Metro Board Certification Process

Below are some frequently asked certification questions. Specific questions may be sent to the Director of Officials Development.

HOW DO I GET A PAVO RATING THROUGH THE METRO BOARD?

All board members need to take and pass a written exam, attend an approved clinic and pay registration dues on an annual basis. Those members are considered to be in good standing and must also meet one of the requirements listed in the desired certification level below.

NATIONAL

  • Obtain and hold a State rating for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Follow the application process found on the PAVO website. The monetary investment for this ranges from $800 - $1500+
  • Earn 8 points during the four-year term to renew certification
  • Complete all iRef modules, levels 100, 200, 300 & 400.

STATE

  • Requires three (3) R1 and three (3) R2 ratings for initial certification, and two (2) ratings for renewal every two (2) years.
  • Complete iRef modules, levels 100, 200 & 300.
  • Obtain your USAV Jr. National or National certification. Guidelines can be found at Volleyball Ref Training. Expected cost is $500 - $1500.
  • OR obtain your USAV Regional certification. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 85 on your rating.
  • OR obtain and hold a Local certification for 3 years. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 85 on your rating.
  • OR transfer from another recognized PAVO board where you held a current State rating.

LOCAL

  • Requires two (2) R1 and two (2) R2 ratings for initial certification and renewal every two (2) years.
  • Complete iRef modules, levels 100 & 200.
  • Obtain your USAV Provisional certification. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 80 on your rating.
  • OR obtain and hold an Apprentice certification for 1 year. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 80 on your rating.
  • OR transfer from another recognized PAVO board where you held a current Local rating.

APPRENTICE

  • Requires one (1) R1 and one (1) R2 rating for initial certification on an annual basis
  • Complete iRef modules, levels 100 & 200.
  • Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 75 on your rating.


HOW OFTEN DO I NEED A PRACTICAL/ON-COURT OBSERVATION?

All officials, other than certified PAVO National officials, must complete their practical ratings EVERY TWO YEARS. Apprentice and unrated officials need to complete a practical rating EVERY YEAR. Remember, even if you are a USAV National Official, you will need to renew your non-national practical rating with the Metro Board. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Officials Development.


WHY DO I NEED TO GET A PAVO CERTIFICATION?

PAVO supports the formation of local boards for the purpose of "training and evaluating" collegiate officials by geographical area. Your membership with the Metro Board entitles you the opportunity to be trained and evaluated by our most qualified members. It is an expectation that every Metro Board member be current on their ratings with the understanding that every official has different motivations and lifestyles that may influence their decision/ability to obtain ratings.

Typically, rating sites will be available every Winter/Spring to make it possible for all members to attend. If your certification has expired and you do not attend one of these sites, you can expect that the PAVO national office and our affiliated assignors will be made aware that you are currently not certified to officiate collegiate volleyball matches. If you have special circumstances that will prevent you from getting/remaining certified, it is suggested that you contact the Director of Officials Development as soon as possible to discuss other arrangements.

Your certification demonstrates that you have made a personal investment in furthering the quality of your officiating. In addition, it serves to give an "approximation" as to the quality of match you can be expected to "consistently" perform.


HOW DO I GET ASSIGNED TO MATCHES?

Each volleyball conference has their own criteria for assigning volleyball officials. Almost all conferences hire an assignor to schedule the regular and post-season matches. Many assignors have responsibility for more than one conference. Go to the PAVO website to view the conference contact information.

Assignors utilize several methods to determine who is initially accepted into a conference as well as which officials will continue to work matches in the conference. These factors can include:

  • PAVO/USAV certification level and number of years holding that rating
  • Personal references from officials/assignors/coaches in other conferences
  • Observations from officials/assignors/coaches of that conference
  • Years of experience and the official's resume (other conferences worked, post-season play-off matches, national championships, etc.)

Keep in mind that there is no particular formula that guarantees anyone that they will be assigned matches with a conference.

Obtaining a PAVO certification and continuing to attend camps, clinics and rating sessions is bound to make you a better official and will increase your chances of getting the matches you desire. However, the process is not always fast, nor is it easy or free. Deciding why you are officiating and what your goals are will help you determine what path you should take.


WHERE CAN I GET MY PAVO CERTFICATION?

Non-National Certifications: You may only receive your PAVO practical ratings at an event that has been pre-approved and sanctioned by the Metro Board of Officials Board of Directors. Information about these approved events are communicated on this website, on our Facebook page and sent via email to all Metro Board members directly. Examples of events include, but are not limited to the following:

  • NCAA - Spring tournaments at Div I and II schools have been used as a rating site for officials with the goal of renewing/attaining an Apprentice, Local or State rating.
  • NJCAA/NCAA - Pre-season scrimmages at Div III and Junior College institutions have been used as rating sites for officials with the goal of renewing/attaining an Apprentice, Local or State rating.
  • During the season - Officials can, and often do, earn ratings during the season from a Board of Directors approved rater. Scheduling for these ratings will be coordinated directly with the Director of Officials Development.

National Certifications: If you wish to pursue your National Referee or National Line Judge Certification, please refer to the PAVO website for current requirements and applications.