You could go buy a whistle, a set of red and yellow cards and call it a day. However, without training and certification, you are not quite official. We owe it to the players, coaches and fans to make sure we are up-to-date with rule language and officiating techniques.
To provide this consistency, we rely on learning from our mentors through professional organizations. Two of these organizations have certifications that are recognized and used by assignors nationwide:
Almost all Assignors you encounter will be a member of both of these organizations. The primary goal of these organizations is to make the game better for all participants by providing consistency among the Officials’ cadre.
USA Volleyball
USA Volleyball memberships run from September 1 through August 31 each year and require dues to be paid to the national administration and to your regional association. The benefits of being a USA Volleyball member begin with on-line learning opportunities through video modules and self-correcting assessments. The benefits continue with in-person training as well as pre-season clinics.
In addition, many regions provide on-line clinics throughout the season for Q and A support. Still, some have argued that the most valuable part of being a USA Volleyball member (as well as a PAVO member) is the use of a single recognized certification criteria. Under USAV, the certifications start as Provisional (some regions offer different levels of this certification), then Regional (a certification awarded by the region’s officials’ chair), Junior National, and National (JN and National certifications are awarded through application and rating processes at the national level). USA Volleyball has prided itself for providing a well-rounded, and intensive training regiment through camps and mentorships that have supported thousands of Officials rising through the ranks. Rest assured that your certification level is used by every assignor while considering the highest match strength suited for you.
Professional Association of Volleyball Officials
The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) is the association used for college officiating. PAVO memberships run from June 1 through May 31 and charges both national and local dues. The association offers several levels of certification that range from Apprentice, to Local, then State, and finally, PAVO National Certification. Normally, after a member has performed satisfactorily for a few years as a State Certified PAVO Official, the member can apply to be rated for an upgrade to National.
PAVO memberships also give members access to hundreds of educational modules, Iref “Rule School,” and ongoing rules interpretations throughout the season. Even if officiating at the college level is not your immediate goal, PAVO provides superior training opportunities and in-person clinics. Another perk to joining PAVO is your inclusion in their insurance program that covers ALL out of pocket expenses for an injury incurred in the act of officiating volleyball… even if you are working a “non-college” match!
Is it possible to simply just buy a whistle and a uniform and submit your name to an assignor for work? Probably. But to what end? Who can you turn to with questions? What will you say when you are asked about your certification? As great volleyball Officials, we are constantly striving to be better. We appreciate the challenging assignments and we welcome feedback from our mentors. USA Volleyball and PAVO are organizations packed with amazing leadership geared toward helping you be the best ref possible.
This article was shared by Kevin Welch, USA Volleyball and PAVO Certified Official. Contact Kevin with questions at sportytravelers@gmail.com or JVA Head Official Joseph O’Neal at vboneal@gmail.com
