1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Volleyball

Olympic Rules and Judging

From John Thomas, for About.com

The rules used in Olympic volleyball competition are the standard international rules as set out by the FIVB. The format was established as the most conducive for proper rankings of teams during pool play and the beginning of the tournament and, ultimately, medal placement.

The rules listed below are the most helpful to you as the viewer during the Olympic Games. You might also find it helpful to review the Basic Rules for game play and other information.

Scoring

  • A point is awarded on each service.

  • A game is won by being the first player to win 25 points, and be at least 2 points ahead of his or her opponent.

  • A match is the best of five.

  • A point is awarded by grounding the ball on the opposing team's court, when the opponent commits a fault, or when the opposing team receives a penalty.

The Team

  • In indoor, a team may only consist of twelve players, six of which will be on the court at a time, with rotating in a times.
  • Beach volleyball only uses two players with no substitutes and no coaches.

Read more at Important Rules on the Use of the Libero

Nick Laham / Getty Images

Beijing 2008: Live the Olympics

Dig into athlete profiles, lessons on how to play the sports, and image galleries of Olympians at play.

Explore Volleyball

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Volleyball

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.