attacker spiked the ball OUT, but the blocker’s No.
pony tail hit the ball. The hit was proved by the video The net touch by hair is not considered as a fault,
challenge footage. The 1st referee decided „touched unless this net touch has influence on the game.
ball” and the next service to the attacking team. Was Keeping consistency to this approach, the touch by
this decision correct? blocker’s hair is not counted as a touch neither. The
rally would have to be won by the defending team.

3.50 VIDEO Ruling:

During a block, the player was seen to catch and Volleyball is a rebound sport. Any catch and throw is
throw down the ball. a fault. The ball may only be redirected towards the
Is such an action allowed? floor. This action in the video should be called as a
fault by the 1st referee.
Rule 9.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 22/55

 3.51 VIDEO Ruling:
The ball rebounded high from the opponent block of Yes, the 1st referee made a good decision for allowing
the team A, then returned to the opponent space. the rally continue.
There a player close to the net, reaching over the top If a player, close to the net and reaching over the top
of the net, hit/block the ball, which rebounded from of the net, intercepts the ball coming from the
the top band and the same player hit it again. Is this a opponent, the action might be either block or attack
legal play? hit. During the judgment, the position of the player’s
hand(s) or other part of body should be counted, but
the height of the ball is irrelevant.
The player’s hit is considered as a “block”, if the
player stretches reaching over the net to intercept
the ball with one or two hands without a classical
spiking/backswing movement (refer case 3.54).
Based on the above interpretation the situation
illustrated by the video should be considered as a
legal blocking action.

3.52 VIDEO Ruling

A ball was blocked straight down. Before the ball No.
landed on the opponent’s floor, the ball touched the Because the middle blocker’s leg touch was
leg of the middle blocker, who was already standing unintentional and he already stood on the floor, he
on the floor without the intention of kicking the ball. made no mistake.
If there was no leg hit, the ball would have landed However if the contact was well above the floor, and
clearly on the floor on team B’s side. there was an opponent player with a potential play
Can the middle blocker’s leg touch be considered as on the ball, then this is interference.
an interference to the opponent’s play?

3.53 VIDEO Ruling:

A back row setter facing towards his own end line No.
jumped close to the net when the attacked ball To consider that an action is a block 3 conditions
from the opponent hit his head. Can this action be should be fulfilled simultaneously:
considered as an illegal block? - the player is close to the net
- the ball is coming from the opponent
- the player has some part of his body projecting
above the top of the net.
It is not relevant which direction the player is facing.
If the referee judges that the 3 conditions have been
fulfilled, the action was a block.

Casebook 2024 Page 23/55

 3.54 VIDEO Ruling:
A player of team B sent the ball slightly to the No.
opponent. A player of team A close to the net, The situation is similar, but still different to the case
reaching over the top of the net, hit the ball, which 3.51.
rebounded from the top band and the same player If a player, close to the net and reaching over the top
hits it again. Had the 1st referee a good decision of the net, hits the ball coming from the opponent, the
allowing the rally to continue? action is an attack hit. During the judgment, the
position of the player’s hand(s) or other part of body
should be counted, but the height of the ball is
irrelevant.
The player’s hit is considered as an attack, i.e. first
team hit, if the player uses a classical
spiking/backswing movement of the arm as on video
shown, then hits the ball directing it towards the
opponent.
Therefore, if the player for this first hit executes an
attack “spike”, then hits again the ball rebounding
from the net, he/ she commits a “double hit” fault.
Based on the above interpretation the situation
illustrated by the video should be considered as a
“double hit”, faulty action. The rally should
immediately be stopped and won by team B.

Casebook 2024 Page 24/55

 CHAPTER 4 - INTERRUPTIONS AND DELAYS

SUBSTITUTIONS

4.1 VIDEO Ruling

Two substitute players entered the substitution This is legal as long as this does not cause a delay.
zone. After the request was recognized and Therefore, the 2nd referee simply carries out one
acknowledged by the scorer, the coach decided to substitution.
make only one substitution. The scorer is responsible for recording only
What is the procedure for the 2nd referee? substitutions which actually take place. In such a
case, the 2nd referee should carefully check how
many substitutions were recorded in the score sheet,
regardless of whether a paper or an electronic one is
used.
Rules 15.10.2, 15.10.3.1, 15.10.4, 16.1

4.2 Ruling
One substitute player entered the substitution zone The moment of the request is the entrance of the
(the scorer sounded the horn) while another one was substitute player(s) into the substitution zone. In this
just leaving the warm-up area to try to enter the case the 2nd referee should grant only the one for the
substitution zone. player who actually entered the substitution zone.
How many substitutions should be allowed? The second action should be rejected as not a part of
the original request. However, in such a situation the
2nd referee has the right to wave away the player
trying to enter the substitution in order to prevent an
improper request. This is part of “smooth refereeing”
Rules 15.10.3.1, 15.10.3.2, 15.11.1.3

4.3 VIDEO Ruling

A rally had to be interrupted due to the injury of a No, it is not allowed.
player of team A. After a short therapy on court the
injured player was judged ready to play. Before the If a rally has been interrupted due to an injury, or an
whistle for the next service, team A requested a external interference, for example a ball rolling onto
substitution. Is it allowed? the court, the net has been broken, failure of
electricity, etc., it is improper to request any regular
game interruption, except a forced substitution for
an injured or sanctioned player, including an
exceptional substitution for these reasons.

Refereeing Guidelines Rule 6 and 15.7

4.4 NEW Ruling
Team A attempted to make a substitution, but this
was rejected, because the incoming player was not Yes, the referees were correct. The team may not
ready to play. As a consequence, the team was make another request for a regular game
issued with a delay warning. The next rally started interruption (substitution or time out) until the
but was interrupted when an errant ball entered the interrupted rally is completed – i.e. until a point is
court. Team A immediately tried to make the same awarded.
Rule 15.2
substitution before play restarted. The referees
refused to accept the substitution. Were they
correct to do so?

Casebook 2024 Page 25/55

 4.5 Ruling
The substitute player had entered the substitution Not correct. In competitions where numbered
zone with the wrong “numbered paddle” (e.g. own paddles are in use, the substitute player must enter
paddle) for substitution. He fumbled to get the the substitution zone with the correct paddle.
correct one. The 1st referee awarded a delay Otherwise this causes confusion for the scorer, the
sanction, but allowed the substitution. Is this the team and the public – and will likely create a delay.
correct response by the 1st referee? Thus, the request for substitution by the team
must be rejected, and a delay sanction must be
awarded.
Rules 15.10.3.1, 16.1.1, 16.2

4.6 Ruling
If a substitute steps into the substitution zone just as No. The substitution should not be permitted.
the whistle sounds for service, should the 2nd referee Generally, this situation is a typical case of an
permit the substitution? improper request: reject and allow the game to
continue if the game has not been stopped and it was
the first improper request for this team.
However, if the game has been stopped due to this
request it should be considered as a delay and a
sanction for delay will result.
The same d e l a y s a n c t i o n should be a p p l i e d if
it was a repeated improper request by this team -
which is considered as delay.
Rules 15.10.3.1, 15.11.1.1, 15.11.3, 16.2

4.7 Ruling
Player #8 entered the substitution zone with paddle The decision was correct. The substitution of #8 and
#10. The coach insisted on the substitution with #9. #10 would have been legal. However, the coach
After a short discussion, the 2nd referee rejected the insisted on the substitution of #8 for #9. Because the
substitution and the team was sanctioned with a delay wrong paddle was shown and this caused a delay, the
warning. referee correctly sanctioned the team for delay.
Was the decision correct? Substitution should be rejected.
Rules 16.1.1, 16.2

4.8 NEW VIDEO Ruling

In a competition where full technology was Yes. The paddles permit only limited player shirt
operating, substitution paddles were not used. Is this numbers, while in FIVB, World and Official
correct procedure? Competitions for Seniors extended numbers are
used within the roster. In addition, the bench tablets
allow the teams to transmit the numbers of the
substituting players in advance. Hence, in those
competitions paddles are not required.
Rule 15.10.3.1

4.9 Ruling
A player became injured and had to be substituted Yes, the decision was correct.
exceptionally. During the same game interruption, The first player had to be substituted by an
the team requested an additional substitution. The exceptional substitution due to injury. The team still
2nd referee accepted the request. had the right to REQUEST a substitution in the same
Was the 2nd referee’s decision correct to accept the interruption.
request?
Rule 15.7

Casebook 2024 Page 26/55

 4.10 Ruling:
Player #6 of team ‘A’ was disqualified from the Since the injured player #7 cannot be substituted
match, and legally substituted by #7. This was the legally, he/she should be substituted exceptionally.
first substitution for team ‘A’ during the set, and
there were three more players on the bench. During
the next rally, team ‘A’ player #7 became injured and Rules 15.7,15.8
was not able to continue to play.
How should the game be continued?

