How to Build Your Own Wooden Volleyball Referee Platform

Serious volleyball players need referees for fair play.

Volleyball referees need to have a good view of the action to be able to call games fairly. This is the reason that referee platforms are such a good idea. This is particularly useful if you have a permanent backyard volleyball court on which to play, or if your business hosts weekly volleyball tournaments. Either way, a permanent wood referee stand will help to make the game more fair and fun for everyone.

Things You'll Need

• 4 pieces of 4-by-4 pressure-treated lumber, 8-feet long
• 2-by-4 pressure-treated lumber, 8-feet long
• 2-by-6 pressure-treated lumber, 8-feet long
• 2-by-2 pressure-treated lumber, 8-feet long
• Cement
• Gravel
• Electric drill
• Galvanized screws

Instructions

1. Lay the four pieces of 4-by-4 lumber beside each other on a flat work surface. You will be constructing two sides of the platform and then connecting them after they are built.

2. Cut the 2-by-4 lumber and the 2-by-6 lumber into 4-foot lengths. The ideal size for the platform is not larger than 4-by-4-feet wide and 6-feet high. This will allow the referee to see the top of the net without being too high up.

3. Lay one of the 4-foot long 2-by-4 pieces across the top of two of the 4-by-4s to create a large U-shape. Next, Measure down four feet from this board and lay a 2-by-6 board across the 4-by-4s. The 2-by-4 will form a rail for the platform, while the 2-by-6 will act as a flooring joist. Use a framing square to ensure that they are straight and even, and then secure them to the 4-by-4s with galvanized wood screws. Construct the other 4-by-4s the same way.

4. Dig four holes near your volleyball net with a post-hole digger. You'll sink the 4-by-4 supports into them. These holes should be approximately 12-inches back from the net-support post. As you are facing the court, the two holes closest to the court need to be positioned two feet to the left and right of the net post. The holes should be two feet deep, measured with measuring tape.

5. Pour six inches of gravel into each hole, and then pack it down slightly. This will help prevent damage to the 4-by-4 posts.

6. Insert the 4-by-4 posts into the holes, one side of the platform at a time. When they are in place, attach 2-by-6 lumber to the sides to connect them together, and then attach a single 2-by-4 to one side of the upper platform rail. Leave the other side open so that the platform can be accessed. While you are doing this, check that the posts are at a 90-degree angle vertically by holding a framing level against the 4-by-4 post. If the bubble floats between the lines in the glass enclosure, the platform is perfectly level.

7. Pour cement into each of the holes, and then check with a framing level to be certain that the platform is straight and level once again. When you are sure of its position, fill the holes with water to set them in place.

8. Install two 2-by-6 floor joists between the other 2-by-6 flooring boards to support the floor decking, and then install 2-by-6 boards across the floor joists to serve as the decking. Use galvanized wood screws to secure the boards together.

9. Install ladder steps on the side of the platform that has an open railing. Use 2-by-4 lumber as the ladder steps.

10. Cut the 2-by-2 lumber into four-foot long sections, and then use it for balusters between the outer flooring joists and the upper rails. The gap between these pieces should be no more than five inches. Once the balusters have been installed, the volleyball referee's platform is completed and ready for its first game.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain that the platform is adequately safe for the referee to use. This means installing a ladder and rails that can be grabbed to prevent falling out of the platform.

References

• "Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Backyard Recreation Projects"; Eric Smith; 2010
• "Building a Deck: Expert Advice from Start to Finish"; Scott Schuttner; 2002
• "Building Decks: Completely Revised and Updated"; Fine Homebuilding; 2011