FIVB’s Strategic Rule Reforms: A New Era for Global Volleyball
In a bold stride toward innovation, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has unveiled a series of critical rule updates aimed at revolutionizing both volleyball and beach volleyball. These changes, greenlit by the FIVB Board of Administration, are part of the long-term FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which seeks to enhance the game’s clarity, accessibility, and global impact.
The 2025 season is expected to mark a turning point, with sweeping modifications that promise to influence gameplay, officiating, and the spectator experience.
End of Mid-Rally Challenges: Keeping the Game in Flow
One of the most impactful reforms involves eliminating mid-rally Challenges. Until now, teams could disrupt a play in progress by requesting a video review—a rule that, while fair, often led to halts in the game’s rhythm.
New Rule:
- Challenges can now only be requested after a rally concludes.
- Teams may review any aspect of the previous play, including the serve or any referee decisions during the rally.
This change is expected to streamline match flow and reduce unnecessary interruptions, maintaining the excitement and tempo that modern fans demand.
Double-Touch Rule Gets a Makeover
Another pivotal rule undergoing revision is the double-touch fault during setting. Previously, any two contacts by the same player during a set were penalized. However, under the new interpretation being tested:
- Double contacts will be allowed if the ball remains on the same side of the court.
- Faults will only be called for two clearly separate touches or if the ball crosses to the opponent’s side.
This adaptation is aimed at supporting smoother, more flexible play—particularly beneficial for young or developing players. The revised rule will be implemented on a trial basis during major tournaments like the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and key beach volleyball events, including the Gstaad Elite and Brazil Challenge.
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Beach Volleyball Video Challenge: Fairer Outcomes
Beach volleyball will also align its challenge rules more closely with indoor volleyball. In a scenario where video evidence is inconclusive, the referee’s decision will stand, but the team will retain its right to challenge future plays.
This change fosters fairness by ensuring that teams aren’t penalized for unclear footage and adds a layer of strategic depth to how challenges are used.
Out-of-Rotation Errors: Testing New Definitions
The FIVB also plans to trial adjustments to how out-of-rotation errors are judged for the receiving team:
- The referee’s whistle will define the official rotation status.
- The toss of the serve will determine when players can shift their court positions.
This test will take place during the 2025 VNL and across age-group and senior world championships. If successful, it may lead to a more logical interpretation of player movement, especially at fast-paced professional levels.
All rule changes are set to undergo real-world testing in 2025, with results being analyzed for wider application in 2026 and beyond. The FIVB will continue to assess player feedback, officiating accuracy, and fan reactions before rolling out permanent changes.
Read the official FIVB announcement on the FIVB website.
