Ref, Goal Judge, Timekeeper: The Invisible MVPs of Tournament Day

When you think about what makes a tournament great, you probably picture fast games, exciting goals, beautiful plays, and great vibes. But behind every smooth match is someone keeping the clock, calling goals, and making sure things don’t descend into chaos.

These people—the refs, goal judges, and timekeepers—are the invisible MVPs of tournament day. They rarely get applause, but tournaments literally cannot function without them.

If you’ve never filled one of these roles before, don’t worry, they’re easier than you think, and every club needs more folks willing to step up. Here’s what each one does and how you can help.

For a complete breakdown of these roles based on the NAH ruleset, go here >>

🧍‍♂️ Referee

The ref is the authority on the court. They’re responsible for enforcing the rules, keeping the game fair, and making judgment calls when needed.

What the ref does:

• Starts and stops the game with the whistle

• Calls fouls and determines penalties

• Watches for illegal plays (e.g., high sticking, t-bones, dangerous contact)

• Communicates with players and assistant refs

• Keeps the energy calm but firm, especially when things get heated

Tips for stepping in:

• Read through the rules (check out our ruleset series)

• Be clear, consistent, and confident—don’t worry about perfection.

• Watch experienced refs to learn what they watch for and how they manage the game.

• Start by assistant reffing (AR) if you’re nervous. You’ll still learn a ton.

• Stay focused on the game—avoid chatting or coaching

Still nervous? Ask to shadow a ref during a game before taking a whistle. Ask questions and watch how they call fouls, manage energy, and position themselves. It’s the best way to learn.

👁 Assistant Referee (AR)

This role supports the head ref, especially when there are multiple courts or quick transitions between games.

What the AR does:

• Watches the opposite side of the court from the main ref

• Calls dabs, crease violations, or off-ball infractions

• Backs up the ref on contested calls

• Helps with communication if there’s a lot of noise or confusion

Why it matters: The AR often looks for things the head ref can’t—like off-ball mallet play or screening.

🥅 Goal Judge

This job is quiet but powerful. There are typically two goal judges (one for each goal) who watch the net and signal when a clean goal is scored.

What the goal judge does:

• Sits or stands at the back of the court behind each goal or along each goal line

• Watches for whether the ball entered the goal legally (the ball completely crosses the goal line and originated from a shot, not a shuffle or scooped toss)

• Raises a hand or gives a visual signal (or uses a goal flag if provided)

Pro tip: If you’re not sure it was a clean goal, don’t signal right away. Let the ref check in. It’s better to pause than to call something you didn’t see clearly.

⏱ Timekeeper / Scorekeeper

This role may overlap with the assistant referee, depending on how many volunteers a tournament organizer can find. If you’re not into reffing but still want to help, this is a perfect role. Timekeeping keeps games on track and avoids unnecessary delays.

What the timekeeper does:

• Uses the official tournament timer (usually on a phone or tablet)

• Starts the clock when the ref blows the whistle

• Stops the clock for timeouts, injuries, or other pauses

• Calls out when time is running low (e.g., “30 seconds!”)

• Updates scores and confirms final results

Bonus: You’ll learn so much about how the game flows just by paying attention to time and score. It’s a great entry point for newer players.

🧡 Why These Roles Matter

You don’t need to be an elite player or a rules expert to contribute. These positions are about presence, attention, and being willing to support the game. They make a huge difference in how the day goes.

What happens when no one volunteers?

• Games start late.

• Schedules fall behind.

• Organizers get stuck doing everything.

• Games become unsafe.

What happens when people step up?

• Games flow smoothly.

• Everyone feels more respected.

• Tournaments feel organized and legit.

• The burden gets shared, which means everyone has more fun.

🔍 Not sure where to sign up?

Ask the organizer, the current ref, or in the group chat. Many tournaments will have a signup sheet, whiteboard, or person coordinating volunteers. Don’t be shy, they’ll be glad you asked.

🔄 Bracket Buddies: Show Up for Each Other

If you’re playing in the afternoon bracket, consider coming early to help out during the morning bracket. And if you’re in the morning bracket, try to stick around and cover a few roles in the afternoon. It’s one of the easiest ways to share the load.

Players about to hit the court are usually focused on strategy, warming up, or calming nerves. Having volunteer refs, goal judges, and timekeepers already in place makes a huge difference. When we support each other like this, the whole tournament runs smoother, and nobody gets burnt out before finals.

🙋‍♀️ TL;DR — You Can Do This

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not experienced enough to ref,” think again. Let’s make refereeing, goal judging, and timekeeping something everyone feels welcome to try—especially newer players. These roles are for everyone. Every seasoned ref started by watching, listening, and trying. If you can count to 15, raise your hand, and pay attention, you can help.

Next time there’s a volunteer sign-up sheet, grab a slot. Help ref, goal judge, or run the clock for one game. You’ll make the day better for everyone, and maybe even learn something in the process.

Want to Keep Helping?

Supporting a bike polo tournament doesn’t stop here. This post is part of our series on what really keeps tournaments running, and how you can pitch in.

Or start from the beginning with So You Want to Help? Here’s What Makes a Bike Polo Tournament Happen