CHANGE OF RULES

Olympic volleyball competitions to allow 13-member team rosters

For the first time in the history of the Olympic volleyball competition, team rosters will increase from 12 to 13 athletes.

In Summary

• AP athletes are non-competing athletes accredited by the IOC and serve as a last-minute replacement if an athlete is unable to compete due to injury or illness. 

• While the 13th athlete will be able to attend matches and train with the team, they will not be accommodated in the Olympic Village unless additional support is granted by the respective National Olympic Committee. 

Kenya's Gladys Ekaru (C) in action against Milena Rasic of Serbia during the 2020 Olympic Games.
Kenya's Gladys Ekaru (C) in action against Milena Rasic of Serbia during the 2020 Olympic Games.
Image: FILE

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has confirmed that each team to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be allowed to include one non-competing (AP) athlete to replace an athlete for medical reasons.

For the first time in the history of the Olympic volleyball competition, team rosters will increase from 12 to 13 athletes.

The decision came following extensive consultation between the FIVB and IOC to increase roster sizes closer to those of the FIVB’s main events to allow teams greater flexibility and team depth.

AP athletes are non-competing athletes accredited by the IOC and serve as a last-minute replacement if an athlete is unable to compete due to injury or illness. The replaced athlete shall not be allowed to compete for the remainder of the competition.

While the 13th athlete will be able to attend matches and train with the team, they will not be accommodated in the Olympic Village unless additional support is granted by the respective National Olympic Committee.