How to Be a Line Judge at a Volleyball Game

In volleyball, line judges are an essential part of the game. Line judges stand at the corner of the end line on the right hand side of the referee. They watch the sidelines, end lines, players and net antennas to help the referees with judgment calls that they could miss. At junior high and high school games, line judges usually are parent volunteers. During high school state tournaments and any college game, the line judges are professional referees.

Instructions

    • 1

      Call a volleyball "in" by pointing to the ground with both hands in one motion. A volleyball is considered "in" if any portion of the volleyball touches the line.

    • 2

      Call a ball "out" by putting your arms straight out in front of you, palms up, and then bending them at the elbows so that your hands are by your ears or over your head.

    • 3

      Watch for foot faults when a player on your end is serving. A player foot faults when they cross the service line prior to making contact with the ball. To motion this to the referee, point to the end line with one hand and move your hand in the same direction as the end line back and forth.

    • 4

      Consider a ball out-of-bounds if it travels outside of the antennas that flank each side of the net. It is essential for line judges to watch the antennas because they have a better view than the referees. Simply point to the antenna and signal "out."

    • 5

      Signal to the referee if a player made contact with a ball before it landed out-of-bounds. Place both of your hands above your head and brush the palm of one hand over the fingertips of the other hand in a vertical motion.