Courtside Seating

Seating is limited. So, who gets to sit courtside?

• Always check ahead of time to find out whether you may bring in your own chairs or if seating/bleachers are provided. The people filling seats around the court should be spectators of the team currently on the court. Because seating is limited, athletes and spectators waiting for a later game should find alternative gathering spaces and seating.
• Sit off to the side of the court. Game officials may ask you to back up. The goal is to make sure athletes chasing volleyballs outside the court are not injured!! Please keep the edge of the court free of tripping hazards.
• When you leave a seat, it’s customary to clean up any trash around you and be sure to double check you’ve taken your food, water bottles, bags, clothing with you when you leave.
• Leave the seating area as neat and clean as you would want it to be when you arrive.

Walk Around the Court

If you are moving from one court to another location, you may do so by walking around the court. A few rules of etiquette can prevent a delay in the game…

• Do not walk on court while athletes are in play. Wait until the play is over before you cross around a court. Never walk onto the actual playing area of the court.
• Be sure to check your surroundings so you don’t walk in front of a camera or other spectators during a play.
• Watch for balls so you can avoid injury by stepping on one or getting hit by a ball.

Respect the Refs

• No doubt many calls by the officials are subjective. Understanding the game and calls makes for a much more enjoyable experience. You can find USA Volleyball Officials’ Hand Signals for indoor volleyball above.
• Finding referees to officiate games is becoming increasingly difficult. You can help keep volleyball competition a positive experience by treating officials with respect. Without them, we are unable to provide fair matches for teams.
• “Every contact made by each team must be judged; an official’s decision may not be agreeable to all participants and spectators, but the decision is final.
• Remember that every team has ref assignments during their tournament day. Cursing at and/or intimidating the reffing team members is never acceptable. These are junior players.
• If you’d like to become a game official, please check out the Florida Region of USAV website here

Video recording and Live Streaming

• Find an area at the back of the court or off to the right side of the back of the court to set up your camera. The line judge is placed at the back left which would block your view.
• Be mindful of your tripod near seating and ask spectators if they mind where you are setting up.
• Let those around your camera know when you are rolling and remind them of a hot mic. While spectators should be mindful of what they say, it’s always best to give them a gentle reminder that what they’re saying can be heard.
• Do not block spectators’ view with your camera equipment.

Food and Drinks

• Most local gym facilities do not allow any outside food or drinks inside. Only water is acceptable to bring into the playing area.
• Before any tournament, it is best to check food and drink guidelines before you go. If food and drinks are allowed and even sold at the event, be sure to toss out your own trash and help keep the courtside seating area clean and free of tripping hazards.

Do’s

• Do yell “BALL!” When you see a ball rolling onto the court. Stepping or landing on a ball can be dangerous for players. They’re typically looking up and don’t see a ball when it rolls onto a court. Yelling “BALL!” will alert them and hopefully prevent injury. Officials will call a replay if this happens during a play.
• Do pass the ball under the net. Throwing an uncontrolled ball over a net or kicking a ball can injure someone. It’s common courtesy to pass the ball under the net.

Youth sports can be emotional. When the reactions of team members spill onto the sidelines, parents can get heated in the excitement of the moment.

The “24 Hour” Rule Explained

• Do wait 24 hours after a tournament before talking with a coach about your concerns. This is called the “24 HOUR RULE” – which simply states parents should not confront coaches to discuss “negative” game situations until at least 24 hours after the event. Physical battles, yelling, profanity and derogatory comments toward a coach are never okay. A 24 hour cooling off period lowers the chance for a confrontational experience. Reasonable discussion is more likely when both parties are calmer and have time to view opposing perspectives.
• Do encourage your athlete to talk with their coach about any concerns and to seek feedback. This skill will last your child a lifetime and will benefit them when it comes time to build a career or pursue goals later in life.

Don’ts

• Don’t approach players, coaches or game officials on the court or during a game.
• Don’t curse at or harass line judges for the calls they make.  These are junior players and someone’s son/daughter.
• Don’t use drugs/alcohol at games or team camps.
• Don’t coach from the sidelines.
• Don’t compare kids’ talents.