(Diagram 1a; Diagram 1b; Diagram 2; VC Guidelines 1.1)
The playing area includes the playing court and the free zone. It shall be rectangular and symmetrical.
The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 X 9 m, surrounded by a free zone which is a minimum of 3 m wide on all sides.
The free playing space is the space above the playing area which is free from any obstructions. The free playing space shall measure a minimum of 7 m in height from the playing surface.
Volleyball Canada - For new buildings, it is recommended that the free playing space measure a minimum of 9 meters in height from the playing surface. For Canada Games Competitions, it is required that the free playing space measure a minimum of 9 meters in height from the playing surface.
1.2.1 The surface must be flat, horizontal, and uniform. It must not present any danger of injury to the players. It is forbidden to play on rough or slippery surfaces.
1.2.2 On indoor courts the surface of the playing court must be of a light colour.
1.2.3 On outdoor courts a slope of 5 mm per metre is allowed for drainage. Court lines made of solid materials are forbidden.
1.3.1 All lines are 5 cm wide. They must be of a light colour which is different from the colour of the floor and from any other lines.
1.3.2 Boundary lines
Two side lines and two end lines mark the playing court. Both sidelines and end lines are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court.
1.3.3 Centre line (FIVB Casebook 2.02; 2.07)
The axis of the centre line divides the playing court into two equal courts measuring 9 X 9 m each; however, the entire width of the line is considered to belong to both courts equally. This line extends beneath the net from side line to side line.
1.3.4 Attack line
On each court, an attack line whose rear edge is drawn 3 m back from the axis of the centre line, marks the front zone.
1.4.1 Front zone
On each court the front zone is limited by the axis of the centre line and the rear edge of the attack line.
The front zone is considered to extend beyond the sidelines to the end of the free zone.
1.4.2 Service zone
The service zone is a 9 m wide area behind each end line.
It is laterally limited by two short lines, each 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm behind the end line as an extension of the sidelines. Both short lines are included in the width of the service zone.
In depth, the service zone extends to the end of the free zone.
1.4.3 Substitution zone
The substitution zone is limited by the extension of both attack lines up to the scorer’s table.
1.4.4 Libero Replacement Zone
The Libero Replacement Zone is part of the free zone on the side of the team benches, limited by the extension of the attack line up to the end line.
1.4.5 Warm-up area
The warm-up areas, sized approximately 3 X 3 m, are located in both of the bench-side corners, outside the free zone, where they will not obstruct the view of spectators, or alternatively behind the team bench, where the tribune starts above 2.5 m from the court surface. (Diagram 1a, Diagram 1b).
The minimum temperature shall not be below 10° C (50° F).
The lighting on the playing area should be 1000 to 1500 lux measured at 1 m above the surface of the playing area.