Umpiring

U nderstanding the M echanics P roperly will I nsure that the R eferee’s job will be E asier

Arrive no less than 30 minutes prior to start time Arrive with proper equipment; have pay sheet prepared Discuss responsibilities with referee Prematch Responsibilities

Review duties with the scorer, timer, and assistant scorer (libero tracker) Assist referee with prematch conference Verify that line up has been entered correctly on the scoresheet

During the Match With ball in hand, move onto the serving team’s court, check the receiving team players' against the lineup card and then the serving team, roll ball to server. Assume position on receiving team’s side, signal readiness to referee.

During serve, stand outside the sideline, back from the standard observing the receiving team for possible illegal alignment. After serve, transition to the defensive side of the net, maintain clear vision of the net and freedom of movement. During the Match

When initiating a call: Blow whistle, move to the side of the offending team and signal violation Calls by the referee: Step away from the standard and repeat referee’s signal. Do not repeat whistle. During the Match

Areas of Concentration During Play Focus between the attack lines; on the net and centerline If no net activity, broaden field of vision to assist referee Assist with ball handling violations ONLY when they are clearly out of referee’s view

Know overlaps and how to identify them –Do not be afraid to call overlaps when they exist Know how to use your lineup card –NEVER keep score on your card!! Areas of Concentration During Play

Line up Card Tool to assist the umpire in carrying out duties. (CB p. 63) Includes: –Serving Order –Substitutions –Time-outs –Captains: –Yellow/Red Cards –Player Identification

Unsportsmanlike Conduct Move to the offending team’s side of court Hold card in the middle of the chest Indicate the offending coach or player number.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct Referee administers card Umpire confirms violation with scorer Make certain penalty is recorded in the scoresheet

Substitutions Coach must visually signal or sub enters substitution zone Whistle and give sub signal, referee repeats signal Move near scorekeeper

Substitutions Release subs to enter court (Signal #16) Notify coach of 15 th, 16 th, 17 th and 18 th entry Hustle subs in and out –Be fluent and expedient

Substitutions No need to walk to the players ALWAYS report subs to scorekeeper Give ready signal to referee –As a referee, NEVER blow your whistle to beckon for serve until your umpire has acknowledged they are ready

Time-Outs Recognize the request with a double whistle and signal Remind timer to start the clock for one minute Verify score

Time-Outs Notify the referee how many time- outs each team has used –(TOT- time outs taken ) As a courtesy notify each coach the number of time-outs they have used

End of Match Signal game point just before a possible game point is served Confirm score, signal end of game to referee, initial scoresheet, make sure timer starts clock Conduct coin toss prior to deciding game, if requested by referee Lineups in to scorer not less than 1 minute prior to the end of 3 minute intermission

Pet Peeves Seeing the net bounce out of the corner of your eye and everyone in the stands screaming NET, while you see the umpire watching the ball careening high toward the sideline off the block.

Taking WAY too long for subs Responding to every coach’s comment Calling in/out on any ball hitting the floor (it’s not their call) Pet Peeves

Never making eye contact for ready with the referee Not reminding the timer to start the clock for time-outs and between games Pet Peeves

Reminders Don’t be a pole hugger! –Stay back away from the pole –Stay as close to the scorer’s table as possible –When making a call don’t let the pole hide or bisect you

Always mirror the referee’s signals, be they right or wrong –Do not lead them!! Learn the proper signals so that you are showing everyone that you know what you are calling. Reminders

Summary Understanding and executing the proper officiating mechanics will make the game move smoothly and make the referee’s job less stressful.