Line Judge Guidelines

1. Line Judge Guidelines Referee Conference September 2006

2. Line Judge – Minor Official The aim of this presentation is to answer a number of questions both from the perspective of the 1st referee and from that of the line judge themselves: • What rules cover line judging? • Where do they stand? • What are their duties and signals? • Is it just about ‘ball in’, ball out’ and ball touched’? • What about protocol? • What about posture? • What do I brief them to do?

3. Line Judge – Minor Official But before we delve into the rules let us ask ourselves the following question: • Do I line judge?

4. Line Judge – Minor Official But before we delve into the rules let us ask ourselves the following question: • Do I line judge? • Can I line judge?

5. Line Judge – Minor Official But before we delve into the rules let us ask ourselves the following question: • Do I line judge? • Can I line judge? • As a referee am I a role model for others when line judging?

6. Introduction – Rules The rules of the game regulate the actions and responsibilities of the line judges. • Rule 27.1 covers locations • Rule 27.2 covers responsibilities and • Rule 28 shows the signals that they make Line judges, along with the scorer, form part of the team controlling the match. Line judges make signals that aid the 1st referee in decision making Their decisions and signals also indicate to the spectators and players the outcome of rallies (within their jurisdiction).

7. Line Judge Positions – Rule 27 Rule 27.1 determines the locations of the line judges. Where there are four line judges (essential for FIVB competition) • Line judges are assigned to each of the lines of the court • They are stationed at each corner of the court on an imaginary extension of the line that they control (and control one line only) • They stand 1 to 2 metres from the line • The stations are numbered 1 to 4 anti-clockwise starting from the 1st Referee’s right. • These locations are maintained for the whole match.

8. Line Judge Positions – Rule 27 Rule 27.1 determines the locations of the line judges Where only two line judges are available positions L1 and L3 are used.

9. Line Judge - Before / After Match Before: The line judges should present themselves to the scorers table ideally 30 minutes before the start of the match. The 1st referee will then brief the line judges on the game (see later notes) After: The line judges should go directly to the scorers table.

10. Line Judge - Protocol Before: The line judges should present themselves to the scorers table 45 minutes before the start of the match. The line judges should line up at the 1st referees direction at the appropriate time. They should stand with the referees, just behind each referee (L1 and L2 behind 1st referee and L3 and L4 behind the 2nd referee) during the presentation.

11. Line Judge - Protocol After the introduction of the teams, captains and coaches the 1st referee blows the whistle for the teams to meet. The line judges should then follow the 1st referee’s request to withdraw to the stand whilst the teams meet. Once completed they should then prepare to go to their stations (note local tournament direction – prepare to follow referee to scorer’s table and then split). After: The line judges should go directly to the scorers table – not to the stand.

12. Line Judge Responsibilities – Rule 27 Rule 27.2 determines the responsibilities of the line judges Line judges signal to the 1st referee faults that are within their jurisdiction • The 1st referee may use this information given by the line judge • The line judge should use the official signals and be firm and clear. • The 1st referee may ask the line judge to repeat any signal. • The 1st referee may decide not to use the information. • The line judge may not insist on a decision to the 1st referee. • Where contrasting decisions are made by the line judges the 1st referee will determine the decision. • The line judges will use flags of 40cm x 40 cm of uniform colour but contrasting to that of the playing court.

13. Line Judge Responsibilities – 1st Referee Brief Before each match the 1st referee will brief the line judges – be prepared for this briefing in the time before the official warm-up starts. The briefing may include the following: • Give a clear example of each of the signals • Ensure you concentrate on your own line(s) • Ensure they are close enough to the line • Signal even the obvious calls to maintain concentration • Encourage confident ‘quick’ calls especially on close decisions • Hold the signal until the referee has seen / acknowledged it • Maintain eye contact with the 1st referee The final point above is very important. You cannot be part of team if the 1st referee cannot communicate with you. It also builds trust between you and the referee is more likely to look for you.

14. Line Judge Signals – Rule 28 Line judges should use the appropriate signal from the FIVB rules of the game. Only these signals should be used.

15. 1 Line Judge Signals Ball In Signal 1 When the ball touches the playing court including the boundary lines. Signal is given by the line judge controlling the line nearest to where the ball lands. If the ball lands in the corner of the court the line judge nearest the corner gives the decision.

16. 2 Line Judge Signals Ball Out Signal 2 When the ball touches the floor completely outside the playing court. Signal is given by the line judge nearest to where the ball lands / over whose line the ball last passed.

17. 3 Line Judge Signals Ball Touched Signal 3 When the ball is touched by the blocker(s) or player of the receiving / defending team and then touches the floor completely outside the playing court. Signal is given by the line judge whom controls the line nearest to where the ball lands. Line judges should signal all ‘ball touched’ decisions, where seen, on their side of the court.

