When is a team awarded a loss of rally/point due to illegal alignment?

A team is awarded a loss of rally or point due to illegal alignment when there is an illegal substitute identified in the set. This occurs because proper player alignment is essential in volleyball, and any violation of the rules regarding substitutions can disrupt the fairness of play. If a player who does not meet the criteria for substitution enters the match or is not properly accounted for in the rotation, it constitutes an illegal alignment. This violation is significant because it can affect the competitive integrity of the match and the sequence of play.

In contrast, jewelry worn by a player, spilling water during a timeout, or delays in substitution might lead to warnings or administrative errors, but they do not directly result in a loss of rally or point due to illegal alignment. These actions may result in other penalties or reminders about conduct but are not classified as alignment violations. Thus, the action of having an illegal substitute is specifically tied to alignment rules and directly results in a loss of rally or point.