Volleyball Officiating with Electronic Whistle Video Released by NFHS

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (November 17, 2020) – As part of its continued effort to educate officials on new procedures and protocol in officiating, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has debuted a new instructional video on the online NFHS Learning Center – “Official Volleyball Signals Using an Electronic Whistle.”

The “Official Volleyball Signals Using an Electronic Whistle” video provides officials with tips and techniques to assist in creating seamless signal sequences when using an electronic whistle. Supporting information in the video includes examples of various signals conducted by the first and second referees in applying proper mechanics.

Last spring, as COVID-19 information became more prevalent, the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee promptly responded to help with health and safety concerns in the sport. The committee’s response resulted in the development of rules considerations related to social distancing and limiting contact to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“In recent months, volleyball officials quickly purchased electronic whistles to do their part in decreasing aerosols released by the typical oral whistle,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee. “The NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee, though limited in access to facilities and officials, knew it would be important to create a resource that would provide both tips and examples of officials utilizing the e-whistle. This resource is meant to illustrate how officials can use a handheld e-whistle and seamlessly maintain proper NFHS Volleyball Officials Mechanics.”

Albeit a new tool in the sport of volleyball, the utilization of an e-whistle can be seamless with practice and repetition. Additionally, the video’s helpful tips can further support this transition. Among those tips are recommendations to secure the e-whistle to a lanyard worn around an official’s neck, allow each team to hear a sample of the e-whistle during the prematch conference and direct the sound of the e-whistle toward the playing court.

“There are intermittent changes in procedures for officials to follow during contests, which make it necessary for ongoing education,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials. “This video on the use of the electronic whistle while officiating a volleyball contest is a prime example of education for officials. Ongoing education keeps officials sharp and in tune with the trends in their sports.”

For more information and to view “Official Volleyball Signals Using an Electronic Whistle,” please visit: https://nfhslearn.com/library/videos/official-volleyball-signals-using-an-electronic-whistle.