News

WPIAL Playoff protocol

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The following email was sent this morning from Vince Sortino in regards to warmup protocol:

I wanted to clarify a few things headed into our volleyball playoffs so everyone is on the same page.  During all WPIAL volleyball playoff matches the following will be used for warm-ups 6-7-7.  The WPIAL volleyball cover page has different warm-up information and I will update that this morning to reflect what was stated in this email.  The higher seed of the match gets to pick the home bench. The lower seed will be the visitor and call the coin toss, the choices will be serve or receive. No switching benches once the match has started. The team that serves will go first in warm-ups.

Attention – Meeting Site Changed

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Sunday, October 8 chapter meeting site has been changed, we will be meeting at Chartiers Valley High School 50 Thoms Run Rd Bridgeville,PA 15017.


Time is still 7:15 pm. We will be meeting in the gym and have access to a court.


Unfortunately, Central Catholic canceled on us last minute.

Who Attends the Prematch Conference?

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NFHS Rule 1.6.2 & 3. cites that the Head Coach and CAPTAIN(S) from each team shall attend the prematch conference.
That captain(s) can be any player on the team, dressed in street clothes, wearing a cast on his/her leg, wearing jewelry, etc, etc. That CAPTAIN does NOT have to be the “speaking captain” in sets 1, 2, 3, etc. The visiting CAPTAIN at the prematch is the only captain who will be required to call the toss.
Please see NFHS Casebook page 6; Situation 1.6.3 (B) which addresses this spot on! Thanks

Pack the Park 2023

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Last year’s Pack the Park girls volleyball event between Norwin and Kiski Area didn’t make it to the Ellen Toy Grass Court at Vandergrift’s Kennedy Park as rain chased officials, fans and both teams inside to Kiski Area High School.

But no such change of plans was necessary Tuesday evening.

The crowd outdoors was treated to JV and varsity games in ideal weather conditions.

Click HERE for the article.

Positive feedback

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It is always great when we receive positive feedback from coaches in regards to our officials. I would like to share an email I received in regards to two of our finest…Greg Lockley and Ryan Lynn.

Hello Greg and Ryan,

Sorry I didn’t get to talk to you last night after the match much. Senior night and wanted to get the kids moving so they could get to their banquet and get home at a decent hour.

Just wanted to say that I thought both of you did a good job last night with the match. And I am not saying that about calls or anything, although I did think you both called a fair and consistent game for both of the teams. You both handled the match and did a great job communicating with coaches, keeping a good flow and pace to the match, and handled yourselves with professionalism. A competitive match like the one last night often has emotions riding high for all parties and I thought your calm influences both the players and coaches and keeps the temperature down in the gym. That effects the players, coaches, and the spectators. It made for a great atmosphere.

I don’t know if I will see you down the road, but you are both WPIAL/PIAA Championship caliber officials and I hope that word gets spread. Not only last night, but the other matches you have officiated for Shaler Area this year.

Thanks for all your time and effort. It is greatly appreciated and good luck moving forward.

Sincerely,

Paul Stadelman
Shaler Area Boys Volleyball

Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 – Tom Phillips, Volleyball, Freeport

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Tom Phillips, one of the most decorated volleyball coaches in Pennsylvania history, was a graduate of Freeport Area High School and has carved his legacy as the head coach of the Yellowjackets’ girls volleyball team. Phillips is also a graduate of Butler County Community College.
Phillips has been the head volleyball coach at Freeport since 2001. Phillips also owns and operates Big Valley Volleyball. To date, his teams have won 18 consecutive section titles, seven WPIAL Titles, four WPIAL runner-up finishes and two PIAA Championships, in 2017 and 2022.
Phillips owns an incredible career record of 405 wins against jut 38 loses. Phillips has been selected to numerous Coach of the Year honors and will also be inducted into the Alle-Kiski Hall of fame this coming May.