First Referee-

The first referee stands on the referee stand and controls the play of the entire game.
Whatever issues arise during the game, the first referee determines the call and the has
the final say. After making a call, no player or other referee can argue the call, although
a formal protest can be placed with the scorer. Before the match begins, the first
referee inspects the equipment and the players’ uniforms. The warm-ups and the coin
toss also fall under the jurisdiction of the first referee. Throughout the match, the first
referee makes calls regarding faults and scoring issues. Following the match, the first
referee notes the score and signs the official paperwork.

Second Referee-

The second referee works to assist the first referee throughout the game. If for some
reason the first referee can’t finish her duties, the second referee may take the place of
the first referee. The second referee stands next to the post opposite the first referee. In
addition to assisting the first referee with determining faults throughout the game, the
second referee is in charge of all substitutions, timeouts and the actions of the scorer’s
table.

Scorers-

The official scorer keeps track of the score throughout the volleyball game. Before the
game begins the scorer notes the starting lineup of each team and notifies the referees
if the lineup wasn’t received on time. If a dispute or irregularity arises regarding the
score, the scorer uses a buzzer to notify the first and second referees. Additionally,
when a substitution request arises, the scorer notifies the referees.

Line Judges-

At least two, and as many as four, line judges monitor each game. The line judges stand
at the corners of the court watching the lines to indicate whether a ball in play falls in or
out of the court. If a server steps on the line during a serve, the line judge watching the
given line notifies the referees using a flag. When a player touches an out-of-play ball or
if the ball hits an antenna, the designated line judge also indicates the interference.

Volleyball Referee Signals Hand sequence and techniques

Ball Not Released –

This signal is for when the ball isn't released from the hand at the moment of service contact or if the
server doesn't execute the service properly. The motion starts at the thigh and there is less bend at the
elbow. Extend the arm with the palm up. Start at the thigh and end at the waist. Avoid making the
signal look like the catch signal.

Delay in Service --
When the server doesn't contact the ball within 8 seconds, raise both arms above your head. Use five
digits on the right hand, and thumb and the first fingers on the left hand. Always use the same digits on
each hand no matter which side the fault occurred. For 14 and under, use one-handed signal for a five
second delay.

Net Fault--
Situations where you would call a net fault. The served ball doesn't cross the net. A player touches the
net and interferes with play, including deflection of the opponents ball in the body of the net. You signal
by touching the top of the net, palm facing the net with the hand on the side of the team that
committed the fault. As a second referee, you don't repeat the signal for a ball that doesn't cross the
net on the serve. For a net fault as a second referee, you aren't required to touch the net, net cable, or
post. An air net is preferred. This will save time and extra effort required to move forward. Second
referee is required to step to the side of the net of the team that committed the net fault. This is true of
any fault.

Volleyball Referee Signals for "Replay"--

Anytime a rally must be replayed, signal a replay by holding two fists above the shoulders with thumbs
up. A rally may be replayed if an object or ball comes on the court during play and causes a safety
concern or causes interference or when both teams commit a fault at the same instance.

Blocking Fault and Screening ---

The same signal is used for illegal blocking and screening. Extend both arms vertically with the palms
facing forward. When showing this signal, it may be necessary to show the player or players at fault.

"Position Fault" Volleyball Referee Signals--

The signal for a position fault or rotation fault is held at waist height. Make a clockwise circular motion
with the index finger pointed towards the floor. Make the circular motion no more than twice. After the
signal, indicate the players at fault. You need to indicate what players in order to prevent a subsequent
occurrence on the next whistle of service.

Reaching Beyond the Net ---

When a player reaches illegally beyond the net contacting the ball or the opponent, show the
reaching beyond the net signal.

"Attack Hit" Volleyball Referee Signals ---

When a player attacks the ball illegally, extend the arm straight up above the shoulder with hand open.
Bend at the elbow and make a downward motion toward the opposing team. The downward motion
ends at just above eye level as to not block your vision of the court. After the signal, indicate the player
at fault.

Line judges violations

Consecutive Contacts. ---
A player may not hit the ball 2 times consecutively except when blocking, provided the contacts take
place simultaneously. However, a player may make consecutive contacts on the team’s first team
contact, provided the contacts occur during one action.

Assisted Hit. ---

It's illegal for a player or any object to assist a teammate in playing the ball.

Four Hits---
If a team contacts the ball more than 3 times without sending it back over the net, and the 3 and 4
contacts aren't made by the same player, then signal 4 hits. Signal by extending the arm with 4 fingers.
This should be slightly to the side and above the head. Remember, if the same player makes the 3rd and
4th contact, the signal is 2 hits.

Catch---

It's illegal to catch or throw the ball. The ball must rebound from the hit.

Ball Crossing the Net Outside the Crossing Space---

The ball must cross the net within the crossing space. The ball must cross over the net, between the
antennae’s and their imaginary extension, and without contacting the ceiling.

Penetration Under the Net---

It's permitted for a player to step under the net into the opponents court provided that some part of the
penetrating hand or foot is in contact with or is directly above the center line.

Foot Fault---
At the moment of service contact or take off for a jump serve, the server must not touch the court or
the ground outside the service zone. After contact, he/she may step or land outside the service zone or
inside the court.

References:
 Sportkits. (2015). Official hand signal. Retrieved from http://www.teamusa.org/USA-
Volleyball/Grassroots/SportKit/Player-Resources/Guide-to-volleyball-basics/Official-Hand-
Signals

Williams. L. (2015, Jan. 17). Volleyball officials and their duties. Retrieved from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/179376-volleyball-officials-and-their-duties/

Volleyball. (n.d). Volleyball referee signals hand sequence and techniques. Retrieved from
http://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/hand-signals.html

Chesaux. S. (2013). Volleyball official hand signals. Retrieved from

FIVBVolleyballHandSignalPoster2013.pdf