Officials Training

I want to apologize for the inadequate zoom meeting this past Sunday. Below are the slides that were presented for the NFHS rule changes and points of emphasis.  Please take a moment to read.  If you have any questions, please direct them to Greg Lockley, Rules interpreter or Joe Hardiman District Rules Interpreter.  Thank you, Debby McSwiggen, President GTCCVO

4-1-7 changed in 2023-24: Note: Please note that students wearing hearing devices or other medical devices my wear them without a prescription, or a physician’s approval. This interpretation is in effect immediately and until further notice.

4-2-3a, 7-1-1 NOTE: Allows a player to change uniform numbers without penalty when a uniform is damaged in addition to when a uniform has blood on it.

      Rationale: Adds language to Rule 4: Uniforms regarding the proper procedure for a legal uniform number change and expands to include a damaged uniform as a legal reason for changing a uniform number.  Align language in Rules 4 and 7.

5-4-3c(1): Allows all players on the roster, not just starting players, to stand on their respective end lines prior to the first set.

      Rationale: Encourages the inclusion of all players in the prematch announcements.

5-9-2b NOTE (NEW), State Association Adoption Chart: Requires line judges to switch sides of the court between sets when, by state association adoption, teams remain on the same benches throughout the match.

      Rationale: Aligns with the original intent of the rule allowing line judges to alternate between each set to promote fair officiating.

11-4-1b: Allows teams to substitute during an injury time-out for the libero replacement if the libero is injured or ill.

      Rationale: Allows for the immediate substitution of the libero replacement who may be playing out of position due to the injury to the libero.

PIAA Item of note:

4-1-7 NOTE (NEW) – All jewelry shall be removed, except small secured jewelry (stud or post).  No jewelry shall be permitted below the chin.  String bracelets, commemorative bracelets and body jewelry are considered jewelry and are not permitted.  Taping over jewelry is not permitted.  A medical-alert shall be taped to the body and the alert may be visible.  Religious medals and/or other religious items shall be taped to the body and worn under the uniform.

Rule 4-1 NOTE- Each state association may in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individuals with unique and extenuating circumstances.  The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sports, heighten risk to athlete/others or place opponents in a disadvantage.

Officials, please note that, students wearing hearing devices, or other medical devices, may wear them without a prescription or physician approval and such devices do not violate the aforementioned rule.

2024/2025 PIAA MODIFICATIONS AND ADOPTIONS

Adopt the 2024/2025 NFHS Volleyball Rules book.

Adopt Rule 1-2 NOTE 2, modification of match format is permitted for series other than dual varsity matches.

Adopt Rule 5-9-4, line judges shall use flags (red)

Adopt Rule 9-1-2 Note and 9-2-2 allowing for teams to remain on the same benches throughout the entire match and not to change sides or playing areas.  The team shall remain at same bench

2024/2025 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Ball handling

      Volleyball is a rebound sport and players are able to use any body part to play the ball.  The official’s judgement on the legality of each contact continues to be a controversial topic.  The goal for players is to master ball control; for officials it is a goal to maintain a consistent level of ball handling from set to set from match to match.  Coaches play a role in the consistency equation with their methods of training, the expectations placed on their players, and the desired level of allowance by the officials.  The spectators are influenced by their coaches’ reactions, the spin of the ball, and their personal opinions, while the officials need to remain neutral to maintain fairness for both teams.

      It is stated in a previous NFHS Volleyball Points of Emphasis that volleyball’s goal was to increase the continuation of play when judging second ball contacts that are directed to a teammate.  A player in a good position must play the ball without discernible double contact.  Less severe judgement is applied to a contact be a player who makes a challenging or spectacular play while maintaining a legal play.

      Mishandled balls resulting in a blatant fault should still be called, regardless of the challenging or spectacular nature of the play.  Multiple contacts on the third ball must be whistled.

