How do I manage delays and improper requests?

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Improper request vs delay (Rules 15.11 and 16; Referee Guidelines rule 16): The first improper request by a team in a match that does not affect or delay the game is rejected and recorded on the score sheet with no other consequences. If the game was actually delayed by it, it is recorded and treated as a delay, and the team still has the right to make another improper request. Examples of a first improper request: a time-out requested by an assistant coach, a time-out requested after the first referee has whistled for service or during the rally, a seventh substitution request or third time-out request, a second substitution request before the end of the next completed rally (except for an ill or injured player), and (Volleyball Canada) a time-out requested by a coach who is not at the end of the bench nearest the scorer or at the extension of the attack line. Any further improper request in the match by the same team is a delay. Other delays include delaying an interruption, prolonging an interruption after being told to resume, requesting an illegal substitution discovered before the next service, a repeated late libero replacement, and failing to replace the libero who rotates to position 4 when the referees have to remind the team and this delays the game. Sanctions (Rule 16.2): Delay sanctions are team sanctions that stay in force for the whole match and are recorded on the score sheet. The first delay is a delay warning (yellow card, hand signal 25, recorded in column W). The second and any later delay is a delay penalty: a point and service to the opponent (red card, recorded in column P with the team letter, set number and score, and the point circled). Delay sanctions imposed before or between sets apply in the following set. When issuing a delay sanction, the first referee should not call the captain to the referee's stand, to avoid further delay. Volleyball Canada specifics: tying shoelaces, or asking to, is not a delay of game, unless it is used as a deliberate delaying tactic. Referees must allow time to wipe a floor that is too wet or slippery after a proper request, but a delay sanction may be imposed if the wiping is unnecessary or deliberately delayed. Sources: Volleyball Canada Rulebook 2026-27, rules 15.11, 16 and 17.4; 2026-27 Referee Guidelines and Instructions, rule 16.