Who are the officials in beach volleyball?
A · Advanced · Time-outs, conduct, officials and the court · 5 of 5A match has a first referee on a stand at one end of the net, a second referee on the sand at the other, a scorer and two or four line judges with flags. The first referee's decisions are final. Only the captain may speak to the referees, and may start a formal protest.
How it works
- Only the two referees may blow a whistle. The first referee whistles for each serve.
- First referee: directs the match, may overrule the other officials, decides whether conditions are fit for play, gives sanctions and authorises medical help.
- Second referee: net faults, interference under the net, balls outside the antenna on their side and checking that the correct server has the ball.
- Scorer: keeps the score sheet and the service order.
- Line judges: signal with flags balls in and out, touches, antenna faults, the server's foot faults and block touches.
- The captain may ask for an explanation of how a rule was applied. If not satisfied, the captain must say at once that they wish to protest, and the first referee starts a protest protocol.
- Video challenge: where the system is used at FIVB events, a challenge referee is compulsory. The number of challenges and what may be challenged are in separate FIVB regulations.
Tricky cases
Can a player who is not the captain question a call?
No. Clarification may be requested only through the captain.
Can the captain protest a judgement call, such as whether a set was a double?
It depends on the protest protocol, which is not in the rules of the game. The rules allow an explanation, and a protest, on "the application or interpretation of the Rules".
Why the rule exists
With no coach on the bench, the captain is the team's only voice. The protest protocol gives that voice a formal route without holding up the match with argument.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 5.1.2; BV 19.1.2; BV 21 to 28 |
| Protest protocol and video challenge | Separate FIVB regulations | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 5.1, 19.1 and 21 to 28. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).