      With the increase of players’ athleticism, officials are being challenged to judge the legality of the first contact, as well.  The rule states that the ball is not allowed to come to rest or involve prolonged contact.  The fact that the contact is an underhand action or done with an open hand is not an automatic call.  Players are able to legally take a stab at the ball in an attempt to keep the ball alive as they pursue and errant contact from their teammate.  A whistle should accompany prolonged contact.

      All skills should be judged similarly, according to the rules.  Players are utilizing the setter dump effectively, while attackers are tipping the ball deeper into their opponent’s court and tipping with more power.  Officials must determine where the ball was initiated in relation to the body and judge how long the player continued the action while in contact with the ball.

   Good evening, here is the current Pre-Match & Match Administration Officials Mechanics Manual for all volleyball officials working WPIAL High School Volleyball matches this season. Please print this guide and review it before your matches to best-prepare your crew for every match. We ask all officials to follow with this pre-match routine and in-game guideline for consistency on all matches. Best of luck to all officials and have fun this season. 

Golden Triangle Volleyball – Pre-Match & Match Administration Officials Mechanics Manual

Match Confirmation – Referee contacts host school (Athletic Director / Secretary) via email. Ask host management for a locker room in your communication (if needed). CC officials assigned to match in the email. Please discuss uniform preference in email or group text message to the crew (do not include the AD / Secretary in your uniform discussion) 

Match Arrival – R1 & R2 should arrive 30-45 minutes prior to every match – Line judges 30 minutes. Conduct pre-match expectations with crew near the table. Wear the correct uniform and equipment. All officials must match. If not showing up in your uniform, please dress business casual. All officials should have a clean, professional look with good hygiene.

Host Management / Site Manager – Find the site manager. Discuss communication on how the host administration will resolve potential issues. 

Check Nets & Balls – R1 & R2 inspect nets and balls prior to warmup. 

Coach’s Certification (In Substitution Area) Prior to 20 Min. Timed Warmup – R1 tweets whistle to greet head coaches / captains. R1 addresses all housekeeping matters that involve the warmup, ground rules, table, uniforms, jewelry, injuries, etc. The R1 then reads the PIAA Sportsmanship Message.

PIAA requires all registered sports’ officials to enforce the sportsmanship rules for coaches and contestants. Actions meant to demean opposing contestants, teams, spectators, and officials are not in the highest ideals of interscholastic education and will not be tolerated. Let today’s contest reflect mutual respect. Coaches please certify to the contest official(s) that your contestants are legally equipped and uniformed according to NFHS rules and PIAA adoptions. Good luck in today’s contest.

Coin Toss – Home team decides side of court. Teams will not change sides. Away team calls coin toss. Home team calls coin toss for the deciding set (3rd Set for JV / 5th Set for Varsity). Team winning the coin toss in the deciding set will choose to serve or receive. They do not pick sides.

Warm-Up Protocol – Host Team decides their warm-up format. 

R2 blows quick, warning whistle blast 15 seconds prior to court change. 

6-7-7 Format 

20:00 – 6 Minutes Shared

14:00 — Team A 

7:00 – Team B

2-4-4-5-5 Format 

20:00 – 2 Minutes Shared

18:00 — Team A 

14:00 – Team B

10:00 — Team A 

5:00 – Team B

5-5-5-5 Format 

20:00 – Team A

15:00 — Team B 

10:00 – Team A

5:00 — Team B

Line Judges – R1 talks to the line judges. Make sure the line judges are comfortable with signals and protocols. Line judges (certified officials only) take their corners between 9:00 – 3:00 mark to warm-up their eyes. Line judges should understand the timeout & end-of-set mechanics. At the end-of-set, the line judges walk across the court straddling the 10-foot lines. The line judges then walk across the court and stand or sit for the intermission in a designated area behind the scorer’s table. 

Anthem – R1 & Line Juge #1 stand on the ref stand side of the court. R2 & Line Judge #2 stand on the tableside of the net. Student line judges do not need to follow this recommendation. 

