DAPHNE, Ala. — Many high school volleyball teams in the Alabama High School Athletic Association put the ball up for real Thursday and most will take part in tournaments over the weekend.

But players aren’t the only ones getting ready for their fall 2013 court dates. Volleyball officials also go through warm ups this time of year and several who will be officiating matches in Baldwin County had a player jamboree and referee clinic hosted by Bayside Academy in Daphne on Saturday to test their whistles and rules knowledge under live-play conditions.

North Baldwin Volleyball Officials Association president Cynthia Ellis said the jamboree was both fun and productive. But many of her officials keep busy in the sport almost year round.

“We are very excited about the coming year. Many of our volleyball athletes played club ball (USVA) and beach ball,” she said. “With that being said many of our officials did USVA club ball this past year and some had extra work with beach ball. So as the players grow in skills our officials are also staying on top of their game.”

She added that there were no changes in the AHSAA rules this year. But the NBVOA had added some new officials this year to keep up with expanding schedules.

“Baldwin County is growing and so are our officials. There are no new changes with the rules of the game. We look forward to this year and more of our teams making the state tournament in October.”

Ellis is a former volleyball coach and has been named state official of the year and also referees several Elite Eight state championship tournaments for the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Bayside’s 11-time defending state champion Admirals will host the Mc-T Dirty Dozen to kick off the season Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.