January 27, 2026.- The FIVB Rules of the Game & Refereeing Commission met last week to review key technical developments, assess rules tests conducted in 2025 and discuss ongoing work to ensure the highest standards of officiating across the Global Volleyball Movement.
The meeting opened with remarks from FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, followed by a welcome from Commission President Guillermo Paredes, who underlined the importance of the Commission’s work in supporting fair, consistent and transparent decision-making in volleyball and beach volleyball.
When addressing the Commission, Paredes stated:
“It is essential for us to have capability and transparency. Your commitment to the work of the Commission is very important for us. Please continue, as you are doing, to give your best throughout the year, working with referees and supporting the game. Thank you, everybody.”
A major focus of the meeting was the review of rules tests carried out during the 2025 season. These included discussions on the interpretation of double contact in both volleyball and beach volleyball, as well as the out-of-rotation error in volleyball. Commission members discussed proposals aimed at improving clarity and consistency for referees, teams and spectators.
The Commission also received updates from its four working groups, covering referee categorisation and statistics, referee education and development projects and ongoing rules and regulations tests in volleyball and beach volleyball. The updates highlighted steady progress across all areas, with a strong emphasis on empowerment and education.
In addition, the Commission recognised the high standard of refereeing delivered across major international competitions in 2025, including the three senior World Championships hosted in Thailand, the Philippines and Australia. Members noted that the quality and consistency of officiating at these events played a key role in maintaining trust in the game and supporting athletes to perform at their best.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Commission President Guillermo Paredes, followed by final comments from FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, who thanked members for their continued engagement and dedication to strengthening refereeing and governance worldwide.
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