Match Notes

1. R2 Responsibilities (Before the Set) – Establish positive communication between the official scorer and game clock operator. Make sure they are confirming the score and timeouts throughout the match. The official scorer should notify the R2 if there is an illegal server by the end of a rally. The R2 can whistle the play dead for an illegal server with the help of a lineup card. Work with the table on lineup sheets in between sets. Never stand into the court when giving a courtesy lineup-check. Stay off the court. Identify the captain. Captain signals / waves to R1. Allow the libero to enter the match when done checking the lineup. Make sure the clock operator stops the clock, so it does not sound during the serve or during the rally. 

2. Timeouts – R2 whistles all timeouts and then signals the side and how many timeouts used to the R1. The R2 then signals to the game clock operator to start the clock immediately after both teams exit the court. Whistle warning blast at 0:15. Horn to end all timeouts. The R2 signals to R1 timeouts taken after all 12 players are back onto the court. R1 mimics / mirrors timeouts used. The R2 hands the court back to the R1. The R1 scans the receiving team to see if they are prepared for serve and then beckons to serve. 

3. End of Set – R1 awards point, followed by the action that ended the rally. R1 gives the end-of-match signal. R2 mimics/ mirrors.  The R2 should then turn to game clock operator and signal them to run the 3-minute intermission on the game clock. The R2 may assist in handing the lineup sheets to the coaches to build good rapport with both coaches. The R2 can also put the lineup sheet on each team’s side of the table so they know where to find their lineup sheet at the end of each set. Use good judgment. In a heated match, consider stepping toward the court and turning to monitor the table as the coaches collect their lineup sheets. Prior to a deciding set, the R2 will call in both captains to conduct a coin toss. The clock does not run until the coin toss has concluded and both teams know who is serving / receiving. After the R1 signals who is serving, the R2 then signals to the game clock operator to run the 3-minute clock.

4. Injuries – Most injury timeouts last 30 seconds. The R2 should wear a watch to monitor the time. There is no 30-second injury timeout for serious injuries. Be considerate and understanding the difference between a minor injury and a serious injury.

5. Coach’s Conduct – R1 & R2 should identify a mechanic or signal for carding a player / coach. Use cards when necessary – Listen to understand, not to penalize. Use professional language and talk in volleyball terms. Talk head coaches down instead heating them up. The R2 should defend their R1 when appropriate to deescalate all situations. Do not ignore coaches. Communicate effectively. 

6. Bench Protocol – All players must sit in their seats in the front row. Players may stand or “warm-up” in the row behind the bench.  One assistant coach may stand, but the assistant coach must sit before we resume play. Make sure the players respect the integrity of the chair line when pursuing the ball. Address the extended bench policy in the pre-match with the head coaches. 

7. Spectator Behavior / Artificial Noise Makers – Please contact the site manager and have the PA Announcer address any issues. Site management and PA announcer should alert all spectators that unruly spectator behavior. The use of artificial noise makers are grounds for removal from the facility. 

7. Exit Strategy – Use the “toot-and-scoot” routine to get out of the gym after a competitive match. Get to your destination for the post-match debrief. 

8. Post-Match Debrief – Please try to conduct a 5-10 minute post-match debrief after all matches. Talk about the JV match briefly in between JV and Varsity matches. This review can continue during the varsity match warm-up. The varsity match debrief can take place in the gym after an easy-going match. In heated / competitive matches, please discuss your match review in the locker room, a conference room, or in the parking lot. We should be discussing areas of successful officiating and areas that need improvement (signals, mechanics, techniques, misapplication of the rules, faulty judgement, poor body language, etc.). The debrief should include plays-of-interest also known as “hot plays.” The debrief should not last longer than 15 minutes. Walk out of the athletic facility together as a crew and safely to your vehicles. 

9. Match Report – The R1 listed in the Arbiter does not have to be the R1 for the varsity match. The crew should decide amongst themselves who should R1 / R2 both matches when they arrive. Use common sense. The R1 for varsity match should submit the match report. Match reports are in the Golden Triangle website. The link is also in the Arbiter. Click R after the match in the Arbiter and it will take you to the website. 

