CVVOA Rating Procedures

R3 Raters:

For R3 assignments, arrive courtside in uniform a half-hour before the match as if you were working the match. Discuss your expectations with the official assigned as the second referee before the coin toss (when and where the post-match discussion will take place, etc.) Remind the second referee to take notes during the varsity match and ask questions or make comments about calls and situations, particular if the other officials do something that was different than the way they were training in class. Also remind them that, as a minimum, they are required to remain for the first three sets of the varsity. Even if the match lasts four or more sets, recommend that they say so they can sit on the post-match debrief with your other partner after the match.

Observe their pre-match preparation (equipment check, jewelry check, etc.), the captains’ meeting, monitoring warm-ups, briefing the work team (both R1/R2 pregame discussion and their briefing of the personnel at score table). If you can’t hear the discussion at the time, you can ask what was discussed later.

Please remember, during the JV match, you are an observer *only* – there are two officials assigned that responsibility. This is a real match not a scrimmage. The officials on the floor are being paid, so let them officiate even if they make mistakes and discuss later. During the match, concentrate on the second referee, but take notes on the R1’s performance as well to discuss after the varsity match. Observe protocol, mechanics, whistle/signals, and non-verbal communication. Evaluate judgment skills. Take note of any controversial situations and be prepared to suggest alternative ways of handling the problem. Be sure to make note of strong points as well as constructive criticism.

After the JV match, conduct the captains’ meeting for the varsity contest then let your R2 handle the rest of the warm-up period. Take the R2 on the JV match aside and review your notes with him/her. Ask them to make notes during the post-match debrief. Although you will no doubt suggest many things that could be improved, emphasize the three most important items to work on during the ratee’s next several matches. During the varsity match, remind the ratee to take notes. If the matches lasts more than three sets and the R2 on the JV match must leave, have them give their notes to the varsity match R2 on their way out. Emphasize that it would be to their benefit to remain after the varsity match, even if the contest lasts more than three sets, to discuss the evening’s officiating.

After the match, submit the rating report to David Bassler, Bruce Frye and Brian Cowles, preferably scanning and emailing the document. Please add up the points, note the number of non-ratable elements in the appropriate block and be sure to write that the match was a JV, the official being rated was an R2 and whether the match was a boys’ or girls’ contest. The notes you write on the back of the form (or type and submit along with the numbers side) are very important and help the training committee get a handle on what they need to focus on in training meetings. Raters who type their notes and provide a copy to the observed referee as well as the rating committee earn many brownie points.

You will not be paid if David doesn’t get your rating within seven (7) days after the date of the assignment.

Officials being rated by R3s:

Arrive courtside in uniform at least 30 minutes before match time. These are paid matches, so you and your partner are in charge of the contest, not the assigned R3.

After the JV match – and after the coin toss of the varsity match – you will meet with the R3 to discuss the match. Take notes. Accept compliments at face value and avoid reacting defensively to criticism.

During the varsity contest watch the match as an official. Make notes of good calls or bad, especially calls you don’t understand. Mention unusual situations and areas where the officials did something that was different from how you were taught in training class. You must watch at least three sets and, if the match is finished after the third sets, meet with the other two officials to review your notes and discuss the match. It is strongly recommended that you stay for the entire varsity contest even if it goes five sets. The most match discussion will help your officiating immensely. If, however, you have to leave after the third set, hand your notes to the R2 before exiting. You will not be paid if you leave before the end of the third set or fail to leave your notes with the R2 if you leave after the third set.

Regular rating/observation/training/whatever you want to call it:

Raters arrive at least 30 minutes before match time. Note the arrival time of the assigned referees. Observe their pre-match preparation (equipment check, jewelry check, etc.), the captains’ meeting, monitoring warm-ups, the R1/R2 pregame discussion and their briefing of the personnel at score table). If you can’t hear the discussion at the time, you can ask what was discussed later.

Please remember, during the match, you are an observer *only* – there are two officials assigned responsibility to referee the match. This is a real match not a scrimmage, after all. The officials on the floor are being paid, so let them officiate even if they make mistakes and discuss later. You will make notes about both officials.

For the first referee, evaluate their judgment skills – does the R1 maintain standards throughout a set and from set to set. Does the R1 call ball contact and not position or technique? Is the R1 aware of backrow players? Does the R1 give the R2 an opportunity to make net and center line calls only making call if partner fails to whistle the fault? Observe protocol, mechanics, whistle/signals, positioning, professionalism and match control. Evaluate communication skills with partner and match participants. Make a note of any controversial situations and be prepared to suggest alternative ways of handling the problem. Be sure to make note of strong points as well as constructive criticism.

For the second referee, evaluate their judgment skills – calling nets, center line faults, out-of-rotation on receiving team, antennas, touches and signaling back row faults. Does the R2 use the correct hand signals, mimicking the R1s signals, but using correct sequence when calling faults? Is the R2's whistle authoritative? Does the R2 scan benches to anticipate subs and TO requests? Is the R2 positioned correctly? Does the R2 transition properly? Does the R2 provide appropriate and visible information signals? Does the R2 move to get better angles on the antenna if necessary? Does the R2 communicate appropriately with match participants and partner? Does the R2 help partner maintain control of the match?

Sit down with the officials your observing after the match. You can have the conversation in the school or in a local watering hole over an adult beverage, and the length of the discussion will vary, but a thorough evaluation should always take place. Be honest and tactful with each official. Compliment strong points and mention any problem areas you observed. Give each official three things to work on for the next couple of matches.

Later, but not much later, complete the rating forms and return them to David Bassler, Bruce Frye and Brian Cowles, preferably scanning and emailing them. Please be sure to add up the points and write whether you rating was on the JV or Varsity match and as the R1 or R2.

You will not be paid if David doesn’t get your rating within seven (7) days after the date of the assignment.