OT: Working Volleyball

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Andy

Mentally, every sport I have attempted to officiate requires a high level of study of the rules and mechanics, understanding of the objectives of the game, and focus and concentration while you are actually officiating a contest.

First part extremely true.

It's the on-field focus and concentration that differs. Football and baseball, you have consistent and significant breaks where you don't have to be concentrating. Breaks between plays, for example. You must be alert - but the focus is less intense except at specific moments.

Volleyball and Basketball, the between play breaks are far shorter, and (esp in VB) the focus is very multi-tasky. Take the focus on responsibilities, who you're looking at, and what you're watching for in basketball ... and then add to it that you have to remember that the 2 guards can only jump shoot from parts of the field, but may set-shot from anywhere, and the center must be the first person up the court in transition... and then remember who the guards and center were on the other team when the ball changes sides, even though they might be of similar height; and the guards change each play