Who referees sitting volleyball?
A · Advanced · Match management · 2 of 2Matches are run by a 1st and 2nd referee, a scorer and four line judges, with a reserve referee at top events and a challenge referee if video is used. Line judges also watch players' buttocks at the serve. At top events a coach may challenge the score in a break; losing is a delay.
How it works
- Referees: 1st and 2nd.
- Reserve referee: at top events.
- Challenge referee: with video.
- Scorer: with an assistant at top events.
- Line judges: four, 1 to 2 m from corners.
- Buttocks: watched at the serve.
- Score challenge: coach's C signal.
- Lost challenge: a delay sanction.
The glossary has the refereeing team (sitting volleyball), the challenge referee, the reserve referee, the line judge (sitting volleyball), the scoring challenge and the server's buttocks.
Tricky cases
Can a coach challenge during a rally?
No. That loses the rally and brings a delay.
Who brings the match balls?
The reserve referee.
With two line judges, where do they stand?
Diagonally at the corners.
Is the score challenge in the rules text?
No. It is in the guidelines.
Why the rule exists
Seated play needs extra eyes on buttock faults at the serve. Score challenges fix recording errors fast.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Top events | Reserve referee | 26 |
| Video | Challenge referee | 25 |
| Score | Challenge in a break | Chg 11 |
From the rule book
World ParaVolley, Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, rules 22, 25, 26 and 29, with World ParaVolley, Approved Rule Changes 2025-2028, item 11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World ParaVolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028.