In recent days, information has appeared on the X platform and in Polish specialized volleyball websites about a series of test changes to the rules of the game, which the FIVB Refereeing and Rules Commission is preparing for testing this summer.
The topic has already been presented on the show "#7 Strefa" on Polsat Sport, and the Polish Federation has distributed a working translation of the proposals to central-level referees. It is important to emphasize: this is about working material and tests, not finally adopted decisions.
Some of the changes are planned to be tested in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 and at the U17 World Championship.
Greater freedom in the receiving team's formation
One of the main ideas is for the receiving team to have more freedom in their positioning immediately after the service signal.
This means that players will be able to start their movement earlier, without a positional fault (the so-called "zone" violation) being automatically called. However, rotation will not be abolished – the team must still be in the correct order at the moment of service contact. The goal is to reduce minor formal infringements and provide more flexibility in reception.
Eight substitutions per set instead of six
The limit on substitutions per set is planned to be increased from 6 to 8.
This will give coaches greater tactical freedom – more opportunities to use players strong in a specific element, such as serving or blocking, as well as more options for double substitutions at the end of the set.
Teams with a deeper bench will gain a noticeable advantage.
The libero serving – the most radical idea
The most significant and somewhat surprising change concerns the libero position.
According to the published information, the libero will be able to serve instead of one specifically designated player from the team roster. If a team has two liberos, only one will have this right.
This does not mean free and constant serving, but rather substituting a precisely designated player. Such a measure would allow the coach to hide a weak server or to use a libero with a stable serve.
The libero will be able to overhead pass/set with two hands, even in the front zone
Another part of the proposals envisages the libero being able to perform an overhead pass/set (with two hands from above) in any situation, including when they are in the zone in front of the three-meter line.
Currently, such a pass from the front zone by this player was allowed only with two hands from below (underhand pass). If the rule is changed, the libero's role in building the attack will expand significantly.
The ceiling as part of the playing area
Among the more unconventional ideas is for the ball to remain in play if it touches the ceiling and returns to the court of the team that played it.
This will not mean matches in low-ceilinged halls or school gyms (which we have in Bulgaria, editor's note) – it is about a test under the conditions of large international arenas where the height allows for such an experimental measure.
The goal is more continuous rallies and fewer automatic game interruptions.
More liberal approach to net contact
A more lenient interpretation is being discussed for ball contact with the net along its entire length, as well as for touching the antenna below its top edge, under certain conditions.
It's about the ball, not the player. The goal is to reduce interruptions for minimal and insignificant touches that do not significantly affect the rally.
Modernization of the video replay system
The changes also affect the challenge system.
It is envisaged that coaches will be able to mark disputed moments during a rally in real time on a tablet, and after its end, choose one for review. This implies a new software interface and more precise management of video replays.
Review of "flicked" ball on reception and defense
Among the discussed changes is the expansion of the challenge system, allowing coaches to request video review for situations where the ball slightly touches a player and goes out. This applies not only to blocks but also to backcourt situations - for example, during service reception or defense, when the ball "grazes" a hand or shoulder, and the referee fails to see the contact. If the proposal is accepted, such disputed moments can be resolved through video verification, which will reduce the number of incorrect calls in key points.
Restrictions against using challenge as a break
It is discussed that the coach should not be allowed to gather the team and give tactical instructions during the video review.
The goal is for challenge to remain a means of verifying a decision, not to be used as an additional time-out.
Fewer sound signals from the referee at an obvious end of the rally
It is proposed that in some obvious situations - for example, when a ball falls directly in bounds or directly out - the referee should not use additional sound signaling for the end of the rally.
This is an attempt for a faster rhythm and smoother transition between points.
More liberal interpretation of the net after a block
Contact with the net below the top tape during rotation after a block is discussed not to be automatically considered a fault if it does not affect the game.
This would reduce the number of errors whistled during natural movement after blocking.
Clearer criteria for soft finger setting
The proposals also mention restricting soft finger setting - to allow only firm and clean contact, without holding, as is done in beach volleyball, for example.
The held ball is still a fault, but the idea is to eliminate the gray area for light, hard-to-distinguish "pushed" balls with open fingers.
What is certain at the moment?
None of these changes have yet been officially adopted by the FIVB. These are guidelines for tests and working proposals.
More clarity is expected after the referee seminars in March-April before the start of VNL 2026.
One thing is clear: if even some of these ideas are permanently introduced, volleyball could enter its most significant period of regulatory changes in decades.
Photo: Nikolay Varadinov
