Once tournament play begins, it becomes apparent which clubs have done their due diligence to train and prepare athletes for their work team responsibilities and which ones have not put in the time. Every Club Director should make it a priority to train athletes to officiate and keep score.
It is highly recommended to bring in a certified Official to lead your club’s training. River City Juniors in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicates an entire day to training its teams on officiating and work team duties. The club has trained and experienced Officials on staff, including one who is nationally certified in refereeing and scorekeeping. Club Director Deb Grafentin also officiated at the collegiate level for several years, while another coach scored collegiate matches for six years.
River City has followed a specific Official and scorekeeper training schedule for nearly 20 years.
Training Schedule
The weekend before RCJ begins competition, the club hosts a Picture and Scrimmage Day. Here is the itinerary for the day. A basic outline is below.
9:00-10:30 A.M.: Team Photos and Big Sis/Lil Sis Meet and Greet
- A local photography company takes team and individual photos first thing in the morning and offers custom items parents can pre-order.
- When teams are not taking their team photo or meeting with their “sis,” athletes connect with their “sis.” Athletes are encouraged to give their “sis” an inspirational quote or get to know her better.
- Coaches help their athletes connect with their “sis” and meet players from the other team.
10:30-11:30 A.M.: Officiating Clinic
Teams participate in an officiating clinic to learn proper protocols for R1, R2, line judging and scorekeeping.
Teams divide into two groups: one for scorekeeping and one for R1 and R2. The 17s and 18s are the on-court demonstrators for the R1/R2 dry run.
- Each team divides into two groups so athletes become more proficient at their assigned task. Some athletes should not be an R1 because they are uncomfortable being on the stand and potentially being yelled at, so RCJ views work team roles much like playing positions. Some athletes are more capable as setters than middles, and some are more comfortable with a whistle while others are better suited to the scorebook.
- Each group goes to its respective training session to learn the mechanics of the role.
- Each RCJ team has two coaches. Each coach must choose either scoring or officiating to master. Coaches then become the go-to resource for players in that area. For example, Deb handles all officiating for her team, while Assistant Coach Aimee handles scorekeeping.
11:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M.: Lunch Break
12:00-4:00 P.M.: Scrimmage
Here is the sample scrimmage schedule.
- Just prior to the scrimmage, 12 coaches take the court to replicate unique situations that may take place in a match. Examples include back-row attacks, a libero setting in front of the 10-foot line, and four touches versus two touches on a spike that does not go over.
- One team serves as the work team for each scrimmage. Older teams help younger teams by standing with the line judges, R1s and R2s to help them with their mechanics. Younger teams have at least two work duties for additional practice.
- Coaches can stop play at any time to correct, adjust or teach what could or should have been called.
Benefits of Officiating and Scorekeeper Training
Deb and her staff have seen direct benefits from this training for their athletes and parents year after year.
- Creates confidence in athletes. Athletes feel prepared when tournament time arrives and know their coaches are there to help.
- Instills pride in athletes. RCJ makes a point of having teams work with a real R1 whenever possible. When the R1 lets the club know the team did a great job, the athletes’ pride gets a boost. RCJ teams are complimented often for their work.
- Fewer parent issues. Parents watch how the club teaches these responsibilities, which helps them understand what their child is learning and how it applies at tournaments. When a parent from the club says something they shouldn’t, another parent will immediately remind them that it is not the River City way of doing things. Parents can also notify the coach or Club Director so the situation can be addressed directly.
River City Juniors is a longtime member of Junior Volleyball Association. To learn more about JVA membership, click here. For more resources for Club Directors, click here.
About the Author
Deb Grafentin is the Club Director of River City Juniors. The 37 year veteran coach is the main Master Coach for all age groups and all teams.
