Chesapeake Digs Online
for September 1999
 
From 
   The 
Scorekeeper's Table
Sue Wainio-Oato
Sue Wainio-Oato
3605 Turbridge Drive 
Burtonsville, MD 20866 
TEL:301-890-7229
FAX:301-890-6583 
 
     BIG NEWS FOR 1999!!  Almost everything you know and love about scorekeeping is about to be turned upside down, tossed out, and otherwise disrupted. Hang on, and most importantly - PAY ATTENTION!! 
 
     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. 
After that, feel free to call or e-mail if you have questions! E-mail is the preferred method of communication, because I can return your message from wherever I am at any hour of the day - a faster answer for you! 
 
     Significant changes have been made to our volleyball rules and the scoresheet for the coming season. We have a formidable task in front of us. We must learn a totally new scoring system! Getting over a thousand adult and junior scorekeepers re-trained, as well as certifying several hundred new people will put a huge strain on our resources. This article will detail how we are planning to handle scorekeepers’ certification for the ADULT program. 
  1. Requirements for NEW scorekeepers and EXPIRED scorekeepers - attend a clinic, take the test, receive a passing grade of 90% or better, keep score at a Fellowship tournament and achieve two passing ratings. You will be taught the new scoring system.

    2.  
  2. Requirements for PROVISIONAL SCOREKEEPERS - those who were certified in 1998 will have to attend a clinic, take the test, receive a passing grade of 90% or better. You will be taught the new scoring system, and will be using that method to keep score in the 1999-2000 season.

    3.  
  3. Requirements for REGIONAL SCOREKEEPERS -those whose certification expires in 1999 will have to attend a clinic, take the test, receive a passing grade of 90% or better. You will be taught the new scoring system, and will be using that method to keep score in the 1999-2000 season.

    4.  
  4. Requirements for REGIONAL SCOREKEEPERS -those whose certification expires in 2000 have the option to wait until next year to learn the new system.  Next fall you will be required to attend a clinic, take the test, receive a passing grade of 90% or better. For the 1999-2000 season, you may continue to use the old scoring system at sanctioned events.
  5. Requirements for NATIONAL SCOREKEEPERS - you will be required to assist in the rating and training process. Please contact me to discuss how you can help. The most immediate need is for clinicians!
     NOTE: ALL scorekeepers re-certifying MUST keep score on at least THREE matches during the regular season in order to meet certification requirements. You may do this as the “official” or “unofficial” scorekeeper at a match. Just make sure your scoresheets are turned in to the tournament director to be forwarded to the scoresheet review committee. 
 
     See the clinic schedule listed elsewhere in the DIGS for more information on dates and times. A point of clarification: in the past we have had separate clinics for new scorekeepers and recertifying scorekeepers.  This year, there will not be a significant difference between the two classes. The morning sessions of the weekend clinics will be geared more toward “first-timers”, but essentially, both classes will be the same, since we are starting from scratch here! Each attendee must look at the daily clinic schedule and decide which time slot works best for them. You must coordinate with existing or new referee clinics if you are a referee or referee candidate. 
 
SCOREKEEPER'S LIST: 
 
     Normally, we publish a list of scorekeepers with their expiration dates in this issue.  Due to the Y2K problem, the list is not available. I do however, have everyone’s name and year of expiration safely stored in the computer. Due to the sweeping changes this year, the list is actually less important. We are essentially “starting over” with everyone. If you are unsure of your status, check your scorekeeper’s card. It should show your date of expiration. If your card is lost, you may contact me to verify your status. But, when in doubt, just plan on attending a clinic, since all of you will have to learn this new system shortly! 
 
     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 in the coming weeks for updates. 
 
EXPIRED SCOREKEEPERS: 
 
     If you were previously certified (1998 or earlier) and have let your certification expire, you MUST start all over again as a candidate! This means attending a clinic and obtaining two passing ratings at Fellowships.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!! 
 
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, contact me for verification. 
 
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: 
 
     Here are some of the specifics of the changes for next year. First of all, the new scoresheet will look totally different, and many of you will say, “Gee, what’s the fuss about? This is EASIER than the old way!” In some ways it is physically easier to keep score with the new 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 1999-2000 season of USA Volleyball competition. 
 
Scoring System 
    Games will change to all rally scoring. The best of three or best of five games will win matches. Each non-deciding game will be won by the team that first scores 25 points with a minimum two-point advantage (no scoring cap). If there is a deciding game, it will be won by the team that first scores 15 points with a minimum two-point advantage (no scoring cap). A point will be scored on each rally. If the receiving team wins the rally, they score a point and gain the serve.
Substitution System 
    Teams may use a maximum of fifteen team substitutions in each game, and unlimited individual entries within those fifteen team subs. 
Sanctions 
    “Minor misconduct” offenses are not subject to sanction. Verbal and/or hand signal warnings by the first referee will replace the old “yellow card warning.” Warnings will not be recorded on the score sheet. If a penalty (point/ loss of service) is assessed, the signal will be a Yellow card. A Red card, for repeated rude behavior or the first instance of offensive conduct, will signal expulsion. Yellow and Red cards held together will signal disqualification for repeated offensive conduct or for aggression. This is significantly different from what has been done in the past, and again will mean that paying attention is more important than ever!
Referee Signals 
    The sequence of referee signals will change.  After a referee blows the whistle to end a rally, the first referee will indicate the team that will serve next THEN the nature of the fault that ended the rally; then the player at fault, if necessary. The second referee will repeat the first referee’s hand signals. 
     
    If the second referee whistles the fault, he/she will indicate the nature of the fault, then the player at fault, if necessary, then following the first referee’s hand signal, the team that will serve next. 
     
    These changes will mean changes in the way existing scorekeepers watch the game.
VOLUNTEER LIST: 
 
     In an effort to consolidate and organize more efficiently, I would like to put together an 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 update my information. In the near future potential volunteers will be able to add or remove their names via a link on the CHRVA website. 
 
SCORESHEET REVIEW: 
 
     This portion of our program will be taking on a new dimension with the new scoring system being introduced. As part of this year’s certification process, all scorekeepers wishing to certify under the new scoring system must keep score on three matches during the season, and have their sheets reviewed.  This will involve an intensified scoresheet review effort.  I am also looking for volunteers for this important committee. We need a program manager (preferably a National Scorekeeper) as well as 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 Columbus Ohio. At this time, it is not clear what opportunities exist for Regional Scorekeepers to move up to a National rating. The rating and training system is being pushed to its limits both locally and nationally, and we are not sure how the process of converting to the new system will be handled. As information becomes available, I will keep you posted either via the DIGS or the website. 
 
     Anyone 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. 
 
     So, there is a LOT going on, and we ask all of you to do your best to help out with this major transition!  Again, if you need to contact me, use 1) email, 2) fax or letter, 3) telephone. 
 
     Watch future issues of the DIGS and the CHRVA web site for updates going forward. GOOD LUCK in the coming season! 
— Sue Wainio-Oato
 
 
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