The Management Board of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation approved the increase in the number of substitutions from 6 to 8 for the new season. This changeVolleyweek.bgpointed out yesterday as one of the most likely to be introduced in the Bulgarian championships.
The decision was made at the meeting of the BVF Management Board in Stara Zagora, where the rules for the sports calendar, championships, national cups and super cups for men, women and youth were also approved.
In addition to increasing the substitutions from 6 to 8, the BVF also adopted the test changes related to ball handling and the infrastructural features of the halls.
The criterion for a held ball, which was applied for the first time during this year's edition of the Nations League, is changing. A fault will be considered a play where the ball is caught and thrown with a change of direction, a "push" with two hands, or there is prolonged contact between the attacking player and the ball. The classic short tip with the fingertips remains allowed.
It is also allowed to transfer the ball to the opponent's court with a two-handed overhead pass, as long as the ball is not caught and thrown and there is no extended contact.
There is also a significant change when the ball touches the ceiling, with the BVF providing a specific clarification on how the rule will be applied. If after the first or second hit by the team the ball touches the ceiling or a lamp, beam, or other permanently attached structure above the playing area of the same team, the rally will not be interrupted if the ball can be played.
Thus, touching the ceiling will no longer automatically mean the end of the rally. However, the rule only applies under the specified conditions - after the first or second hit and when the contact is with the ceiling or a structure above the team's own playing area.
The change is particularly interesting for the Bulgarian championships due to the specifics of some of the halls, where the low ceiling or structures above the playing field could previously directly end the rally.
Italy has already introduced the test rules for the 2026/27 season, and CEV confirmed toVolleyweek.bgthat national federations have the right to decide for themselves which of them to apply in their domestic championships.
The test changes adopted by the BVF Management Board will be applied in competitions under the auspices of the federation during the new season in accordance with the decisions and guidelines of the FIVB.