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Volleyball

A team sport where players use their bodies to pass a ball over a net, attempting to score points by grounding the ball on the opposing teams side or forcing an error.

Volleyball became an internationally recognised sport in 1947 when the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) was established. 1

Discover more about volleyball through the Clearinghouse evidence base:

Evolution:

  • Australian Volleyball Federation [1963-2011]
  • Volleyball Australia [2011-]

Participation

An estimated 316,500 Australians [aged 15+] participated in volleyball at least once in 2024. 2

An estimated 34,500 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in volleyball at least once in 2024. 2

An estimated 145,500 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 169,500 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in volleyball at least once in 2024. 2

Explore further participation statistics for xxx through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab

Governing body

Volleyball Australia is the organisation recognised by government at all levels as the National and international controlling body for the sport of volleyball in Australia. They are responsible for indoor, beach, and paravolley competitions and teams. 3  

The Australian Volleyball Federation (AVF) was founded in 1963 between Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. In 1966 the organisation became a national federation. In 2011 the organisation changed its name to Volleyball Australia. 4

REFERENCES
  1. History of volleyball: From humble beginnings to a global sport, opens in a new tab, International Olympic Committee, (accessed 17 December 2025).
  2. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025).
  3. About Us, opens in a new tab, Volleyball Australia, (accessed 17 December 2025).
  4. History, opens in a new tab, Volleyball Australia, (accessed 17 December 2025).

Documents

The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.

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