Improving the Officials-Coach-Athlete Culture through Partnership

For the past four seasons, the varsity volleyball program at Uniontown (Ohio) Lake High School has collaborated with our local volleyball officials association to create an event where students, coaches and volleyball officials come out further ahead in understanding our great game. The objective of the collaboration is three-fold:

1. Train volleyball officials with points of emphasis and correct interpretation of new and existing contest rules.

2. Provide an environment for student-athletes to learn correct rules under game-like conditions.

3. Develop a positive relationship among officials, student-athletes and coaches by exposing each group to a healthy training session.

In Ohio, we officially begin our practices on August 1 of each season. Within the first two weeks of that start-up, we schedule a multi-team scrimmage in our facility. We are fortunate in that we can provide up to four full volleyball courts and bring in eight different volleyball teams for the scrimmage.

Additionally, we have partnered with our local officials association (Hall of Fame Volleyball Officials Association) to provide not only certificated officials for the scrimmages, but to also provide a working clinic for the officials. Prior to, during and post-scrimmage, the volleyball trainers within the organization have their required (by our state athletic association) meeting to review key rule changes, updates and areas of emphasis for the coming season. Our Ohio officials are required to attend such update sessions to retain their licensure annually. As such, this event partially satisfies the state officials’ requirement.

For our officials, this opportunity is essential for these bonus reasons:

• Provides a “tune-up” for officials in preparation of the new season

• Allows for officials to work with new rules or focus points under “game speed” conditions (rather than just discussing)

• Offers practice of official mechanics

• Tests the knowledge of the rules

The officials association trainer, along with some of our other veteran officials, are able to mentor the less-experienced officials and create quality connections between the newer and seasoned officials of our area. This latter aspect is very beneficial to the association as it provides the opportunity to nurture, adjust and encourage officials to share their experience and nuances to improve the quality of volleyball officiating.

From the coaches’ angle, they get the opportunity to actually hear, first-hand, the points of emphasis for the season. This includes what officials are being told to watch, focus upon and avoid in their duties. The student-athletes and coaches have found this piece especially fascinating as they often have not been exposed to the training process of the contest officials. The coaches have also reported that this experience has minimized “surprises” and confusion and established much clearer expectations relative to the game rules.

Also for the athletes, they get the chance to play under game conditions, with game officials, which reinforces what the coaches attempt to establish for the rhythm and flow of the contest. Some of the additional benefits the coaches have reflected are:

• Provides a non-threatening (no “win or lose”) atmosphere where officials, students and coaches can discuss the rules for learning purposes.

• Allows the athletes to see the game from the officials’ perspective.

• Creates the opportunity for coaches and athletes to observe officials working hard to better learn their craft.

• All stakeholders view each other in an environment where the personality and character of the individual becomes more visible and (hopefully) appreciated.

• Potential cost-saver for the schools and officials: in a clinic format, the officials association will often donate their time and effort to provide the session thus saving schools the cost of paying for scrimmage officials.

Our annual event has been a tremendous chance for all three groups to intentionally work together and foster positive bonds among the three groups. Coaches can ask questions, seek clarity and generally enhance what we hope will be positive feelings that go into each season. The session continues to provide a “win-win-win” environment for all involved.