4.11 NEW Ruling

An expelled player could not be replaced by a legal This rule was established to permit the match to
substitution. What options has the coach in this continue, if possible, rather than ending it
case? prematurely, and disappointing the spectators.

The coach has two possibilities here:

1. to carry out an exceptional substitution
with the expelled player or
2. surrendering the set to the opponent
because the team is “incomplete”.
If the option 1 is chosen, the expelled player (who
could normally return in the next set) is forbidden
to re-enter the match. But the set continues.

If the option 2 is chosen, the team loses the set in

progress but the expelled player can return in the
next set.
Rule 15.8

4.12 Ruling
A player listed on the line-up sheet was injured Yes – but it should be shown formally by substitution
before the start of the match. Can he be substituted signal (coach and 2nd referee so that everyone
before the match? understands the situation) and must be recorded on
the score sheet as a regular substitution.
Nevertheless, in certain top-level competitions,
special regulations could be applied allowing the
player being replaced in the line-up without counting
as a regular substitution. In this case, this regulation
will be included in the Specific Competition
Regulations in the Playbook.
Rules 7.3.2, 7.3.4

4.13 Ruling
Player #7 of team ‘A’ was found to be on the court Since team ‘A’ had an incorrect line-up, which was
when he should have been on the bench. Team ‘A’ caused by an illegal substitution, the procedure given
had used the allowable six team substitutions. Since in Rule 15.9.2 should be the following:
there were no legal substitutions remaining, what a. Point and service for team ‘B’.
was the proper procedure to be used by the officials? b. The substitution must be rectified. #7 has to be
removed from the set and the correct player
must return to the court. This correction does not
count as regular substitution.
c. All points scored by team ‘A’ while #7 was in the
game illegally must be cancelled, but the score of
the opponent’s team will remain as it is.
d. There is no further penalty for team ‘A’.
Rule 15.9.2
Casebook 2024 Page 27/55
 4.14 Ruling
After team ‘B’ had used five substitutions, two The 2nd referee has to remind the coach that only one
substitute players entered the substitution zone. substitution will be possible and ask the coach which
What is the proper response of the 2nd referee? one will be made.
Provided there is no delay, the other substitution will
be rejected as an improper request which is marked
in the score sheet.
Rules 15.5, 15.6, 15.11, 16.1

4.15 Ruling
A team requested two substitutions. When checking The 2nd referee allows the legal substitution to take
the substitutions, the scorer indicated that one of the place. The illegal substitution must be refused no
requests for substitution was legal and the other matter in which order the substitute players
request for substitution was illegal. What is the approach the side line.
proper response of the 2nd referee? The request for an illegal substitution must be
sanctioned with a “delay sanction”.
Rules 15.6, 16.1.3

4.16 Ruling
A team was refused a requested substitution by the The procedure of the 2ndreferee was correct. If the
scorer pressing the buzzer a second time. When the referees realizes that one of them made a mistake,
2ndreferee checked the score sheet, she discovered this mistake must be corrected, and the decision
that the substitution was, in fact, “legal”, and “re- changed even if this causes an unfavorable
corrected” the situation. This was quite impression about the referee team.
embarrassing. What should have been the correct
response of the 2ndreferee?

4.17 Ruling
A substitute player was standing in the substitution Yes, it is delay.
zone, ready to enter. However, the player on court However, the substitution THIS TIME should be
initially refused to leave the court. Is this delay? allowed, because the request was legal according to
Should the substitution be refused? the rules and the player in play caused this special
case, and the substitute player did not cause the
delay.
Rules 16.1.1, 23.2.3

4.18 Ruling
If a player in the line-up sheet does not match with The 2nd referee should show the line-up sheet to the
the players on the court what does the 2nd referee coach and ask what he wants to do. If the coach
do? wishes to keep what is on court, he needs to make a
legal substitution at 0:0. This is one of the situations,
where the coach must give the hand signal to avoid
misunderstandings.
The 2nd referee also must carry out this formally for
public, statistics, etc. understanding of the situation.
Rules 7.3.5.2, 7.3.5.3

Casebook 2024 Page 28/55

 4.19 Ruling
Player #6, ready to play, entered the substitution The request for substitution was correct and already
zone during an interruption. The scorer acknowledged by the scorer in using the buzzer. Due
acknowledged the request by using the buzzer. At to the request, the game was stopped. It is not
that moment the coach changed his/her mind and obligatory to apply the substitution, but the
ordered the player back into the warm-up area. procedure caused a delay and should be sanctioned.
Should the substitution have been applied and what Rules 15.10.3.1, 15.10.3.3, 16.1.1
should have been the correct procedure?

4.20 VIDEO Ruling

After the whistle for service, a substitute player The 2nd referee was correct. This was a typical case of
entered the substitution zone. The scorer ignored an improper request, which had to be recorded in the
this, and the game didn’t stop. After the end of the score sheet. The 2nd referee should aware this to the
rally the 2nd referee told the scorer to record an coach. If this was a repeated improper request, a
improper request in the score sheet. Was this the delay sanction must have been issued.
right procedure? Rules 15.11.1.1, 15.11.2, 16.1.1

4.21 Ruling
If a scorer presses the buzzer for substitution by No, since the fault is made by the scorer, this should
mistake (after the whistle for service/ player doesn’t not be considered either as improper request or as a
enter the substitution zone), should the team be delay.
charged with an improper request? Rules 15.10.3.1, 15.10.3.3

4.22 Ruling
An unregistered player was found to be on court. The coach and the team captain have the duty to
What do the officials do? control the registration of players and confirm it with
their signature. Unregistered players who have
played in the match will be removed from the court
as soon as this is discovered, in favor of a legitimate
registered player. All points scored while this
unregistered player was on court will be
cancelled, and the opponents will gain a point and
the next service. If the mistake is detected after the
end of the set, the set would be lost by the team at
fault. If the mistake is discovered after the end of the
match, the whole match would be lost due to the
unregistered player in the match. To avoid this kind of
situation, before each set the 2nd referee and the scorer
must check if the players’ numbers listed on the line-up
sheet correspond to the players’ numbers listed on the
scoresheet.
Rules 4.1.3, 4.2.2, 5.1.1, 5.2.2, 7.3.5.4, 15.9.2

4.23 Ruling
During an interruption, the receiving team ‘A’ Yes. Because there was in fact a completed rally (as
requested a substitution. During this interruption, defined in the rules) between the two requests for
team ‘B’ was penalized, which caused team ‘A’ to substitution.
rotate one position. After this, team ‘A’ requested a Rules 6.1.3, 15.2.3
new substitution. Is this possible?

Casebook 2024 Page 29/55

 4.24 Ruling
At the control of the line-up, the 2nd referee detected Yes, the procedure was correct. In this case, the 2nd
that the number of the Libero was in the starting line- referee should ask the coach for a new and correct
up. He asked the coach to correct the line-up sheet line-up sheet (which can be changed only in the
and informed the scorer about it. After this, the match position, where the Libero was recorded by mistake).
started. Was the procedure correct? Once the corrected line up sheet has been checked
against the line up on court, the 2nd referee will allow
the Libero to enter the court.
Rule 7.3.5.2

4.25 VIDEO Ruling

A team requests a substitution, which is not granted Yes. As penalties are considered as complete rallies,
because of a wrong paddle. This action caused a the new request can be accepted in this case.
delay penalty, because the team had already had a
delay warning. Can the team make a new request Rule 6.1.3 – 15.2.3
for substitution?

4.26 VIDEO Ruling

A team wished to apply a double substitution. One Yes. The referees applied well the procedure of the
player entered the substitution zone ready to play; multiple substitutions. If there is no real delay, the
meanwhile, the other player was still looking for the referees should be flexible.
numbered paddle. Before the finishing of This case is different to 4.2 above where the second
administrative duties for the first substitution, he player to enter was too far away from the substitution
was already in place. Was the procedure of the zone.
referees correct to allow both substitutions without Refereeing Guidelines and Instructions
intervention?

