Substitutions and exceptional changes
FIVB · 2025–2028Player return limits, the substitution procedure and exceptional replacements.
Rule 15 — Normal substitution limits
A starting player may leave and return only once in a set, returning to the same line-up position. A substitute may enter once per set in place of that starter and can be replaced only by the same starter. This operates within the team allowance of 6 substitutions per set. A change before a set begins counts as a substitution for that set. A substitute ready to play entering the substitution zone makes the request; a coach’s signal is normally unnecessary except for injury or a pre-set change. The second referee authorizes the change after the scorer or referee acknowledges it. An unready player causes rejection and a delay sanction.
Rule 15 — Exceptions and illegal changes
An injured, ill, expelled or disqualified player must first be replaced legally. If that is impossible, an exceptional substitution may use a player off court other than a Libero, second Libero or their regular replacement player. A player replaced exceptionally cannot return to the match. This is recorded but does not count against normal substitution limits. An expelled or disqualified player must leave immediately; if neither legal nor exceptional substitution is possible, the team is incomplete. If an illegal substitution is discovered after play resumes, the opponent receives a point and service, the change is corrected, and points scored by the offending team since the fault are cancelled while the opponent’s remain.
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