What happens if a volleyball team cannot field six players?
A · Advanced · Scoring and winning · 2 of 8Checked 13 October 2026
A team must always have six players on court. A team that refuses to play, or does not turn up on time without good reason, loses by default: 0-3 in sets and 0-25 in each. A team that cannot keep six players on court is "incomplete" and loses the set or the match, but keeps the points it has won.
How it works
- Default: refusing to play when called, or not appearing on time without a justifiable reason. Result 0-3, each set 0-25.
- Incomplete for a set or the match: the opponents are given the points, or points and sets, they need to win. The incomplete team keeps its own points and sets.
- A team usually becomes incomplete when an injured, expelled or disqualified player cannot be substituted, even exceptionally.
Tricky cases
Can a team play on with five players?
No. There must always be six players per team in play.
A team was leading 20-10 when it became incomplete. Does it lose its points?
No. It keeps them. The opponents are given the points needed to win the set.
Why the rule exists
Six positions make the rotation work. The two outcomes separate a team that would not play from one that could not carry on.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 6.4; V 7.3.1 |
| Beach volleyball | Both players must always be in play; there are no substitutes | BV 7.3.1; BV 15.2.2 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 6.4, 7.3.1, 15.8 and 17.1.2. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).