The FIVB Board of Administration approved a series of rule and procedural tests to be introduced during the 2026 international volleyball season.
The measures will be trialed at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, the FIVB Volleyball U17 World Championships and the 2026 Continental Championships. Any permanent amendments to the Official Volleyball Rules will be reviewed following the testing phase.
The governing body said the updates are part of a broader effort to improve game flow, simplify regulations and enhance fan understanding.
Among the key clarifications, double contact during the second team touch — typically the set — will continue to be allowed as long as the ball remains on the same side of the court. Receiving teams must still be in correct rotational order at the referee’s whistle but may move once the server begins the serving motion.
Substitutions per set will increase from six to eight, giving coaches added tactical flexibility. Teams in FIVB competitions may register 12 to 14 players, with at least one Libero required. Two Liberos may be nominated up to one hour before the match.
New guidance on ball contact with venue infrastructure states that if the first or second contact touches the ceiling and remains on the same side, play will continue. If it rebounds into the opponent’s court, it will be ruled a fault. Contact with spider cam or crane cam equipment inside the field of play will still result in a replay.
Attack actions will be more strictly enforced under Rule 9.2.2. Catches, throws, pushes, carries and two-handed directional changes will not be permitted. Only brief tipping actions will remain legal.
A mid-rally challenge “bookmark” system will also be introduced. Teams may mark potential reviewable actions during a rally and, if they lose the point, challenge one of those actions. Clear video evidence will be required to overturn decisions, including for defensive touches and serve receive plays.
To reduce interruptions, a team requesting a challenge may not call a time-out immediately afterward, though the opposing team retains that right. Referees will also reduce whistle use in obvious situations, such as clear in-or-out calls or serves that fail to cross the net.
Head coaches will be allowed to approach the first referee for clarification on challenges or decisions, but formal complaints remain prohibited.
In addition, the pre-match protocol will include a new 90-second individual serving warm-up for each team, introduced with athlete safety in mind.
The 2026 season will serve as a testing ground before any final decisions are made on permanent rule changes.