Volleyball Game Delay Penalty

In fast-moving, technical sports like volleyball, it is important that teams participate fairly and in a timely manner. If one team delays the game in a prohibited way, they will be issued a game delay warning or penalty. A game delay penalty is one of many different kinds of penalties that a referee can issue during a volleyball match. Read on to learn all about game delay penalties.

Definition

In volleyball, a game delay refers to any action by a team that distracts from the resumption of a game. A game may be stopped for many reasons, including a substitution, time-out, or a transition between rallies. A game delay penalty is issued when a team delays resuming the game in some improper manner.

There are five different kinds of actions that can constitute a game delay penalty, including:

• Delaying regular game interruptions
• Prolonging a game interruption after being asked to resume gameplay
• Requesting an illegal substitution
• Repeating a prior request that the referee considered improper
• Delaying the game in a fashion not covered previously

Upon the first instance of delaying the game in a volleyball match, a referee will first issue the team a warning. A team does not receive any consequences for a warning. If a team causes any delays after the referee issues a warning, the referee will then issue a game delay penalty. In that case, the opposing team will gain a point and the ability to serve, which is called a side-out.

Result

In both college and professional volleyball, referees will issue both game delay warnings and penalties. Game delay penalties occur after a team has already received a warning and has repeated the offense. If a referee calls the game delay penalty during a professional or NCAA volleyball game, the team will lose the serve. This is called a side-out, and the opposing team will also gain a point.

Referee Signal

When the game delay penalty is called, the referee will hold their arms above their head and cross their hands. They will blow their whistle to stop gameplay if gameplay has resumed. The referee will hold up a red card to signal the game delay penalty. If it is a team’s first game delay offense, they will receive a delay warning. In that case, the referee will make the same gesture and hold up a yellow card instead of a red card.

Examples

• A team attempts to substitute one of their players illegally. For example, the team attempts to substitute a player who is not on the roster. The referee notices and the game is delayed.
• After a time-out, a team player does not return to the court in time to resume gameplay. The rest of the athletes are forced to wait for the player to return.
• A team requests an interruption during a rally, which is considered improper, for the second time. The referee issues a game delay penalty.

Helpful Links

• FIVB Volleyball Rulebook
• Volleyball Regular Game Interruptions
• Video: Volleyball Delay Penalty Referee Signals  

Similar Penalties to Game Delay Penalty

• Misconduct Penalty
• Illegal Substitution
• Rotational Fault

FAQ