4.26.1 VIDEO Ruling

A substitute player wearing a warming up shirt No. A substitute player should be ready to play in the
entered the substitution zone with a numbered moment of the request for substitution. A player
paddle. During the exchange on the side line, he wearing a warming up shirt cannot be considered
reaIized this, pulled off the shirt and gave it to the being ready to play; therefore, this request has to be
player leaving the court. Is it a legal procedure for a denied and a delay sanction is to be issued.
substitution?
Rules 15.10.3.1, 15.10.3.2

TIME-OUTS

4.27 NEW Ruling

Time out duration is set at 30 seconds. Can this be Yes. The duration of time outs can be adjusted
adjusted? according to the needs of the competition. If using e-
score, the clock can be set accordingly.
Rule 15.4.1
IMPROPER REQUESTS

4.28 VIDEO Ruling

Can a team request a substitution before AND after a No – while two Time outs can be called by the same
time out, all taking place in the same interruption in team in the same interruption, two successive
play? substitution requests are NOT allowed and the
second one should be considered as an improper
request.
Rules 15.3.1, 15.3.2, 15.10.3.1,
15.11.1.3, 27.2.2.6

Casebook 2024 Page 30/55

 4.29 VIDEO Ruling
A coach made a third request for time-out, which was Normally this is an improper request – but here an
granted by the 2nd referee. At that moment the actual delay occurred. So reject or immediately
scorer realized that it was the third time-out for this curtail the time-out. Players return to court. The
team and notified the 2nd referee about this. Game Captain is informed of the actual delay and
What is the proper procedure for the officials? a delay sanction is applied.
Rules 15.11.1.4, 16.1.5, 27.2.2.6

4.30 Ruling
Is it possible to have an improper request AFTER the Yes, it is. While unusual, a delay can be followed by an
team has already been awarded a DELAY warning or improper request – it is not an escalation of the delay!
penalty? The rule regarding improper requests and the rule for
delay are both quite specific in what constitutes an
improper request/ what constitutes a delay. So that,
even if the team has already been s a n c t i o n e d
f o r delay, some actions are ONLY improper
requests and are not combined within the earlier
delay.
Rule 15.5, 16.1

4.30.1 Ruling
Is it allowed to request a Time-out or “normal” player No.
substitution, if a request for game interruption has In such a situation the team has to wait until the end
already been rejected and sanctioned with a delay of the next completed rally for the next request for
warning? game interruption.
If the team still makes a request, it should not be
considered as an improper request, just the team
should be reminded of this.
Rule 15.2.4, Refereeing Guidelines and Instructions

INJURIES

4.31 VIDEO Ruling

Can a player play with a nose bleed? No.
Referees must use discretion if an injury occurs in
which a player bleeds. If an immediate medical
treatment does not rectify the injury, he/she must be
substituted or replaced until the bleeding is stopped
and the blood is removed from the player’s uniform. A
substitute player must be permitted a reasonable time
to take off his/her training suit and enter the game.
It is an acceptable procedure by the 1st referee to give
neither a delay sanction nor to ask the team for a
game interruption.
Rules 4.4, 15.5, 15.10.2, 15.10.3.1, 17.1.1

Casebook 2024 Page 31/55

 4.32 VIDEO Ruling
A Libero injured his hand while playing defense. After The decision of the 1streferee was correct. For the
a short therapy, the Libero declared that he was able safety of the player, the 1st referee must stop the rally
to play again. The referee then signaled to continue immediately when an injury occurs and permit the
the match with him. team doctor and/or medical assistance to enter the
Was this the correct decision by the 1st referee? court. If the injury appears to be serious and severe
enough, the player should be removed from the
court for his/her safe recovery.
The principle decision by the 1st referee is to give the
player or/and the team doctor a reasonable time to
know the seriousness of the injury, yet to limit the
time before the substitution is required.
Rules 15.7, 17.1.2

4.33 VIDEO Ruling

An accident occurs at the moment of a substitution, First of all the referee should request medical
which causes the substitute player’s nose to bleed. assistance. It is necessary to stop the game. If the
What is the correct procedure? player cannot recover, the substitution can be
cancelled or another substitute player may be chosen
by the team.
Since the game has not been resumed, the
substitution is not confirmed.
Rules 15.2.3, 15.7

4.34 Ruling
The team captain is injured before the start of the The process is determined by the moment of the
match. injury. The main principle is written in rule 4.1.3,
How should the situation be handled? when the score sheet has been signed by captains
and coaches, i.e. after the toss, the team has no right
to change the team roster (except, when the Libero is
injured, has no chance to play and the coach wants to
re-designate the original team captain as the new
Libero).
Based on this if the injury of the team captain
occurred before the toss and he/she cannot play, the
coach should designate a new team captain, putting
a stripe under the number and circling the player's
number in the score sheet. This new team captain
will have all duties and rights (i.e. represents his/her
team at the toss).
If the original team captain's injury
occurred after the toss, the coach has no right to
designate another player as team captain. However,
the coach should designate a "general game captain"
who takes the rights and duties of the original team
captain and signs the score sheet after the match.
In both situations the fact of the injury should be
recorded in the score sheet.
Rule 4.1.3, 5.1, 5.2.1, 5.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 32/55

 4.35 VIDEO Ruling
What is the correct procedure, if an injured player is In order, that the substitution is clear for
not able to complete the substitution formally everybody, the substitute player should take the
through the substitution zone? (e.g. carried off the numbered paddle of the injured player and enter the
court)?
substitution zone. The 2nd referee should be given the
paddle to return it to the team.
Rules 15.10.1, 17.1.1

4.36 VIDEO Ruling

Mid-rally, two Japanese players fall to the floor. This According to the latest guidelines, unless there is a
probably denies the opponent team from winning the danger of further injury or injury to other players, the
rally. referees should pause to determine if there really is
Should the referees stop the rally instantly? an injury before interrupting the rally.
Rule: 17.1.1, Refereeing
Guidelines & Instructions Rule 13 Item 3

4.37 VIDEO Ruling

The player in the right side team realises that his team The most up to date guidance to referees is that they
will probably lose the rally, and falls to the floor. should only interrupt the rally if there is a blood injury
What is the best way for the referees to treat this or a trauma and there is clear danger that the player
situation? would suffer additional injury or cause injury to
teammates. Since rallies often last no more than 5
seconds, a short pause before automatically whistling
might prevent future occurrences. Obvious fakes
should be treated as misconduct.

Rule: 17.1.1, Rule 13 Item 3

Refereeing Guidelines & Instructions

DELAYS TO THE GAME

4.38 Ruling
Prior to the start of the third set of a match, the 1st Yes, the 1st referee acted correctly. The teams must
referee whistled the teams to enter the court. One be summoned to take their positions on the court. If
team did not react. When they were too slow to they do not react, the 1st referee must issue a delay
respond, the 1st referee issued a delay warning to warning to them. If the team still did not react, a
them. delay penalty would have been given. If this also
The team then entered the court. Was this the proved to be ineffective, it would have been judged a
appropriate action by the 1st referee? refusal to play, the team would have been declared to
be in default and the match would have been
forfeited. In such a case, the score would have been
recorded as 0:3 (0:25, 0:25, 0:25).
If a team is returning slowly to the court after a time-
out, the same procedure should be followed.
Rules 6.4.1, 16.1

Casebook 2024 Page 33/55

 4.39 Ruling
Will a team be sanctioned for delay if it forms a There is no requirement for the 1st referee to allow
huddle on court? more than a reasonable time for the players to move
to their positions for the next rally. However, he must
allow for appropriate enthusiasm and cheering but
cannot allow the game to be delayed. The 1st referee
should urge the team to take their position. If
he/she realizes that the players use this behavior as a
tactic for delaying the game consistently, the team
should be sanctioned by delay.
In major competitions, a 15 seconds count down clock
is used to regulate the time between rallies; however,
when using the clock, the server should always be
permitted the 8 seconds after the referee’s whistle to
initiate the service action.
Rules 16.1.2, 16.1.5

4.40 Ruling
A player refused to play because of a wet place on Common sense is the key factor here.
the floor caused by a team member diving for a ball. It is the 1st referee’s responsibility to decide upon the
What is the proper response of the 1st referee? mopping requests by the players, if they are
obviously delaying the game, and, if necessary, to
issue a delay sanction for these actions.
When the 1st referee deems it necessary to mop
the floor by the moppers, he/she may give the
order. The control of the match is always by the
decision of the 1st referee.

Rules 1.5, 5.1.2.2, 6.4.1, 16.2

4.41 Ruling
During an interval between two sets, an entire team Firstly, a team is not allowed to leave the competition
went to their locker room and returned after 5 area without permission of the referees.
minutes. The 1st referee issued a delay sanction, and Nevertheless, after two and a half minutes, the 2nd
the game was continued. referee should go to the team and remind them to
Was this an appropriate reaction of the referee? enter the court immediately so as not to be declared
in default. After they are back on the court, the 1st
referee should issue a delay sanction.

