Volleyball Officiating Crew and Scoresheet
4-on-4 volleyball games run by a student officiating crew: first and second referee, two line judges and a scorekeeper. Students learn each role, the basic signals and how to record points and servers on a simple scoresheet.
How to play
- Explain the roles: the first referee makes the calls; the second watches the net and rotations; line judges signal in, out and touch with a flag; the scorekeeper records points and servers (4 min).
- Teach the signals for in, out, touch, rotation fault and double contact; the class mirrors them (2 min).
- Make groups of 13: two teams of 4 and a crew of 5 per court.
- Play a set to 15 (about 6 min): the scorekeeper marks each point and the server's number; both captains sign at the end.
- The crew checks with the teacher that the sheet matches the score and discusses one tough call (1 min).
- Rotate: the crew plays and one team officiates; three sets in total (21 min).
Rules
- Only the first referee awards the point; line judges inform.
- Line judges stand at the corners, about 2 m (6 ft) outside the court.
- No arguing: the captain politely asks the second referee.
- The sheet is filled in after every rally, not at the end.
Variations
Easier
A crew of three: first referee, scorekeeper and one line judge.
Standard
A crew of five with a points-and-servers scoresheet.
Harder
The scorekeeper also tracks rotations and the second referee catches overlaps.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: keep score or work as second referee from a chair by the post.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: follow the first referee's signals and a hand cue from the scorekeeper.
- Shyness: start as a line judge, who communicates with the flag without speaking.
Learning goals
- Carry out each role on an officiating crew.
- Record the flow of a game accurately.
- Respect and value the work of officials.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyballs: 3
- nets: 2
- whistles: 2
- scoresheets: 6
- pens: 2
- line judge flags: 4
Teacher tip
Prepare a sheet with boxes 1 to 15 per team. Ask line judges to raise the flag decisively: a wrong call beats no call.
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