Everything you need to know should be listed in this issue of the Digs. Do three things before you call to ask questions: 

1. read the Digs,
2. read the Digs, and
3. read the Digs. 

     Changing everything about our method of keeping score was truly challenging, and it put a strain on our resources and ability to administer the program. Coupled with the Y2K-related crash of the scorekeeping database, things have been difficult for the past year. Hopefully we are past the worst of it, and things will go more smoothly this year. We learned a lot of important lessons from last season, and so there will be some changes for this year.
This article will detail how we are planning to handle
scorekeepers’ certification for the ADULT program.

CLINIC ATTENDANCE POLICY

     Policies on clinic attendance will be CHANGED from last year. ADULT SCOREKEEPERS (Provisional, Regional ratings) MAY NO LONGER ATTEND JUNIOR CLINICS FOR CERTIFICATION OR RECERTIFICATION. You must coordinate with existing or new referee clinics if you are a referee or referee candidate. We will be strictly adhering to the clinic policy referenced in the Scorekeeper Attendance Policy Chart.

     See the clinic schedule listed on Page 12 of the Digs or the website (http://www.chrva.org/Preseason/2000_01/clinschd.html) for more information on clinic dates and times.

SCOREKEEPER’S LIST

     Normally, we publish a list of Adult Scorekeepers with their expiration dates in this issue. This list is in the process of being updated and will be posted on the website in September. Use this information to help decide which clinic you need to attend. If you have any doubt or question about your status, please contact me. 

     As part of the Y2K problem we are experiencing, and in an effort to cut down on postage expenses, scorekeepers will not be receiving individual mailings on their status this year. THIS IS YOUR WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!!! Check the website over the coming weeks for updates.

Note to CHRVA Referees: It is a requirement in this region that all referees, Provisional and above, be certified scorekeepers. Please make sure your certification is current. If you are in doubt, check the website list or contact me for verification. For those referees who did not receive a scorekeeper test last season, please plan to attend a scorekeeping recert clinic and pick up a test there, or contact me directly for a mail copy AFTER September 30th. You must take and pass the test this year with a score of 90% or better.

ALL SCOREKEEPERS!

     If anyone has moved since the last time you received mail from me, or changed his or her name, please contact me with the updated information. Unfortunately, the mailing lists for Region registration and scorekeepers are separate - so scorekeepers let ME know if you have moved. We waste a lot of time and postage sending out mail that comes back with the infamous FOE stamped all over them. Also, allowing your certification to lapse because you failed to update your address will mean that you must start all over again as a candidate!

ABOUT THE NEW SCORING SYSTEM

     Just about everyone who has kept score with the new scoresheet has said, “Gee, what’s the fuss about? This is EASIER than the old way!” In some ways, it is physically easier to keep score with this sheet. But, you will also find that since a mark is not made on the scoresheet each time the ball is served, it is also physically and mentally easier to lose track of the game and miss points! Paying attention will be of utmost importance when working a match! 

     Following are the rule changes that will have the most effect on scorekeeping for the 2000-2001 season of USA Volleyball competition:

For the coming season, our Region will utilize the Libero with 8 team subs instead of the 15-team sub rule. [See Rule 11.2.2 and 11.3 in the new 2000-2001 rule book.] This means that there MUST be an assistant scorekeeper, or “flipper” as they are commonly called, at the scorekeeper’s table for EVERY match. This person will be in charge of tracking the entries of the Libero player.  Details of how to do this can be found in the 2000-2001 Rule Book on Pages 116-117. This will also be covered in all certification and recertification clinics this fall. The certified scorekeeper will be responsible for instructing the assistant scorekeeper in the Libero tracking process. The assistant scorekeeper does not necessarily have to be a certified scorekeeper, but it would help. Keep this in mind when trying to decide how many people to send to the certification clinics from your team this year! 

Also, the method for requesting a substitution has changed. [See Rule 20.3.1 in the new 2000-2001 Rule Book.] A sub is requested automatically when a player enters the substitution zone. There is no longer a need for a specific verbal request from a captain or coach. This will require the scorekeeper and the assistant scorekeeper to pay attention and work closely with the second referee to be sure no subs are missed!

     I’d like to thank those who volunteered to help with the scorekeeping program last year, and we will need lots of help again. In an effort to consolidate and organize more efficiently, I would like to revise my email list of volunteers. This way, when we need to get something done, I can just email the group, and those interested in helping with a particular project can get back to me via email. If you’d like to be included on the list, please send me a message so I can enter your email address on the list. If you don’t have email, send a fax or letter with your contact information and area of interest. If you have sent information before, please do so again, so that I can up date my information.

SCORESHEET REVIEW

     This portion of our program is very important now that we have a new scoring system. We’re all learning as we go! I am also looking for volunteers for this important committee. Dixie Collins has volunteered to head up this committee for 2000-2001. She will need a number of reviewers. If you would like to help, please let me know. The more volunteers we get, the fewer sheets each person must review.

NATIONAL NEWS

     US Open Championships will be held next year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We will be looking for Scorekeepers to move up to a National rating. Those interested in becoming a National Scorekeeper must not only prove their competence through keeping score during matches, but must also show their commitment to the Region’s scorekeeping program by serving on the Rating Team and serving as a non-playing scorekeeper at the Regional Championships, or other volunteer position. Requirements are as follows:

     In order to remain “in good standing,” National Scorekeepers in the Chesapeake Region must assist the program by actively participating in at least two of the following each year. STRONG emphasis is placed on teaching the clinics. We REALLY need our most experienced scorekeepers sharing their experience with our candidates and those seeking regional upgrades.
 
• Teach recertification clinics (mid-day weekend or evening sessions in October / November).
• Teach new scorekeeper clinics (1/2 day sessions on weekends in October).
• Assist with certification /testing process.
• Assist the Fellowship Committee with scheduling candidates for ratings.Rate candidates at Fellowships.
• Serve on Scoresheet Review Committee.
• Volunteer to keep score at Regionals.


     Each National Scorekeeper is to contact me by September 1, 2000 with information on how they will assist our regional program.