When is a rally replayed in volleyball?
A · Advanced · Time-outs, substitutions, cards and officials · 5 of 8Checked 13 October 2026
A rally is replayed when the referee stops it for a serious injury or for outside interference such as a ball rolling on from another court, and after a double fault. An injured player is substituted, or given 3 minutes to recover if no substitution is possible.
How it works
- Serious accident with the ball in play: the referee stops the game at once, medical help may come on and the rally is replayed.
- The injured player is substituted normally, or exceptionally.
- If neither is possible, the player has 3 minutes to recover, once in the match. If they cannot continue, the team is incomplete.
- External interference: play stops and the rally is replayed.
- The ball tears or brings down the net: the rally is replayed.
- Faults by both teams at the same moment: a double fault, and the rally is replayed.
- Longer stoppages: if a match is interrupted for up to 4 hours in total and resumes on the same court, it carries on from the same score. On another court the interrupted set starts again. Beyond 4 hours the whole match is replayed.
Tricky cases
A ball from the next court rolled on during a rally. What happens?
Play is stopped and the rally is replayed.
Can an injured player take a few minutes and stay on?
It depends. Only when the team cannot substitute them, and then for 3 minutes, once in the match.
Why the rule exists
A rally should be settled by the two teams. When something else decides it, the fair answer is to play it again.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 17; V 6.1.2.2; V 10.3.2 |
| Beach volleyball | Up to 5 minutes' recovery, since there are no substitutes | BV 17.1.2 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 6.1.2.2, 10.3.2, 15.7 and 17. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).