Who is allowed to signal for a time out?

The head coach or playing captain is responsible for signaling a timeout in volleyball. This is established to ensure that the team's leadership is directly involved in managing the game. The head coach, as the primary decision-maker, can call for a timeout to strategize and make adjustments based on the dynamics of the match. The playing captain, who is typically a key player and often acts as a liaison between the team and the coach, also has the authority to call a timeout. This system helps maintain order and structure during the game, as it centralizes the timeout request to those who are most connected to the team's strategy and performance on the court.

Team managers and assistant coaches do not have the authority to call timeouts. This limits potential confusion over who is in charge during gameplay. Likewise, while referees oversee the match, they are not involved in team management decisions like calling timeouts, as their role is to ensure the rules are followed and to officiate the game.