Start Project BriefSports & Recreation · Global volleyball planning guide
Volleyball facility planning starts with the court but cannot stop there. FIVB's current rules define an 18 × 9 m playing court, a minimum 3 m free zone for general play and minimum unobstructed height requirements. Higher-level competition needs larger clearances.
The current FIVB 2025–2028 playing court is 18 × 9 m. General rules require a minimum 3 m free zone on all sides and a minimum 7 m unobstructed playing height.
For FIVB World and Official Competitions, the current rules require 5 m free zone from the sidelines, 6.5 m from the end lines and at least 12.5 m clear height. Those higher-level requirements should be confirmed before structure and building services are frozen.
Current senior FIVB net heights are 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women. Youth, local and adapted formats may use different heights.
Post positions, sockets or portable bases, net tension, antennae, padding and referee stand should be planned with the floor, run-off and storage rather than added later.
Surface flatness, slip control, cushioning, line marking, cleaning and shared use should follow the environment and user level. For FIVB World and Official Competitions, current rules permit only wood or synthetic surfaces and require prior FIVB approval.
Outdoor hard courts need drainage, UV, wind and corrosion planning. Beach Volleyball remains a separate sand-court pathway.
Schools, clubs and event halls may need retractable divider curtains, multiple post systems, equipment stores, coach aisles, scorer positions, warm-up zones, spectators and safe changeover between sports.
The complete hall should preserve the selected free zones and overhead playing volume across every active court.
Current FIVB rules and competition regulations should be checked for the intended level. For FIVB World and Official Competitions, current rules call for at least 2000 lux measured 1 m above the playing area.
Local building, fire, electrical, accessibility, structural design, installation and approvals remain destination-specific unless expressly included.
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