Match:    SF PARIS V ISTRES  WOMEN PRO F LEAGUE

Date:      24th October 2009

Venue:    STAD FRANCAIS CLUB HALL, PARIS    Time: 8 pm

1ST Referee: John Swan        2nd Referee: Daniel Dillies (Lille)

Spectators: 350 (mostly home support as Istres is near Marseille)

Result:  SF PARIS 3  ISTRES  1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-20, 25-22)

I was met at the airport by Patrick Rachard, then on to the Hotel Ibis which was about a 15 minute drive from CDG Airport. The hotel was 3 star, nice room, and breakfast was included on Sunday morning. The Hotel Voucher was  e-mailed by Johan Soumy of FFVB on the Friday before I left.

After checking in and getting gear ready we left for Patrick’s home area of Paris where we had lunch and then on to his apartment. There I met his wife Dominique and was issued with my licence card which the GB referees have to attach a photo (approx 3cm x 3cm). He also issued my FFVB Referees shirt which fitted perfectly (L size).

He checked details on his computer of sizes Stewart had given him and gave me shirts for Grant and Brian to be distributed when I got back to Scotland. He said he would keep Nick’s shirt and give it to him when he came across. After a short sightseeing trip in Engien des Bains we set off for the match.

Met up with the 2nd Referee, Daniel Dillies, at the Sports Hall. He is from Lille and referees in the Women Pro F League and Men Pro B League. The Hall is big and bright with room for around 1000 spectators. No taraflex flooring in place, but very few lines and the white volleyball lines edged by a navy blue colour so were very clear to see. Net consistent at 2.24m all over. Spoke with the announcer about the protocol to be observed, all ok.

Fifteen minutes before the start of the match I was informed by Daniel that there were not going to be any line judges for the match. Apparently they do not have line judges in the Women Pro F League in France – only in Men Pro Leagues. This caused me a bit of heart racing as I had not refereed a competitive match in the past without at least 2 line judges taking part. Any way I had to get on with it and prepared myself mentally.
There were 3 Ball Retrievers for the match but no moppers, although a cloth was at the side if needed.

Quite a tough match for me to referee, particularly without any line judges. However all players accepted my calls and there were several close ones throughout the match which I called as I saw them.

The pace of the game was very fast – what you would expect from teams ranked 4 and 5 in France (behind Cannes, Mulhouse and Le Cannet). During the match the Paris coach asked for a couple of ‘caught’ balls on service reception which I let play continue – they were clumsy but I felt it didn’t warrant a call. Both captains on different occasions questioned a ‘caught’ call over the net from the back court setter – one I gave due to the whole hand pulling the ball back. Lots of long rallies and a noisy crowd considering the numbers involved.

Patrick did my debriefing along with the 2nd referee in the changing room after the match. He scored me for the match at 9.0 – Very Good.
He commented that my service whistle and signal should be further apart and that my ‘touch’ signal should be modified to brush the tops of the fingers rather than brush ‘up’ the fingers. Also my ‘out’ signal should be brought down lower.

After the match we went to eat, by this time it was 11 pm. I paid for my meal and Patrick said that I would be reimbursed at the same time as I received the fee for the match, which would be in the next few weeks. Patrick said that if I could provide my Bank Account details he would make sure that the fee (100euros) plus meal expenses would be sent to my account. I suggested the SVA account for the match fee, as this money will be paying for the flights we have, but he said that it needs to be paid directly to the referee, so I left it at that. I will send bank details to Patrick this week – Brian, Grant and Nick will have to do likewise in future.

Sunday saw a meal provided by the Rachards followed by a sightseeing trip to Auvers sur Oise, where Van Gogh spent his last days. It was then off to airport for a 7 pm flight. A great first experience of the French League – well organised by the FFVB and particular mention to Patrick Rachard and his wife for being superb ‘hosts’, imparting knowledge and wisdom throughout the weekend. They were very helpful and showed great hospitality over the 2 days. I will take on board all comments made by Patrick about my refereeing and alter/amend style/signalling so that they are in place immediately for the Scottish League and for returning to the French League in six weeks time. All in all a wonderful experience.


John Swan
26th October 2009