To improve the proficiency of junior support crews during the season, OVR officials should be giving similar instructions during the pre-match discussion. If the teams are hearing the same information from the officials no matter what part of the region they play in, we'll find that they will quickly learn and adapt!
Good things an OVR official should say to a junior scorer
"Are you comfortable using this scoresheet?"
"Do you know how to use the sanctions box?"
"What will you do if we have a wrong server?" (ANSWER: Notify the second referee AFTER the server has contacted the ball.)
"If you need extra time to record ANYTHING, or if something doesn't seem right, stop me right away! I don't mind! The scoresheet is very important, and we need to make sure everything is correct. Whatever is wrong is easier to fix right away."
"What are the five things we should look for when the line up sheet is turned in?" (ANSWER: 1) team name; 2) coach's signature; 3) the captain is indicated; 4) there are six different numbers for the starters; 5) is there a Libero indicated, and is the Libero's number NOT the same as the six starters. REFEREES: "If any of these five things are missing, let me know right away so that we can have the coach correct it.")
When the OVR lineup sheet is used, help me make sure that the coach has filled out the roster on the back."
"Double count substitution information during timeouts. This way you can make sure you've slashed the correct number of subs for each team. Also, notify the second referee when the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th substitutions have occurred for each team."
"If coaches attempt to ask you for information, tell them they must request this info from the second referee."
"Have a 1-2-3 system for each point scored, for the loss of rally, for subs and timeouts. If you do it the same way each time, you'll be on top of everything for each rally."
"After you have recorded a timeout, raise your hands to show me and the second referee how many timeouts have been taken be each team."
"During a timeout, you can also notify me how many subs each team has taken by showing the number, followed by the substitution signal."
"Do you know when to sign the scoresheet?"
Points of Emphasis
Make sure the top and bottom (Tournament Information, Referee Information) is filled out in pen. (Referees: are we particular about this if they only have one writing instrument (a pencil)? NO!)
Use of circles vs. slashes or an "X".
Communication between the R1 and the scorer across the court! The scorer should use some sort of "ready" signal after substitutions, etc.
The scorer should verify the starting players' numbers on the court WITH the second referee before the start a game. This is a good double-check so that we don't allow a wrong player to start a game. This should be done from the score table, not courtside with the R2.
Recording the exit score on game point when it was earned on a loss of rally.
Which points are circled at the end of a game? Running column or scoring section or both?
REFEREES: Verify that the correct winning team has been recorded at the bottom of the scoresheet, and initial next to the scores.