Twenty years ago, Alex Sadler was just a kid in the stands of his high school gym, watching his older brother play volleyball. Like many of us who fall in love with the game, he was hooked instantly. The following year, he joined the team, launching a competitive playing career that would eventually lead to coaching. But after suffering a torn ACL, Alex found himself unable to compete at the level he was used to. That’s when officiating entered the picture.
Curious about how to stay connected to the sport, Alex reached out to a few friends who were already referees. They helped guide him into officiating, and he quickly found that it was more than just a way to stay involved—it became a passion. “For me, the most rewarding part of officiating has been the chance to give back to the game I love,” Alex says.
This past June, at the Girls Junior Nationals in Texas, Alex achieved a major milestone: he earned his USA Volleyball Junior National Referee patch. “It was the next step in the process and very rewarding,” he says. “The week of officiating in Dallas, with several high-level officials watching every match with you, was nerve-wracking—but well worth it. The coaches were supportive and encouraging, and they really wanted everyone to succeed and enjoy the experience. Earning my JN patch has opened doors I didn’t have access to before, like officiating high-level college matches.”
Refereeing isn’t easy. Every match demands focus, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of the game. Officials constantly assess ball handling, net violations, back row attacks, and whether a player touched the ball off the block. The pressure to get every call right is intense—and the learning never stops.
“Officiating teaches you so much,” Alex says. “Every challenging call becomes a lesson you replay in your mind. It makes you better every time you step on the court.”
When it comes to managing unsportsmanlike behavior, Alex approaches it with patience and professionalism. “Most of the time, coaches and players just want to be heard,” he explains. “They want to know why a call was made. I take the time to hear them out and explain the decision. If someone keeps arguing a judgment call, that’s when cards come into play—but I always try to avoid getting to that point.”
As for advice to anyone considering officiating? “If you’re even thinking about it, go for it,” Alex says. “Officiating is a great way to stay involved, whether you’re still playing or just watching. You can work your way up to some really competitive matches, and you learn so much more about the game along the way. My biggest tip is to reach out to people you know who already officiate. That made a huge difference for me.”
Alex’s story is a reminder that there are many ways to be part of the game—and that giving back through officiating can be just as fulfilling as playing.