Rules 4.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 18.1

4.42 Ruling
What is the correct response of the 1st referee if The 1st referee should stop the match and the
spectators interrupt the match? organizer or the FIVB Technical Delegate should
take steps to re-establish the order. This
interruption should be recorded on the score sheet.
Rules 17.2, 17.3

Casebook 2024 Page 34/55

 4.43 NEW VIDEO Ruling
During the 4th set, when the score was 27-27, first The red card decision given by the 1st referee is not
referee penalized the libero player of team white correct. The referee should have invited the captain of
with a red card for her rude conduct towards the 1st the team that refused to continue the game to the
referee (score now 27-28 for the team in black). After referee’s chair and asked her to bring the team to the
the decision of the 1st referee, the coach of team playing court for the continuation of the match. If the
white did not want to continue the game and took team did not react to the invitation of the referee and
the team out of the court as a protest against the still refuses to play, the referee should have sanction
original decision of the 1st referee to penalize the the team with either first using a delay or a default
libero. After this reaction of the coach, the 1st referee sanction.
showed a red card to the team coach, and this
finished the set and the match.
Was the first referee’s decision correct? Rules 1.5, 5.1.2.2, 6.4.1, 16.2

EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE

4.44 VIDEO Ruling

After a player’s dig in the free zone behind the end Within the playing area the players have the priority
line, directing the ball back into court, the ball hit the to play. If the ball hits an outside object or a person
crane camera which had penetrated into the playing penetrating from outside the playing area, e.g. the
space. The referees should stop the game. How crane TV camera it should be considered as
should the 1st referee consider this action - as “OUT” “external interference” and the rally should be
or as “external interference”? replayed.
On the video the Libero was about to play the ball
and continue the rally, but the crane camera
prevented him to do it. This should be considered as
an "external interference" and the rally was to be
replayed.
Had the dig been misdirected towards the
spectators, with no player able to play it, the referee
will not judge this as external interference but ball
OUT.
Rule 17.2
4.45 VIDEO Ruling
A middle spiker during the preparation for attack lost The main principle is the security of the players. If
one shoe, which fell down in the front zone. He spiked the referees judge that the shoe, part of the player’s
the ball then the team lost the rally. After finishing the equipment, creates a dangerous object, they should
rally the middle spiker requested to take back the stop the game.
shoe. The referees did not intervene either during or Because it was obvious that the player did not lose
after the rally. How should referees correctly handle the shoe intentionally, his request to take it back
such a situation? cannot be considered as a delay.
Rule 17.2
4.46 VIDEO Ruling
If a player, running to play the ball, clashes into the No.
referee’s chair, should the rally automatically be The referee should judge if this clash has an
interrupted and replayed? influence on his/her activity, or caused an injury to
the player.
If the referee cannot continue the work normally,
the rally should be stopped and replayed. If there is
no interference due to the clash, let the rally be
continued without any interruption.
Rule 17.2

Casebook 2024 Page 35/55

 4.47 VIDEO Ruling
After the video review, fans of the losing team moved In this instance, the 2nd referee in particular reacted
to the side of the court to demonstrate their coolly according to our guidelines about smooth
disapproval of the result. refereeing, and gently guided the spectators back to
their seats. Should the demonstration be larger, the
How should the referees respond? referees are empowered to stop the match and
request that the organizers restore order.
Rule:23.2.3

4.48 VIDEO Ruling

During the game, due to an inattentive ball retriever, a No, it was not a correct decision. Because the ball
second ball rolls onto the court. The situation was not entered the court in the very last moment of the rally
realized by either the 1st referee, or the 2nd causing no interference with the game nor risk of
referee. After the rally finished, the 1st referee injury to the players.
decided to replay due to external interference. Was it The main principle is the security of the players.
a correct decision? Therefore, if the referees realize that a second ball is
on the court or is about to roll onto the court, they
should interrupt the rally.
If the second ball was sent onto the
court intentionally by a team member, the
philosophy should be the same, but this action
must be considered as an aggressive action,
leading to the disqualification of the team member.
As mentioned on case 8.2, if according to the
judgement of the 1st referee there is a dangerous
situation or a real influence on the continuation of
the game, he should stop the game immediately and
replay the rally. On the other hand, if the rally is
already finished or there is no influence on the
outcome, there is no need to judge a replay.
Referees must be able to distinguish between these
2 separate situations.
Rule 17.2

4.49 NEW VIDEO Ruling

The coach intercepted the attack hit of the opponent, An attack hit which hits the opponent coach in the
close to the side line, in such a way that there was doubt free zone is out, according to the rules.
about whether the ball would have landed in or out.
However, where the coach intercepts the ball close
What should the 1st referee do in this instance?
to the line and the referees/ line judge are unable to
determine the final landing point due to the
interception, the ball must be considered ball IN and
the coach must receive a verbal Warning. In case of
a precedent sanction he/she must be given a heavier
sanction according to Sanction Scale.
Rule 17.2

Casebook 2024 Page 36/55

 CHAPTER 5 - LIBERO

5.1 Ruling
Can the Libero enter the game without the 2nd Yes, he can.
referee’s permission after checking the line-up The starting player must be on the court at the time
before the set? of the line-up check. As soon as the 2nd referee has
checked the line-up, the Libero may replace the back
row player.
Rules 19.3.2.4, 19.3.2.8, 24.3.1

5.2 Ruling
A team has already applied all legal substitutions in a The Libero registered on the score sheet is never
set then a player on court is expelled and the Libero is entitled to become a regular player in the match.
sitting on the bench.
How should the match continue? However, an exceptional substitution (not involving
the Libero) can be applied, should the coach wish to
take this option, but the expelled player would not be
permitted to play later in the match in this
circumstance.
Rules 6.4.3, 15.7,15.8

5.3 Ruling
Can the Libero be allowed to enter the match by a No. The Libero is not allowed to participate in any
regular substitution procedure in place of an injured substitution, regular or exceptional.
player? Rules 15.5, 15.7, 17
5.4 Ruling
The Libero was on the court for player #5 and was If the team has two Liberos, the coach may replace
expelled from the set. What is the correct process to the sanctioned acting Libero immediately by the
continue the match? second Libero or by the #5.
If the team has only one Libero, the team may
choose:
 to send player #5 back to the court in place of the
Libero and play without a Libero for the
remainder of the set, or
 the coach re-designates a new Libero from the
players not on the court in the moment of re-
designation and the new Libero may immediately
and directly replace the expelled acting Libero
(who is not allowed to play for the remainder of
the match).
Rules 6.4.3, 19.1.1, 19.3.2, 19.3.2.8

5.5 VIDEO Ruling

Can a Libero replacement take place at the same time Yes – because the “replacement” is not a
as a substitution? “substitution” and vice versa.
Rules 15.3.2, 19.3.2, 19.3.2.8
5.6 VIDEO Ruling
The Libero replacing the player in position 1 did it If this was the first occurrence in the match, the 1st
after the referee’s whistle for service but before the referee should allow the rally to continue
service hit. What is the proper response by the 1st uninterrupted. After the rally, he/she should advise
referee? the game captain that this is not a correct procedure.
Subsequent late replacements should trigger delay
sanctions immediately, interrupting the rally. The
Libero replacement remains valid, however.
If the replacement has been made after the service
hit, the 1st referee should whistle this as a positional
fault.
Rule 19.3.2.5

Casebook 2024 Page 37/55

 5.7 Ruling
A team made an illegal Libero replacement, but it was When noticed, the 2nd referee will use the whistle to
noticed before the service hit was made. call back the player. The illegal replacement will
How should this be handled? be cancelled and the team will be sanctioned for
delay.
If noticed after the game continued, the consequences
are the same as for an illegal substitution.
Rules 19.3.2.1, 19.3.2.9, 23.2.3

5.8 Ruling
While running after a ball, the team's only Libero Not directly because the replacement player is
(replacing No4) injured his leg muscle and could no excepted from a re-designation at the moment of the
longer play. request for re-designation.
The coach then decided that he wanted player No4 to If the coach wants player No 4 to be the new Libero,
become the re-designated Libero. No 4 at first has to return to court replacing the
Is this possible? injured Libero, and be substituted legally. Then he
can enter the court as the new Libero only after one
completed rally, because a second replacement
cannot be made in the same interruption.
Rules 19.1.3., 19.3.2.2, 19.3.2.8, 19.4.2

5.9. Ruling
Is it allowed to be a coach and the Libero at the same Yes.
time? The rules do not forbid the Libero from being the
coach.
Rule 5.2.3.4

5.10 NEW Ruling

The team captain was injured while on court and had This is permitted. According to the rules, Libero(s)
to be substituted. The coach requested that the may become team or game captain.
Libero became the new game captain. Is this Rule 5
permitted?

