Officiating - Part 5

Articles In This Section:

· Officiating - Part 1

· Officiating - Part 2

· Officiating - Part 3

· Officiating - Part 4

· Officiating - Part 5

· Officiating - Part 6

· Officiating - Part 7

· Officiating - Part 8

· Officiating - Part 9

· Officiating - Part 10

Keeping track of the serving team is another responsibility of the referee. He may ask the umpire to assist him, but he should keep track of the service himself. Numerous devices are used. Here are several suggestions which have proven satisfactory:

1. The referee puts his hand nearest the serving team on top of the net when that team is serving. When it is side out, he changes the hand.

2. A towel or handkerchief is tied to the top end of the net. If the team to the left of the referee is serving, the towel is hung over the left side of the net. If the team on the right is serving, the towel is hung over the right side.

3. The left hand and left foot are forward if the team on the left side of the referee is serving, and the right hand and right foot are forward if the right team is serving.

4. The referee holds something, such as a coin or rubber band, in the hand on the side nearest the serving team.

It is also essential that prior to a match the referee:

1. Calls the two captains together and flips a coin to determine which team shall serve first and the teams' court positions. He also gives any final instructions on ground rules and informs them that should any question arise, only the captain should talk to the official involved.

2. Measures the height of the net at the center of the court.

3. Checks to see that there are no obstructions on or around the court and that spectators and substitute players are not seated in a hazardous location.

Since the referee is responsible for the conduct of the match, it is his duty to be sure that the minor officials (umpire, scorer, timekeeper, and linesmen) are aware of their duties and responsibilities prior to the match. It should also be understood that if in the opinion of the referee a minor official makes a wrong decision, he has the power to overrule the decision. Although the referee has this authority, this does not minimize the importance of securing competent minor officials, since the success of any match depends very greatly upon their abilities. Many problems arise because of incompetent umpires, scorers, timekeepers, and linesmen.