18. Line Judge – Ball touched ‘Ball touched’ decisions can be more difficult for the 1st referee to call and they need clear decisions from the line judges to help. • Be aware of the likely line of the ball. This will help with seeing which players may eventually be required to play the ball. • Get used to the speed of the game by looking at the net and then moving to your line as quickly as possible. • Generally it is easy to see balls coming towards you if they have touched, but also call those going away from you. • Beware!! When a ball is blocked and comes back on your side of the net and goes out then be careful to signal ‘ball out’ and not ‘ball touched’. You may confuse the 1st referee – so be prepared to clarify if necessary.

19. 4 Line Judge Signals Ball Outside Crossing Space / Positional fault Signal 4 When the ball passes outside the crossing space the line judge should wave the flag and point to the aerial. Signal is given by line judge controlling the side line on that side of the court. If players at moment of service are outside the confines of the court the line judge controlling that line should wave flag and signal.

20. Line Judge – Service and Outside Antenna These elements of the line judges work can seem the simplest and yet when it comes to it in play they may not be so easy… Service – Remember there are some key things you are looking for. • L2 and L4 are looking for the server fouling the service line. • L1 and L3 are looking that the service has been executed within the service zone. • L1 and L3 may also have to move to allow the server to serve but still be prepared to move quickly into position. • All are looking to ensure at the moment of the service hit all players are within the court. • Note! You must not insist on a decision to the 1st referee so be prepared to look for their acknowledgement that they have seen your signal.

21. Line Judge – Service and Outside Antenna These elements of the line judges work can seem the simplest and yet when it comes to it in play they may not be so easy… • Antenna – When the ball goes over the antenna… • It is quite difficult to see this from some positions so be prepared to look at the diagonal antenna if an attack is coming from wide of the court from 2 or 4. • When the ball goes over the antenna remember that it may be played back from within the opponents ‘free zone’ so you must wait until it is clear to signal the fault, e.g. whistle is blown, opposing player plays the ball etc. • Note! Whilst on the subject – check the antennae are vertical and if they need adjusting indicate to the 1st referee. Wait until an appropriate stoppage and act when the 1st referee indicates that a correction should be made.

22. 5 Line Judge Signals Judgement not possible Signal 5 If the line judge is not in a position to see the play, they are required to indicate that they did not see the incident. The arms are crossed in front of the line judges chest.

23. Line Judge – Judgement Impossible In short it should be very rare that this signal is given if the line judges are concentrating. But if it has to be then make is clearly so the 1st referee has the necessary information. They may ask you to clarify what you cannot make a decision on.

24. Line Judge Signals Decision making – it is important to ensure that the decision making and subsequent signal are both correct in interpretation and application. Movement - As players move around the court they may obscure the line you are controlling. Concentration - Maintain concentration by signalling all faults within your jurisdiction even if they appear obvious. Help – Be prepared to help the 1st referee when the decision may not be obvious from their angle of view. For example signalling ‘ball-in’ clearly to the referee if the ball has grounded.

25. Line Judge – Game interruptions The game will be stopped for time-outs; technical time-outs and change of sets (or exceptional interruptions such as injury) The line judge team will ensure that they remain professional in game interruptions: • Time-out (30 seconds) – retreat to the edge of the free zone on the imaginary extension of the line. Stand at ease. • Technical (1 minute at 1st team to 8 and 16 points in each set apart from the 5th) – as above • Exceptional interruptions – retreat to the edge of the free zone as in the case of a time-out (unless indicated otherwise by the 1st referee).

26. Line Judge – Game interruptions The game will be stopped for time-outs; technical time-outs and change of sets (or exceptional interruptions such as injury) The line judge team will ensure that they remain professional in game interruptions: • End of set (2 minutes 30 seconds) – the line judges at each end should retreat to edge of the free zone and meet in the centre of the court behind the end line and relax and stand at ease (water if necessary).

27. Line Judge – Posture Line judges are a very important part of the look and feel of the game. How you dress, stand, conduct duties and make decisions is very important. Be part of the game - helps concentration and gives the players confidence (in all the officials on the court). During breaks (including between points) relax - Stand at ease. But stay attentive and alert. Look for the 1st referees signal to the server – this is the point to switch on. Then be ready. Hold the flag unfurled just behind your back leg ready to snap the decision when required. This will show you are ready and taking full part in the game.

28. Line Judge – Anything else? Other areas where the line judges can help is to: Always look at the 1st referee – every rally! Check the aerials as these can move during the match. Bring to the 1st referees attention particular misconduct if it would not usually have been noticed by either referee. Check that the ball persons nearest you are controlling the balls correctly (not playing with them). Does the nearest ballperson (relevant position 2 or 4) have two balls? Do you know how to score – you are part of the team and might be required…. But that is another presentation!