When considering stability, some referee stands attach directly to the volleyball pole, such as our DE73 Official Stand. These attached stands are required at the NCAA level and provide an additional layer of security. While the PS1 is a freestanding referee stand, it is engineered with a low center of gravity, wide base, and durable steel construction to deliver outstanding stability, safety, and performance for officials at every level of play.
For volleyball officials, stability is essential. The ability of a referee stand to resist tipping, wobbling, or sliding under pressure is what engineers call impact stability. Every bump or player collision transfers force into the structure, and how a stand responds depends on several key design factors.
Let’s break down what makes an official stand stable — and how the Sports Imports PS1 Referee Stand is engineered to provide confidence and reliability for officials.
Weight matters — but where that weight is distributed matters even more. A heavier frame provides a stronger foundation, and when that weight sits low, it increases stability.
The Sports Imports PS1 weighs 49 lbs, providing substantial mass to help secure the stand on the floor. When considering weight as a key factor, you must consider total mass, including the weight of the official standing on it.
The center of gravity (CG) is the single point where the entire stand’s weight balances. The lower the CG, the more stable the equipment.
On the PS1, the platform height is 40 inches (1.016 m), placing the CG closer to the floor compared to taller or narrower structures. That low CG helps the PS1 stay grounded, reducing movement when the volleyball official climbs up or shifts quickly.
In practical terms: a lower CG helps reduce the chance of tipping — even when unexpected movement occurs.
The base width — or the distance between the stand’s contact points with the floor — is one of the most critical stability factors. A wider footprint increases the distance between the stand’s centerline and its tipping edge (the pivot point), making it harder to overturn.
The PS1 has a 43” spread from the front to back legs, providing a strong, balanced base of support. Each leg is precisely angled for both reach and rigidity, giving officials a stand that stays firmly in place under normal movement or incidental contact.
Even a well-balanced stand can slide if it doesn’t grip the floor properly. That’s where friction comes in.
The Sports Imports PS1 features four steel legs with durable rubber feet, designed to create traction between the stand and the court surface. This friction helps reduce unwanted shifting or sliding, even when lateral forces are applied.
Those non-marking feet also protect the floor finish — a small detail that matters in high-performance gyms and facilities.
A stand’s material determines its strength, rigidity, and ability to respond to impacts.
The PS1 is constructed from A36 steel, chosen for its strength and long-term durability. Unlike aluminum or lightweight composites that can flex under load, steel provides consistent stiffness and predictable performance — ensuring both safety and longevity. The steel in our PS1 is also engineered with a wall thickness that increases weight and strength of the stand.
Every weld, joint, and angle in the PS1 is designed for structural integrity and balanced performance.
In a volleyball match, the stand experiences a variety of forces — a player diving into the base or the official adjusting quickly during a play.
The PS1 is designed with features to help resist impact and maintain balance under dynamic loads. Its weight, wide stance, and frictional floor contact all work together to enhance stability during volleyball matches.
At Sports Imports, safety has been part of our DNA since we were founded in 1976.
Every stand we produce is engineered for balance, durability, and peace of mind. The PS1’s combination of weight, low center of gravity, wide base, and steel construction offers a reassuring sense of stability the moment you step on it.
While every Sports Imports referee stand is engineered with safety and stability in mind, rare and unforeseen circumstances — such as excessive external force or improper use — can lead to product failure. Regular inspection and proper setup are essential for maintaining safe performance over time.
Impact stability comes from many factors working in harmony:
Together, these elements create a stand that feels stable— even when the match gets fast-paced.
The Sports Imports PS1 Referee Stand isn’t just built to meet regulation standards; it’s built to exceed expectations of safety and stability — because when it comes to the integrity of the game and the safety of the people who officiate it, nothing should be left to chance.
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