5.11 Ruling
A mistake by two players led to the Libero/No, this does not count as a replacement, because
replacement player leaving the court briefly (this there must be one completed rally between two
event had not yet been recorded on the Libero Libero replacements. This was an obvious mistake
control sheet) – but they corrected the mistake but should not be counted as a fault.
immediately themselves.
Is this counted as a replacement? Rules 19.3.2.1, 19.3.2.2

5.12. Ruling
A team forgot to replace the Libero when he rotated The Libero has no right to play in the front row, and
to the front row in position 4. he has to leave the court after rotating into position
What is the correct procedure, when the referees 4. The 1st referee has to delay the signal for the
realize this obvious mistake? next service for a reasonable time. If the
replacement is still not applied, the team must be
reminded about their obligation and make a Libero
replacement and then they should be sanctioned for
any delay caused.
Rules 19.3.1.1, 28.2.2.1, 28.2.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 38/55

 5.13 Ruling
The Libero was replaced and immediately sent back No. This is a typical case for illegal Libero
to the court (without any rally between the two replacement. At the moment of the 2nd replacement
replacements). the 2nd referee should reject it, and the 1st referee
Is this permitted? should issue a delay sanction. Where an assistant
scorer acts, it is his/her duty to check the Libero
replacements.
In this case, at the moment he/ she should press the
buzzer, signaling the fault committed.
Rules 19.3.2.9, 23.2.3

5.14 Ruling
The Libero was replaced by a regular player. After the Yes, this is a correct action by the 2nd referee.
service, a reserve ball penetrated into the playing This is a case for illegal Libero replacement, because
court, and the rally was stopped. Before the whistle there was no completed rally between two Libero
for the replayed rally, the Libero attempted to replacements. At the moment of the 2nd
replace the player in position #6. The 2nd referee replacement the 2nd referee should reject it, and the
called him back. 1st referee should issue a delay sanction.
Is this a correct action by the 2nd referee? Rule19.3.2.1

5.15 Ruling
The Libero of a team became injured during the No, it should not have been allowed. Even though it
match, and the 2nd referee authorized the medical was the case of injury, the Libero could be replaced
doctor, with the coach in attendance, to be on the through a regular replacement. Also, the Libero still
court for checking the seriousness of the injury. They has the right to participate in the match until he/she
decided to take the Libero out of the court and send is declared unable to continue (Rule 19.4.2).
the replaced player back on the court. After he was Thus, this situation was a mistake because two
led off the court, the Libero claimed he had consecutive replacements took place without any
recovered and insisted on returning to the court to completed rally in between. This is a case for illegal
play. The referees allowed the Libero to go back on Libero replacement.
the court and to resume the match. Rules 19.3.2.1, 19.3.2.8
Was this correct?
5.16 Ruling
The Libero of team ‘A’ injured his/her arm during the Yes. The player was mobile, not providing any
match, and a new Libero was re-designated. The obstruction or danger to himself/herself or team-
original Libero sat on the bench for the remainder of mates.
the match. This last point is crucial to the ruling. The player
Should this have been permitted? should be permitted to stay on the bench. Had the
player to be treated, the team doctor should have
been advised to place the player behind the bench or
in a place of safety outside the FOP.
Diagram 1a and Definitions. Rule 19.3.2.8

5.17 Ruling
When can two Libero replacements take place in the Only in 2 cases can 2 Libero replacements take place
same interruption for the same team? in the same interruption.
1. when a penalty has been issued
2. when immediately after the Libero entered the
court, a rally became incomplete due to the injury
of the Acting Libero
Rules 6.1.3, 19.3.2.1

Casebook 2024 Page 39/55

 5.18 Ruling
The Acting Libero complained of feeling sick. Is it If the team has two Liberos, in case of injury or illness
permitted to re-designate a new Libero? of the Acting Libero, he/she can be replaced by the
second Libero. In the case where a team has only one
Libero or the second Libero has become unable to
play, he/she can be replaced by the re- designation
procedure.
Rules 19.3.2.2

5.19 Ruling
The scorer recorded the number ‘15’ for the Libero, This is an administrative mistake and will not have
instead of “5”. The coach and the team captain any consequences for the team. The scorer will
signed the team list. correct the number in the ‘Remarks’ box.
What should happen if discovered? Rule 19.1.2

5.20 Ruling
In the 1st set of a match, the Libero of ‘A’ played in a Because the wrong shirt had no influence on the
shirt with the same color and design as the rest of the game, the result of the 1st set will not be cancelled
team. Before the start of the 2nd set, the coach of ‘B’ and no sanction is to be issued to team ‘A’. The FIVB
protested against this situation. What is the Technical Delegate will decide if the Libero has to change
correct decision? his/her shirt, however.
Rule 19.2

5.21 Ruling
Two players tried to block an opponent’s attack and The decision was not correct. Because the Libero
jumped at the net. Between them the Libero also didn`t reach at any time with any part of his body
jumped, but didn’t reach at any time with any part of higher than the top of the net, his jumping could not
his body higher than the top of the net. be considered as a block attempt.
Nevertheless, the 2nd referee whistled this as block
attempt. Was this decision correct? Rules 14.1.1, 14.1.2,
14.1.3, 14.1.4, 14.6.6

5.22 Ruling
The Libero came off court. The server was whistled Yes, he can.
for a delay in service (8 seconds). This service (fault) is to be considered as a completed
Can the Libero now re-enter the court? rally. Therefore, the Libero will be allowed to re-enter
the court.
Rules 6.1.3, 19.3.2.1, 19.3.2

5.23 Ruling
The coach declared the single Libero unable to play Except for the regular replacement player, any player
and wanted to re-designate a new Libero. on the bench at the moment of the request for re-
designation can be re-designated as the new Libero.
Who can be re-designated as the new Libero and
The original Libero cannot come back into the match
when? at any time.
If the coach wants the regular replacement player to
be the new Libero, he/she first must substitute
him/her legally.
If the Acting Libero is declared unable to play, he/she
must be replaced by the regular replacement player
and the new Libero has the right to enter the court
after one completed rally,
Rules 19.3.2.8, 19.4.2.1, 19.4.2.4

Casebook 2024 Page 40/55

 5.24 VIDEO Ruling
A team had 2 Liberos recorded, No. 11 and 16. The The Libero has no right to take part either by legal, or
latter wore a shirt with the same color and design as exceptional substitution. Therefore, the substitution
the normal players of the team. The team request should be considered as an illegal one.
requested a substitution and the player No. 16 Because this was discovered before the game
appeared in the substitution zone to substitute a resumed, the request should be denied and a delay
player on court. The scorer immediately signaled sanction should be issued for the faulty team.
that this request was not a legal one. How should the The Libero has to change his/her shirt, however. The
game continue? referees should control carefully the teams and the
players’ uniform comparing the players and shirt
numbers before the match in due time, in order to
avoid such a situation.
Rule 15.5.1, 15.7, 16.1.3, 19.2

5.25 Ruling
A team had 2 Liberos recorded. After the 2nd set the Yes, it is allowed.
coach declared both Liberos unable to play and re- It is not forbidden to declare both Liberos unable to
designated one new Libero to replace them. Is it play at the same time. None of original Liberos may
allowed? re-enter the match after the re-designation, but they
have the right to sit on the bench or to be in the
warming-up area.
Rule 19.4.2.1, 19.4.2.2

5.26 VIDEO Ruling

Receiving a fake attack by the setter of team B the Based on the approach of the rule, if the Libero’s
ball was played with the fingers of one hand over the action is done with opened fingers like a classical,
head by the Libero of team A standing in the front intentional set, it is considered as a fault. However, if
zone. This ball was spiked by a teammate completely the Libero protects the body/face instead of setting,
over the height of the net in the moment of the hit. it should be a legal play.
What is the consideration of the judgement, if this
action was legal or illegal? Rule 13.3.6.,19.3.1.4.

Casebook 2024 Page 41/55

 CHAPTER 6 – PARTICIPANTS’ CONDUCT

6.1 Ruling
The 1st referee warned a player for minor misconduct This is a correct action by the referee. Such minor
going directly to STAGE 2 of the minor misconduct misconducts must be controlled by the 1st referee.
procedures, and showing the player a yellow card, to The yellow card must be recorded.
be recorded on the score sheet. The 1st referee may give a verbal warning to the team
Is this a correct action by the 1st referee? via the game captain (stage 1) if the minor
misconduct is of a general nature.
Although, depending of the seriousness of minor
misconduct he/she may start with stage 2 showing a
yellow card directly to the concerned player or team
member through the game captain.
Rules 21.1, 21.2

6.2 Ruling
The 2nd referee observed an attempted deception (a The decision of the 1st referee was not correct.
blocker pulled the net) and whistled for the attacking The rally should have been won by the attacking
team to win the rally. The 1st referee then signaled a team because of the net contact by the opposite
warning to the player by using a yellow card. player which interfered with the play. The blocker
Is this the correct penalization for him/her? then should have received a penalty for the rude
conduct of attempting to mislead the referees.
Rules 21.2.1, 21.3

6.3 Ruling
The Coach of ‘A’ stood up at the end of a rally and The coach should be allowed to express certain
waved his arms in a manner that suggested disgust normal responses and the referee should just calm
with the referee’s decision. down him/her without any further consequences.
Is this allowed? B u t , if the response is judged to be minor
misconduct reaching the stage 2 level, the coach
should be warned by the 1st referee by use of a yellow
card. If repeated, he should be penalized with a red
card for rude conduct.

