Instant Replay: Reviewing Recorded Plays on a Tablet

4v4 volleyball games where each team gets one challenge per set to request a video review of an in-or-out ball or a net touch. A replay crew records on a tablet and decides within 30 seconds. It builds responsible use of technology and officiating decisions.

How to play

1. Explain the challenge: the captain calls it right after the point by drawing a rectangle in the air; only line calls and net touches can be reviewed. If the challenge is right, the team keeps it; if wrong, it's lost (3 min).
2. Two courts, each with two teams of 4, a referee and two operators with a tablet mounted in a back corner; everyone else rotates in as subs each serve (2 min).
3. First set, 7 minutes: on a challenge, operators review the play in slow motion and tell the referee 'in', 'out' or 'net touch' within 30 seconds (7 min).
4. Rotate jobs and play a second 7-minute set with new operators and referee (8 min).
5. Review: each operator pair shows the class one reviewed play and the group discusses whether the referee's original call was right (4 min).
6. Delete: all videos are erased in front of the teacher before the tablets are put away (1 min).

Rules

• Film only the court, never people outside the game.
• Videos are not shared, never leave the tablet and are deleted at the end.
• The replay crew's decision is final.
• Safety: tablets mounted outside the playing area, at least 3 m (10 ft) from the line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serves as video operator or head referee consistently.
• Autism or anxiety: runs the tablet without having to announce publicly; their partner does that.
• Advanced players: as captain, may only challenge after explaining what the video will show.

Learning goals

• Use a tablet responsibly to review plays.
• Make officiating decisions based on evidence.
• Respect privacy and the ethical use of images.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 2
• nets: 2
• tablets: 2
• pinnies: 16
• whistles: 2

Teacher tip

Check your school's photo and video policy. The final deletion is not optional: have it done in front of you.

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