Officiating - Part 3

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

Many referees get themselves into difficulty because they are too strict. They tend to anticipate. They call some and not others because the plays are borderline cases. This is inconsistent calling and gets the official into difficulty with the players. If an error is made, then it should be called. On the other hand, if there is a question, by all means give the benefit to the player. Always remember that the prime reason for an official in any game is to help the players have a better and fairer game. He is only present to help the game and not to make a spectacle of himself by seeing how often he can blow the whistle, thus giving the impression that "I am a tough referee" or "I am the king-pin in this contest."

There are a number of good practices which might be thought of as "Marks of a Good Volleyball Official." If an official can master these ten practices, he will, in all probability, be a top official:

1. Friendly attitude. He should always maintain a friendly attitude toward the players. In the carrying out of his duties, it should be done in a professional rather than an authoritative manner. A friendly smile can be helpful.

2. Fair and firm decisions. He should be sure that his decisions are impartial at all times. If a mistake is made, he should not be afraid to change his decision. However, this should be the exception, and his decisions when made must be firm. These actions will instill confidence in both teams.

3. Expert knowledge of rules. The official should know and be able to interpret the rules of the U.S. Volleyball Association. This will give the players confidence and will ease tension. He should notify the player or players immediately upon the infraction of the rules. Players should not be left to wonder what happened.

4. Positive whistle. He should keep his whistle in his mouth while the ball is in play. His decisions or calls should be made quickly and sharply following an infraction of the rules. A slow whistle puts doubt in the minds of the players and spectators.

5. Instant hand signals. He should use the official hand signals immediately after calling a violation. Such signals should be executed in a deliberate manner but without exhibitionism.

6. Controlled emotions. He should never show emotion, no matter what the situation. He should never leave the officials' stand. If need be, he should call a player to the stand to interpret. If it is necessary to dismiss a player from the game, it should be done in an inconspicuous manner after an explanation to the player and the coach. If it is necessary to interpret between two teams, the referee should call the captains of both teams together and explain his decision to them.

7. Neat appearance. He should always wear the official uniform. It should be neat and clean. He should stand in an erect position.

8. Sound judgment. It is imperative that the official be a clear thinker with sound judgment. The noise of the players or spectators should not sway his thinking.

9. Consistent calling. He should be able to maintain a level of officiating through a match. Therefore, it is necessary that an official know what he is calling and why.

10. Punctuality. He should be ready to officiate fifteen minutes before the scheduled time, and he should see that all games start on time. Many tournaments run too long because the officials do not stick to the tournament time schedule. This is inexcusable and has many bad effects on the tournament.