Volleyball is growing increasingly popular. In fact, it was the most popular team sport for girls in high school as of 2018-19. With its popularity, it offers ample opportunity for referees. One of the first steps to becoming a volleyball referee is looking the part. So what should you wear to referee volleyball?
Typically, volleyball referees wear a white polo shirt, black pants with a black belt, and black shoes. Equipment includes a whistle, lanyard, linesman flags, penalty and warning cards, a rotation locator, and a net measuring device. Shorts for officiating in higher temperatures are optional. The exact uniform can vary from league to league, with some having specific shirt requirements or requiring white shoes instead of black.
Below you’ll find a list of typical volleyball referee gear and an estimated cost for everything you’ll need to get out on the court. If you purchase everything on the list including the optional items, we estimate it will cost you around $270, but this could be higher or lower depending on the exact gear you purchase. We recommend getting your apparel at Ump-Attire.com, where you can save 5% by using the code SILBO5, but you should be able to find similar gear at any sports official apparel store.
Suggested Gear for Refereeing Volleyball:
Apparel:
White Polo Shirt ($28)
The shirt can vary the most out of all options. A number of leagues have different requirements such as specific approved colors or required arm patches. Generally, a white shirt will be allowed and is considered the default.
Pleated Pants (men’s) (women’s) ($40) a black belt ($23)
These match with the shirt to form the main part of the uniform. The belt is the same one that appears in our suggestions for kickball, flag football, and baseball/softball, making it a very versatile item.
Optional: Black Shorts ($30)
These are ideal for outdoor matches in the summer or really hot gyms.
Black Shoes ($99)
There are several options for shoes. You might even already have a pair that will work. The main requirement is that they are mostly black.
Equipment:
Whistle ($6)
Loud, attention-grabbing, and one of your most powerful tools.
Breakaway Lanyard ($3)
Pairs with the whistle
Linesman Flags ($30)
Large, eye-catching, and come with a great storage bag. An essential part of your volleyball arsenal
Penalty & Warning Cards Set ($5)
Necessary to do the job, and the holder easily slips into your pockets.
Referee Dual Rotation Locator ($9)
While some people may be able to keep track in their heads, I can’t. That’s why I use this rotation locator to do the remembering for me.
Net Measuring Device ($8)
A must have for ensuring the net is set to the proper height.