USAV's "Return to Play" Guidelines

[OVR Ref Chair]

USAV's Task Force has released Return to Play Guidelines. Read the document entirely. You'll notice some specifics about officiating. And keep in mind, in the OVR - at least in the State of Ohio - we are still bound by state regulations regarding mass gatherings. Until that is lifted, we won't be back on the courts for any tournaments, unfortunately.

[big scotty]

Is it safe to assume that it's up to the referees selected to work the National tournaments to purchase their own electronic whistles or will that be the VIK provided? Just curious.

[harrysmith]

Replying to WHISTLE comment/question:
I went straight to Fox40 website to order mine 1) price was reasonable $25.99 plus shipping and using Amazon Prime had it on a Thursday after ordering on a Sunday.
Got to use electronic whistle last week at a HS camp/ tournament in Sandusky OH. Here are my thoughts and ideas:
1-Practiced in front of a mirror the day before to see how signals looked with handheld whistle in hand or letting it drop. Preferred in my hand as wrist lanyard with drop felt and looked awkward.
2- Forgot to practice Timeout and realized sound was muffled when hand placed over whistle (1st time out only then adjusted hand position in signal slightly to not cover sound)
3- My cadence (Whistle, award explain) was good and permitted me to reposition whistle for more difficult signals (touch, 2 hits, 4 hits, center line faults, service line faults) without dropping whistle
4- My usual serve beckon begins as I whistle, yet I started hand held whistle first and then began serve beckon, releasing whistle button as I beckoned, experiment to see what works for you.
5- I kept whistle in dominant hand for both sides serving- moved to point at server as whistle button being pressed so both sides heard beckon whistle and left whistle at waist pointing to center of court for both sides to hear as I beckoned with non dominant hand without whistle.
6-Important tip!! End of set signal brings your arms crossed across your chest... think where whistle will be blasting at end of motion (one of your ears) start whistle as you begin signal and stop pressing button before signal complete. Then we no longer need switch court signal so 2nd whistle precedes usual before deciding set signal for teams to return to own bench.
7- Only did partial day of matches yet had spare battery with me and regular whistle around neck as back-up, never blew it all day and did not have any problem with 9 volt battery life for a partial day officiating.
Has anyone else had an opportunity to try handheld whistle yet?
Harry