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VOLLEYBALL REFEREE – WHO CAN BECOME ONE AND WHAT DO THEY NEED ON THE COURT?
2025-02-22
A volleyball referee has a huge responsibility. The referee carefully observes the situation on the court, each player at all times and makes important decisions – often affecting the final outcome of the game. Therefore, to become a volleyball referee, one must have both the right aptitude and qualifications. Find out what the requirements are for those dreaming of a career as a volleyball referee.
HOW TO BECOME A VOLLEYBALL REFEREE? FORMAL REQUIREMENTS
Willingness alone is not enough to be a referee during volleyball matches. A future volleyball referee:
• must be a person of legal age – a candidate must be at least 18 years of age at the time of passing the volleyball referee exam. However, the referee course itself can be started earlier;
• must not have medical contraindications to practice as a referee;
• must have full public powers;
• must not be a person with a criminal record – must submit a criminal record certificate;
• must declare their willingness to voluntarily join the referee association and accept the rules and regulations of the voivodeship volleyball association;
• must be available and have an interest in volleyball.
VOLLEYBALL REFEREE – WHO CAN BECOME ONE?
A good candidate to be a volleyball referee is a former volleyball player or coach, as well as being passionate about the sport. The person must also:
• be resolute and communicative in order to be able to give clear instructions, messages to the players and not change them under pressure from the players;
• be objective, i.e. must treat both teams playing the game and each player equally;
• have the ability to remain calm in cases of emergency.
WHAT IS THE TRAINING LIKE AS A VOLLEYBALL REFEREE?
When there are no formal contraindications, the referee candidate starts training. The course to become a referee costs several hundred zlotys and usually lasts between five and eight weeks. These aspects depend on the rules of its organizer – possibly a voivodeship volleyball associations.
The referee course consists of two parts:
• theoretical – in these classes, students learn all the details about the rules of the game and the guidelines for referees in Poland. The trainers (they are experienced referees) present unique on-court cases described in FIVB documents, using multimedia (provided by the Polish Volleyball Association (PZPS) and the FIVB). The theoretical part of the referee course concludes with an examination;
• practical - these are on-court activities. The referee candidate must come to them dressed in proper referee attire, footwear and with their own whistle. In the practical classes, students learn the official signaling of offences and become familiar with the court equipment. They learn how to act as referee I, referee II, referee secretary or line referee. The training of future referees also involves taking part in refereeing friendly matches. In order to pass the practical part, a candidate must receive a pass mark in a minimum of 3 classes.
Volleyball referee courses are held at weekends. The classes last for several hours each day. Whether a candidate successfully completes the course is also determined by his or her attendance at the course.
Do you enjoy tennis and dream of umpiring matches on the court? Be sure to read our guide: Work and passion – become a tennis umpire!
VOLLEYBALL REFEREE - COURSE AND WHAT NEXT?
Before an up-and-coming referee officiates international and top league games, he or she has to go through several career phases. Initially, he or she will be honing their skills during Kinder + Sport mini-volleyball competitions, among others. A junior referee can also referee amateur, lower voivodeship and university league matches. With experience, provided he or proves him or herself as a referee, the junior referee will be seconded to officiate at more serious games.
A good referee has to be in shape. Find out what it takes to coach volleyball – read the article: Volleyball training with professional equipment – what do you need?
WHERE IS THE VOLLEYBALL REFEREE DURING THE MATCH?
During official competitions of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), matches are refereed by four line referees and one main referee. The former move along the lines bounding the court. The main referee, on the other hand, looks down on the players from above – it is for him or her that a professional referee stand is placed next to the court, at the height of the net posts.
PROFESSIONAL REFEREE STAND – practical folded structure
This is a stand made of 35 mm diameter steel tube. It has an adjustable platform height, wheels and can be folded. Thanks to this design, it is both convenient for the referee and can be easily moved around the court and easily put in the sports facilities after the match.
A volleyball referee must have a sharp eye, be attentive, always fully focused on the game and impartial. To become one, a candidate has to pass a two-part course and achieve positive results in examinations and in classes. Sign up if you have the aptitude.