The latest decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), confirmed this week, allows for flexibility when using the Late Athlete Replacement (LAR) (AP Athlete) during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
As previously communicated, for the first time in the history of the Olympic volleyball competition, each team participating in the Games will be entitled to include one non-competing AP athlete to replace an athlete for medical reasons. As such, team rosters will increase from 12 to 13 athletes. While the 13th athlete will be able to attend matches and train with the team, they will not be accommodated in the Olympic Village unless additional support is granted by the respective National Olympic Committee.
“AP” athletes are non-competing athletes accredited by the IOC in the “AP” category who have different entitlements to competing athletes (accredited as “AA”). As previously stated, when an “AA” athlete is injured, that athlete can be replaced by an “AP” athlete.
The previous version of the Policy for AP Athletes only foresaw a single permanent replacement without the possibility of the injured athlete returning to the team once recovered. However, for Paris 2024 team sport disciplines, the IOC will exceptionally allow teams to bring back the injured athlete if he/she has recovered and/or if another AA athlete is injured and in need of an LAR.
The number of AA Athletes at any given moment in time may not exceed 12 per team and, as per the usual LAR policy, a medical certificate shall be provided by the NF and the NOC and validated by the FIVB Medical Officer.
The process can be repeated multiple times subject to the updated procedure set out in Article 1.3 of the (AP Athlete) of the Competition Regulations for the Volleyball competition.
Lastly, this policy is exclusive to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The IOC will review its implementation with the relevant IFs and NOCs before confirming athlete quotas and LAR policy for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
