“5 Minute Training of the Officiating Crew”

  • As part of pre-match checking net & game balls – touch base with the HOME coach
    •  Ask how (s)he prefers warm-ups (HOME team gets to choose this)
    • Remind HOME team that they are to provide the work crew (might ask visiting team to split line judges)
    • Ask about playable areas and obstructions
    • Ask about pregame announcements / introductions / Sr Nite activities…
  • Even before arriving always call or email the school the day of the game to confirm game details
  • During Coin toss meeting,  be sure VISITING team knows info gathered above
  • At 30 minutes prior to game time set score clock for 20:00 to time the warm-ups
  • During the warm-up period  is the time to MEET & TRAIN your fellow workers
  • SCOREKEEPER  – Start here for two reasons. 1. They usually start the running clock  &           2. It is most important ( to you ) that they are competent at scorekeeping.
    • How can you tell if the scorekeeper is competent?   What can you do about it?
    • How many scorekeepers can sit at the table  (helpers??)
    • What version of scorebook do they HAVE to use. What Info is mandatory for NFHS
    • How do the scorekeepers record cards & penalties??
    • Let the scorekeeper know what to do if something is out of order. Score in book is official
    • End with importance of the ‘official record of the game’
    • DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS??
  • TIMER– Set the clock for warm-up and start the clock after the coin toss
    • Practice adding and removing points if needed
    • When to sound horns (if ever)
    • Watch for my arm before putting points on the board (touches/nets)
    • Have them assist Scorekeeper record subs and points if needed (verbally)
  • LIBERO TRACKER  – Is it required? Who provides them?
    • Explain entering line-ups &  tracking subs
    • Explain helping the scorekeeper
    • Watch end of rally closely because of quick switches (& double switches)
    • End with what HAS TO happen with exchanges (and what to do if it’s wrong) Show sample  if necessary.
    • When Timeout is called let the R2 know if Liberos were on the court.
    • DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS??
  • LINE JUDGES – Other than R2, these are your 2 best friends during the match
    • Meet with ALL line judges at one time. Try to have same two LJ to work the entire match.
    • Start with easy stuff, where to stand, how to call in & out
    • Always be ready to make a call, & make the call if it’s within 2-3 feet of a line.
    • Show how to call outside antennae (both of them), and Foot faults
    • Show touch signal ( at the net and also near the back line)
    •  Sometimes R1 overrules you – it’s not personal, I just had a different view of it
    • Don’t let others influence your call – let the R2 know if you are getting harassed
    • During timeouts come stand with me near the R1 stand.
    •  Lastly if the match is close, call EVERYTHING for the last 8-10 points
    • DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS??