Scoring and match format
FIVB · 2025–2028Rally scoring, set targets, the deciding set and the distinction between default and an incomplete team.
Rule 6 — Every completed rally awards a point
A team scores when the ball lands on the opponent’s court, an opponent commits a fault, or the opponent receives a penalty. Winning the rally while serving means scoring and keeping service. Winning while receiving means scoring and taking the next service.
For faults occurring in succession, only the first is counted. Simultaneous faults by opponents produce a double fault and a replay. A completed rally includes a point awarded by a penalty or for a service hit after the allowed time, even without a normal exchange.
Rule 6 — Winning sets and the match
The first team to win 3 sets wins the match. Ordinary sets are played to 25 points with a lead of at least 2. At 24–24, play continues until that margin exists; there is no fixed maximum score. At 2–2 in sets, the deciding fifth set is played to 15, again with a lead of at least 2.
A team that refuses to play when called, or fails to appear on time without justification, defaults: the result is 0–3, with each set 0–25. An incomplete team instead retains points and sets already earned; the opponent receives the points and sets needed to win the affected set or match.
Sources & approach ↗