Section 2: Equipment
2.1 The Ball (Rule 3, FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028)
The ball shall be spherical, made of a flexible leather or synthetic leather case with a bladder inside made of rubber or a similar material (Rule 3.1). The ball must have the following specifications:
- Circumference: 65–67 cm (25.6–26.4 in)
- Mass: 260–280 g (9.2–9.9 oz)
- Inside pressure: 0.300–0.325 kg/cm² (294.3–318.82 mbar or hPa; 4.26–4.61 psi)
- Color: Uniform light color, or a combination of colors. Balls used in FIVB World and Official Competitions must bear the FIVB Logo and the official FIVB approval mark.
All balls used in a match must have the same characteristics regarding circumference, weight, pressure, type, and color (Rule 3.3). In FIVB World and Official Competitions, three balls are used. In this case, 6 ball retrievers are positioned, one at each corner of the free zone and one behind each referee (Rule 3.4).
2.2 Net and Posts (Rule 2, FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028)
The net is placed vertically over the centre line. Its dimensions and specifications are as follows (Rule 2.1):
- Length: 9.50–10.00 m (31.2–32.8 ft)
- Width: 1.00 m (3.28 ft)
- Mesh: 10 cm × 10 cm (3.94 × 3.94 in) square mesh
- Top band: Horizontal band of white canvas, 5 cm (1.97 in) wide, sewn along the full length of both sides of the net (Rule 2.2)
- Side bands: White vertical band, 5 cm wide and 1 m long, fastened to the net at the sidelines (Rule 2.3)
- Antennae: Flexible rods, 1.80 m (5.91 ft) long and 10 mm (0.39 in) in diameter, made of fiberglass or similar material; alternating 10 cm bands of contrasting colors, preferably red and white; placed at the outer edge of each side band; considered part of the net (Rule 2.4)
2.3 Net Height
The net height is measured from the centre of the playing court (Rule 2.1):
- Men: 2.43 m (7 ft 11⅝ in)
- Women: 2.24 m (7 ft 4⅛ in)
- Mixed (men and women together): 2.43 m
The height of the net may be slightly higher at the sidelines but must not exceed 2 cm (0.79 in) above regulation height (Rule 2.1). Net posts are placed 0.50–1.00 m outside the sidelines (Rule 2.5). Posts are 2.55 m high and preferably adjustable. Posts must be fixed to the floor without guy wires; padding to protect players is required in FIVB World and Official Competitions.
2.4 Team Equipment
Team equipment includes jerseys, shorts, and shoes. Under Rule 4.3 (Players' Equipment), jerseys must be numbered 1–18 on the front and back. The number on the front must be at least 10 cm (3.94 in) high, and on the back at least 15 cm (5.91 in) high. Numbers must be in a color clearly contrasting with that of the jersey. The Libero player must wear a jersey (or jacket/bib for the Libero) of a contrasting color from that of the other team members (Rule 4.3.4).
Shoes must be flexible and lightweight with rubber or leather soles, without heels (Rule 4.3.3). Players are not permitted to wear objects that may cause injury or give artificial advantage; smooth and/or protective braces may be worn (Rule 4.3.5).