New/Old Rookie

[big]

Thanks for the advice!

Originally Posted by MCBear

Big, if you refereed volleyball 20 years ago, the changes will strike you as numerous.

You're right there!

Originally Posted by MCBear

However, the most important thing for you is your attitude toward the game. Read the rules book, talk with coaches and other officials who are respected in your geographical area, and become a student of the game again.

That's the same no matter what sport. I know that if you know the rules and have a great attitude you're a long ways down the raod already!

Originally Posted by MCBear

Also, realize that YMCA volleyball may not adequately prepare you for reffing high school next fall.

I realize that but the sports director @ the Y really knows her stuff and is willing to teach me.

Originally Posted by MCBear

The major differences are: the antennas are directly above the sidelines now; the serving area extends the full width of the court; the ball can contact the net during the serve on its way over and play will continue ("let" serve); multiple contacts on first ball over are allowed including allowing finger action; scoring is rally score (each time a team wins a rally, they get a point); games are played to 25 points except the deciding game is to 15; we now play best 3 out of 5 games on the varsity level; each team gets only 2 time-outs per game; red and yellow cards are used for penalties. As I can remember it, these are the major changes that have taken place over the last 20 years.

The antennaes were over the lines when I last reffed. All of the other stuff you mentioned have changed though. I won'tbe able to get a rule book from the state for a couple of months so I may have to ask some questions that are obvious to everyone else but leave me clueless.

I guess the big question I have is what are the red & yellow penalty cards used for? We didn't have them when I worked last.

Also, anyone have any suggestions on mechanics/procedures for substitutions?