A Ramana Rao. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Aug. 7: Instead of moaning and whining for assistance from any quarters, the Jharkhand Volleyball Association (JVA) has put into motion its preparations for the National Games by launching a three-day clinic for coaches and referees today at the Ranchi University Sports Recreation Centre.

A. Ramana Rao and P. Margalingam will take classes for coaches and referees, respectively, at the three-day clinic being attended by representatives from five eastern states, including Jharkhand.

Dronacharya awardee Rao said: “Technical support is needed for even the best team if they are to do well. The clinic will prepare both the coaches and the referees to prepare the Jharkhand team in particular, as well as the other four eastern states, to prepare their players and technical officials for the National Games.”

“Regular guidance and monitoring is very important and it is also important that a team, say Jharkhand, participates in tournaments, so that the players get an opportunity to compare themselves with the better players and analyse and improve their own games,” suggested Rao, a recipient of the Arjuna Award, too.

International volleyball referee instructor Parthasarathi Margalingam said: “Some rules have been revised for the 2005-08 period and it is necessary that both coaches and referees are aware of these changes. Uniformity among officiating referees is necessary for smooth conduct of matches in national-level tournaments.”

Some changes in the rules include the rule related to libero. Now an injured libero can be replaced with a second one during a match.

Another change which has been implemented is that there will be an assistant referee, who will keep track of technical time outs and the libero among others.

Ranchi University vice-chancellor A.A. Khan, former parliamentarian Ram Tahal Choudhary, dean of students’ welfare Victor Tigga and the university’s director of physical education and secretary of Jharkhand Volleyball Association Sekhar Bose felicitated the volleyball stalwarts — Rao and Margalingam — before the first technical session today.

After the completion of the clinic, the coaches and technical officials will certainly be in a better shape to train the youngsters in their respective states, felt Rao.

The other states include Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Orissa.