When Officials Impact the Game: A 2025 Perspective

Keeping things in perspective

Over the years, most coaches have their share of stories about how poor officiating has impacted their games. Whether it’s frustration over a questionable call or a perceived bias, complaints about officiating are as old as the sport itself. Today, however, the conversation around refereeing has evolved in interesting ways.

Coaches, players, and fans alike are more vocal, thanks to social media platforms that allow for instant reactions, videos, and clips of questionable decisions to go viral in a matter of seconds. But as technology advances and expectations rise, how do we navigate the age-old issue of officiating without derailing the integrity of the game?

One thing that remains constant is that officials are human, and as such, mistakes are inevitable. Whether in volleyball, basketball, or soccer, athletes and coaches must be prepared for the reality that no game will be perfectly officiated. My approach has always been to remind my athletes to focus on the next point, no matter what just happened. It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of a bad call, but the best athletes are the ones who move past it quickly and keep their heads in the game.

What’s changed, however, is the growing reliance on technology to reduce human error. From instant replays to challenge systems in sports like tennis and volleyball, referees are increasingly given tools to ensure greater accuracy. But even with technology in place, some calls will always remain subjective, and referees’ judgment will still come into play.

The use of technology in volleyball—such as the Challenge System at international competitions—has been a step forward. Yet, at the grassroots level, not every tournament or league can afford such luxuries. Until more comprehensive solutions are implemented, we have to continue trusting the human element, while also acknowledging that mistakes will be part of the game.

Bias in Officiating: Reality or Perception?

When it comes to the issue of biased officiating, the waters get murkier. As a coach, I’ve seen officials who are completely impartial and professional, but I’ve also experienced situations where bias seemed obvious. Is it always intentional? Perhaps not. Officials are human, and as much as we’d like to believe they can set aside their emotions, certain calls can be influenced by past experiences, personal interactions, or even subconscious biases.

Over the years I’ve had several experiences where I had to warn my team about a particular referee who, due to past run-ins, seemed to hold a grudge. And while these situations are rare, they still happen today. In fact, with the added layer of social media scrutiny, referees now face pressure to maintain their impartiality in ways that didn’t exist before. The fear of being called out online can lead to hesitation or overly cautious decisions, which can impact the flow of the game.

The real issue arises when an official's bias affects the outcome of the match. In my own experience during a Provincial Championship, we faced a series of questionable calls during a pivotal third set, including a rare "screen" call, an over-the-net interference, and a ball being called out when it was clearly in. This series of decisions led my athletes to feel unfairly targeted, leaving one player in tears, questioning why they were being treated this way.

Ego and the Role of Referees in 2025

A growing trend that has surfaced over the past few years is the idea of referees who want to “control” the game, sometimes at the expense of the athletes. In the past, I’ve witnessed officials who seem to see themselves as conductors of the game, rather than facilitators. When this happens, officiating crosses the line from being a necessary component of the sport to an overbearing force that influences the outcome.

In 2025, this issue has become more prominent, particularly as social media has given rise to the concept of “viral officiating moments.” Some referees may be conscious of the fact that their calls could go viral, and for better or worse, this could impact their decision-making. This “performative officiating” can sometimes take away from the athletes' experience, as the focus shifts from the game to the referee’s influence.

Dealing with Officiating Challenges

So how should we, as coaches and athletes, respond to officiating that seems biased or outright wrong?
 

1. Maintain Focus: Regardless of the calls made, the most important thing is to keep athletes focused on the next play. Dwelling on mistakes—whether by players or officials—only serves as a distraction.
2. Advocate Respectfully: As coaches, we have a responsibility to advocate for our athletes. This might mean calmly approaching the official to ask for clarification on a call, but it should always be done respectfully. Officials have a difficult job, and aggression only heightens tensions.
3. File a Complaint When Necessary: If officiating truly crosses the line, as it did in my experience during a Provincial Championship match, don’t hesitate to file a formal complaint. This ensures that accountability is maintained, and it helps protect the integrity of the game.
4. Leverage Technology When Possible: At higher levels, make full use of challenge systems or instant replays to contest calls, but always remember that not all leagues have these luxuries. At the grassroots level, you have to accept the limitations and focus on player development, regardless of officiating challenges.

It’s Still About the Athletes

In the end, whether officiating is perfect or flawed, we must remember that sports are about the athletes. The referee’s role is to facilitate a fair, safe, and competitive environment—not to be the center of attention. As we move further into 2024, it’s important that we hold officials accountable while also showing them the respect their role deserves. However, we must also continue to remind ourselves that it is the athletes' hard work, growth, and experience that matter most.

Let's keep the game focused on the players, not the whistles.

Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here. 
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