CVOA training videos
NFHS: Line Judge Duties
NFHS: Using Wireless Communication
RefReps (Regional Clinic) Instructions
2024-25 NFHS Volleyball Rules Changes
NEW: Ask the Director of Training
Where we address common situations in a question-and-answer format. Submit your question to Rob Livingston, Director of Training.
Click on a headline to expand
- Ball contacts raised basketball hoop
QUESTION:
Ball is shanked and contacts a raised basketball hoop 12′ outside the court but not directly over the bleachers. The ball bounces back toward the shanker’s court and is played over the net.
Play on? Or dead ball for contacting an overhead obstruction over a non-playable area?
ANSWER:
Your question is somewhat ambiguous. Is the basketball hoop, or other overhead obstruction, over playable area? If so, play on. The team that shanked the ball just got a gift from the gym. The ball then must remain on that team’s side of the net and be played again over the net. No legal ball can cross the net after hitting an overhead obstruction, playable or not.
Legal overhead obstructions and those out of play can be determined in your pre-match inspection of the playable area. I’m sure you did that, right? (wink)
Rules reference is Rule 2, Section 2, Playable Overhead Obstructions. Page 13 of the Rules Book. Also, the Casebook, Rule 2, Situations 2.2 (multiple). Pages 7 and 8 of the Casebook. - Sportsmanship deficit after the match
QUESTION:
How is it to be handled at the conclusion of a game when shaking hands and unsportsmanlike comments are made by either coaches or players? Is that up to the Admin or does that fall on the officials? It seems like we have had a lot of these instances this year. I’m appalled by the lack of sportsmanship from people. Crowd, coaches, and players alike this year.
ANSWER:
The best way to deal with issues after the final whistle is to not engage with anyone. “Toot and Scoot”.
If anyone tries to engage you after the game, say “Thank you but you should talk to your coach about that” and walk away. Do Not engage in conversation, do not try to explain a call, do not try to defend yourself. Just walk away without saying any more. Doing so rarely ends well for you.
If, during the match, you sense heightened tension, seek out the school administrator or law enforcement to assist you in getting out of the gym safely. Sadly, assaults against officials are on the rise and we need to be more aware of our surroundings and our safety.
Also, our enforcement of sportsmanship ends at the last whistle. If teams or spectators are aggressive towards each other, it is no longer our responsibility. Get out of the gym safely.
Rob - Identifying a block touch to a questioning coachQUESTION:
I was R1; the setter put the ball right in front of me, and the hitter attacked it with a block going up. The hitter swung and I heard the ball hit the block, though I did not see which blocker had contact with the ball. The ball landed out of bounds. Because I distinctly heard the ball hit the block, I called a touch, even though I did not know which of the two blockers touched the ball. The coach clearly did not like the call, particularly when I told the captain I heard the block but couldn’t identify which player touched the ball.
Was that the right call, or should I be able to identify the individual touching the ball before calling a touch?
ANSWER:
Good question!
It is always good practice to see every contact and that is supported in the rule language. In reality, we use all our senses to detect a touch, by sight and sound, don’t we? Coaches sometimes question that call, either for statistical reasons or to verify to themselves that we are calling the right things. The rules also don’t require that we identify the player by number.
A good practice would be to identify the players that may have touched the ball, if not by number but by position; in other words, “It was the outside/middle blocker”. If we admit that we heard but did not see the contact, it leaves us open to further argument. The best way to avoid angst is to then sell the call and not permit extended conversation with the coach or captain. “That is my call” or ” the line judge has been doing good for me and I’m taking their call”. It is your judgment, and we don’t permit discussion on judgment, or the judgment of our work team, do we?
Rob Livingston
CVOA Plays of the Week, and other training-related emails
Most recent first. Click on a date and title to expand. These are the emails Rob periodically sends to all CVOA members. (All the videos below are also available on Rob’s YouTube channel linked above, but these emails include helpful discussion.)
- 2024-Oct-27 - R2 decisiveness and techniqueUsing poor technique just makes your life harder, it’s not just to look good! Decrease coaches’ and player’s questions by being decisive with good technique, you’ll build credibility for yourself and your team.
https://youtu.be/q4lL2QMH5Cg - 2024-Sep-19 - Ball HandlingHappy International Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Yar!
Use yer good, un-patched eye to see this here video about Bad Ball Handling. It be revealin’!!
Arr!
Rob
- 2024-Sep-1 - R1 R2 Communication
Welcome to the 2024 Girls Volleyball Season!
