The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has introduced a series of rule changes aimed at improving game flow and promoting gender representation in the sport.
According to the new regulations, teams will no longer be allowed to request a challenge during an ongoing rally. Challenges can now only be requested after the rally has ended, and can apply to any point within the previous play.
There has also been a revision in double contact violations. Unless there is a clearly visible successive contact, referees will not call a fault. However, if the ball is attacked or sent over the net as a result of a double contact, the current rules will still apply.
Another adjustment allows more flexibility in player positions during service. Receiving teams must be in correct rotation at the time of the whistle, but players will now be allowed to reposition during the serve without incurring a positional fault. This change will be tested during the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and the World Championships.
In an effort to encourage female representation in coaching, all women’s national teams participating in the 2026 VNL and age-group World Championships will be required to have at least one female coach on their staff.
Additionally, FIVB has declared July 7 as “World Volleyball Day” to celebrate the sport globally.
Lastly, starting in 2026, youth national teams will be allowed to register 14 players—up from the previous 12—for age-group World Championships.
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