What does the 1st referee control?

From the FIVB Rules 2025-2028 (Rule 23). The 1st referee stands on a referee's stand at one end of the net, opposite the scorer, with their view about 50 cm above the net. They direct the match from start to finish and have authority over all members of the refereeing team and the teams. Their decisions are final, they may overrule other officials who are mistaken, and may replace an official who is not performing properly. They decide any matter involving the game, including matters the rules do not cover.

Before the match: inspects the playing area, balls and equipment, performs the toss with the captains, and controls the teams' warm-up.

During the match: issues warnings, sanctions misconduct and delays, and decides:

• faults of the server and of the serving team's positions, including the screen
• faults in playing the ball
• faults above the net and faulty contact with the net, mainly on the attacker's side
• attack hit faults of the Libero and back-row players
• a completed attack hit on a ball above net height coming from an overhand finger pass by the Libero in the Libero's front zone
• the ball crossing completely the lower space under the net
• a completed block by back-row players or an attempted block by the Libero
• the ball crossing the net outside the crossing space or touching the antenna on their side, and the served ball or 2nd or 3rd hit passing over or outside the antenna on their side

Discussion: the 1st referee does not permit discussion of decisions. At the game captain's request they explain the application or interpretation of the rules behind a decision. If the captain disagrees, the captain must immediately reserve the right to protest at the end of the match.

After the match: checks and signs the score sheet.