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE INFO

PIAA is not able accept clearances for volunteers.

Officials must supply PIAA with copies of their background clearances. The Pennsylvania State Police, PA Department of Human Services, and Identogo/PA Department of Education DO NOT supply PIAA with copies of your background clearances. 

For instructions on how to upload your Background Clearances, click here.

Because PIAA-registered officials are independent contractors to schools whose Contests they officiate, the officials are required to comply with the requirements for background certifications as set forth in the Public School Code and the recent revisions to the Child Protective Services Law (adopted July 1, 2015), as follows:

There are three clearances that are required by PA State Law.  Each can be accessed at the links below:

1. FBI clearance (ACT 114) – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has changed the provider for this clearance. PIAA is not able accept clearances for volunteers. Also, the Affidavit-Exemption from FBI Clearance form is not acceptable for PIAA registered officials.

Follow these instructions to register for fingerprints:

1. Visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/
2. When prompted for a Service Code, enter 1KG6XN
3. On the next screen, click “Schedule or Manage Appointment”
4. Fill out all the required information. As you fill out the required information, you will be asked to search for a place to have your fingerprints captured. The locations are not the same as the old Cogent sites. You will choose a day and time, or just walk-in, to have your fingerprints captured. 
5. You will pay the fee of $26.20 when you arrive at the fingerprinting site. 
6. You will receive additional instructions on how to receive your results after completing the fingerprinting.
7. To locate locations and hours of service centers visit: https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/1KG6XN/locator/location

• Click here for an example of what needs to be uploaded to our website (Identogo/Morpho Turst).

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A HARD COPY OF YOUR RESULTS! You will receive an EMAIL from PASafeCheck (Identogo) with your “Unofficial Results”. If you did not receive the email, check your spam and/or junk folders. It is also recommended you only open this email from a computer. You will then have ONE TIME ONLY access to your results. Please make sure you do not open this on a device where you are not able to save the document. You will need to save the document and then upload said document to the PIAA website. Do not delay in opening this document, you only have a short window of time to access the unofficial copy (usually 30 days from receipt). If you are unable to save the document or accidentally used the one time access, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education at 717-783-3750 (you will hear music. Leave a message. A representative will return your call) or email them at [email protected] (include your full name, UE ID#, and your full mailing address) and ask them for your Civil Applicant Response. PIAA is unable to access your results. 

ADDITIONALLY, You will only receive “Unofficial Results” from Identogo and the PA Department of Education. “Official” copies are only able to be obtained by authorized agencies. PIAA is not one of those agencies. Therefore, we need the “Unofficial Results” uploaded to our website. Links above will show you what is needed to upload.

2. PA State Police clearance  (ACT 34) – https://epatch.pa.gov/home

• In completing the PA State Police clearance, the “reason” is employment.  Click here for the example of the form that needs to be uploaded to our website.    
• Fee is $22.
• PIAA is not able to accept clearances for volunteers.

INSTRUCTIONS ON OBTAINING THE ACT 34 CLEARANCE

1. Go to the PA State Police Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) website at https://epatch.pa.gov/home
2. Click the SILVER button with navy blue letters titled SUBMIT A NEW RECORD CHECK.
3. Read the Terms and Conditions for the use of PATCH and hit accept.
4. Click INDIVIDUAL REQUEST.
5. Fill in the information requested. Click NEXT. NOTE: Reason for Request is EMPLOYMENT.
6. Confirm your information and click PROCEED.
7. Fill in the requested information and click ENTER THIS REQUEST.
8. After clicking ENTER THIS REQUEST, VIEW QUEUED RECORD CHECK REQUESTS (1) will pop up on the bottom of the screen in navy blue letters. Click FINISHED.
9. On the RECORD CHECK REQUEST REVIEW page, confirm your information and click SUBMIT.
10. This will take you to the REQUEST CHECKOUT page. Read the details and click CHECKOUT.
11. Fill in your payment information and click PAY WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD.
12. Once payment is processed, you will be taken to the RECORD CHECK REQUEST RESULTS page. 
13. Click on the CONTROL #.
14. On the next page, click CERTIFICATION FORM. This will be found right above the BACK button.
15. Once you click CERTIFICATION FORM, you will need to save or print the form that appears. This is your record check and the form which needs uploaded to the PIAA website.

