What happens if a beach volleyball player cannot continue?
A · Advanced · Scoring and winning · 1 of 5Checked 14 October 2026
There are no substitutes, so both players must always be in play. If one cannot continue, the team is "incomplete" and loses the set or the match, keeping the points it has won. A team that refuses to play or does not turn up is in default and loses 0-2, with each set 0-21.
How it works
- Default: refusing to play when called, or not appearing on time. Result 0-2, sets 0-21 and 0-21.
- Incomplete: the opponents are given the points, or points and sets, they need. The incomplete team keeps what it had.
- A team becomes incomplete when a player does not recover from injury within the recovery time, or is expelled (for the set) or disqualified (for the match).
- At FIVB events played in pools, the competition's own regulations may adjust how defaults are treated.
Tricky cases
Can one player carry on alone?
No. Both players of each team must always be in play.
A team was leading when its player was injured. Does it lose its points?
No. It keeps its points and sets; the opponents are given what they need to win.
Why the rule exists
With only two players there is nobody to bring on. The rule gives a clear result while letting the team keep credit for the points it earned.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 6.4; BV 7.3.1; BV 15.2.2 |
| Indoor volleyball | Default is 0-3 with sets 0-25; substitutes exist | V 6.4 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 6.4, 7.3.1, 15.2.2, 17.1.2 and 20.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).