19 TIME-OUTS

19.1 DEFINITION
A Time-out is a regular game interruption and it lasts for 30 seconds.
For FIVB World competitions, in sets 1 and 2, one additional 30 second Technical Timeout
is automatically allocated when the sum of the points scored by the teams equals
21 points.
19.2 NUMBER OF TIME-OUTS
Each team is entitled to a maximum of one time-out per set.
19.3 REQUESTS FOR TIME-OUT
Time-outs may be requested by the players only when the ball is out of play and before
the whistle for service, by showing the corresponding hand signal (Diagram 8, fig. 4).
Time-outs may follow one another with no need to resume the game.
The players must have authorization from referees to leave the playing area.
19.4 IMPROPER REQUESTS
Among others, it is improper to request a time-out:
a) during a rally or at the moment of, or after the whistle to serve (Rule 19.3 above),
b) after having exhausted the authorized time-out (Rule 19.2 above). Any improper request
that does not affect or delay the game shall be rejected without any sanction unless
repeated in the same set (Rule 20.1 b).