Now accepting new referees for the upcoming seasons, contact us for more information.

About US

About the HVF Referees Director/ Interim President -Sam Montalvo

HVF–Referees Commission

Last Updated January 2018

The Hawaii Volleyball Federation Referee Commission(HVF-RC) is a commission of the Hawaii Volleyball Federation(HVF) a 501(c)3 organization, delegated the responsibility of overseeing referee development and education amongst the referees of all islands participating/partnering with HVF. HVF-RC shall follow the spirit of the HVF mission statement in regard to the unification, standardization, and collaboration of all Hawaiian Islands. HVF-RC thrives on servicing the Hawaii Volleyball community with quality and professional referees/officials. HVF-RC is dedicated to continuously striving to enhance and improve the comprehensiveness and strength of volleyball referees/officials at all skill levels/classifications. HVF-RC will work in collaboration with other local and domestic Volleyball Referee Associations/organizations as well as foreign partners to achieve these goals.

Above: Sam Montalvo (left) with FIVB President Ary Graca (right) @ FIVB World CongressBelow: Sam Montalvo (yellow shirt) with the first class of Zonal Beach Volleyball Referees

About the HVF Referees Director/ Interim President -
Sam Montalvo

Continental - International Indoor Referee - AVC / FIVB

FIVB Development Commission - Member (2020-2024)

AVC Referees Committee - Member (2020-2024)

Oceania Volleyball Referees and Events Commissioner (2020-Present)
https://www.oceaniavolleyball.org/board

International Technical Delegate - Beach Volleyball

First International volleyball referee based in Hawai`i

Started officiating professionally at the age of 16, Sam was one of the youngest referees in the country officiating at a high level, even officiating his first Collegiate match before graduating high school. Sam had ambitions to excel in Hawai`i before hitting a roadblock that involved age discrimination against him. Sam found a way around the blockade and earned his National Referee accreditation via American Samoa Volleyball, and then accomplished his international referee credential whilst bringing back to Hawai`i his knowledge and experiences improving the state of volleyball officiating in Hawai`i. Sam currently officiates volleyball matches during his free time while managing numerous organizations and serving on several international volleyball committees.

Oahu Referee Representative

Big Island Referee Representative

Maui Referee Representative

Kauai Referee Representative

HVF History

Brief Background

Hawaii Volleyball Federation Referees was started informally/unofficially in late 2013 as a training group for beach volleyball referees in the absence of any formal beach volleyball board or committee. As we progressed throughout the season we encountered other referees that were interested in learning more about volleyball refereeing which was not provided by their region or their associations. We would meet occasionally to discuss situations and rule interpretations. We realized there was a great need and want for this type of training on the island of Oahu and Hawaii-in-whole. We continued to do these informal meetings/clinics around the island while growing our cadre. We also use other various experienced referees to help with training and education sessions.

We are the only referee association in the City and County of Honolulu (Oahu) as well as the State of Hawaii which focuses on using all CERTIFIED and self-INSURED Volleyball Referees. Referees are either certified by USAV, PAVO, FIVB, or other approved selected accredited courses/organizations. Those unable to be certified through the main domestic organizations can be certified through us with our in-house certification (HVF Certification). HVF Referees are trained/mentored by National and International level referees. HVF Certification is a certification used to evaluate and classify Referees which is a first in Hawaii. HVF Certifications/Ratings are divided into Tier levels. Referees are able to apply for an upgrade in tier level. Referees are required to undergo a rating session annually or biennially. Although one may have an external certification, all must have an HVF Certification to work assigned matches so that they are classified appropriately. The reason for HVR Certification/Ratings is to accurately rate/assess referees and to satisfy and protect the client. This also provides the referees with motivation to excel in their refereeing abilities and to stay current and on top of the game.

We also try to work with incoming referees of all levels regardless of level. We believe that all referees/officials have a purpose. We have a "no referee left behind" attitude.

As of now, we are transitioning local referees to be at a higher level. This may take us a few years due to the polarity and separation of the numerous referee associations in Hawaii, however, progress has been made.

Here are some of the competitions we have been serviced and/or been involved with:
- Oceania Volleyball (international volleyball)
- AAU-Hawaii & AAU Volleyball
- TransPacific Championships (45+ courts)
- Champions League Hawaii
- Division I- Men Collegiate Exhibition Matches
- Division II- Women Collegiate Exhibition Matches
- International Exhibition Matches
- Hawaii Sports Fellowship High School Volleyball League
- HNL Police Athletic League
- Club Exhibitions
- High School Exhibition Matches
- Pacific-Rim Beach Volleyball
- Various Recreation Leagues
- Pro-Beach and Semi-Pro Beach Volleyball tournaments
- PVL Exhibition Matches
- NAGVA
- Oahu Pride Volleyball Club events
- Division II - Beach Volleyball
- Church Leagues

Prescribed Goals/Thresholds:

2016 - Provide referees for informal tournaments/scrimmages (accomplished 2013)
2018 - Provide referees for a small league (accomplished 2016)
2019 - Provide referees for a small educational league (accomplished 2017)
2020 - Provide referees for large tournaments (accomplished 2017)
2021 - Provide referees for one high school league (accomplished 2017)
2025 - Provide referees for one or both main high school leagues. (unlikely due to politics at the moment unfortunately)
2030 - Become the primary source of Referees in the Region and National Federation and possibly collegiate matches.
2035 - Become a preferred source of Referees in the Oceania continent.

HVF Mission Statement

Last Updated January 2018

Hawaii Volleyball Federation (HVF) is a grass-roots developmental regional independent organization functioning as a liaison for volleyball affairs within the Oceania continent. Its preliminary goals are to modernize, standardize, collaborate with, and unite all the Hawaiian islands’ volleyball organizations under one structured organization/program with the ‘Hawaii’ designation for all forms of Volleyball, which ultimately benefits players, coaches, referees, and other volleyball related roles due to the promotion of collaboration, consistency, and moderate oversight amongst all the islands’ organizations. This effort is to share ideas and increase the participation and involvement of all islands of Hawaii in current Volleyball matters within Hawaii and Oceania as well as participation in regional/continental competition and educational courses, rather than each island being in their own 'bubble'. HVF also promotes increased Native-Hawaiian and Hawaii-resident representation in Volleyball within Oceania under the ‘Hawai`i’ or 'HAW' country designation. Unity shall be the main core value as we attempt to deviate from the unfortunate current trend of being divided by troubled politics, personal interests, and conflicts. Although the Hawaiian Islands are separated by water, Hawaii Volleyball is stronger working together than apart.

**HVF is not affiliated or associated with USAV, USOC, or IOC, nor is competing or replacing body for the current national governing body of volleyball. Hawaii athletes are still under the jurisdiction of USA and shall participate under the USA flag if selected. HVF will operate similarly to the USA/Hawaii operation model for the International Surfing in which Hawaii competes as its own country until needed for the US Olympic team or US National Team.

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