NFHS Rules Interpreters Meeting VOLLEYBALL 2008-09

1. NFHS Rules Interpreters MeetingVOLLEYBALL2008-09 Presenter: Ellen Townsend NIAA State Rules Interpreter, Assignor & Official (Nevada) ellentownsend@sbcglobal.net 775.742.9964 (Cell)

2. Starting the Season Off Right • Pre-match Conference • Proactive Officiating Techniques • Positive Communication

3. Partner *Pre-match Briefing - Discussion topics - Eye Communication - Professional - Enjoyable - Departing - Debriefing Coach/Captain *Pre-match Meeting - Introductions/Floor Capt. - Ground Rules - Jewelry/Uniforms/Legal - Sportsmanship Expectations - “Other” - Warm-up times - Q & A - Coin toss - “Good match” Starting the Season Off RightPre-match Conference

4. Starting the Season Off RightPre-match Conference • Discussion topics • Ground rules = 1 pt • Protocols: checking net/ball, greeting coaches, etc. = 1 pt • Signaling antenna faults R2 = 1 pt • Signaling touches (rally/end of play) = 1 pt • Scorekeeper and Libero Proficiency = 1 pt • Line judges and shaggers expectations = 1 pt • R2 movement and using discrete signals = 1 pt • Ball down, seen by R2, not sure by R1 = 1 pt

5. Starting the Season Off RightPre-match Conference • Discussion topics 9. Location of host management & trainer = 1 pt 10. BackRow & libero situations = 2 pts 11. Sportsmanship, bench decorum & sanctions = 2 pts 12. Signals: Illegal hit and Resume play = 2 pts 13. Signal: Discrete game/match pt. and four-hit preference or not & body location = 3 pts 14. Ball down, seen by R2, not sure by R1 , R2 disagrees with line judge down or in/out call = 3 pts 15. Crew communication – sharing information regarding a play/situation = 3 pts

6. Starting the Season Off RightProactive Officiating Techniques • “As proactive relates to officiating…a technique, a mechanic, a verbal comment or statement, a non-verbal cue that produces and encourages fairness and demonstrates involvement or participation resulting in a positive outcome (change); that is constructive and of educational benefit for all participants; that shows we care.”* • * Ellen Townsend 7/1/08

7. Starting the Season Off RightProactive Officiating Techniques • Officiate without the whistle whenever possible • Perception and awareness of situations • Ability to recover and re-focus • Experience, collaborating and training

8. Starting the Season Off RightProactive Officiating Techniques • Officiate without the whistle = preventive officiating - Before the match • Scorekeeper & Libero Tracker & Line Judges • Play up…Part of crew • Quizzing • OJT (Benefit ??) - During play - Dead ball and Timeouts - Between games - WHO??

9. Starting the Season Off RightProactive Officiating Techniques • Perception and awareness • Know the situation…have recall • Anticipate the question from the coach • Address one “Coach” …the HEAD coach • Use “Book Language” • Be concise ??

10. Starting the Season Off RightProactive Officiating Techniques • The road to “Recovery” I, _______________, pledge to do the following: • To make that call next time… to “Just do it!” • To expect a reaction when I DO call it and will be prepared for any consequences. • To accept that I can’t take that whistle back. • To limit replays in my mind and just let it go. • To recognize the mistake and be determined not to repeat it. • To zoom in and re-focus and to judge the contact. • To own each call.

11. Starting the Season Off RightPositive Communication • Portray the “Positive” • Display positive body language • Give off a positive attitude • Make eye contact with Coach/Captains/Partner/Crew • Be aware of non-verbal cues • Practice good mechanics/proper signals • Practice good listening skills • Be approachable • Provide accurate information

12. Starting the Season Off RightPositive Communication • Allow the Coach to be heard WITHOUT delaying the game • Know when to: • Listen and respond quickly • Listen and ignore (file it) • Listen and engage in a full response (short and concise) • Listen and penalize (yellow-red-eject) • Know the really tough part is … …Trying to do all of this while quite possibly being “cross-examined”, criticized, berated, yelled at…..booed by fans...!!

13. Act as an ambassador when providing information Maintain composure Gets better and improves over time Learned on-the-job Do homework: Recall situations in order to better respond (more recovery) Ultimate Goal - How can I be a more effective communicator with players and coaches when the ball is NOT in play? How can I improve is this area? Starting the Season Off RightPositive Communication

14. Starting the Season Off RightWrap-up • Suggestions for Success • Gain experience through hands-on practice and training • Rules clinics and Association meetings • Scrimmages and pre-season tournaments • Debriefings • Invite experienced officials to share their techniques and scenarios • Apply the techniques by recreating the “scene of the crime” • Use email, Web sites, magazines and other sport scenarios • Create your own “scenes” for use in training

15. Starting the Season Off RightWrap-up • Officiate without the whistle whenever possible. • Get ready for the season early…like NOW! • Key ingredients of an effective official are great communication skill and sense of humor. • Knowledge is power, absorb the “Rules” like a sponge • Be a diplomat – a mediator or facilitator. • HAVE FUN OUT THERE! • Thank you!!