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Officiating Officials in Volleyball
Professionalism
Professional is your first step on your journey as a volleyball professional.
What is professionalism? Professionalism is the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a professional person. Do you have the character and conduct to be a professional? Professionalism is an area of officiating that officials are encouraged to excel. Some officials equate being skilled and competent as being professional. This isn't exactly the case. Ability has little to do with professionalism. What are some characteristics associated with professionalism? Trustworthy. Trust yourself. Know right from wrong. Police yourself. Do the right thing without being told. Avoid situations that could be perceived as conflicts of interest, improper, immoral or illegal. These things can call into question your integrity. You don't want to cast shadows on your professionalism. Be responsible for your actions. Refrain from engaging in negative comments about other officials coaches or players. Maintain a respectful and courteous relationship to all. 
Dependable. The volleyball community relies on you to follow regulations, protocols, and procedures.
Be a team player. Be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Get the task done and do it right. Be on time. Show up for you matches and be mentally prepared with the proper uniform and equipment. Keep your word. Once you commit to an event, follow through with this commitment. Don't look for a better assignment. Treat your work crew as equals. Respectful. Timeliness. Appearance. Sharing and mentoring. Detail-oriented. You want to have a professional attitude and demeanor. This means always look your best and do your best. You show everyone the respect and courtesy you expect for yourself. You must develop behavioral skills together with your technical skills. An individual's talent will determine their level of technical competency, but all officials are on equal ground for being successful as a professional. Professionalism is about what you do off the court as well as what you do on the court. Be a class act and not an official that is only concerned with how they perform on the stand. 
Professionalism prior to a match
Do you look sharp? Is your uniform clean and pressed? Avoid loud or overwhelming jewelry, hairstyles or mannerisms that might draw attention to you. Choose your language carefully and speak in a proper tone. Speak in a firm but courteous tone. Know what equipment you need to conduct the match and prepare accordingly. 
Administer to all pre-match responsibilities. Take charge but be diplomatic and fair.
Limit your discussions with coaches and players. Refrain from chit chat and focus on the details of the match. As the players are warming up, you should be warming up as well. During the match. Be impartial. Base all actions on the court action and not the knowledge of the players. Be approachable. Be open and accommodating. Listen first to what the coach or captain has to say while looking them in the eye to show that you are inviting positive interaction. Work with the coaches and captains, not against them. Know the rules. Apply the rules where it's appropriate and necessary. Understand that the rules are intended as guidelines. Use common sense and take preventative measures. Avoid imposing restrictions on the coaches and captains that cause unneeded friction. Remember, a wrong explanation might make matters worse. After the match. Have a sincere, productive post-match discussion with the crew. What could the crew have down better? What did they do well? Is there anything that could have been done differently? Be gracious and thank the crew. Things to think about... How do other officials perceive me? Would I like to work with me? Officiating Officials in Volleyball to Basic Volleyball Rules Basic Volleyball Rules to Best Volleyball Equipment Home
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