How do we handle delays and improper requests?

Improper requests (Rule 15.11). It is improper to ask for a time-out or substitution:

• during a rally, or at or after the whistle for service;
• through a team member who isn't authorised (only the coach, or without one the assistant coach or game captain, may ask);
• for a second substitution by the same team in the same interruption (before the next completed rally), except for injury, illness, expulsion or disqualification of a player in play;
• after the team has used all its time-outs or substitutions.

The first improper request by a team in the match that doesn't affect or delay the game is rejected and recorded on the score sheet, with no other consequence. Any further improper request by that team is a delay.

Delays (Rule 16) include delaying a regular interruption, prolonging an interruption after being told to resume, requesting an illegal substitution, repeating an improper request, and any team member delaying the game.

Delay sanctions are team sanctions, last for the whole match and are recorded on the score sheet:

• first delay in the match: delay warning;
• second and later delays of any type by anyone in the team: delay penalty, a point and service to the opponent.

Delay sanctions given before or between sets apply in the next set. Once a team has had a request rejected with a delay warning, it may not ask for another interruption in the same interruption.