Understanding Line Judge Calls in Volleyball
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Understanding Line Judge Calls in Volleyball: What Every Player and Fan Should Know
In volleyball, every point matters—and that’s why line judges play such a vital role in keeping the game fair and accurate. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned player, understanding what line judges do and how their calls work can give you a better appreciation for the game and help you respond appropriately when the whistle blows.
Let’s dive into the key responsibilities of line judges, the types of calls they make, and why their role is so important to the flow of a volleyball match.
What Is a Line Judge?
Line judges are officials positioned at opposite corners of the volleyball court, just outside the end lines. In high-level competitions, there are usually two to four line judges, depending on the level of play. Their main job is to help the referee make accurate decisions about the ball’s position—especially when it lands near the boundary lines.
Line judges are trained to focus on specific areas of the court, and they use hand signals to communicate clearly with the first and second referees, who make the final calls.
Common Line Judge Responsibilities and Calls
Here are the main things line judges are responsible for during a match:
1. In or Out Calls
This is one of the most important jobs of a line judge. If the ball lands near the line they are watching, the line judge must quickly decide if it touched the line (in) or landed outside (out).
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In: The judge points their flag down and toward the court.
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Out: The judge raises the flag straight up above their head.
2. Touch Calls
If the ball goes out but a player touched it last, the line judge signals a touch by waving the flag and pointing toward the team that touched it. This is especially important on powerful spikes that graze a blocker’s fingers before landing out of bounds.
3. Foot Faults (on serve)
When watching the server, the line judge closest to that end of the court ensures that the server doesn’t step on or over the end line before contacting the ball. If they do, it’s a foot fault, and the judge waves the flag and points to the end line.
4. Ball Crossing Outside the Antennas
If the ball crosses the net outside the antennas or touches the antenna, it’s considered out of play. The line judge should signal this by waving the flag and pointing at the antenna or the line it crossed.
Why Line Judges Matter
Line judges must make quick, confident decisions during high-speed rallies, often with balls moving at 60+ mph. Their focus and accuracy ensure fair play and support the referees in managing the match smoothly. Without line judges, calls would be harder to make—especially on close plays.
Final Thoughts
Line judges are essential to the integrity and fairness of volleyball. Their clear signals and sharp eyes keep the game running smoothly and help ensure that every point is earned honestly. For players, respecting their calls and understanding their role shows sportsmanship and maturity. For fans, watching the line judge adds an extra layer of excitement—especially during those nail-biting rallies right on the line.