This video clip shows how the R2 and R1 can communicate during a match to get the calls right. Try putting these techniques in your toolbox.
https://youtu.be/Tk2ryng0UKw - 2024-Jul-12 - CVOA Training NewsletterGreetings!
It’s time again to get ready for the new CHSAA Girls’ Volleyball season!Your Area Directors should already have been in touch with you with dues reminders, training opportunities, and scheduling information. Lots of exciting changes this year!
Your rule books and pre-season information packets should be arriving within the next 2 weeks. The annual rules exam is now open and available in your Arbiter Central Hub. Remember, this must be completed before you can work matches. Below is a short, 20-question quiz to help you get ready for the test, courtesy of Referee Magazine.
Dropbox file: VB_Quiz_2024.pdfTake a look at your uniform and equipment to see if anything needs replaced or upgraded. See new additions for required uniform and equipment in the Membership Manual, available at CVOAref.org/CVOA Documents.
The Regional Clinic is required for post-season consideration. Many Area Directors are choosing to do the clinic in a large group setting, which is recommended, especially for new members. Contact your Area Director for more information. If your Area is choosing to use the online option for the Regional Clinic, a very clear Step-by-Step document is available at CVOAref.org/Training. Don’t try to take the clinic before consulting the very specific directions in the document.
So, let’s take care of business and we’ll see you on the court!
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply and you will be removed.
Rob Livingston
CVOA Director of Training - 2024-Mar-29 - Caught / thrown ballThis is a reminder for all officials working boys volleyball this spring.
It’s come to our attention that a particular illegal attack play has been noticed and not being called in boys’ matches. This is a variation of the “power tip” but the ball is being caught and thrown. Some coaches and players have the mistaken belief that some “throwing” is legal. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Some participants have complained that this play has not been called on them all season.
The NFHS Rules Book specifically states that “the ball can not be caught, thrown or visibly come to rest in contact with the body”. Some boys are being seen catching and then “slam dunking” the ball. This MUST be called as an illegal hit. We must be more aware of every aspect of every contact, especially the 3rd contact. I know that it is tempting to try to get ahead of the play and leave the 3rd contact early but we must be patient and let the play complete before our eyes leave for the next.
Some hints to help you catch this play:
The ball must not come to a stop in the hand before release
The ball must not be thrown with force.
The hand must be moving forward before contact with the ball.
You must make a judgment as to the length of time the ball is in contact with the hand.I’m sorry that I don’t have any video examples yet of this play but as I go through my rough video, I will share when I do
Rob Livingston
CVOA Director of Training. - 2024-Mar-27 - Reminder - for your safety, check the referee stand before using itHello Area 1 CVOA officials,
Just a reminder to always check the referee stand before using it. I took some pictures of a common type of referee stand to explain the problem:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/
tghDGD6WZ73UMkPa9 The first two photos show the stand being set up correctly. The second two show the stand set up incorrectly, with the weight of the referee supported only by the pin, which is very unsafe. If it’s set up incorrectly, it’s easy to fix — pull the pin out, move the legs in slightly (toward the net post) so the platform is over the ladder crossbar and resting on it, then reinsert the pin, so it’s as seen in the first two pictures. I suggest mentioning this to the coach or other responsible adult so they set the stand up correctly in the future.
Some referee stands have a different design with no pin, but most stands are of the kind shown in the picture.
I’ll resend this reminder just before the girls’ season starts this Fall, apologies in advance for the duplication.
Larry (area director)
- 2023-Oct-22 - One-handed Sets ContinuedHere’s an updated topic on 1 handed sets. As long as they are not caught or thrown, they are another tool in the setter’s toolbox and perfectly legal.
https://youtu.be/4IjikbhwjMwCorny’s Corner on Ball Handling. I know some of you have questions on this topic and could stand to give this a good read:
Dropbox file: ABCs Of Ball Handling Judgment.pdf -
2023-Oct-11 - You don't see these all the time!Here are some Plays of Interest that you don’t see all the time!
