Sometimes, the organisers of a tournament will indicate which team serves first by putting their name first on the match schedule.

If the organisers haven't decided who serves first, the 1st referee is responsible for bringing the captains together and organising a coin toss (or rock, paper, scissors) to decide who serves first.

The referee should ask whoever wins the coin toss (rock, paper, scissors) if they want to serve first or choose which end of the court they want to play on.

If they choose the serve, the referee should offer the other team the choice of which end they want to play on.

The referee should make sure that the players are aware of the format of the match - number of points, sets and time-outs available.

The referee should tell the 2nd referee / scorer which team will serve first;

The referee should check that both teams are ready before beginning the match.

The 2nd referee / scorer is responsible for keeping the match ball between matches.

The 2nd Referee / scorer should ensure that the teams on court are the ones shown on the tournament schedule.

The 2nd referee / scorer should also ensure that the scoreboard shows 0 - 0 before the match begins.