4.1.1 For the match, a team may consist of up to 12 players, plus: (VC Guideline 4.2; FIVB Casebook 1.13.1)
Coaching Staff: one coach, a maximum of two assistant coaches;
Medical Staff: one team therapist and one medical doctor.
Only those listed on the score sheet may normally enter the Competition Control Area and take part in the official warm up and in the match.
Volleyball Canada – Assistant coaches may replace the head coach.
Volleyball Canada – The Medical doctor must be a certified medical person. Volleyball Canada – A team may include up to 15 players. All 15 players may be in uniform, may participate in the warm-up, and may sit on the bench. Only 12 players will be registered on the score sheet and only these 12 players may participate in the match. The 12 players registered on the score sheet may vary from match to match as long as no more than 12 take part in any given match. (VC Guideline 4.1)
Special note for coaches and referees – please be advised that the standard consequence for an illegal substitution, as listed below in rule 15.9, will apply. It is the responsibility of the coach to remember non-roster players and avoid an illegal substitution, and it is the responsibility of the referee to sanction infractions.
4.1.2 One of the players, is the team captain, who shall be indicated on the score sheet.
4.1.3 Only the players recorded on the score sheet may enter the court and play in the match. Once the coach and the team captain have signed the score sheet, (team list for electronic score sheet) the recorded players cannot be changed. (VC Guidelines 4.3)
4.2.1 The players not in play should either sit on their team bench or be in their warm-up area. The coach and other team members sit on the bench but may temporarily leave it.
The benches for the teams are located beside the scorer’s table, outside the free zone (Diagram 1).
4.2.2 Only the team composition members are permitted to enter the playing area, to sit on the bench during the match and to participate in the official warm-up session (Rule 4.1.1, 7.2).
4.2.3 Players not in play may warm-up without balls as follows: (VC Guidelines 5.2)
4.2.3.1 during play: in the warm-up areas;
4.2.3.2 during time-outs: in the free zone behind their court (except for U Sports and CCAA).
4.2.4 During set intervals, players may warm-up using balls within their own free zone. (FIVB Casebook 1.10)
A player's equipment consists of a jersey and shorts / leggings.
4.3.1 The colour and the design for the jerseys and shorts / leggings must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero). The length or fit of the shorts are irrelevant and of no consequence. The uniforms must be clean. (VC Guideline 4.4; 4.6)
4.3.2 The shoes must be light and pliable with rubber or composite soles without heels.
4.3.3 Players' jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 99. (VC Guidelines 4.5; FIVB Casebook 1.14)
4.3.3.1 The number must be placed on the jersey at the centre of the front and of the back. The colour and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the colour and brightness of the jerseys.
4.3.3.2 The number must be a minimum of 10 cm in height on the chest and a minimum of 15 cm in height on the back. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2 cm in width.
4.3.4 The team captain must have on his/her jersey a stripe of 8 X 2 cm underlining the number on the chest. (Rule 5.1; VC Guideline 4.4)
4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a colour different from that of the other players (except for the Liberos - Rule 19.2), and/or without official numbers.
The first referee may authorize one or more players:
4.4.1 to play barefoot
4.4.2 to change wet or damaged uniforms between sets or after substitution, provided that the colour, design and number of the new uniform(s) are the same
4.4.3 to play in training suits in cold weather, provided that they are of the same colour and design for the whole team (except for the Liberos) and numbered according to Rule 4.3.3.
4.5.1 It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury or give an artificial advantage to the player (VC Guideline 4.7; FIVB Casebook 1.01; 1.02).
For Volleyball Canada competitions:
A. The referee shall not permit the following:
Finger, hand, wrist, elbow, or forearm guards, casts, or braces, made of hard plastic, metal, wood, or any other hard substance even if they are padded. Items made from soft material, that are padded, not intrusive and not a danger to others, may be permitted.
Equipment that could cut or cause abrasions.
Headwear (E.g.: hats, bandannas, etc.) is not permitted except those worn for religious and/or cultural beliefs. Headbands can be worn, at a maximum 5cm in width, made of non-abrasive cloth, pliable plastic, or rubber.
B. The referee shall permit the following:
Shoulder, upper arm, thigh, or lower leg protective equipment if the material is padded so as not to create a danger for other players.
Knee braces if made by a reputable manufacturer and not dangerous to other players.
Protector for a broken nose even if made from a hard material.
Thermoplastic finger splints are permitted so long as they are free of sharp edges, do not protrude beyond the fingertips, and are secured to the digit or hand with tape or other wrapping.
Prosthetics so long as the prosthetic is covered/padded and does not pose any danger to himself/herself or other players.
4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.
4.5.3 Compression pads (padded injury protection devices) may be worn for protection or support (FIVB Casebook 1.01; 1.15)
Volleyball Canada: Compression wear can be any single solid colour. The single solid colour does not need to be the same for each player.