What are VS1 and VS2, and how many VS2 players can a team use?

Classification sorts athletes into groups based on physical and functional ability. Volleyball Canada describes two sport classes:

• VS1: impairments that significantly affect the core functions of sitting volleyball.
• VS2: impairments that minimally affect the core functions (the rules call these "minimal impairment" players).

Assessment may consider amputation level, muscle strength, joint range of motion and limb length difference. Athletes with progressive impairments receive a temporary classification and must be reclassified at each competition. Classifiers must be accredited by the relevant international federation.

Roster limits (international play): Volleyball Canada says a team may have up to two VS2 athletes on its roster and only one VS2 on court at a time, and may have no VS2 players. The World ParaVolley rules set the court limit: the six players on court may include a maximum of one VS2 player, and this still applies when a Libero is on court.

Source: Volleyball Canada sitting volleyball page; World ParaVolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rule 7.3.1.