Who is That Up on the Stand?

by Glenn Reid

A whistle sounds and everyone turns their attention to the referee up on the stand. What did he just call? How could he not see that ball was in? One of our players hit the net? This cannot be so! Why do all the calls go against our team?

If these questions sound familiar, you have probably been to a volleyball tournament, whether it be local or one of the huge events in a convention center. But who are these people on stands throughout the event blowing loud whistles and signaling strange things?

They are women and men who have a love for the game of volleyball. They are more than likely former players or coaches who love being around the game. They are educators, students, dental assistants, and people from all walks of life. They are husbands, wives, daughters, or sons who put in many hours learning the rules, getting training from more experienced referees, and trying very hard to be fair. They don’t have a pony in the race. They simply are trying to the best job that they can and call what they see.

They are often in the arena for 12-15 hours a day in order to help facilitate the event.

Some have been around the game for many years and others are relatively new to the profession. It is a part-time endeavor for almost all of them, who have jobs and life responsibilities far beyond the court. They get things right and they make mistakes. Not one of them gets up on that stand with the idea of making bad calls, but it sometimes happens.

The next time you hear that whistle and turn your attention to that person up on the stand, please think of who he or she might be. Without that person, we would not be able to have a game or a tournament. We need these people, and we need to keep in mind that they are trying to do their very best!