Black History Month: Referee Rose Sterling on her volleyball journey

As part of those celebrations, Volleyball England is focusing on figures from the volleyball community who have influenced and inspired in the sport. 

In this article, long-serving Midlands referee Rose Sterling explains how she fell in love with the game... 

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It started off with a visit the exchange visit of two teachers from Canada and has ended up being a lifelong love of the game. 

Before her unexpected introduction at school, Rose Sterling had never contemplated playing volleyball, and just a few weeks after giving it a go, with the North Americans having returning home, there was a danger that it would only ever be a fleeting taster. 

But the clincher was when she was invited to take part in an out-of-school session that was organised in South Birmingham. 

“I decided to go along, and, from there, I never looked back,” said Rose, now 57. “I wouldn’t say I was exceptional, but I enioyed it... and that was the main thing. 

“At first it was just something I did recreationally, not with a view to playing competitively, but eventually I was asked to join a team and so I did.” 

“I played at Saltley and other places in the city and also lived in the South of England in East Grinstead, where I played there too, and now I play for Tamworth, I’ve never really stopped. 

“But I got injured last season and while I have just started playing again, it might have to be more on a recreational level now.” 

Alongside playing, Rose has also developed a passion for refereeing, becoming a regular in the National Volleyball League (NVL) circuit as a Grade 3N official. 

She has now been a referee for more than 20 years, first starting after she was asked to help out by her club at the time. 

Rose added: “I believe it was when I was down in Sussex and one of the rules that came out was that you played in this particular league, then you had to provide a referee. 

“I was persuaded to give it a go and it took me a little bit to get into it at first, but then I started thinking ‘this is OK’ and I carried it on to become a league referee. 

“I enjoyed being able to help out the team I was playing for and then the sport as a whole. At the end of the day, without a referee, the game doesn’t work, and I like to be part of that system which helps it to happen. 

“The good thing is I managed to carry on the refereeing despite my playing injury and I recently refereed my first game of the season. I’ve enjoyed getting back into it.” 

After more than two decades overseeing matches, Rose is clear what it takes to succeed in the referee’s role. 

“I think you need a combination of things,” she said. “You need patience, self-control and you have to be personable so you can communicate with the players and teams. 

“You also have to be authoritative, but, at the same time, diplomatic. I enjoy the people interaction side of it.” 

Rose is disappointed that there are not more women who are volleyball referees and hopes that will change for the better over the coming years. 

She urges those who are thinking of taking up the pursuit not to be discouraged that it has historically been male-dominated. 

Rose said: “The number of female referees fluctuates, but there aren’t that many of us at the moment, I’m afraid. 

“I think people can be frightened off by what it might entail, but there are a lot of things you can use to combat any gamesmanship and there is a great support network. 

“You can always get positive feedback on where to improve and also a word of advice if you need it. 

“Although my kids aren’t directly involved, they know that it’s my me time and that I enjoy it. 

“The game has certainly given me plenty that I appreciate and I would like to think I have plenty still to give yet.” 

Click here to find out more about becoming a referee.