Overview

As in most sporting competitions, volleyball employs referees in order to control the flow of the
game and enforce the rules. The volleyball referee team includes the first referee, the second
referee, the scorer and two line judges. Without the referee team, the fast-paced game could
easily get out of hand if disputes regarding rules were to arise.

Scorers
The official scorer keeps track of the score throughout the volleyball game. Before the game
begins the scorer notes the starting lineup of each team and notifies the referees if the lineup
wasn't received on time.

If a dispute or irregularity arises regarding the score, the scorer uses a buzzer to notify the first
and second referees. Additionally, when a substitution request arises, the scorer notifies the
referees.

Line Judges
At least two, and as many as four, line judges monitor each game. The line judges stand at the
corners of the court watching the lines to indicate whether a ball in play falls in or out of the
court.

If a server steps on the line during a serve, the line judge watching the given line notifies the
referees using a flag. When a player touches an out-of-play ball or if the ball hits an antenna, the
designated line judge also indicates the interference.

First Referee
The first referee stands on the referee stand and controls the play of the entire game. Whatever
issues arise during the game, the first referee determines the call and the has the final say. After
making a call, no player or other referee can argue the call, although a formal protest can be
placed with the scorer.

Before the match begins, the first referee inspects the equipment and the players'
uniforms. The warm-ups and the coin toss also fall under the jurisdiction of the first referee.

Throughout the match, the first referee makes calls regarding faults and scoring issues.
Following the match, the first referee notes the score and signs the official paperwork.

Second Referee
The second referee works to assist the first referee throughout the game. If for some reason the
first referee can't finish her duties, the second referee may take the place of the first
referee.

The second referee stands next to the post opposite the first referee. In addition to assisting the
first referee with determining faults throughout the game, the second referee is in charge of all
substitutions, timeouts and the actions of the scorer's table.

Volleyball Officiating Overview

Volleyball officials need to clearly indicate the stop and start of play.

Also, referees indicate infractions of playing rules and recognize requests for game
interruptions. 

The combinations of whistles and volleyball hand signals enables referees to maintain a
smooth flow to the contest.

This allows spectators and participants to understand the action during the match and the
outcome of each rally. 

What are signals? 

Signals are your language as a referee. 

Your signals are your language and if you have a great command of that language, then it
will show your expertise, your knowledge of the sport, your understanding of the rules, your
confidence, your fairness, your control of the match, and your professionalism. 

You want to get to the point where your volleyball hand signals are automatic, but not
robotic. 

You may need to adjust your signals to best fit your stature. This may be something you
need to experiment with senior referees in your area. 

This expertise will only occur with repetition. 

Practice in front of a mirror and live match situations. 

Blowing the whistle 

Whistle immediately when a fault has been identified, or the ball is otherwise out of play. 
The whistle stops the rally and draws attention to you. The whistle indicates you have
something to communicate. 

The whistle should be blown with authority and should be loud and crisp. 

Be sure to use a good quality whistle that can be heard over the participant and spectator
noise. 

Vary whistle tones. Use different tones and volumes for different situations. 

For common play-ending situations and faults, usually best to use a louder whistle. 

For game interruptions such as a substitution or timeout, usually best to use a longer
whistle tone. 

Multiple quick whistles are commonly used to stop play for game interruptions such as an
injury or errant ball on the court. 

Especially as a second referee you may want to increase the whistle tone to get attention
when attention is elsewhere. 

Signal Sequence 
Whistle, award the point, signal the nature of the fault. 

1. Blow the whistle. As a first referee, when you see the ball is out of play or there is a fault,
always whistle first. 

2. Signal which team wins the point. This signal shows the teams which team will serve
next. 

3. Last, show the fault signal. 

Second referee sequence 

As a second referee, there are specific faults to whistle. 

As a second referee, the signal sequence is different. 

First, use the hand signal that corresponds to the fault you whistled. 

The first referee will then confirm your decision, award a point and signal which team will
serve next. As a second referee, you repeat that signal. 

Some volleyball hand signals require two hands 

When a signal requires only one hand, use the hand that corresponds to the side of the
team at fault. Always use the hand or arm on the side of the team that committed the
fault. 
Some signals require you to indicate the player at fault. Use an open-hand gesture. 

The 1-2-3 Method

1. Blow your whistle loudly to stop play.

2. Award the point by indicating the next team to serve; hold that signal briefly.

3. Show the fault and if necessary, the player at fault; hold the fault signal briefly.

Common errors with volleyball hand signals 

1. Late whistle. Since the whistle is the first step in the signal sequence, make sure
the whistle is blown immediately when a fault has been committed or when the ball
hits the floor.

2. Don't hold your whistle if you are unsure of the outcome. For example, as
soon as you see the ball hit the floor, blow the whistle. Worry about whether the ball
was "in' or "out" later. Always blow the whistle first then look around for assistance.

3. Simultaneous volleyball hand signals. Don't blow the whistle and signal at the
same time. This is confusing for both players and coaches. Always use the 1-2-3
method for your signal sequence.

4. Double signaling. Don't show two different signals for the same fault. This will also
confuse people and make you look uncertain of your call. 

A good example would be a ball touched by a player and landing out of bounds on
the same side of the net. The correct call would be "touch", not "touch" followed by
"out".
5. Too casual or exaggerated. You don't want to appear disinterested in the match.
People may view you as unprofessional. 

If you're exaggerated or demonstrative, you may appear to be overbearing.

6. Too high or too low. Too high signals will look odd and uncomfortable. Too low will
be hard to see.

7. Don't signal in front of your face.