Okay, here’s my attempt at a blog post, following your instructions and example, about how I learned to referee a volleyball game:
So, I wanted to get more involved in my local volleyball community, and I figured, why not try refereeing? I’ve played for years, but being on the other side of the net, calling the shots? That’s a whole different ball game (pun intended!).
First, I signed myself up for the local refereeing certification program. Honestly, I thought I knew the rules pretty well from playing, but boy, was I in for a surprise. There’s a big difference between knowing the gist of the rules and actually understanding them inside and out, like the back of your hand.
Getting Start
The training was super thorough. We spent hours going through the official rulebook, with lots and lots of details. We watched videos of games, pausing and discussing calls, “Was that a double touch? Did that player touch the net?”. It made me realize how many subtle things refs have to catch in real-time.
Then came the practical part. We started by doing some practice games with other trainees. I remember my first time as the “up ref” (the one on the stand). My heart was pounding! I blew the whistle, made the signal for a fault, and… I completely blanked on the next step. My instructor just calmly guided me through it. Lots of people helped me, it’s really great.
Practice makes perfect
- I started with some lower-level games, like recreational leagues. That helped me get comfortable with the basics without the pressure of a super competitive match.
- I made mistakes, for sure. I called a lift that wasn’t a lift, missed a net touch… you name it. But after each game, I’d talk to more experienced refs, get their feedback, and try to learn from my errors.
- I also spent time as the “down ref” (the one on the floor near the net), the scorekeeper, and the line judge. Getting that all-around experience really helped me understand the flow of the game and how all the officials work together.
Still Learning
Even now, after reffing a bunch of games, I’m still learning. Every game throws up something new, some weird situation you haven’t seen before. But that’s part of the fun, I guess. It keeps you on your toes!
It’s definitely been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have a whole new appreciation for volleyball officials, and I feel like I’m contributing to the sport I love in a different way. And, hey, it’s a good workout, too – running around and staying focused for a whole match is no joke!
