Your Job May Be On The Line Know what to do when you are asked to line judge at a volleyball match or what to expect from a line judge working for you.

Line Judge One of the things we are often called on to do as a high school official is to line judge. The National Federation rules code really doesn’t cover very much with regard to how this is to be done. This presentation is based on the NCAA guidelines given line judges who work NCAA matches.

Pre-Match Meeting Be sure you take the time to have a meeting with your line judges prior to the match. The experience level of the line judges should determine what you can expect of them and what things to cover in this meeting. Major league All Star pitchers and catchers, as well trained as they are have a meeting to make sure they are on the same page with respect to signals

Base Position The line judge should assume an athletic stance (feet slightly more than shoulders width apart) near (more than 8” but less than 2’) the intersection of the end line and side line

Base Position The line judge should assume an athletic stance (feet slightly more than shoulders width apart) near (more than 8” but less than 2’) the intersection of the end line and side line The flag should be held in front of the body parallel to the floor, about waist high.

Base Position The line judge should assume an athletic stance (feet slightly more than shoulders width apart) near (more than 8” but less than 2’) the intersection of the end line and side line The flag should be held in front of the body parallel to the floor, about waist high. During the rally be alert and move minimally to ensure being able to see the ball.

Base Position The line judge should assume an athletic stance (feet slightly more than shoulders width apart) near (more than 8” but less than 2’) the intersection of the end line and side line The flag should be held in front of the body parallel to the floor, about waist high. During the rally be alert and more minimally to ensure being able to see the ball. Between points, relax but remain alert

Movement Keep it simple – move only with a purpose

Movement Keep it simple – move only with a purpose Stay open to the play

Movement Keep it simple – move only with a purpose Stay open to the play Establish a positional advantage

Movement Keep it simple – move only with a purpose Stay open to the play Establish a positional advantage For pancakes thing like a defender

Movement Keep it simple – move only with a purpose Stay open to the play Establish a positional advantage For pancakes thing like a defender Hold your ground when a ball approaches. You may need to take one for the team.

Movement Keep it simple – move only with a purpose Stay open to the play Establish a positional advantage For pancakes thing like a defender Hold your ground when a ball approaches. You may need to take one for the team. When a player approaches, move perpendicular to the players path. Try to keep one of your line (either the end line or the side line) in your sight line

Eye Focus Anticipate where the ball is going by reading the attackers arm.

Eye Focus Anticipate where the ball is going by reading the attackers arm. Focus on the fingertips of the blockers

Eye Focus Anticipate where the ball is going by reading the attackers arm. Focus on the fingertips of the blockers Beat the ball to the line and watch the ball move through the line.

Eye Focus Anticipate where the ball is going by reading the attackers arm. Focus on the fingertips of the blockers Beat the ball to the line and watch the ball move through the line. If you have to choose between watching for a touch or making a line call, most likely the line call is more important. There are 3 other sets of eyes to help with the touch.

Signals Crispness is key See The call – watch closely and observe what happens in front of you

Signals Crispness is key See The call – watch closely and observe what happens in front of you Signal The Call –snap your flag to give the appropriate signal

Signals Crispness is key See The call – watch closely and observe what happens in front of you Signal The Call –snap your flag to give the appropriate signal Sell The Call – Stand up straight with your feet together and look directly at and make eye contact with R1 to finish the signal sequence

Signals Crispness is key See The call – watch closely and observe what happens in front of you Signal The Call –snap your flag to give the appropriate signal Sell The Call – Stand up straight with your feet together and look directly at and make eye contact with R1 to finish the signal sequence Hold your signal until first referee awards point, then lower your flag

Communication Display a calm yet confident presence.

Communication Display a calm yet confident presence. First referee must have an opinion on every call.

Communication Display a calm yet confident presence. First referee must have an opinion on every call. Display a neutral demeanor if over-ruled and move on.

Communication Display a calm yet confident presence. First referee must have an opinion on every call. Display a neutral demeanor if over-ruled and move on. Body language speaks louder than your voice.

Communication Display a calm yet confident presence. First referee must have an opinion on every call. Display a neutral demeanor if over-ruled and move on. Body language speaks louder than your voice. Do not engage with any participants.

Communication Display a calm yet confident presence. First referee must have an opinion on every call. Display a neutral demeanor if over-ruled and move on. Body language speaks louder than your voice. Do not engage with any participants. Immediately report any inappropriate comments toward a line judge from bench personnel or fans.

R1 & R2 You need to protect your line judges like a mother bear protecting her cubs. Any inappropriate remarks made by bench personnel or players should result in a sanction. If the comments come from fans, event management should be informed so they can deal with the issue.

Post Match Debrief Session Have one and try to make it a learning session for all involved.

If you have any questions contact; Kent Neitzert neitzert@coldwatervolleyball.com Additional sources of information. Want to know what the correct line judge signals are? http://scoaonline.com/HS%20Line%20Judge%20Signals.pdf Line Judge Best Practices https://ncaavolleyball.arbitersports.com/Groups/106897/Library/files/2017%20NCAA%20Best%20Practices%20for%20LJs-Final.pdf 9/10/2017