Refs and Scouts in 3v3 Mini-Volley

A 3v3 mini-volley tournament where every student takes turns playing, refereeing, and scouting game stats. They learn the basic rules and see volleyball from the outside.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the basic referee signals (point to a team, ball in, ball out, net touch, four hits) and explains the scout sheet: serves in, passes to the setter, and three-contact plays (5 min).
2. Groups of eight per court: two teams of three play, one person refs with a whistle, and one fills in the scout sheet for one team (2 min).
3. First round of 6-minute games, rotating roles at the end: refs and scouts go in to play (12 min).
4. Second round the same way, until everyone has done all three roles (12 min).
5. Each scout hands their sheet to the team they watched and shares one strength and one thing to improve (4 min).

Rules

• The ref's call stands; questions are discussed after the game.
• The ref may ask the scout for help on a play they missed.
• The scout sheet is about the game, not about people.
• Underhand or overhand serve, up to three contacts, and rotation on side-out.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: the ref uses big hand signals and a flag or bandana along with the whistle.
• Limited mobility: can ref from a tall chair or bench by the net and plays with one bounce allowed.
• Students who get stressed by competition: start as scout to watch the game before going in.

Learning goals

• Know and apply the basic rules of volleyball.
• Accept officiating calls and play fair.
• Observe the game and give the team useful data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 4
• elastic cords: 4
• cones: 24
• whistles: 4
• observation sheets: 12
• pencils: 12

Teacher tip

Make the scout sheet with three rows and tally marks; no names or grades. Post the referee signals on a poster on the wall so students can check them during play.

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