Clarion Grad Proksell, née Burns, Completes Rare Volleyball Triple, Officiates PIAA 1A State Final

Read the full article here – YDL Sports Net
Pennsylvania's Largest Most Experienced Chapter
Clarion Grad Proksell, née Burns, Completes Rare Volleyball Triple, Officiates PIAA 1A State Final

Read the full article here – YDL Sports Net
June 24, 1963 – January 10, 2026

Age 62, of North Strabane Twp., passed away on January 10, 2026 after a courageous and graceful fight against cancer, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Beloved father of Kayla Ruslavage and Rachel Ruslavage, former husband of Valerie (Muccino) Ruslavage, brother of Mickey Ruslavage, Suzanne Ruslavage, Rob (Michelle) Ruslavage, Amy Ruslavage and the late Denise Avery, and loving son of the late Charles and Leona Ruslavage. Chuck was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a 1985 graduate of the University of Connecticut, with degrees in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He also played football all four years for the Huskies, which cemented his lifelong passion for the sport. He was a devout catholic, serving as a board member and volunteer for the Sisters of Charity. Chuck was a teacher at the Allegheny County Jail after many years working in engineering sales. He was a longtime college football official and a WPIAL official in football, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling. Chuck was a proud father and a pillar of his community, who will be sadly missed by the many whose lives he has touched. Friends received Wednesday, January 14, from 2-7 pm and additional viewing on Thursday, January 15, from 10-11 am, at which time a Blessing Service will be held at 11 am, at the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity. View and add condolences at: www.warcholfuneralhome.com
Congratulations to the officials selected to work the WPIAL 2025 Girls Volleyball Championships




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Rating and Observation Feedback – The following are suggestions, points of emphasis, protocol, and procedures during officiating.
On a ball out – routine scan the floor to make sure the line judges are engaged and do not have information about the play
If a call pertains to the line judge, (ex. in/out) USE THEM – acknowledge them, wait for a call if they didn’t give one, and make sure they are with you
Headset verbiage – when communicating in headsets a continuation of play should be given once (ex. “good”) – when a play is ended the communication should be given three times (ex. “in, in, in”)
Make sure the benches have rostered players and adults – check waivers if children are at the bench
On a block out of bounds on a tight play at the net, provide a secondary signal to identify who the ball went out of
Volleyball IQ – transition and anticipation – (ex. If a team is having difficulty receiving a serve, don’t transition on service contact, wait to see if the play develops)
Hold your line for ball handling errors – make sure it’s consistent and appropriate Your whistle stops play – use it and repeat it multiple times if necessary to stop play – especially as an R2
Bench awareness – know the rule set to make sure benches are acting accordingly – seated if high school, beyond end line at the edge of the floor in USAVB
R2 substitution procedure – when you have multiple substitutes from one or both teams, use the correct pace and sequence for both sides and all players R2 substitution procedure – hold one side when both teams are subbing – try to work the same direction for ease on the scorekeeper
R2 substitution procedure – use your whistle and signals – WORDS ARE NOT PROTOCOL
If a player needs a brief interruption for something like shoe tying, remove your whistle from your mouth and hold it until ready to resume play
When checking the starting lineup – read the numbers to your partner for them to check the lineup as well to ensure correct rotations
R2 Substitution – the 1st time you have multiple subs is the MOST important – give your expectations and the kids will hold to them – don’t let them get away with running on the floor
R2 transition – don’t get too wide unless a play warrants it
R2 – on a ball that could travel over your antenna move into the floor at the standard to gain an angle of the ball flight
R2 – Don’t move with signals, 2, 4, backrow, etc. Hold it, wait for the whistle then transition to award
Communicate during the match when anything weird happens – talk through it during the match – it takes focus and practice
Work through and know your pre-game routine – make sure you have a plan and handle all your duties When reading the line-up before the set, make sure to read the libero # also
When giving the first server the game ball to start a match, walk toward them, make eye contact, and give them a good bounce pass – they’re athletes and will appreciate you during that brief engagement
R1 – help your R2 if you see anything at the table or bench that needs to be addressed that they might miss or don’t see
Track your points on the score board as officials to prevent error or catch something before it becomes a problem
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