U SPORTS Rules for 2026
During the 2026 Competition Calendar, the FIVB implemented the testing of 11 rules during all Volleyball Nations League and U17 Men’s and Women’s World Championships. Below is a summary of the more important rule changes and interpretations being implemented for USPORTS competitions. The 2026 U SPORTS Rules Final document provided by Volleyball Canada is a complete summary of the test rule changes and rationale for their decisions.
NOTE: These changes may, or may not all be, adopted by the OUA or OCAA.
The OVA's Senior Referee Meeting is being held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Updates for these leagues will be posted as soon as I can. As always, feel free to send me your questions.
Internal Pass (Double Contact)
During internal passes (second contact), double contacts made with an overhand finger action will not be punished, if made during one action and the ball remains on the same side of the court. However, double contacts made during completed attack hits (completely crossing the plane of the net or contacting the opponent block) will be called as faults.
U SPORTS: This application and interpretation of the double contact was introduced in the 2025-26 season of play and should be continued for the 2026-27 season. There is no impact on the U SPORTS competition environment
2026 – 27 Season of Play Decision: Will continue to be implemented
Reminder: This does not impact the double contact on first contact, where the ball can still go wherever it wants, even over the net into the opponents court.
Free Positioning of the Receiving Team
The receiving team must be in rotational order at the whistle authorizing service but can move once the serving action is initiated. The players may move from the correct rotation/line-up position the moment the server’s motion begins (E.g. a step, movement of the arms and legs in the motion to serve). This aims to prevent the athletes from faking the serve.
U SPORTS: Recommend that this rule is implemented for the 2026-27 season of play.
2026 – 27 Season of Play Decision: Will be implemented
Discussion with Andy Cameron:
The US took great advantage of this interpretation and moved very quickly with the new wording. E.g. a step, movement of the arms and legs in the motion to serve. Dribbling/tossing the ball from hand-to-hand is considered as movement of the arms in the motion to serve. However, it was agreed that bouncing the ball on the floor prior to beginning the service motion would not be.
Substitutions
Each team may request a maximum of two (2) Time-outs and Eight (8) substitutions per set.
U SPORTS: Eight substitutions are already permitted in the women’s competition. Recommend that the men’s competition is aligned.
2026 – 27 Season of Play Decision: Will be implemented
Ball Contacting the Ceiling
If the first or second hit of the team contacts / touches the ceiling or venue infrastructure directly attached to the ceiling (E.g. rafters, ceiling joists, etc.) above the field of play and remains available for continuation of the rally allowing a second or third contact for the same team, the rally is legal, and the play is permitted to continue. In the case where the ball contacts / touches the ceiling or venue infrastructure directly attached to the ceiling (E.g. rafters, ceiling joists, etc.) above the field of play and rebounds into the opponent’s court this is ruled a fault. In the case where the ball contacts / touches the ceiling or venue infrastructure that is not situated over the field of play, this is ruled a fault.
2026 – 27 Season of Play Decision: Given ... U SPORTS will NOT implement this season.
Updated interpretation for a. Push – Carry – Throw Tip Attacks b. Two Handed Attacks
‘Push-Carry-Catch-Throw’ Tip Attack
Rule 9.2.2 The ball must not be caught and/or thrown. It can rebound in any direction.
2026 – 27 Season of Play Decision: All interpretations will be applied by the referees.
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