ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS?
Below are some frequently asked certification questions. Specific questions may be sent to the Director of Officials Development.
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
STATE
LOCAL
APPRENTICE
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.