Who makes up the refereeing team for a volleyball match?

Under the FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028 (Rule 22.1), which Volleyball South Africa applies as FIVB's member federation, the refereeing team is:

• the 1st referee, who directs the match from the referee's stand;
• the 2nd referee, at the post opposite the 1st referee;
• the Challenge referee, only where a Video Challenge System is used;
• the reserve referee;
• the scorer, and an assistant scorer;
• four (or two) line judges.

At FIVB, World and Official competitions, a Challenge referee (when the video system is in use), a reserve referee and an assistant scorer are compulsory. At other matches, many of these roles may not be filled. The 1st and 2nd referees are the core of the team.

Who may whistle: only the 1st and 2nd referees. The 1st referee whistles for the serve that starts each rally. Either referee whistles the end of a rally once sure a fault has been committed and what it was. Line judges use flags, and the scorer uses a buzzer.

Reserve referee (where used): replaces the 2nd referee if needed, controls the substitution paddles and substitutes in the warm-up area, helps keep the free zone clear, and helps send expelled or disqualified team members to the dressing room.