Rules 5.2, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3

6.4 Ruling
Between sets a penalty for rude conduct was given Sanctions imposed between sets are set against the
by the 1st referee to Team ‘A’ which had the first next set. Thus, before the first service, the 1st referee
service for the next set. should signal the penalty for team A. The team B
What happens next? gains one point, rotates and serves.
The following is a summary of infractions which occur
between sets, the penalties for which must be
recorded on the score sheet:
 Warning against a member of any team (yellow
card).
 Penalty against a serving team member. The
receiving team gains a point, rotates and gains the
service.
 Penalty against a receiving team member. Point
awarded to the serving team.

Casebook 2024 Page 42/55

  Penalties against each team no matter in which
order.
Each team gains a point (score 1-1) and each team
rotates one position.
The score is counted only when each team has
been penalized. Rule 21.5
6.5 VIDEO Ruling
After the end of a rally, the setter pulled down the No. Because the net touch shown on the video
bottom of the net. occurred after the rally, cannot be considered as a
Should this have been a fault? technical fault.
Regarding the misconduct aspect according to Rule
21.3, the 1st referee has the authority to sanction a
player according to the seriousness of the offence.
Pulling down the net may be a normal emotional
reaction of a disappointed player and can be
controlled by the smooth refereeing. In some cases,
intentional pulling down of the net may be
considered as a rude conduct, e.g during the rally
misleading the referee and/or the opponent.
Rules 21.2, 21.2.1, 21.3, Refereeing Guidelines and
Instructions 24.7

6.6 Ruling
A player walked towards the 1st referee gesturing This should be regarded as Offensive Conduct, and
wildly and shouting to him even after a warning. sanctioned by Expulsion, red and yellow cards
How should we consider this action? jointly.
Rules 21.1, 21.2, 21.3

6.7 Ruling
A player was expelled directly from the court with no The 1st referee should normally try to prevent a team
prior warning. from reaching the sanctioning level.
How should we regard a subsequent minor However, should a clear case of offensive conduct be
misconduct from any other member of the same committed in the first instance, the referee must
team? expel the player without a previous sanction.
The 1st referee may issue a warning to other team
members after the expulsion – but once the yellow
card is shown, it may not be shown again to any
member of the team. Rule 21

6.8 NEW Ruling

Player No 5 was expelled from the set. Where does The expelled player must return to the team dressing
this player go after leaving the court? room (escorted by the Reserve Referee) for the
duration of the set in progress. After the end of the
set, this player must return to the competition area.
Rule 21.3.2.1, D9a
6.9 NEW VIDEO Ruling
At the service hit, the 2nd referee whistles a This is a case where the 1st referee needs to protect the
position fault against the receiving team. The coach 2nd referee. The coach’s actions and words go beyond
an acceptable level. By allowing this behaviour it makes
protests angrily and argues with the 2nd referee
the coach the focus of everyone’s attention. Despite the
that his team’s positions were correct “according to R2 taking a reasoned approach to explain to the Game
the new rules”, and he went beyond any limits Captain, the coach continued his protests, and attempts
telling the referee repeatedly: “You don’t know the to undermine the R2 decision.
rules”. The 1st referee should have sanctioned with a Penalty
this rude behavior from the coach.
Rule 21
Casebook 2024 Page 43/55
 6.10 Ruling
After the match one team captain showed very The player must still be sanctioned in some way.
unsportsmanlike behavior towards the 1st referee. However, for FIVB events, since the match is
What is the correct procedure of the 1st referee? regarded as not finished by the last whistle of the
referees, the behavior of the team captain must be
reported to the FIVB Technical Delegate, and the
details of the misconduct recorded in the REMARKS
box of the score sheet. The FIVB Control Committee
has a range of sanctions at its disposal, including
suspension from the Competition.

6.11 Ruling
The Libero replacement was sitting on the bench. The Since the Libero cannot play in the front court, the
1st referee sanctioned him by issuing a penalty. The expelled or disqualified player must be substituted
player did not stop his behavior and applauded the immediately, by a regular or exceptional
referee. The 1st referee sanctioned him with an substitution.
expulsion. The expelled player continued the
behavior and received a disqualification. This can be done without the Libero having to leave
What is the correct procedure to continue the the court, or the team having to play without a
match? replacement player.

After the administration of the sanction, the coach

(or captain) should, by use of the appropriate hand
signal, simply inform the relevant referee about
which number of player is substituting for the
disqualified player. This is recorded on the score
sheet.

Rules 6.4.3, 15.5.2,

15.8, 21.3.3.1,
CHAPTER 7 – THE REFEREES AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 Ruling
The 2nd referee told a coach not to talk with or Yes, this is correct by the 2nd referee.
distract the scorer. In the spirit of smooth refereeing, if such situations
Is this a correct action by the 2nd referee? can be resolved by the 2nd referee without formality,
this should be done.
R l 23 3 2 2
7.2 Ruling
Can a reserve player sit on the floor in the warm-up Yes, Players are not required to stand in the warm-
area instead of standing or stretching? up area. On the other hand, players may not sit
on benches, chairs, rails or walls in the warm-up area,
unless for an special reason permitted by the FIVB
Technical Delegate.
Rules 4.2.1, 4.2.3, 24.2.4, 24.2.5

7.3 Ruling
Can a coach ask the scorer for information about the The scorer should not respond to the coach.
number of time-outs that had been taken by the Generally, coaches are not permitted to ask the
other team? scorers for any information.
However, where an electronic scoreboard is used,
but the number of used game interruptions is not
indicated, the coaches have the right to ask the
scorer for this information, but only about their own
team and at a time which is neither distracting to the
scorer nor delaying the match.
Rule 27.2.2

Casebook 2024 Page 44/55

 7.4 Ruling
Can a captain make a formal protest on the score If at the time of any incident, the game captain made
sheet if he has not notified the referee of his no mention of a protest, he cannot make a written
intention during the match? protest on the score sheet at the end of the match.
Rules 5.1.2.1, 5.1.3.2, 23.2.4

7.5 Ruling
Can a refereeing decision be reversed even after the Yes. Up to the start of the next set, referees are
end of the set? allowed to correct their decisions immediately
concerning the application of the rules, if they
realize they were mistaken. The match score will be
corrected as appropriate.

7.6 Ruling
After a request for a third time out was refused as an Provided there was no whistle for service, the
improper request, the coach changed her mind and request for substitution should have been allowed as
sent a player for substitution. proper – only the time out was improper. However,
Is this allowed? the improper request for time-out should be
recorded on the score sheet.
Rules 15.1, 15.2.1, 15.11,
16.1, 16.2, 24.2.6, 24.2.7

7.7 Ruling
During a time-out a coach met with his entire team in The team must “go to the free zone near their bench”
the very back corner of the free zone near the warm- during a time-out and the 2nd referee should tell the
up zone. team to do so.
Is this permitted? Rule 15.4.2

7.8 Ruling
The assistant coach came to the side line to assist the The decision of the 1st referee was correct. The
players to find a wet spot. assistant coach is allowed to sit on the bench and
The 1st referee called the game captain and told may not intervene in the match. Only the coach may
him/her to tell the assistant coach to stay on the walk near the side line.
bench. Rules 5.2.3.4, 5.3.1
Did the 1st referee make a correct decision?

7.9 Ruling
After a rally a coach asked the 2nd referee if his server Although the only team member allowed to speak
was correct. The 2nd referee checked the rotational with the referees is the game captain, this short
order with the scorer and replied that the correct interaction between the coach and the 2nd referee do
player was ready to serve. The 1st referee continued not affect the game at all. Thus, the 2nd referee may
the match. answer certain request from the coach in favor of the
Is this the correct process of the referees? smooth refereeing.

Refereeing Guidelines & Instructions…. Rule 5.1.2

7.10 VIDEO Ruling

Has the 1st referee the right to whistle positional fault No.
at the receiving team? The 1st referee must NOT whistle this fault because
he/she cannot see this fault at the exactly moment it
is committed!
However, the 1st referee has the right to overrule the
decision of any member of the refereeing team on
the match.
Rule 23.2.1.

Casebook 2024 Page 45/55

 CHAPTER 8 – SPECIAL CASES

8.1 PRINCIPLE
Team ‘B’ intentionally slowed down the tempo of the The referee should keep the game at a constant
game. tempo within the normal flow of the game. The
How should the referee respond? referee should never allow any external influences to
retard the flow of a match and ruin the good
performance of one of the teams.

