Making all the right calls I Referees and the legacy of the Beach Volleyball World Cup – Volleyball Australia

Making all the right calls I Referees and the legacy of the Beach Volleyball World Cup

While all eyes were on the athletes at the FIVB World Beach Volleyball Championships, they weren’t the only ones making important split second decisions under pressure. 

Being a beach referee requires long periods of alertness and focus, swift judgement, and a decisive nature.

There was a host of esteemed and seasoned referees on the sand, calling the shots and making sure the players were competing in a safe and fair environment.

But the biggest take away from the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, is the legacy it will leave behind, not only for athletes and spectators, but for the officials and future of the sport. 

“It’s an amazing feeling. Refereeing at home at an event such as the world champs, which is one of the biggest events in the world, is absolutely fantastic,” referee Jackie said. 

“It’s so unique, I know it’s a once in a lifetime experience being able to be here and see the South Australian Volleyball community coming out and cheering on the Aussies and also all the countries around the world has been absolutely fantastic and yeah it’s just once in a lifetime.”

While an unbelievable privilege to adjudicate at a home World Cup, it was a shared experience that really stole the show. 

“My favourite moment has actually not been on court, but actually before one our matches,” Jackie said. 

“We were standing waiting to go on centre court and some of the ball kids were local SA referees. Introducing them to the international referees and seeing the young guys listen to the advice from the international referees, it was such a unique thing to happen and it was perfect. 

“It is going to have such a profound legacy impact within the South Australian refereeing volleyball community.”

As for advice for young referees looking to get into the sport, it is pretty simple. 

“Being well rested. It is a long day, so having some down time, chilling out, staying well rested,” Jackie said.

“For me, I do a bit of stretching before I go out as I do some running on the sand as a line judge. The thing I do is have some calm moments before the match starts and I know I am then good to go.

“I love having a massive crowd for beach volleyball. The best part about beach volleyball is that it is a party atmosphere, having a big crowd adds to it. In terms of calls, we call what we see – so we make sure we are in the best position to make these calls. I trust my instincts, what I see and make the call and from there see how we go.”

Jackie believes that the World Championships will have a massive impact on the sport and a lasting legacy.

“Seeing the amount of kids coming and enjoying the beach Volleyball World Champs, I think the legacy impact is going to be massive,” she said. 

“I can remember when we had Beach Volleyball in 07 or 08 down at Glenelg and how interesting the sport became as a result. 

“This is a greater level, people have had access to some of the best volleyballers in the world and really enjoy it, the party atmosphere and beach volleyball.

“The impact of refereeing will be massive, a lot of SA referees are learning from the best refs in the world and really get some interesting information on the craft and philosophy of refereeing. It is a stepping stone for us towards the Brisbane Olympics.”

Click here to watch full interview.