VOLLEYBALL
EDITORS: BRAD TITTRINGTON
btittrington@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
DON’T WAFFLE ON PANCAKES Tips to Judge Difficult Plays on the Floor By Brad Tittrington
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As players dive to the floor, all officials need to be aware a potential pancake could occur. It is important to move and get an angle to see the play to make a correct ruling and it is also important to rely on fellow officials to help give information on these types of plays. Sandra Freeman, Morrilton, Ark.
58 | REFEREE October 2021
Pregame on pancakes Use your pregame with your fellow officials to discuss pancakes. This is the time to get the entire crew on the same page on how to deal with these situations. This is where the first referee can request informal signals from the second referee to help with these types of plays. Some first referees want the second referee to provide a signal either way — the ball was down or play should continue. Most first referees will simply say no signal indicates the ball was played legally and play should
TED McCLENNING
hen it comes to volleyball officiating, pancake calls are perhaps the most difficult call for an official. Especially at the higher levels, the athletes are quicker and faster and the ball moves at such a high rate of speed, it can be difficult to judge these contacts. Players are able to get to more and more balls with their athleticism and it is imperative officials focus to get these types of plays correct. Anytime a player dives after a ball, there might be a potential pancake play. In some lower-level matches, you may work the entire match without seeing one. In other matches, you may see multiple pancakes each set or even each rally. Working together as a crew to get these calls right is what helps elevate your game and gives you credibility with players and coaches. Below are some tips and techniques to help with adjudicating these types of plays. While no two situations are ever the same, these general practices should help you feel more confident in ruling on these difficult situations.