Corny’s Corner
Dropbox file: Earning Respect.pdf - 2023-Sep-23 - Close plays - rule quickly and with confidenceThese videos show close plays that need to be ruled on quickly and with confidence. You Make the Call!
https://youtu.be/CEgc5GDKuL0?si=QW5JiGU-xuNej0l4 Corny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Bench Control.pdf - 2023-Sep-13 - R2 DutiesHere’s a favorite: The R2 Primer
https://youtu.be/GZ1SCxKHY8oCorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Best Practices For The Second Referee.pdf - 2023-Sep-5 - Prolonged or Extended ContactWelcome to the 2023-24 season! For those unfamiliar, I send out training videos and notes on a weekly basis during the season(s). Here is a topic that gets discussed a lot, Prolonged or Extended Contact. This video shows several possibilities that give food for discussion. https://youtu.be/-4gabN4ro4U
Here is an article by the Sage of Chesapeake Bay, Corny Galdones: Dropbox file: Tricks Of The Trade.pdf
- 2022-Oct-25 - Close Net PlayClose net play depends on the R1 focusing on the vertical net plane. The R2 must also focus on possible net faults (previously covered). This video shows how difficult it can be.
https://youtu.be/symNul3GE5wCorny’s Corner: Dropbox file: Professionalism Is Paramount.pdf
- 2022-Oct-3 - One-Handed SetsSome people have asked me about how to judge one-handed sets. I have told them that as long as there is no catch-and-throw or extended contact (the ball coming visibly to rest), we’re all good. An item to think about is whether there is over-control resulting in a throwing action. Another thing to think about is that it is nearly impossible to have a double contact when the ball is played with one hand. A spinning ball does not equate to illegal. Stick with the rule language in your thinking, and you’re gold!
https://youtu.be/B0r58MTmIZCorny has some sage advice! Dropbox file: Common Sense.pdf
- 2022-Sep-28 - ScreeningOk, here is the long-awaited video showing screening by the serving team. Note that the action is subtle but intentional and effective. I don’t expect all of you to suddenly start calling screening but it’s something we need to be aware of. If the screen is passive (standing in a group in front of the server), a warning is appropriate. Remember there are several conditions that need to be met to qualify as a screen:
1 Two or more players standing close together
2 The ball is served at a fast, low trajectory directly over those players
OR
A serving team player actively moves to obstruct the view of a receiving team player.
https://youtu.be/irQ1XkbXKGICorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Common Sense.pdf - 2022-Sep-10 - Don't Succumb to the SpinHi folks!
This week’s video, titled “Don’t Succumb to the Spin”, shows the importance of focusing on the point of contact when judging ball-handling. In this case, the hands of the setter. While the ball spins upon release, when we slow it down, you can see that the ball was handled cleanly, with no discernable double contact. Of course, we may have to endure the moans and groans of the fans, coaches, or players, but if our focus is where it should be, we’ll be confident of what we see and call.
https://youtu.be/sXFZFbkvGac
Corny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Practicing Good Mechanics.pdf - 2021-Nov-15 - Backrow Setters; Boys, USAV, AAU, TCS volleyballWell, the 2021 Fall season is over and we all are settling in for a well-deserved break. Congratulations to those who worked post-season. Some things to think about over the winter:
Recruiting new and retaining current officials is vital! Were you busier than you would like to be? We are at a near all-time low in the number of officials and yet participation in the sport of volleyball keeps growing. It is ALL of our responsibilities to identify and recruit officials who would be a good fit for our sport.
The Boy’s Volleyball Season will be starting in February If you are interested in officiating the boy’s season, contact your Area Directors. Since this is a second season during the school year, there will be a dues surcharge required. Information on this will be coming soon.
Club season is starting soon, both with USAV and AAU: If you are interested in working over the winter and improving your skills, contact Jim Henthorn, Rocky Mountain Region referee chair, [email protected] or Glo Bailey, AAU and TCS volleyball head referee, [email protected]. Working club will definitely make you a better referee!
Back-row setters can be sneaky! Watch this video featuring setters sending the ball over the net on the second hit.
https://youtu.be/2OGMAWVd7wI - 2021-Oct-26 - Libero Setting in the Front ZoneAs you know, Liberos are limited as to what actions they may take. This one, setting using finger action while in the front zone, can be hard to detect but is no less illegal.
https://youtu.be/06NMZ_33Zl8Corny’s Corner:
Don’t get discouraged, success is a poor teacher!
Dropbox file: Failure Can Be A Blessing In Disguise.pdf - 2021-Oct-11 - R2We’re focusing on the R2 this week. A good R2 can make the R1’s job SO much easier!
https://youtu.be/ZrVCGYQ9ARsCorny’s Corner
Dropbox file: Best Practices For The Second Referee.pdf - 2021-Oct-4 - Recruiting and Retaining Good OfficialsIt is all of our responsibility to recruit and retain good officials. On average, each of us needs to recruit 5 officials in order to maintain the cadre, let alone provide for growth in the sport.
