newbie sub procedure
 

Haven't had a match yet but coming soon. Can you give me the sub mechanics?

For NFHS (which may be identical to USAV and NCAA?)...

When a proper substitution request is made (verbal and signal from HC, or by a sub entering the sub zone; resist the temptation to recognize a request from an assistant coach, a sub jumping up off the bench, player on the floor who believes she should be subbed out...recognizing these "improper" requests can come back to bite you if the coach doesn't want to sub at that moment)...

R2 whistles (usually a tweet tweet, to be distinctive from any whistle during play), gives the sub signal (kind of like bball's traveling, but with open hands) toward the side of the team that's subbing.

R1 mirrors the signal, but not the whistle.

R2 records the subs on the lineup card and reports them to the scorekeeper. Once the scorekeeper has them recorded, the R2 will give the sub the "enter" signal. Subs are not allowed to enter until you authorize it. If they do, call them back and make them do it right. You shouldn't need to do this more than once; they'll get the hint.

Some advice I was given is that as R2 position yourself on the opposite side of the scorekeeper from the subs, very near the table. Then report them as you record them. This speeds the process and allows you to keep them in your field of vision while easily getting confirmation from the scorekeeper that she has them recorded. Seems to work pretty well.

If a team has more than one sub, they must report together. The advice I've been given here, is that though they must report together, you only allow one at a time into the sub zone to reduce confusion. As each sub is completed, you allow the next one into the sub zone. But that may be a local adaptation.

I believe technically if both teams sub, you should have a second tweet tweet and sub signal for the second team, after you've "processed" the first team.

Once everybody is recorded and in the game, you turn the court back to the R1.

Work to make the whole process as quick and efficient as possible to minimize the disruption to the game.

1 slight edit...

If you're going to use a card/wheel to record subs, DO NOT keep the subs in the sub zone while you're writing. Once you know what the sub is...*get the players moving!*

There is no reason to keep the players there waiting just because you're writing. They should be moving into position ready to play, ready once you're done writing.

That's how I do it: "9 for 1, go!" Then repeat to the table: "White, 9 for 1."

When I started - a senior official told me to stand on the attack line facing the net. This position forces the subs into the proper substitution zone - sort of preventive officiating. Also makes it easier to keep track of subs reporting together. In addition, you are facing the table. I think this is the same position as quoted above - just clarifying.

I like this. Thanks for the tip.

If I'm remembering correctly, this used to be the required procedure for NFHS (and others?). It was changed a few years back, because some officials were lazy about getting to the attack line and the sub procedure was taking longer than it should have. If you choose to use this technique as R2, just make sure that you are hustling to the attack line and keeping the sub procedure moving.

This thread also reminds me of a really anal (my opinion only) official in my area. He refuses to say the word "for" when reporting subs. His reasoning is that a scorekeeper could get confused and think he is saying the number "four" and make a mistake. He will say " 9 replaces 16" or "sub 9, pause, 16". A bit over the top in my opinion, but if it works for him......

No, quite a different position, actually. I'm not arguing with your mechanics on this, just clarifying that what I described is very different from what you describe.

Not a problem here in Utah. We Utards say "for" when we mean the number 4, and "fer" when normal people would say "for". Very easy to differentiate ;)

I will make this change to how I handle subs. Thanks!

For what it's worth, both of his techniques are ones that I've heard USAV National Rating Team members recommend that R2's do.

I do the one with the pause. Never had a problem with it. If I say "for ten," I used to have people think I was saying "fourteen." No such problems since I switched.

As always, your mileage may vary.

In my match today I thought about the 'for' thing every time I gave a sub to the scorekeeper. Thankfully I had a teacher as a scorekeeper and not a student. I also had the team with 6 players on one side. Very easy to do my scan of the benches for changes and TO's when I really only have to look to one side.

Me, too. I went with "replaces". I liked it.

chartreusepenguin, please do not use this procedure. It was changed several years ago so that the R2 remains back away from the court so the he/she can see if the other team also wants a sub.

Two years ago when I was going for my Junior National Referee rating, a junior scorekeeper at JO's in Atlanta gave me the technique of not using the work "for" since it sounds the same as "four". Since that time, I say "On the right, 14 in, 9 out."; "On the left, 3 in, 21 out." Scorekeepers seem to appreciate the clarity.

I've also started using "replaces" instead of "for" since this discussion. But the larger problem, I find, is making sure I have the scorekeeper's attention. Inevitably the friend I asked to leave the score table 2 minutes ago comes back during play. If for this reason alone, it's MUCH more useful to be back at the table rather than out on the sideline.

As for the friend, it's a shame there are always so many witnesses. ;)

a Libero "replaces" and a subsitution "subs"
 

As a note of caution... "replaces" might not be the best choice of words simply because you're now talking (technically) about a Libero action. As you already know, a substitution "subs" and a Libero "replaces." As an R2, I fly those subs in and out to maintain the momentum of the match, and then I'll turn back to my SK and give them the numbers (this is all talked about in my pre-match with the SK). I would be slightly concerned that my score keeper might not record the sub if they hear me say "replace," especially if the SK has several things going on i.e. LOR & multiple subs on both sides.

I've been using "for" as well, I'll try the pause... but Felix, what other suggestions do you have? Did you say there are 2 recommended options? I might as well get used to a good habit right away. By the way, congrats on getting your National ranking.