3. Department of Human Services clearance (PA Child Abuse)  (ACT 151) – https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

• In completing the Child Abuse History clearance, under the application purpose, check the box titled, “School Employee Governed by Public School Code”.  Click here for the example of the form that needs to be uploaded to our website.       
• Fee is $13.
• PIAA is not able to accept clearances for volunteers.

INSTRUCTIONS ON OBTAINING THE ACT 151 CLEARANCE

To complete the online PA Child Abuse History Clearance you will need to have internet access, printer, credit/debit card, email account, knowledge of previous addresses since 1975 and names of everyone you have lived with at any time since 1975.

1. Go to the Child Welfare secure website at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
2. Click on Create a new account.
3. Read the general information and click Next to create a Keystone ID. Chose a username that you will remember.
4. Enter the requested information including your email address and create security questions. Then click Finish. (You will need to immediately access your email for the temporary password).
5. You will receive this message on the screen: You have successfully created a Keystone ID and a temporary password has been emailed to you. You will receive two emails. The first email contains your Keystone ID and the second email contains your temporary password. Click Close Window.
6. If you are not immediately taken to the login page, return to the website and click Login. Then click Access My Clearances. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Continue. On the Keystone Login page, enter your username (Keystone ID) and temporary password you retrieved via email.
7. You will be taken to the login screen to reset your password. Create a New password and click Submit.
8. Click Close Window. You will be taken back to the login screen. Enter your username (Keystone ID) and New password.
9. Read My Child Welfare Account Terms and Conditions. Then click the statement acknowledging I have read, fully understand and agree to the My Child Welfare Account Terms and Conditions. Then click Next.
10. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Continue.
11. Click Create Clearance Application. Scroll to the bottom of the next page and click Begin.
12. Under the Application Purpose select School Employee Governed by Public School Code. Then click Next.
13. Continue through the online application pages and provide the requested information. Click the blue plus sign [+] to add additional fields.
14. Under the section Certificate Delivery Method, you can elect to have a paper copy of clearance mailed to you. It will also be available online.
15. Once you have completed the online application, review the Applicant Summary. If your information is not correct or needs to be updated, click the Edit button in the heading of the section and modify it as necessary.
16. Click Next for your eSignature.
17. To complete your application, eSign by checking the acknowledgement and entering your first and last name as it appears on the Application Information screen.
18. Proceed to the “Applicant Payment” screen.
19. Select No to the question, “Did an organization provide a payment code for your application”.
20. You will then be asked for a payment of $13.00 (credit/debit card).
21. Once payment has been submitted print your receipt and then Click Submit Application.
22. You should see the message Success. Your application (e….Clearance Id: XXXXX) has been successfully submitted.

NOTES: Save your Keystone ID and Password!! You will be notified via email that your application has been processed and you are directed to open your Child Welfare Account to retrieve and print your clearance. This process may be immediate or may take a few days.

**The PA State Police clearance and the Department of Human Services clearance can be printed and mailed to those depts.  

 Here are some very important notes as we finish out the regular season. 

Uniform

 Please wear the correct uniform. We always wear clean black slacks during regular season matches. Please tuck-in all uniform shirts. Our officiating shoes should always be clean black shoes. We always wear black socks with our shoes. 

 We have received reports of officials wearing sweatpants. Sweatpants are never permitted. Our pants should never have stripes on them either. 

Whistles

  Please use a strong whistle. A strong whistle will make a strong official. We recommend using a Fox 40 – Classic. These whistles can be purchased for $6 on Amazon.  

