Polish Volleyball Federation introduces three rule changes with immediate effect
The Polish Volleyball Federation announced three immediate rule changes on 30 September 2026, raising substitutions to eight per set and ending the mandatory second libero.
Immediate rule updates across Polish volleyball
On 30 September 2026, the Polish Volleyball Federation (PZPS) announced three regulatory adjustments taking effect immediately across all domestic competitions managed by PZPS and the Polish Volleyball League (PLS). The changes modify pre-match warm-up procedures, increase substitution allowances during sets, and adjust squad registration limits for the libero position. The Presidium of the PZPS Board approved the resolution to align Polish domestic rules with experimental guidelines tested earlier in the 2026 international calendar.
The new regulations include separate 90-second windows for serving during team warm-ups, and the number of regular substitutions per set for a team has been increased from 6 to 8.
Warm-up protocol and substitution limits
The update to warm-up routines introduces dedicated 90-second serving windows for each team prior to first serve. Under prior match protocols, both teams took the floor simultaneously on opposite sides of the net to practice their serves. The new structure grants each side exclusive court time to execute serves without concurrent activity across the net.
The most substantial competitive change expands the substitution allowance from six to eight per set. This gives head coaches two additional player rotations per set to adjust tactical setups, manage blocking schemes, or introduce serving specialists without risking rotation exhaustion late in a set.
- Previous limit
- 6
- New limit
- 8
Libero roster rules and bench flexibility
The third amendment modifies how clubs construct matchday rosters. Under previous regulations, 13-player and 14-player squads had to list two liberos, requiring the second specialist to occupy a place in the reserve square. That rule restricted overall bench composition and limited substitution options at other positions.
In a 13- or 14-player squad, there will no longer be a requirement to register two libero players; one will suffice.
Under the new policy, clubs can register a single libero and use the remaining bench spot for another outside hitter, middle blocker, or setter. This prevents teams from having to dress regular position players in libero jerseys to meet procedural requirements.
International trials and domestic implementation
The amendments stem from a broader package evaluated by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) across 12 rule categories, spanning warm-up formats to interpretations of two-handed touches above the net. Poland adapted to those guidelines during the summer, winning both the Volleyball Nations League and the European Championship. Men's national team coach Nikola Grbić and women's coach Stefano Lavarini utilized the single-libero option during those tournaments, deploying players including Maksymilian Granieczny and Klaudia Łyduch for reception support.
Because the PZPS resolution carries immediate effect, it applies directly to competitions already in progress, including Tauron 1. Liga and Tauron 1. Liga Kobiet. Top-tier leagues will integrate the rules as their fixtures begin, with TAURON Liga Kobiet starting over the coming weekend and the men's TAURON Liga scheduled to resume on 16 October 2026.