8.2 Ruling
A floor wiping towel from one of the players of ‘B’ If, according to the judgment of the 1st referee, the
fell on the court of A. situation is dangerous, he should stop the game
What should the referees do? immediately and direct a replay. But if the rally is
finished and the falling towel will have no influence
on its outcome, there is no need to direct a replay.
Rule 17.2

8.3 Ruling
The match was resumed on another playing court The interrupted set has to be cancelled and replayed
after the lights failed. with the same team members and the same starting
What is the correct ruling on the use of a disqualified line-ups but neither disqualified nor expelled players
player in the third set when it started again? are allowed to participate Another player who was
on the team and not in the starting line-up must take
his place.
Furthermore, all other warnings/sanctions which
have been recorded on the score sheet up to the
point that the lights went out must be carried over
into the new set.
Rule 17.3.2.2

8.4 VIDEO Ruling

When passing the net post to retrieve a 1st hit passing No. To judge, if the action was legal, the moment of
outside the antenna, a player grabbed the referee’s the playing the ball is the crucial point. Because the
chair to turn rapidly enough to get to the ball. player did not take any support while he was hitting
Is this taking support? the ball, his action cannot be judged as an assisted
hit. Legal and attractive play.
Rule 9.1.3

8.5 VIDEO Ruling

After a substitution, based on the result of the Since the 1st referee changed his/her decision, which
challenge procedure the 1streferee had to change her was the basis of the substitution, the coach’s
original decision and ordered to replay the rally. The request must be accepted. No substitution would be
coach therefore requested to reverse the charged against this team.
substitution. Is this possible?

8.6 NEW VIDEO Ruling

During an attack, the ball rebounded from the net The video review suggests that the ball actually
band (or the opponent block). As it did so, the missed the block. However, in any case, because the
antenna detached itself from the net. It was already antenna had detached fractionally before any red
in the process of falling down, when the ball was player contacted the ball, the rally should be
contacted again by the red team. replayed. The 1st referee was correct in immediately
calling for a replay
What should be the 1st referee’s decision?

Casebook 2024 Page 46/55

 8.7 NEW Ruling
In Set 3, the team scores are 9-7. Team with 7 points Yes, the referee was correct.
is suddenly found to have two number 11s on court. Both the scorer and second referee should have
Apparently one player played sets one and two with noticed before the start of the set that there were two
number 10, as legally registered and recorded on the number 11s, and should have corrected the situation
score sheet, but when she changed her wet jersey/ at that moment.
uniform shirt between sets 2 and 3 she mistakenly In this unusual situation, not exactly covered in the
put on a Number 11. rules, the 1st referee has the power to decide such
Neither player had served during set 3. matters.
The 1st Referee instructed the player to change to her However, as the player was legally registered on the
original number, and awarded a delay sanction score sheet, and was actually on the line up sheet with
against the team. the correct number (number 10) rule 7 cannot apply
Was this the correct action by the 1st referee? here.
Hence, the 1st referee was correct NOT to deduct
points from the team.
As the team was responsible, at least in part, for the
match being interrupted, a delay sanction was
correctly applied, and the player should play on with
the correct uniform number.
The match should continue with the scores as they
were at the moment the error was discovered.
In summary:
23.2.3 He/she has the power to decide any matters
involving the game, including those not provided for
in the rules
* change the uniform back to the correct number;
* charge the team for delay
Rule 7.3.5.4; 23.2.3

CHAPTER 9 – USING TECHNOLOGY CASES

Technology has been used for some years now by FIVB, it’s Confederations and affiliated National Federations. This
includes the use of headsets, e-scoresheet and Video Challenge System (VCS) technology. Each of these provides
benefits to the sport, but their use requires close attention from the referees in order that the match is directed in
smooth manner.
a
9.1 NEW Ruling
The Challenge Referee’s headset failed mid-match. Spare headsets should be located with the Challenge
What is the best solution to continue the match and Referee. While the complete communication network
maintain Challenge capability? remains ideal, if spares are not to hand, the scorer
must function without a headset, and can interact
with the referees with hand signals, or by face to face
dialogue with the 2nd referee. The Challenge Referee
must therefore receive the scorer’s push-to-talk
headset.
Decision of the R&RGC

Casebook 2024 Page 47/55

 9.2 NEW Ruling
Data for two substitutions was sent by the assistant The actual request is the entrance of the substitute
coach. However, a different pair of players entered player(s) into the substitution zone. The electronic
the substitution zone. What should the 2nd referee / team tablet (ETT) in this case does not over-ride the
3rd referee and scorer do? rule text. The technology is designed to help, but
human error can occur, and must not be used as a
basis of refusing the substitution.
The 2nd referee (or 3rd referee) and scorer should
simply accept the players who enter the substitution
zone, provided they are legal. The scorer should
accept on the e-score one by one rather than “accept
all”. The scorer should speak the phrase “going
manual” through the headset, so that the 2nd referee
knows to allow a little more time for the scorer to
“drag and drop” the new players into the line-up on
the e-score computer.
Rule: 15.10.3.1, 15.10.4
9.3 NEW Ruling
In an FIVB World competition, numbered paddles In top level events, played over a lengthy period,
were not used. Is this correct? larger squads are permitted, so numbers may be up
to 99, for example.
As a consequence, numbered paddles are impractical.
Additionally, the paddles can create multiple mistakes
in themselves, leading to possible and undesirable
delay sanctions.
Not using the paddles here is the better option.
However, where full technology is not used, and
where squad numbers are according to normal
practice, the paddles should still be used.
Rule: 15.10.3.3
9.4 NEW Ruling
Using the Tablet, the coach transmits data for a The 1st referee can apply the concept of smooth
time out a fraction of a second before the scorer refereeing to avoid confusion..
presses start rally, but crucially the 1st referee’s Here, the situation was precipitated by the scorer’s
whistle. inattention, as the time out horn should have been
The players are walking to the bench as the opponent automatically disengaged by the start rally button.
serves into an empty court. The 1st referee could use discretion here, to help the
What should the 1st referee do to maintain the image of the sport, by converting the service signal
integrity of the game? smoothly into a time out signal.
Rule: 15.11.1, 15.11.1.1,16.1.4
9.5 NEW VIDEO Ruling
During the rally, the ball strikes the net then The rules state that the ball is “out” when it passes
penetrates completely to the opponent side, before completely under the net. According to the
being recovered. The complete penetration was only Challenge Regulations, the first fault which is seen
confirmed to the challenging team when it challenged during the video verification, even if not the action
for net fault. which is being challenged, will decide the rally. Here,
although the challenge was for net fault, and there
was no net fault, the 1st referee was able to confirm
his original decision that the ball was played when
completely on the side of the USA team. This is the
fault whistled.
On the other hand, this situation happened because
the net was not as taut as it should have been. This
must be checked and fixed before the match and
controlled during the match, to avoid situations
similar to this causing a “bitter” taste to the teams.
Rules:8.4.5

Casebook 2024 Page 48/55

 9.6 Ruling
A player listed on the line‐up transmitted by the Transmitted line ups count in the same way as a
team was injured before the start of the match. What written and signed line up sheet. Therefore, the
happens with the electronic score sheet? player may be replaced but this would count as a
substitution, unless special rules are applied for the
given event.
Rules:7.3.2, 7.3.4

9.7 Ruling
A player arrived in correct time in the substitution The official request for substitution is when the
zone – but no data had been transmitted. How is this substitute player(s) enter the substitution zone.
handled? Therefore, the scorer, before any action, should
check if the request is legal.
If it is, he/ she should accept the request manually,
and speak into the microphone “going manual”, to
prepare for allowing a little more time for the
administration of the exchange of players.
If the request is illegal, it should be rejected and the
referees have to follow the respective rules.
Rules 15.5.1, 16.1.3

9.8 NEW VIDEO Ruling

After a Challenge, it was clear that the Video Challenge The 1st referee must appreciate that the Video
Operators had shown the wrong video clip. Challenge System is designed to ensure fairness, as
What option does the 1st referee have in this far as possible in decision making.
circumstance? Hence, the 1st referee should insist that the correct
video is shown, and should simply not accept
unconditionally.

9.9 NEW VIDEO Ruling

Where the Video Challenge System operates, teams In the spirit of fair play, the admission by the
are allowed to challenge for suspected faults perhaps opponent is welcome. The 1st referee can,
missed by the referees. If the opponent admits the therefore, accept the player’s admission and
fault, how should the 1st referee react? hence prevent the challenge being required or
cancel the challenge process. In the 2023 edition
of the VNL Finals, the Fair Play Moment was
tested, to avoid the waste of time for video
revision when a team recognizes the block touch
or the net touch.

Rules:7.3.2, 7.3.4

Casebook 2024 Page 49/55

 APPENDIX

Here the cases are listed with the numbers of the concerning rules. The case numbers are hyperlinked with the
cases, and from the cases you can come back to this appendix.