  We must always end a rally with a whistle. Please use a strong, bold whistle to stop play. We have received reports of weak whistles or no whistles at all to end a rally. As a result, some players have continued to play while other players stopped resulting in potential player injuries.  

Ball Handling

  Please enforce all ball handling rules as they are written. Please call illegal contacts – lifts / doubles. You may want to establish ball handling early in the match so both teams understand the match’s ball handling expectations. Both teams may adjust to that line, and it may make your job easier as the R1. Too many officials aren’t calling any ball handling violations – thus affecting the outcome of matches and allowing some matches to turn into a circus. We have had outcomes where weaker ball-handling teams weren’t penalized at all and won a match over a much higher-skilled ball handling team. We must enforce all ball handling violations.

Net Violations

  The R2 must keep their eyes on the net while assisting the R1 with match play. Too many R2’s are watching the ball as it travels as away from the net. We have had incidents where the attacking player crashed into the net after contacting the ball with no whistle because the R2 followed the ball. Process the play and follow your net responsibilities. In addition, too many officials have penalized the blocking team when the attacking team touched the net before the blocking team. Work with R1 to determine who attacked the net first.

Center Line Violations

 Please be careful over-officiating borderline, center line infractions. Center line infractions are illegal. We want all officials to call centerline violations. However, please take caution on over-officiating a borderline, center line violation during a long rally or late in the set or match when points are paramount. You may put your crew or yourself into a difficult position by splitting hairs over a center line violation, especially if it away from play. Please use common sense and let match play take care of itself. 

Rotations & Overlaps

  The R2 should be watching the receiving team during service. Too many R2’s are watching the server, thus missing setters leaving too early on the serve to get to their next position. 

Illegal Back Row Attacks

  Both officials – the R1 & R2 must understand Illegal Back Row Attacks. Both officials must also understand where our setters are positioned. If a team is running a 6-2 offense, then the setter will always be coming from the back row. If a team is running a 5-1 offense, then the setter will be coming from the back row for half of the match. 

 Talk to your officiating partner during warmups or during the match (timeouts / end of sets / etc.) about each team’s offense. We should always locate where each team’s setter is coming from and whistle these illegal violations when they occur. The vast majority of illegal back row attacks / illegal back row block violations will occur on overpasses when the back-row setter is trying to save a ball. Please also keep in mind that “interference” in reaching over the net to play a ball may be in-play on an overpass as well. The blocker may be interfering with the opposing team’s setter and their attempt to play the ball. These plays can be extremely difficult to officiate. Use your best judgement. 

Exit Strategy & Post-Match Debrief

  We should always exit the gym together as a crew. We should always have a brief post-match debrief and discuss some areas of improvement and areas of success as a crew. We have received too many reports where our officials have dashed-and-darted off after a match without even waving goodbye to their partner & crew. This behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable. 

  We must have accountability and responsibility to improve as officials from one match to the next match. Please use to these notes to help improve yourself as an official. Best of luck and finish strong this season. 

Arbiter has posted a series of webinars that offers assistance in using your account.

Webinar Recordings:

• Managing Your Schedule Recording
• Handling Your Blocks Recording
• Setting Up and Using ArbiterPay Recording
• Completing Eligibility and Registration Recording

All of our officials are required to submit match reports after each varsity high school match. We do not need match reports from middle school or JV matches, but information from those matches may be submitted. The R-1 for the varsity match should submit the match report. We do not need 2 different match reports. Please be fair and honest with your reports and do not protect your partners or yourself in your match report. Match reports carry a ton of weight for future assignments, especially for officials who take the time to submit the report. Officials who make the extra effort to submit the match report and provide the chapter feedback may benefit for future assignments as we appreciate all officials going the extra yard. 

Match Report is on the Golden Triangle website as “Submit Match Report” under the “Officials Area” only after logging in.

The link is also in the Arbiter. Look for the Blue Page Icon in your Arbiter Schedule after the match is complete.