Developmental Substitution Rules

Volleyball Alberta’s Developmental Substitution Rules are designed to support athlete growth and long-term development. The intention is to ensure all athletes receive meaningful game experience in a competitive environment, helping them build confidence, skill, and understanding of the game.

In practice, this results in relatively equal playing time for all athletes during Sets 1 and 2 at VA tournaments. By prioritizing participation and development, these rules help strengthen individual athletes, teams, and the overall growth of the sport.

• All players listed on the score sheet must start the first or second set.

•  In the first two sets no substitutions may take place before one team has scored 15 points. 

  • Exceptional Substitution: An athlete may be substituted out of a set due to injury

  • The injured/ill player may not return to the same set but may return to play in subsequent sets.

• If a third set is necessary, any line up can be used.

• Developmental Substitution rules do not apply.

  • Players are not required to start in the first or second set.

  • Players may be subbed out at any time.