LINEUP CHECK LOGISTICS

How Second Referees Can Quickly Fix Issues

By Brad Tittrington

Secondreferees have a lot of responsibility during a match. The most important job, however, comes before a single point is scored. That job entails making sure each team’s lineup is correct and making sure the right players are on the court. If second referees don’t start the match with the correct players as listed on the lineups, it will only create major headaches as the set progresses. That is why it is important for second referees, as well as the table crew, to double check the lineups when they are first turned in by the coaches. It is also imperative second referees double check the lineup again when checking the court before each set to make sure the right players are in the right positions.

There are a couple of situations most apt to happen when it comes to lineup errors, and it is important for second referees to know the rules about correcting those errors. Coaches have a lot to deal with, especially if coaching isn’t a fulltime job, and sometimes they make mistakes. It happens even to the best of them at the highest levels. It is our job and responsibility to practice preventive officiating and fix errors before they become major mistakes.

Let’s take a look at how to handle lineup checks prematch and before each set, and what the rules are surrounding those situations.

Prematch Check

In NFHS and USAV, teams must submit the lineup for the first set no later than two minutes before the end of the timed prematch warmup (NFHS 7-1-2a; USAV 7.3.2). In NCAA, teams must submit their lineups no later than three minutes before the end of the prematch warmup (10.1.1.1). Second referees sometimes take a cursory look and pass them on to the scorer to input in the scorebook. However, second referees should take time and make sure the lineups are accurate before handing the lineup over to the scorer. This is the first opportunity to correct a mistake and can save both time and a lot of headaches.

Second referees should double check to make sure each of the starting six players has a unique, legal number. In NFHS and USAV competition, second referees should also make sure each starting player’s number appears on the roster that is submitted. Second referees should then check to make sure each libero (liberos in USAV) has a legal number that is different than one of the starting six players. If you aren’t sure of a number, ask the coach to confirm. After confirming all the players are legal and there are no duplicate or illegal numbers, hand the lineup to the scorer. The next step is also extremely important: Make sure the scorer copies the lineup correctly into the scorebook. It only takes a few seconds to verify the information is correctly transcribed, but can save a lot of aggravation if this step is missed.

Preset Check

After the first set, teams must submit their roster with no later than one minute (NFHS) or 30 seconds (NCAA and USAV) remaining in the interval between sets. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to check the lineups and get them to the scorer to put in the scorebook. However, it is crucial to check the numbers and not just assume they are correct. Generally, teams will use roughly the same starting players, but may change the rotation. If there is a different number listed than what was submitted in the previous set, make sure it is a legal number. Also, make sure the libero is accounted for if a team is using one. If something seems out of place, double check with the coach to make sure before you hand it over to the scorer. Never assume, as you know what happens when you assume.

Lineup Lists Number No Team Member Is Wearing

There are times a coach will turn in a lineup and list a number no team member is wearing. It could just be a simple mistake or a player has changed numbers and a coach forgot, or a player may be injured but a coach is used to putting that number in the lineup and that number was mistakenly written in. Whatever the reason, there are rules to make the lineup legal before the set starts. If the incorrect number is one of the six starters, the team can legally substitute a player with a legal number into the position before the start of the set. In NFHS and NCAA, the team is charged with a substitution (NFHS 7-1-4a-1; NCAA 10.1.1.9). In USAV, the lineup sheet is corrected and no sanction or substitution is charged (7.3.5.1). If the error involves the libero — as shown in PlayPics A and B — simply change

DID YOU KNOW?

High school volleyball adopted the rally-scoring format for matches in 2002. Prior to the change, matches were played utlizing sideout-scoring, meaning teams could only earn points while serving. The NCAA moved to rally scoring in 2001, but sets were initially played to 30 points. It adopted the current 25-point system in 2008. USAV adopted rally scoring in 1999. The change allowed for shorter games and gave the spectators a more exciting match to watch because there is always a point on the line.

Quicktip

As first referee, identify back-row players before each serve since they’re the players you need to identify for potential back-row faults during the rally. If player numbers are 4-2-9, remember “429” instead of three single digits. If uniform numbers are double digits, remember only the second digit. For example, 15-36-24 is “564.”

They Said It

“I kept hearing from people that the officiating pool is getting smaller and smaller, and they are getting older and older. I know how much volleyball meant to me in high school, and I want those kids to be able to have the experiences I had as well. I’ve never been a trendsetter. But I hope there is a trend that I start of younger people giving back to their sport. … There are so many times when I’ve walked into a gym where the coaches and players have known me. I’m hoping to turn that recognition into action from other people. If I can put officiating up in a spotlight, I hope it’s for the better and we can no longer have officiating shortages.”

— Kristi Kopanis, former WTOL (Toledo, Ohio) sportscaster, on why she decided to start officiating the game she played in high school. She recently posted on Twitter she just received her first NCAA D-I officiating assignment.

SOURCE: THE BLADE