Case number Rule (1) Rule (2) Rule (3) Rule (4) Rule (5) Rule (6) Rule (7)

WEARING OBJECT
1.1 4.5.1 4.5.3
1.2 4.5.1
CAPTAIN
1.3 5.1.2 20.1 20.2 21.2 21.3.1
1.4 5.1.2.2
1.5 5.1.2.1 23.2.4
COACH, ASSISTANT COACH
1.6 5.1.2 5.2.3.4 21.1 21.2 21.3
1.7 5.2.1 5.2.3.3 5.3.1
1.8 5.2.1 5.2.3.1 5.2.3.4
1.9
1.10 4.2.4 5.3.1
1.11 Guidelines
1.11.1 4.1.1
1.11.2 4.2.2
1.11.3 Guidelines
THE UNIFORM
1.12 4.3.3
1.13 19.2
1.14 4.5.3 FIVB Event Regulations
1.15
POSITION AND ROTATIONAL FAULTS
2.1 7.4 7.4.2 7.4.3 7.5
2.2 1.3.3 7.4
2.3
2.4 7.3.1 7.5 12.3
2.5 7.7.1.1
2.6 7.4
2.7 1.3.3 7.4.3.1 7.5.2 Guidelines

PLAYING THE BALL

3.1 10.1.2 10.1.2.2
3.2 9.2.1 9.2.2 9.3.3 9.3.4
3.3 9.2.3.2 14.2 Guidelines and Instructions
3.4 9.2.2
3.5 9.2.2
3.6 9 9.1.3 10.1.2
3.7 9 9.1.3
3.8 Guidelines 9.7
3.9 10.1.2
3.10 9
3.11 8.4.1 8.4.2 9.1 10.1.2 10.1.2.1 10.1.2.2
3.12 9
3.13 10.1.2.2
3.13.1 10.1.2.2
3.13.2 22.2.1 8.4.3

Casebook 2024 Page 50/55

 3.13.3 22.2.1 8.4.3
3.13.4
PENETRATION UNDER THE NET
3.14 11.2.1 11.2.2.1 11.2.4
3.15 11.2.1
3.16 11.2.2
3.17 7.5 Guidelines Rule 7 Item 5
3.18 11.2.2.1
PLAYER AT OR CONTACTING THE NET
3.19 9.1.2.2 9.1.2.3
3.20 11.3.1 11.4.4
3.21 11.3.1 11.4.4
3.22 11.3.1 11.4.4
3.23 11.3.1 11.4.4
3.24 11.3.1 11.3.2 11.4.4
3.25 11.3.1 11.4.4
3.26 11.3.1 11.4.4
3.27 Guidelines
3.27.1 11.3.1
3.27.2 11.3.1
3.27.3 11.2.1
3.27.4 11.4.4
SERVICE
3.28 7.7.1 12.2.1 12.7.1 27.2.2.2
3.29 12.4.4
3.30 12.6.2.1
3.31 12.4.1 12.6.1.2
ATTACK HIT
3.32 13.1.3
3.33 13.1.1 14.3 Guidelines 14.1
3.34 9.1 13.1.3 13.2.2 13.3.3
3.35 13.3.4 19.3.1.3
BLOCK
3.36 14.1.1 14.1.3 14.6.2
3.37 14.3
3.38 14.1.1 14.3
3.39 14.1.1
3.40 11.1.2 14.1.1 14.2 14.3
3.41
3.42 9.1 9.2.3.2 14.2 14.4.1
3.43 13.3.3 14.1.1 14.6.2
3.44 9.3.1 14.1.1
3.45 9.1 14.1.1 14.4.1
3.46 9.1 14.1.1 14.4.1
3.47 19.3.1.3
3.48
3.49
3.50 9.2.2
3.51
3.52
3.53

Casebook 2024 Page 51/55

 SUBSTITUTIONS
4.1 15.10.2 15.10.3.1 15.10.4 16.1
4.2 15.10.3.1 15.10.3.2 15.11.1.3
4.3 Guidelines and Instructions 6 15.7
4.4 15.2
4.5 15.10.3.1 16.1.1 16.2
4.6 15.10.3.1 15.11.1.1 15.11.3 16.2
4.7 16.1.1 16.2
4.8 15.10.3.1
4.9 15.7
4.10 15.7 15.8
4.11 15.8
4.12 7.3.2 7.3.4
4.13 15.9.2
4.14 15.5 15.6 15.11 16.1
4.15 15.6 16.1.3
4.16
4.17 16.1.1 23.2.3
4.18 7.3.5.2 7.3.5.3
4.19 15.10.3.1 15.10.3.3 16.1.1
4.20 15.11.1.1 15.11.2 16.1.1
4.21 15.10.3.1 15.10.3.3
4.22 4.1.3 4.2.2 5.1.1 5.2.2 7.3.5.4 15.9.2
4.23 6.1.3 15.2.3
4.24 7.3.5.2
4.25 6.1.3 15.2.3
4.26 Guidelines and Instructions
4.26.1 15.10.3.1 15.10.3.2
TIMEOUTS
4.27 15.4.1
IMPROPER REQUEST
4.28 15.3.1 15.3.2 15.10.3.1 15.11.1.3 27.2.2.6
4.29 15.11.1.4 16.1.5 27.2.2.6
4.30 15.5 16.1
4.30.1 Guidelines and Instructions 15.2.4
INJURIES
4.31 4.4 15.5 15.10.2 15.10.3.1 17.1.1
4.32 15.7 17.1.2
4.33 15.2.3 15.7
4.34 4.1.3 5.1 5.2.1 5.2.2
4.35 15.10.1 17.1.1
4.36 17.1.1 Guidelines Rule 13 Item 3
4.37 17.1.1 Guidelines Rule 13 Item 3
DELAYS TO THE GAME
4.38 6.4.1 16.1
4.39 16.1.2 16.1.5
4.40 1.5 5.1.2.2 6.4.1 16.2
4.41 4.2 6.4.1 6.4.2 18.1
4.42 17.2 17.3
4.43 1.5 5.1.2.2 6.4.1 16.2
EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE
4.44 17.2
4.45 17.2
4.46 17.2
4.47 23.2.3
4.48 17.2
4.49 17.2

Casebook 2024 Page 52/55

 LIBERO
5.1 19.3.2.4 19.3.2.8 24.3.1
5.2 6.4.3 15.7 15.8
5.3 15.5 15.7 17
5.4 6.4.3 19.1.1 19.3.2 19.3.2.8
5.5 15.3.2 19.3.2 19.3.2.8
5.6 19.3.2.5
5.7 19.3.2.1 19.3.2.9 23.2.3
5.8 19.1.3 19.3.2.2 19.3.2.8 19.4.2
5.9 5.2.3.4
5.10 5
5.11 19.3.2.1 19.3.2.2
5.12 19.3.1.1 28.2.2.1 28.2.2.2
5.13 19.3.2.9 23.2.3
5.14 19.3.2.1
5.15 19.4.2 19.3.2.1 19.3.2.8
5.16 19.3.2.8 Diag.1.a and..
5.17 6.1.3 19.3.2.1
5.18 19.3.2.2
5.19 19.1.2
5.20 19.2
5.21 14.1.1 14.1.2 14.1.3
5.22 6.1.3 19.3.2.1 19.3.2
5.23 19.3.2.8 19.4.2.1 19.4.2.4
5.24 15.5.1 15.7 16.1.3 19.2
5.25 19.4.2.1 19.4.2.2
5.26 13.3.6 19.3.1.4
PARTICIPANTS’ CONDUCT
6.1 21.1 21.2
6.2 21.2.1 21.3
6.3 5.2 21.1 21.2 21.3
6.4 21.5
6.5 21.2 21.2.1 21.3 Guidelines and Instructions 24.7
6.6 21.1 21.2 21.3
6.7 21
6.8 21.3.2.1 D9a
6.9 21
6.10 6.4.3 15.5.2 15.8 21.3.3.1
REFEREES RESPONSIBILITIES
7.1
7.2 4.2.1 4.2.3 24.2.4 24.2.5
7.3 27.2.2
7.4 5.1.2.1 5.1.3.2 23.2.4
7.5
7.6 15.1 15.2.1 15.11 16.1 16.2 24.2.6 24.2.7
7.7 15.4.2
7.8 5.2.3.4 5.3.1
7.9 5.1.2 Guidelines…
7.10 23.2.1

Casebook 2024 Page 53/55

 SPECIAL CASES
8.1
8.2 17.2
8.3 17.3.2.2
8.4 9.1.3
8.5
8.6
8.7 7.3.5.4 23.2.3
USING TECHNOLOGY CASES
9.1 Dec of RGRC
9.2 15.10.3.1 15.10.4
9.3 15.10.3.3
9.4 15.11.1 15.11.1.1 16.1.4
9.5 8.4.5
9.6 7.3.2 7.3.4
9.7 15.5.1 16.1.3
9.8
9.9 7.3.2 7.3.4

Casebook 2024 Page 54/55

,

Casebook 2024 Page 55/55