Say Yes to Officiating
https://youtu.be/hM9QwI1kIgQCorny’s Corner
Dropbox file: Wanted – More Officials, Good Officials.pdf - 2021-Sep-20 - Player InjuryDo you know what to do if an injury happens during a match? Being prepared with the answers lessens the stress on everyone.
https://youtu.be/Ym8cdS5tzhkCorny has suggestions about those pesky power tips!
Dropbox file: Finger Tip Attack Hits.pdf - 2021-Sep-13 - Coach Delaying TacticsHI Guys!
This week illustrates a finer point in volleyball officiating. Be aware of the situation!Hopefully, this video can be an “Ah Ha” moment for some. The R2 here graciously agreed to use this moment for her to help others.
https://youtu.be/Xhk4DSCmWEwCorny always has good advice about common sense:
Dropbox file: Common Sense.pdf - 2021-Aug-23 - Ball HandlingWell, we’re back! Sort of…
This week, we’ll see some ball handling, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
https://youtu.be/mMtqBrbzyPo - 2021-Aug-16 - Missed Net FaultsHere’s an oldie that we can all re-visit:
https://youtu.be/YrGdJX0sE7wCorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Tricks Of The Trade.pdf - 2021-Apr-26 - Administering SubsA good R2 can make the difference between having a good match and a bad match. Although the R1 sets the tone and has overall control of the match, the R2 works hard on the administrative details during a dead ball and protects the R1 by establishing a rapport with the coaches.
https://youtu.be/ku9yjPbQSwkCorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Best Practices For The Second Referee.pdf - 2021-Apr-19 - OverlapsAs the girls’ spring season winds down, I want to leave you with some things to think about and work to improve over the summer. I’m looking forward to the inaugural boys’ volleyball season and to a “normal” fall season.
Recognizing and calling overlaps is a skill many of us need to improve. Whether we use a line-up card or not, we need to be more diligent in recognizing positional faults and calling them when appropriate.
https://youtu.be/2n4RWuCT5doCorny’s Corner: ‘Nuff said!
Dropbox file: Be Nothing Less Than A Great Referee.pdf - 2021-Apr-12 - Blocking - Legal or Illegal?Judging whether a block is legal or not involves both the vertical and horizontal planes of the net. This can be tricky but learn from these videos.
https://youtu.be/In0LrnX7kPECorny’s Corner on Power Tips:
Dropbox file: Finger Tip Attack Hits.pdf - 2021-Apr-5 - R2 DutiesHey All!
Are you supporting your R1 by doing your job to the best of your ability? It takes concentration and resisting temptation!
https://youtu.be/vYxrUBt9iYkGreat referees care about their image.
Corny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Image Is Everything.pdf - 2021-Mar-29 - R2 moving Into the PoleHi all!
Sometimes, as R2s, we get caught in awkward positions because the players and the ball go in unpredictable directions. Our job is to anticipate the possibilities and get in the best position to make a call. This week’s video highlights how to do just that.
https://youtu.be/rREbLaxZdTkCorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: ABCs Of Ball Handling Judgment.pdf - 2021-Mar-22 - Block/Hit #1 or 2 hits? InterferenceHey gang
More interesting and informative videos to tease the brain:
Block/Hit #1 or 2 hits? https://youtu.be/Vv7e41ae5m0
Interference https://youtu.be/NtyeRdoGFmkCorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Even The Lone Ranger Worked As A Team.pdf - 2021-Mar-15 - Illegal AttackFrom CVOA Training:
Here is a good video example of an illegal attack. You must be centered on the net to judge if the ball is still in the plane at the contact.
https://youtu.be/KXkvWRKo8lACorny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Tricks Of The Trade.pdf - Happy Summer Everyone!
Although uncertainty still reigns, I can say with the confidence of a totally uninformed person that we will have a fall 2020 season! 🙂
In all seriousness, we must continue to prepare for the season, however it looks. It may just be two teams and the officials in an empty gym, we may be in masks and using electronic whistles. Or it may be business as usual in some areas with no social distancing. BE FLEXIBLE.
After several requests over the years, I would like to announce that the required Regional Clinic will soon be available online for credit. Restrictions apply, more on that at a later date.
A reminder to Area Directors, as new referee classes start, you may use the “Plays of the Week videos” to illustrate good techniques and interesting plays. On YouTube, search “Rob Livingston Volleyball”.
For this month’s clip, we have a bang-bang play that the R1 must recognize and confidently own.
https://youtu.be/XLM1dvYpXukAnd another gem from Corny’s Corner:
Dropbox file: Communication Spawns Perceptions.pdfStay Safe!
Rob Livingston
CVOA Training Director
Some additional tips and tricks (from Larry)