How do timeouts work?

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Each team gets two timeouts per set. A request for a third timeout is an unnecessary delay, whether or not the second referee acknowledged it. Timeouts last 60 seconds. The warning whistle is blown 15 seconds before the end. A timeout can end early if both teams are ready: blow the warning whistle, then the horn ends the timeout. The head coach may request a timeout verbally or with the hand signal. The playing captain may also request a timeout (or a lineup check) from the second referee. Teams confer with coaches on the court or at their bench area, and the coach may enter the court. Balls may not be used during a timeout. If cleaning up water or another substance delays the restart, it is an unnecessary delay. At the start of each timeout, the libero tracker reports each team's libero status to the second referee. If a replay is called, no requests are recognized until the rally is completed, except when the replay is for an injured or ill player who can't continue.